I
nfluenced by New York Times columnist Bob Herbert's recent claims on MSNBC's Morning Joe that the McCain campaign deliberately included "phallic symbols" along with images of attractive young white women in an ad attacking Barack Obama to exploit racial resentment, MSNBC host Keith Olbermann latched onto this theory on Monday's Countdown show and observed that the ad featured "two underdressed blondes mixed with the black guy," and contended that the ad included "three phallic symbols, two blondes and Barack Obama," opining that the ad is an example of "miscegenation," and that it suggests Obama is "going to wind up dating those women."
Newsweek's Jonathan Alter, also an MSNBC political analyst, charged: "That's the oldest and deepest racist, you know, canard in American history, really, is that, you know, the slave is going to come after the wife of the plantation owner." And, ignoring the GOP's history of portraying white Senator John Kerry as elitist during the 2004 campaign, Alter further charged that Republicans are "trying to portray [Obama] as being uppity," and hinted at the racially charged connotation of the word "uppity." (Transcript follows)
Then, although it was Alter who chose to use the word "uppity," Olbermann's response seemed to assume that Republicans were introducing the racially charged word: "Well, if we're playing Password and you say 'uppity,' the word that comes into my mind, that's racist, yes. Yes."
Below is a transcript of the relevant exchange which came during a discussion of the effectiveness of negative campaign ads, from the Monday, August 4, Countdown show on MSNBC:
KEITH OLBERMANN: What about when it backfires? Because it seems like the celebrity ad continues to echo. And Bob Herbert of the New York Times was on this network pointing out something I don't know that anybody noticed before this morning. That not only in that McCain ad where there two underdressed blondes mixed with the black guy in the ad, but there were also images of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Washington Monument, and the Victory Column in Berlin -- as Bob Herbert put it, "phallic symbols." Three phallic symbols, two blondes and Barack Obama. So this is not just a sexist ad anymore. This is what they used to called "miscegenation," isn't it? This is what they used against Harold Ford.
JONATHAN ALTER, NEWSWEEK: Well, to suggest that somehow, you know, Obama's going to-
OLBERMANN: He's going to wind up dating those women-
ALTER: Yeah.
OLBERMANN: That's the idea.
ALTER: That's the oldest and deepest racist, you know, canard in American history, really, is that, you know, the slave is going to come after the wife of the plantation owner. I can't, sort of, dissect and decode these ads that way. I just, somehow maybe my media literacy is lacking. I didn't read that out of those ads, but I can see how some people would. And the larger issue, I think, is clear, which is they're trying to portray him as being uppity. Now, is that racist? I'm not sure, you know.
OLBERMANN: Well, if we're playing Password and you say "uppity," the word that comes into my mind, that's racist, yes. Yes.
ALTER: Yes. That is clearly what the larger subtext is. As for the phallic stuff, I'll leave that to others.
OLBERMANN: Well, all right, we'll just drop it there.
—Brad Wilmouth is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.




JONATHAN ALTER, NEWSWEEK: Well, to suggest that somehow, you know, Obama's going to-














Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Surely, there must be an
August 5, 2008 - 05:39 ET by ThisnThatSurely, there must be an adult somewhere -- anywhere -- within MSNBC that can watch this insane and tasteless Daily KOs blogger and do something about him. Surely, MSNBC doesn't want its ratings to hit rock bottom and be considered the cesspool of cable television. Surely.
And, BTW, surely the sun is going to rise in the West today, and a unicorn will be spotted in Manhatten.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Yes, TnT
August 5, 2008 - 05:57 ET by Cool ArrowThe adults are over at GE giving aid and comfort to our enemies, the Iranians.
They don't care a whole lot what the kids are doing in the sandbox with the presents left by stray cats.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
and these are the same
August 5, 2008 - 09:23 ET by TruthMongerand these are the same dinks who claim that trash TV and movies don't do any damage to our culture
hey KO if you don't like the ads "JUST TURN THE CHANNEL, BRO"
No, Keith and Jonathan;
August 5, 2008 - 05:53 ET by motherbeltNo, Keith and Jonathan; this is not "what they used to call miscegenation."
