Add Keith Olbermann to the list of MSNBC hosts offended by popular applause lines from Thursday's GOP debate on FNC. On Friday's Countdown, the same day that Hardball's Chris Matthews had earlier compared Mike Huckabee's words regarding the U.S. military defending itself from Iran to "talking like jihadists," Olbermann named Fred Thompson "Worst Person in the World," contending that the GOP presidential candidate had "pulled another whopper" because the former Senator joked that Iranian military members on speed boats who harassed U.S. Navy warships came close to meeting "those virgins that they're looking forward to seeing." Olbermann further mocked Thompson by suggesting that his candidacy was just part of a "Candid Camera" stunt. (Transcript follows)
Because the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which is believed to have given assistance to terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Iraqi insurgents, is technically not the same group associated with the "72 virgins" promise to suicide bombers, Olbermann used this as a rationale to impugn Thompson's intelligence. Referring to the U.S. Navy's interraction with the Iranian boats as a "supposed confrontation," Olbermann brought up a time when the former Senator mis-spoke in calling Russia the "Soviet Union." Olbermann: "Asked about the supposed confrontation between Iranian speed boats and three U.S. warships in the Gulf of Hormuz, Thompson, who last year said we couldn't count on the 'Soviet Union' to help us with Iran in the future, pulled another whopper."
After imitating Thompson's voice to read the former Senator's quote about the "72 virgins," Olbermann, ignoring the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's links to terrorism, continued: "As the crowd cheered and Thompson gave that look he used in The Hunt for Red October when he wanted to seem tough, somebody at the debate probably realized that it's terrorists and suicide bombers who have believed the crap about the 72 virgins, not the guys in the Iranian navy. Too bad the somebody wasn't Fred Thompson."
The Countdown host then quipped that Thompson would some day reveal that his run for the presidency has been part of a "Candid Camera" stunt: "With every week that goes by, the odds seem to grow that one night he's going to stop in the middle of a speech or a debate and suddenly shout at his supporters [imitating Thompson's voice]: 'Ha ha, I'm not really running. Smile, you're on candid camera.' Senator Fred 'Paying Attention is Overrated' Thompson, today's 'Worst Person in the World'!"
But during Thursday's post-debate coverage on FNC, pollster Frank Luntz informed viewers that his focus group of 28 "Republican-leaning voters" had a "very positive response" to Thompson "72 virgins" joke as the comment scored near 100 percent in terms of approval from group members.
Below is a complete transcript of Olbermann's comments from the Friday January 11 Countdown show on MSNBC, followed by relevant comments by Luntz from Thursday's post-debate coverage on FNC:
From the Friday January 11 Countdown:
KEITH OLBERMANN: But our winner, Senator Fred Thompson. Asked about the supposed confrontation between Iranian speed boats and three U.S. warships in the Gulf of Hormuz, Thompson, who last year said we couldn't count on the "Soviet Union" to help us with Iran in the future, pulled another whopper. Quote [imitating Thompson's voice]: "I think one more step, and they would have been introduced to those virgins that they're looking forward to seeing." As the crowd cheered and Thompson gave that look he used in The Hunt for Red October when he wanted to seem tough, somebody at the debate probably realized that it's terrorists and suicide bombers who have believed the crap about the 72 virgins, not the guys in the Iranian navy. Too bad the somebody wasn't Fred Thompson. With every week that goes by, the odds seem to grow that one night he's going to stop in the middle of a speech or a debate and suddenly shout at his supporters [imitating Thompson's voice]: "Ha ha, I'm not really running. Smile, you're on Candid Camera." Senator Fred 'Paying Attention is Overrated' Thompson, today's "Worst Person in the World"!
From the Thursday January 10 post-debate coverage on FNC:
FRANK LUNTZ: We sat down with 28 Republican-leaning voters, and we asked them to react on a second-by-second basis to the entire debate. There were two clips in particular that scored incredibly well, and I want to show our viewers them.
