This shouldn't in any way be considered any kind of automatic defense of the guy, but he's not the first person to ever get burned by a "hot" or otherwise open microphone.

Think about how many actors, politicians, and other folks over the years have said something that they certainly would never have said if they'd have realized that there was an active microphone present. I seem to recall then President Reagan making a comment to the effect that we'd start bombing the Russians in 5 minutes, and that's just one example.

Embarrasing? Sure, but if one thinks about it for a moment there but for the grace of God go any of us, no matter what the subject matter being discussed...

The most pervasive "hot mikes" are my kids--they pick-up everything.... It keeps one on their toes...