This is what is called "projection."
The Republicans could do an ad with Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters instead of two young white women, and you guys would find it "racist."
And Alter's
I didn't read that out of those ads, but I can see how some people would.
There it is again: the typicl liberal "concern" about the unsophisticated rubes out there (those Bible-beating gun-clingers) getting the wrong idea.
what about bob update
August 5, 2008 - 09:26 ET by TruthMongerSHRINK: Keith, look at this ink blot - what do you see?
KO: A giant penis
SHRINK: Now look at this other ink blot - what do you see?
KO: A giant penis
SHRINK: And finally please look at this ink blot - what do you see?
KO: A giant penis
SHRINK: You know, Keith - your obsessed with penis envy...
KO: Well you're the one showing all the giant penis pictures!!!
It takes a phallic symbol to
August 5, 2008 - 10:36 ET by athoughtor2It takes a phallic symbol to recognize a phallic symbol
when KO does all of his
August 5, 2008 - 10:51 ET by TruthMongerwhen KO does all of his bitching during the show
does he look at a teleprompter...?
or simply comment about what he sees in a mirror?
i very seriously doubt he can read...
Once phallic symbols are
August 5, 2008 - 10:52 ET by balboaOnce phallic symbols are outlawed, only outlaws will have phallic symbols.
I always thought KO was a dick!
August 5, 2008 - 11:57 ET by IamTinmanAnd once again he proved it!
bob's berries
August 5, 2008 - 16:38 ET by tejanodiabloso is obananas thingy tatooed ??
never look a gift skunk in the tail ..
Keith Olbermann's integrity is going, going, gone.
August 5, 2008 - 05:50 ET by SupermanNow we all know that Keith Olbermann is a water carrier for Obama and the Democrat Party. But this is just so beyond ridiculous that it just leaves you speechless.
Keithe Olbermann had
August 5, 2008 - 05:54 ET by motherbeltKeithe Olbermann had integrity????
I guess I missed it.
Really motherbelt
August 5, 2008 - 05:58 ET by Cool ArrowWho kenw?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Explanation
August 5, 2008 - 06:12 ET by SupermanKeith really hates it when people question his integrity or principles. He also hates it when people say "Democrat". So there you go. Just trying to get under Keith's skin because, well, he deserves it.
Olbermann and Alter are
August 5, 2008 - 06:43 ET by seanrobinsOlbermann and Alter are mental cases...
Miscegenation is in the eye of the beholder. It means "mixing of the races" - and does so in a racist (and a particularly vulgar) way. Thus, the person who looks at an ad that contains Obama and "white women" and thinks - Ping! - "Miscegenation" is the one coming to the racist conclusion. Thus:
Olbermann + (Barack and white women) = "Miscegenation" = Olbermann is the racist!
Alter is another story. He is just soooooo in the Obama tank that he cannot completely think straight. Since he cannot seem to get himself to jump onto Olbermann's "Miscegeny" bandwagon, he needs something else, however goofy, to cling to...
So he comes up with the calculation that an ad that contains Obama and "White women" leads to the conclusion that it must be accusing Obama of being "Uppity" Again, the beholder is Alter (and Olbermann), and it is again in their eyes. For Alter to see the juxtaposition in the same ad of a black candidate and white women as leading to the conclusion that the candidate is being accused of being "uppity" makes Alter the racist.
Boy, these Libs really seem to love talking the talk of racism. they just adore speaking the racist verbiage: Olbermann sees black candidate and white women as "miscegeny" - and Alter sees it as Obama being "uppity" (whatever that means)
Clearly, there is nothing "post racial" in the Liberal Spectrum - To them, everything is racial and racist. but any clear thinking observer knows that it is they who are the racists for seeing "racism" everywhere they look. (They need to look in the mirror as well)
sean robins
blog.seanrobins.com
You are so right.
August 5, 2008 - 08:08 ET by Free ThinkerYou are so right. Olbermann is the racist here. He sees what he thinks in his own mind. Conservatives see the positive value in everyone while liberals like Olbermann continue to see fault and division by race and class.
MSNBC IDIOT
August 5, 2008 - 07:25 ET by DRM 23Olberman and Herbert see phallic symbols every time they look in the mirror!!!!!!! I am thankful for the updates, but feel very sorry for whoever has to watch this IDIOT!!!!
DRM, Classic.. mopping up
August 5, 2008 - 07:54 ET by USA4freedomDRM,
Classic.. mopping up coffee...
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Romney / Jendal 2012 (if,we survive)
Doh! #2
August 5, 2008 - 08:16 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsOlberman and Herbert see phallic symbols every time they look in the mirror!!!!!!!
That would be because they hang their mirrors at knee level.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
Well 'man love' IS all the rage at MSDNC
August 5, 2008 - 08:26 ET by kgWell 'man love' IS all the rage at MSDNC. Olbermann probably has Matthews on his mind after that excitement running down Matthew's leg.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
Olbermann & Alter
August 5, 2008 - 07:28 ET by Cool ArrowThose guys have no problem taking their stereotypes far beyond anything I can imagine.
They're being patronizingly compliant with Herbert because it's shows their understanding of the black experience.
Perhaps Keith and Alter have their own array of stereotypical jokes they share off camera. Works for their buddy Jesse Jackson.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Let's face it...
August 5, 2008 - 07:31 ET by c5thenCommenting and paying attention to what Keith Olbermann says is just like paying attention to what Rosie O'Donnell says. While it may at times have some entertainment value, it is almost always completely devoid of any intellectual value what so ever.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
Uppity
August 5, 2008 - 07:52 ET by SickofLibs"Expect the savage.
The sensual. The shocking.
The sad. The powerful. The shameful.
Expect the truth.
Now you are ready for MANDINGO"
Olby sees phallic symbols in "Celeb" ad
August 5, 2008 - 08:15 ET by ToddonCapeCodHe would.
All of this criticism of the Left on this ad proves one thing: It's effective.
Cue Garret Morris...
August 5, 2008 - 08:11 ET by Roger the ShrubberI'mmmmmmmm.... gonna get me a shotgun and kill all the whitey I see....
Don't forget Eddie Murphy
August 5, 2008 - 15:32 ET by BradzillaImages, by Tyrone Green (in part):
"Kill my landlord, kill my landlord.
C-I-L-L my landlord"
Sorry, just have my memory, no links
KO really needs to be knocked out
August 5, 2008 - 08:32 ET by AmericanEnergistMr. Olbermann is just too easy a target these days...I propose a spin-off site and call it 'Olbermann Busters'. When he spews, it's like shooting fish in a barrel!
www.ArmchairEnergist...
uppity
August 5, 2008 - 08:41 ET by mbuel"Well, if we're playing Password and you say "uppity," the word that comes into my mind, that's racist, yes. Yes."
Maybe because like all democrats, you are a closet racist?
When I see the ad in question the word that comes to mind is arrogance. Of course the dems would probably insinuate that means I'm racist, because I don't want a closet marxist (or is he out in the open now?) running the country into the ground?
ANSWER -PROZAC
August 5, 2008 - 08:41 ET by lareeWhat was the question Olberman.
Liberals & Symbolism
August 5, 2008 - 08:56 ET by GothampcWhy are liberals always seeing things? Remember when they saw the cross in the Mike Huckabee Christmas ad?
You've GOT to see Jon
August 5, 2008 - 09:41 ET by balboaYou've GOT to see Jon Stewart talk about this on The Daily Show last night:
http://www.thedailys...
we know they have trouble
August 5, 2008 - 10:55 ET by TruthMongerwe know they have trouble seeing reality
i was a blind liberal once, but now i see
Revealing
August 5, 2008 - 09:11 ET by SquonkamaticAs usual these types of analysis reveal more about those who make them than the subject purported to be under the microscope. Obviously Keith Odorman feels sexually threatened by Barack Obama (or just Black males in general) or else this wouldn't have ever come up, and his inner racist feelings about having a Black man "co-mingling" with 2 under dressed blond females is right out of a cheap porno fantasy. And also as usual the so called leaders of the liberal intelligensia prove how corrupt their own thinking really is just by being themselves; Odorman is a closeted bigot who feels sexually threatened by successful Black males and has a thing about stereotypical interracial sex.
Surprise surprise.
Secret Decoder Devices
August 5, 2008 - 09:25 ET by SAM-OHIs there a place where non-Democrats can go to get the secret decoder materials that the Democrats have to deconstruct McCain's ad? I'm just not seeing anything these guys see. They must all be perverts.
I really do think that Bob Herbert, Olberman, and the rest of the Obama echo chamber--which continues to try to roll back a terrible Obama mistake, and in so doing just make it worse--should follow the approach of Ralphie in the hilarious scene from the funny movie "A Christmas Story." That is to say, they should take their secret decoder materials to the only room in their houses where people of their age can decode in private. And like Ralphie, when they apply their decoder materials to the McCain ads, they'll find, just as all right-thinking adults have found, that all the ads tell them is "be sure to drink your Ovaltine."
Seriously, I cannot believe grown-ups are getting on national television and trying to convince viewers of this nonsense. I'd be offended if it wasn't so funny and pathetic. To watch them nod in agreement is unbelievable.
Modern "liberals"
August 5, 2008 - 10:16 ET by iveseenitallThis fascination with symbols is modern "liberalism" in action. I remember watching a male literature professor arguing with a "feminist" professor in her office. "You see sexism in everything", he said. And she did. Every word in Shakespeare's plays, every utterance from any "male" writer was scrutinized and debunked as male chauvinism*. It was sick. And it continues today. Sad.
* Chauvinism is a key word of derogation in the COMMUNIST lexicon. Check it out.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
I also see a Phallic symbol
August 5, 2008 - 10:00 ET by tracker1973Every time I see Max (Olbermann) Headroom, I think of a worn Sock Puppet with lipstick lips.
Cougar
August 5, 2008 - 10:08 ET by sawing battaKeith, err, Cougar...You're holding on too tight...you've lost the edge...time to turn in your wings.
If MSNBC continues to let you run free in your tin foil fighter helmet, you're going to freak out your audience and be responsible for giving 'Maverick' his 'dream job'
You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Penny Benjamin
When you're going against
August 5, 2008 - 10:55 ET by wiwfWhen you're going against your ally the NYT (after correcting Herbert), something's very VERY wrong with your brain.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
If Keith is seeing penises
August 5, 2008 - 13:01 ET by ckc1227If Keith is seeing penises where there are none, I recommend he see a therapist. Maybe he/she could help him come to grips with a secret Keith has been keeping to himself.
the results are in
August 5, 2008 - 13:07 ET by TruthMongerhttp://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2008/08/05/olbermann-sees-3-phallic-symbols-2-blondes-barack-obama-ad#comment-677353
opining that the ad is an
August 5, 2008 - 13:13 ET by Jack BauerNow hang on a second, this is beyond a joke. Does this doofus actually know what he's saying?
Miscegenation according to my OED is defined as: the interbreeding of people considered to be of different racial types.
You'll note miscegenation DOES NOT mean merely having sexual intercourse with a member of a different race.
|So what does Olbermann mean? That he objects to men and women of different races having children? I think he needs to be questioned on this point.
Blondes?
August 5, 2008 - 13:26 ET by Copperhead RidgeThe only thing that surprises me is that KO noticed the blondes.
The Substance of Symbolism?
August 5, 2008 - 14:32 ET by BarkerWhenever they show a picture of Keith Olbermann there's always a huge douchebag in it.
What does this mean?
If what these charlatans say
August 5, 2008 - 19:15 ET by Chris NormanIf what these charlatans say was really true, then Obama could never even appear in public next to a white woman, for fear they would alienate voters - sheesh, this is so much garbage that the Countdown set studio should be declared a landfill.
McNotObama '08