After discussing the reaction to Huckabee's comment about making those who attack the U.S. military know they could see the "gates of hell," Luntz moved to Thompson.
LUNTZ: But Mike Huckabee wasn't the only one who delivered a very positive response. Fred Thompson also had his humorous line when talking about Iran and Iraq. Let's take a look at how effective Fred Thompson was in the language of foreign policy.
FRED THOMPSON: I think I agree with the governor on that. You can't take the judgement like that out of the hands of the officers on the ground there. I think one more step, you know, and they would have been introduced to those virgins that they're looking forward to seeing.
[applause]
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Bashing the President of
January 13, 2008 - 19:01 ET by kgBashing the President of the United States several times daily is A-OK but you must not crack a joke about our enemies.
Oh, You may also bash people better than you, especially those with higher ratings.
Cool
January 13, 2008 - 19:06 ET by well99Another reason to like Fred.KOed doesnt so that is a good thing.Koed needs to have a enema done orally to clean out all that stuff coming out of his mouth.Sorry Koed but your buddies The Revolutionary Guard were on those boats.They are on the terrorist list.
Hasn't Olbie figured out
January 13, 2008 - 19:07 ET by dervishthat, to a conservative, being on his "worst person" list is a GOOD thing? It's like cheering for Fred, so have at it!
And of course, when Democrats make the same mistake...
January 13, 2008 - 19:08 ET by Damian G...they get off scot-free.
http://hotair.com/ar...
Olbypocrisy at its finest!!!
"when he wanted to seem
January 13, 2008 - 19:12 ET by the struggler"when he wanted to seem tough." Hey Keith.What do you do when you want to seem tough? Softball Heckler:"Hit it with your purse,Alice."
Not sure this Thompson
January 13, 2008 - 19:14 ET by balboaNot sure this Thompson moment is worthy of "Worst" designation, but it is a lame, show-boat comment. Is Fred a candidate or John Wayne character?
Wow
January 13, 2008 - 19:15 ET by well99So he made a joke?What was wrong with that?
Was it a joke or "folksy"
January 13, 2008 - 19:34 ET by balboaWas it a joke or "folksy" wisdom?
I didn't see it, so I'm asking.
It sounded like humor to
January 13, 2008 - 20:58 ET by well99It sounded like humor to me.He was cracking a joke about the virgins.That is why everyone laughted.
Yeah, pretty harmless.
January 13, 2008 - 21:20 ET by balboaYeah, pretty harmless. Although it's a little lame that the punchline doesn't actually apply.
Actually it does
January 13, 2008 - 21:25 ET by well99They were the Revolutionary Guard and are on the terrorist list.If they had attacked it would of been suicide for them.
Fair enough. For me, Fred
January 13, 2008 - 21:32 ET by balboaFair enough.
For me, Fred has not inspired me -- not that other candidates have either. He hasn't shown me anything that makes me say "Yes! This is the guy!"
And cowboy zingers aren't going to do the job, either.
Bal
January 13, 2008 - 21:43 ET by well99It is all about choice.I would of like to seen Michael Steele run but I think Fred is the best choice for me.Yes the choices arent as good as I would of liked but I dont want Hillary in the WH.Considering I use to be a goat roper in my teens maybe I like cowboy zingers.
Ah goat roping...America's
January 13, 2008 - 21:46 ET by balboaAh goat roping...America's pastime.
I used to be in a goat roping fantasy league.
lol
January 13, 2008 - 21:52 ET by well99Yup second only to football.Goat roping is catching up with it though.
boa... It was a joke with
January 13, 2008 - 21:13 ET by bigtimerboa...
It was a joke with meaning....
I'm sure you understand quite well.
Excuse me for asking,but
January 13, 2008 - 19:18 ET by the strugglerExcuse me for asking,but why,when you preview your post and the spacing is the way you like it,does it change when you post it?That last post was supposed to be on three seperate lines.
struggler..
January 13, 2008 - 19:48 ET by upcountrywaterNB makes inprovements, all the time.
A year ago when I decited to preview, then post ;ZAAPPP . all my comments went up in electron dust, never to be seen again.
Man Oh man did that make me mad.
It made me a copy and paste devotee.
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
Oh joy to the world, 19 more atomic power plants!
struggler II
January 13, 2008 - 19:52 ET by botgthat or preview often
GoHunter08
'Ha ha, I'm not really
January 13, 2008 - 19:20 ET by fitzfong'Ha ha, I'm not really running. Smile, you're on candid camera.' Senator Fred 'Paying Attention is Overrated' Thompson, today's 'Worst Person in the World'!"
More like...
"Ha Ha, I'm not really a news man. I'm a washed up sportscaster and failed comedian. This isn't Countdown, it's the Gong Show and Jaye P. Morgan has beaten Murray 'The Unknown Comic' Langston to the noisemaker. Keith 'Over 50 and having to go home to an empty apartment and pleasure myself because no woman could ever stand to be in the same room as me' Olbermann is every day's 'Biggest Douche in the Universe'."
Thanks, Trey and Matt.
Fred has arrived!
January 13, 2008 - 19:26 ET by ClericalGalFred should be proud that he has gotten under Olby's skin. Olby hasn't figured out that many conservatives wear his "WPITW" designation like a badge of honor.
Anyone who makes this list
January 13, 2008 - 19:27 ET by bobthemanAnyone who makes this list ought to take it as a badge of honor. Funny how this guy's righteous indignation is cause for a quiet, humble tip of the hat. Thank you KO.
http://politicsofdes...
Well we all knew who Kqeef
January 13, 2008 - 19:50 ET by charlietexasWell we all knew who Kqeef cares about....the terriorist. Why
doesnt Kqeef just put on his head scarf and start praying to
Meca.
didnt Chrissy Matthews make the same statement about Huckebee in the last story on NB????
Im glad NB is watching Pmsnbc so I dont have to.
Democrats are always the
January 13, 2008 - 19:58 ET by wiwfDemocrats are always the party of seeming tough. Not sure where Olbermoron gets off thinking Republicans seem or act tough.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Hypocrisy
January 13, 2008 - 20:02 ET by Republican_by_DefaultDoes anyone else think this is religious intolerance? Criticizing someone else's beliefs? Is he an expert on Islam? Is he certain that only "terrorists and suicide bombers" believe this?
It seems to me that a lot of Muslims believe this, they just don't believe that what's happening right now is Jihad, so the '72 virgins' thing doesn't really apply.
I'm With Fred!
January 13, 2008 - 20:19 ET by Free StinkerIf you had any doubt about how wonderful Fred Thompson is, then this should erase all doubt.
Olber-dolt already hates Newsbusters, so Fred (or we) are in good company.
Newsbusters. Log on and find out What the heck is so yummy over here!
I'm with Fred, too
January 15, 2008 - 00:15 ET by Cape ConservativeI just hope he brings his little red truck to Cape Cod before Feb 5! And when he gets here, he has a couple of surprise wins tossed in the back!
Of course Thompson or any
January 13, 2008 - 20:45 ET by BlazerOf course Thompson or any other Republican or conservative pundit deserves the Olbernut's coveted WPITW award and not some third world despot that could potentially plunge the world into conflageration by playing chicken with the U.S. Navy.
In Keith's world you carry water for America's enemies and scream "Reichstag Fire" at the top of your lung's at America's successes and victories. In Awesomedinnerjacketjihad's world, with that metrosexual sprayed on tan and pink tie, Keith would be hung.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Did Olbermann say something?
January 13, 2008 - 21:03 ET by GregEDid Olbermann say something?
Looks like Bill O'Reilly is on the list that day too. Olbermann's gotta maintain the 80% Bill O. appearance on the list, otherwise it's just a two person list, which wouldn't get the monster ratings that three does.
Asked about the supposed
January 13, 2008 - 21:18 ET by Jack BauerI'm sure Fred could care less about this gnat's rectum, but consider the blame America first contemptuous sneer against the US Navy, and all those who serve.
In his slathering, drooling haste to "get" Fred, he clearly calls the Admirals and Captain of the vessels concerned liars. Either you believe those who reported the incident, or if you qualify your comments with a "supposed" then you must think it's not true, and they must be liars.
But apart from that, there must have been over at least a 1000 ordinary sailors on the vessels who either witnessed the incidents first hand, or heard the action relayed as they redied for possible action.
So presubably they are also lying, because I haven't heard ANY reports about them telling their families it was all a giant scam cooked up by the military.
What a scumbag Olbermann truly is. He'll get his one day.
Poor keithie... Still
January 13, 2008 - 21:16 ET by bigtimerPoor keithie...
Still trying to find his own manhood...lmao.
Hey, at least Fred is
January 13, 2008 - 21:33 ET by entHey, at least Fred is getting some kind of exposure from the leftstream media. Besides, a condemnation from Olbermann is pretty much of an endorsement to anyone with half a brain.
suggestion
January 13, 2008 - 22:11 ET by Lame CherryI suggest Fred as President in waiting sign an executive order dated January 21, 2009 to draft Matthews and Olberman into the Hillary Amazon army corp of 2 as wadding for a howitzer.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Uh, what just happened to
January 13, 2008 - 22:57 ET by Chris NormanUh, what just happened to the Mary Jo Kopechne bit? Was this an Emily Litella moment? :)
Okay, the post is back so this was my "Emily Litella moment".
Mas Headroom
January 13, 2008 - 23:22 ET by nkviking75Something about that photo of Keith reminds me of Max Headroom, but with better background graphics. Check out http://www.museum.tv...
Sorry, rich text features don't seem to be working for me tonight.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
viking, Rich text
January 13, 2008 - 23:53 ET by Chris Normanviking,
Rich text features don't work for me ninety percent of the time, like right now. To use them, I have to disable rich text, use the features, and disable them again, before posting, to get them to stick. Is that what you have to do?
Chris
January 14, 2008 - 00:01 ET by botgsounds like your security settings are messing with you. Have you asked Matt about this?
GoHunter08
Nah, I didn't want to bother
January 14, 2008 - 00:10 ET by Chris NormanNah, I didn't want to bother him. Perhaps I should ask - it's been going on for a couple of months.
Chris
January 14, 2008 - 00:18 ET by botga forum in the "Internal Affairs" section is appropo. If you have the problem others may also.
GoHunter08
I see BLOWberman has already
January 13, 2008 - 23:34 ET by BobAnthonyI see BLOWberman has already sent this as a demo tape---TO AL-JAZEERA!
Olberdork shows his ignorance once again...
January 13, 2008 - 23:56 ET by Army BratBelief in the 72 Virgins waiting in Paradise is not the belief of terrorists. It is the belief of any "good Muslim" who dies seeking martyrdom for the sake of Islam while killing the non-believer. One does not have to be a terrorist to believe what is written in the Koran you pathetic moron.
Happy Trails...
Just ignore this A** H***
January 14, 2008 - 01:06 ET by richardWho is this Kei#####ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz - see I'm already ignoring him> Goodnight.
Dead Iranians and muslims
January 14, 2008 - 04:36 ET by SlicksterIt was hilarious, Fred has my vote. He called it like it was, so much more refreshing then the current liberal "stateless terrorist" kowtowing.
Writers Strike
January 14, 2008 - 07:35 ET by MystapittI see that the writers strike is having no impact on KO. His scripts are just as lame as always.
BATH-TUB-BOY...
January 14, 2008 - 08:58 ET by danybhoyThat's because he more or less gets his scripts from MediaMatters/DU/Kos & sticks them directly into his telepromter. Then the drama queen kicks into gear.
My advice to everyone is enjoy BathTubBoy while you can, he will do/say/write something to get sacked at MSNBC at some point. He always gets into trouble with management, that's his history, & history usually repeats itself. If the election process goes sour for Hillary ROTTEN Clinton, he will have a problem reporting it. He had problems with the Iowa results, he had problems with reporting Bill's Oval Office sexcapades, he has problems being an objective journalist.
He is a hardcore, hardline, left-wing progressive hack who is in the tank for Her Thighness, Hillary ROTTEN, & we know it. He knows that we know, but he's trying to fool the public by claiming otherwise. His ratings proves that is a lie.
"Some of us are wise, some of us are otherwise" Mark Levin
If it weren't for reading
January 14, 2008 - 07:41 ET by lnthompIf it weren't for reading about him on NewsBusters, I wouldn't even know Keith Olbermann existed. I wouldn't be any worse off for the lack of knowledge, either.
Lee T.
U.S. Navy (ret.) / Vancouver, Washington
The history of the race, and each individual's experience, are thick with evidence that a truth is not hard to kill and that a lie told well is immortal.-- Mark Twain
2 Olber-errors
January 14, 2008 - 09:28 ET by c5then"somebody at the debate probably realized that it's terrorists and suicide bombers who have believed the crap about the 72 virgins, not the guys in the Iranian navy."
1. The 72 Virgins is in the Koran for all those who "die (are martyred) in the name of Allah". So it's all of Islam, not just the whacko nutjobs who believe that. Olberman calls it "crap" which insults all of islam.
2. The boats were from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, not the Iranian Navy (who hate them because they make their lives much more dificult as a result of stunts like this).
If Olberman was actually a journalist ( or had actual journalists working on his staff) instead of a liberal pundit, he would not have made these middle school mistakes.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
If a woman is martyred in
January 14, 2008 - 11:56 ET by Hero SquadIf a woman is martyred in the name of Allah, does she get 72 virgins as well?
*****
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions." - Chris Berman
Equal opportunity
January 14, 2008 - 13:49 ET by the_red_stateWhy not? The men get 72 virgin camels.
Will the West survive?
January 14, 2008 - 09:42 ET by Parker1227Top ten reasons why Western civilization may not make it to the 22nd century:
10. Westerners prefer porn, casual sex and abortion to raising families.
9. Leftist professors have convinced millions of people that Western civilization is not worth preserving.
8. The media is dominated by writers, actors, journalists etc., who were brainwashed by their leftist professors (that's you Olbermann).
7. Vietnam convinced a lot of Leftists that nothing is worth fighting for.
6. The Democratic Party has been hijacked by peace-at-any-cost nit-wits.
5. Political correctness dictates that all cultures (no matter how primitive and bigoted) must be honored for their differences, except Western culture - which is the source of all evil.
4. A large portion of Islam has re-awakened into its natural state of violent jihad as commanded by the Koran.
3. Muslims make lots of Muslim children as ordered by the Koran and start feeding them with hate at an early age.
2. Westerners have become spoiled, soft, stupid, and cowardly, and don’t want the hassle of confronting history's largest bully.
1. Democrats and Leftists (redundant) would rather put America and the West in peril than agree with the hated conservatives on any issue (you again Olbermann).
Biggest Losers
January 14, 2008 - 11:03 ET by JayTeeOlbermaniac is down in the Hole with Chris Matthead digging their Grave. These Two may not last to broadcast the conclusions of the 2008 Presidential Race.
They will be 2008's biggest Losers, when they get Replaced by MSNBC due to ratings.
What a coincidence, Keith ...
January 14, 2008 - 11:33 ET by left wing escapee... the jihadists are humorless too
Fred, just hang on 'til Super Tuesday, then when "real" conserva
January 15, 2008 - 00:40 ET by R D HelmFred, just hang on 'til Super Tuesday, then, when "real" conservatives actually get a chance to vote, it will send McShamus-all and Hucka bird-brain, along with all the other liberal republicans, running for the tall grass-or the front steps of the DNC.
Else we are headed for the Jimmy Carter scenario all over again. I am getting just a little too old to go through all that again.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe