MSNBC Suspends Keith Olbermann Indefinitely for Secret Democrat Donations
Updates abound. Check below the fold for much, much more.
MSNBC suspended Keith Olbermann indefinitely today after news broke that he had given the maximum allowable contribution to three Democrats without disclosing it to his viewers.
CBS News reported on the suspension about 20 minutes ago, with a more detailed statement from MSNBC brass:
"I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night," Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC, said in a statement. "Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay."
Olbermann, who does not hide his liberal views, has acknowledged donations of $2,400 each to Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway and Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords during this election cycle.
NBC's ethics policy generally bars political activity, including contributions, without the approval of the president of NBC News, Steve Capus, according to a 2007 story on MSNBC.com.
"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest," it says. "Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions. You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee."
In a statement released before the suspension as announced, Olbermann said: "I did not privately or publicly encourage anyone else to donate to these campaigns, nor to any others in this election or any previous ones, nor have I previously donated to any political campaign at any level."
As NewsBusters noted in a post on Thursday, Olbermann has often claimed that he is "not a liberal," as he once put it. Though that claim was always dubious, to say the least, it is simply laughable in light of Olbermann's political contributions, and now the news of his suspension.
His donations - undisclosed, remember - also raised the issue of a double standard, given Olbermann's criticism of Fox News parent company News Corporation's political activities. As Ed Morrissey wrote Friday morning:
I don’t think that Olbermann’s contributions mean too much on their own. We all know from watching his broadcasts that he dislikes Republicans and cheerleads for Democrats, so these contributions do nothing for his credibility in any direction. The question here is whether NBC will hold MSNBC to its ethical standards, and the hypocrisy of shrieking about Fox’s contributions while donating his own.
National Review's Jonah Goldberg offers a different take, arguging that rules against journos giving money to political campaigns actually does more to hide media bias than to prevent it.
So Olbermann gave money to some Democratic candidates. Ostensibly the rules against this are intended to prevent journalists from giving the appearance of bias. Whether or not such rules make sense for actual reporters, such rules are silly for someone like Olbermann. Does anybody, and I mean anybody, suddenly trust Olbermann’s opinion less because of this news? I’m waiting. Does anyone think he’s less biased? More biased? Un-biased?
Second, the larger problem with these kinds of rules is that they do little to prevent media bias and a great deal to hide an important form of evidence of it. Banning liberal journalists from giving money doesn’t prevent them from being liberal, it just gives them a bit more plausibility when they deny it. Now, I can see the argument that someone who makes a donation would be more interested in protecting their investment, as it were. So I don’t think the policy is completely misguided. But at a certain level banning donations is like NPR barring staff from attending the Jon Stewart rally. It doesn’t fool anyone, but gives the accused a lawyerly rebuttal to accurate accusations.
*****UPDATE: Believe it or not, a shaky consensus seems to be emerging on the right (as seen in Goldberg's statement) that Olbermann should not have been fired, or at least that MSNBC's ethics policies are unreasonable or counterproductive.
"Keep Keith!" pleads Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol:
Perhaps Olbermann violated NBC News “policy and standards.” But NBC doesn’t have real news standards for MSNBC—otherwise the channel wouldn’t exist. It’s a little strange to get all high and mighty now.
But there’s now a Republican House, and perhaps GE is trying to curry favor by dumping Olbermann?
Republicans of the world, show you believe in the free expression of opinion! Tell the crony corporatists at NBC—keep Keith!
Conservatives on Twitter, including Dan Foster and Slublog, have also chided MSNBC's ethics policies more than Olbermann's violation of them.
*****UPDATE 2: Olbermann in 2008: "Phil [Griffin] thinks he's my boss." (h/t Treacher)
*****UPDATE 3: Organizing for America has already begun its campaign to get Olbermann back on the air.
*****UPDATE 4: Adam Bitely digs up this gem, starring Ben Affleck, from the Saturday Night Live archives:
*****UPDATE 5: Johnny Dollar brings us this hysterical segment from Fox News radio host John Gibson:
*****UPDATE 6: TV Newser's Chris Ariens writes: "Insiders we’ve talked to say Olbermann won’t be back. The question is whether he’ll leave or MSNBC keeps him off the air."
*****UPDATE 7: NB's Tim Graham digs up video of Olbermann blasting Fox for...making political donations.
*****UPDATE 8: Make sure you check out NB publisher Brent Bozell's statement as well.
- Lachlan Markay's blog
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Comments
Bwhaaaaa,ha, ha,ha ha,ha!!!
Submitted by inquiringmind on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:13pm.
Bwhaaaaa,ha, ha,ha ha,ha!!!
Who Else
Submitted by rwnewsnut on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:53pm.
Who else at NBC contributed? Can we check Brian Williams donations? How about matt Lauer?
When Juan Williams was fired Brian Williams made some cold remark. I would like to see Brian get fired for a breech of the networks policies.
"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest,"
What a joke! Can't NBC News just watch the program to see the LACK of impartiality?
They probably did donate but
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:18pm.
They probably did donate but they got permission. They have kept their mouths shut about it.
Couldn't have said it better.
Submitted by NeoKong on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:28pm.
AHhahahHhahahahahahHahaHhAHAHHahHAhaHhahAHah....(wipes tear)
Oh, Goodness!
Submitted by northone on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:53pm.
Oh, Oberdouche! I feel your pain (NOT!)
In Kind
Submitted by Caringwhiteguy on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:15pm.
Strange policy. Cash contributions from individual employees are prohibited. IN KIND contributions from the network itself and its other employees are OK. In fact encouraged.
...keith will plead
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:17pm.
...keith will plead ignorance.
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
Rightly so
Submitted by Model850 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:22pm.
Being the poster child for ignorance that won't be a stretch for him.
What's the Problem
Submitted by libBuster on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:58pm.
The whole network is an "in kind" contribution to the Democratic Party
I guess my old adage didn't
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:20pm.
I guess my old adage didn't work for the Bathtub Boy- it is easier to get forgiveness than permission.
I wish the RNC would man up and go to the FEC about the in kind donations.
Agreed!
Submitted by tim413 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:59pm.
I have contended that MSNBC's constant bashing of Repub candidates was more valuable to the Dems than the "secret foreign money" was to the Repubs. Maybe David Shuster can fill in for KO. (HA!) DS tries, but his disgusted look (w the negative head shake) just is not as "good" as KO's.
Stop federal judges from foisting their notions of "fairness" on the States. Amend the 14th Amendment! - tim413
Not to worry, Keith! If you need a new gig, there's always...
Submitted by Mike Bratton on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:13pm.
...FOX News!!
(Several minutes of unbridled laughter follow.)
Ah, laughter, the best medicine indeed.
--Mike
not to mention
Submitted by spepper on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:44pm.
not to mention, the repeated, wild, baseless accusations that he regurgitates on a nightly basis-- I suppose that's what he was hired to do at MSNBC-- then they turn on him when money is involved-- seems to me they're coming a tad late to the dance.......
Aaaahhhhhhhhhh...........
Submitted by Bassnote_1 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:19pm.
Nothing goes better with a beef and cheddar than an Olbermannnnnnnnn suspension.
Let me say that again ~ suspension ~
indefinite suspension
Dear Lord, I think I just found Matthews missing thrill.
That which does not kill me had best render me incapable of returning fire.
Suspended?
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:21pm.
Or fired?
Bath time.
Bk, We can't hardly wait for one of your PS" bath time"
Submitted by upcountrywater on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:19pm.
Say Keifh, Go for it! , spend all your cash suing PMSnbc...
Follow in Dan Rather's footsteps.
You Didn't Build That.
suspended
Submitted by 10ksnooker on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:32pm.
without pay --- the hint is there. It's bye bye time.
Comcast takes over soon, and they promised to clean house at PMS.
Comedy Channel
Submitted by SnapTie on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:24pm.
Where do i go for my comic relief? Watching this guy lets me know even on a bad day that people around me are not cuckoo.
Being the #1 anchor on MSNBC
Submitted by SnapTie on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:05pm.
Being the #1 anchor on MSNBC is like being the tallest midget.
Being #1
Submitted by tim413 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:23pm.
My all-time favorite = Like being the head zit at an acne convention. (Thanks, Roger Christiansen.)
Stop federal judges from foisting their notions of "fairness" on the States. Amend the 14th Amendment! - tim413
Better and better
Submitted by MadRat on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:22pm.
Just when I thought this week couldn't get any better! Time to go get another pound of jelly beans, ice-cold Henry Weinhard's root-beer and start another celebration!! This will make it much easier for me to remember, remember the 5th of November.
If my Heels can beat the
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:35pm.
If my Heels can beat the Criminoles of FSU it will ge a great week.
MSLSD
Submitted by VengeanceIsMine on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:23pm.
This makes my Friday! I just heard this on Rush. My bet is his replacement will be Cenk "Young Dork" Uygur or Alan "Die Quickly" Grayson.
"Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty." – Thomas Jefferson
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but Illusion of knowledge." Stephen Hawking
I'd put my money on Grayson
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:12pm.
I'd put my money on Grayson and Bob "who are you?" Etheridge as co-host.
Me too
Submitted by Ozconservative on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 10:55pm.
I'd bet on Grayscum too......at least he has the stones to admit he's a liberal. And what the hell is a Cenk Uygar anyway????
hahahhaha
Submitted by charlietexas on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:24pm.
MSNBC, ethics, impartial and standards all in the same paragraph?? now thats funny.
to the QUEEF, have a great weekend.......loser
Ethics and Standards...
Submitted by Bass_Man on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:33pm.
Dang...you beat me to it. Good one, Charlie.
Jeapordize his "standing as an impartial journalist"??!#@
Submitted by ThisnThat on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:18pm.
MSNBC -- at least until today -- thought that olberman was an impartial journalist????
Are they kidding? That's their standard, and their only way of measuring impartiality? Or journalist, for that matter? Does MSNBC really think that -- aside from his contributions -- that olbmann was either impartial or a journalist?
I gotta tell you -- MSNBC's world is upside down! But at least the rest of that crew can relax, and officially claim their impartiality -- just as long as they didn't disclose any of their campaign contributions. According to the whacky minds of MSNBC executives, that is.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
New show for MSNBC prime time
Submitted by mizflame98 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:29pm.
Now they have room for the Alan Grayson Show.
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds”Samuel Adams
LOL! I wouldn't surprised.
Submitted by Galvanic on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:57pm.
As for Olbermann -- Couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy.
He can put that degree from
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:31pm.
He can put that degree from the cow college to use. They always need help in the hogs frams here in eastern NC.
Proof of a benevolent God...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:29pm.
Hallelujah!! Christmas came early this year folks!!!!!
Bye bye Bathtub Boy!!
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
Romper Room Election Night
Submitted by Texndoc on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:30pm.
Every one of them should have been given pink slips for their embarrassing (and quite famous this week actually) childish election night coverage. As Bill O'Reilly said, Tom Brokaw and David Gregory don't want to be within spitting distance of any kook on that panel.
Ditto...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:37pm.
My thoughts exactly...Apparently it is rumored that the Comcast takeover of NBC will result in some changes at that bastion of journalistic excellence, MSNBC. With any luck, Tingles, Madcow, and Ed Schultz will be next.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
Why not? If one could ever
Submitted by ML Stovall on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:50pm.
Why not? If one could ever understand anything coming from Brokaw's mush-mouth gullet I'm sure we'd hear pretty much the same anti-conservative vitriol from him. David Gregory never has tried to hide the obvious fact that he is a flaming liberal either. They may try to act like they are appalled (why, I don't know), but you just know they were snickering right along with the other Four Stooges Tuesday night.
Who is Next
Submitted by Utherpend on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:31pm.
I wonder who they will get rid of next?? Not the Madcow as she can sue them for discrimination since she is Lesbian. But I wonder..............
Just another gimmick to try
Submitted by Dan Diego on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:51pm.
Just another gimmick to try to save a sinking ship, he was probably owed time off after all his efforts for the DNC and has a clause that he'll get paid either way.
Maybe KO retreated to his bathtub and they can't get him out.
Why is it the only thing that comes to mind is...
Submitted by Bass_Man on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:34pm.
NAA NAA NAA NAA!
NAA NAA NAA NAA!
HEY HEY HEY!!!
GOODBYE!!!
TeeHee
Submitted by jdlybrand on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:36pm.
First the elections...now this. What a week I'm having!!!
"What a revoltin' development this is!"
Chester Riley
LOL...
Submitted by tampamom25 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:37pm.
And as the strains of the Hallelujah Chorus waft across the countryside, we see the people engaged in a vigorous dance of rejoicing at the news that the liberal court jester has been suspended, indefinitely. The only thing that could make them happier is if he was fired, permanently.
This is a joke, right?
Submitted by Newsbubba on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:37pm.
His "standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest,"
So now MSNBC wants us to think they are impartial? Who the hell do they think they are kidding?
Keef is no more a journalist than Barney Fwank is stwait, or Maddow is a woman!
What really happened? Did they catch him in bed with Chrissy giving him a "thrill up his leg?"
Time to go have a drink!
They should fire their entire staff
Submitted by kch50428 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:37pm.
Their entire program schedule has been an in-kind contribution to the DNC.
Who knew pMSNBC had any ethical standards before now??
WORST DONOR IN THE WORLD
Submitted by StarAZ on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:45pm.
The other night Fox had a clip of his nutty "orgasm" face berating someone--those were good times. How come other people know the rules and he doesn't. Rhetorical! I don't even want to know the answer.
Comcast--that's right!
Submitted by StarAZ on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:40pm.
O'Reilly said change is coming over at MESS.
Comcast
Submitted by KC Mulville on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:55pm.
It appears that Howard Beale has reached the end of his usefulness.
How long before...
Submitted by My turn on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:41pm.
Keith blames FOX News or Republicans for this?
Tough one
Submitted by StarAZ on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:47pm.
Bush.
Yep. Bush, Hannity, Beck,
Submitted by ML Stovall on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:57pm.
Yep. Bush, Hannity, Beck, Fox. In random order.
I'm pretty sure
Submitted by Benjamin on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:00pm.
the Chamber of Commerce must be behind this.
But honestly, I think the "ethics policy" is just an excuse for MSLSD to get rid of old Keith. It's no secret that he wasn't the most popular guy around the studio . . . and besides, they can now clear the way for Countdown With Alan Grayson.
You got that right, Benjamin.
Submitted by QueenMum on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:27pm.
You got that right, Benjamin. If it was all about "ethics", Olbermann would have been gone long ago.
“If you don't read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed." - Mark Twain
To borrow a line from a great
Submitted by Roger the Shrubber on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:44pm.
To borrow a line from a great Tweet IowaHawk sent out this week:
"Keith will now have more time to devote to the voices in his head".
Schadenfreude
Submitted by 76United on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:45pm.
Keith, you are the worstest person in the world!
ahahahahahahaha
Submitted by pwoz on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:46pm.
ahahahahahahaha
What will Newsbusters do now?
Submitted by andrew - des moines on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:46pm.
I have been visiting Newsbusters less and less lately as it has become little more than MSNBC Watch. I would encourage this site's editors and writers to expand coverage to ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, NPR, NYT, WaPo, and USA Today. Lately MSNBC (with a relatively miniscule audience) seems to have received more coverage than all other sources combined.
The whole point of Newsbusters is to disseminate examples of liberal media bias to conservatives, and through them, to the public in general. This country must begin to question their choices of news sources to reign in the influence the left has on the perspectives and knowlege of the people.
Covering MSNBC is too easy a target and pointless -- not even the mainstream considers them unbiassed anymore. Return to your purpose Newsbusters, you can do a lot of good if you so choose.
Food for thought Andrew.
Submitted by Caringwhiteguy on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:49pm.
Food for thought Andrew.
For someone who has been...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:28pm.
a member of NB for over 3 years, but who has only posted a handful of times, I wonder how often you do visit this site. You are entitled to your opinion, and you do make a point. I would argue however, that if you were a frequent visitor to NB, you would see that all aspects of media bias from all over is covered and discussed here. Granted, MSNBC receives a lot of attention here, but only because it is such an egregious example of rabid media bias, and very possibly, part of the reason for MSNBC's downward spiral can be credited to the coverage that NB has given to it.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
minor point
Submitted by Chaitealover on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:41pm.
It's possible to come here several times a day and not post for weeks at a time, especially for those of us who live on the west coast. Many days everything to be said has been said by the time I get here, especially if I don't get here until the afternoon. It's great to see how many others agree with what I think, but I don't find it necessary to repeat what's already been posted.
Edit: I didn't realize the tracking feature was back until I re-read the comment about Andrew only commenting a few times. So I went to my own tracking page and saw that only a few current blogs and one long-ago forum topic were listed. The several pages of linked comments I previously had were gone, maybe Andrew's were erased, too.
True, but...I have also been to NB without...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:21pm.
posting for quite awhile, but I do think that it is true that most who are members generally tend to post, more often than not, when they visit the site. A membership of three years, and a hand full of posts is unusual. However, as you noted, it may be possible that "Andrew's" 'track' history is not complete.
My main point was concerning the frequency of how often MSNBC is covered here. "Andrew" was making the point that NB seems to focus too much on MSNBC, and that is where we basically disagree.
As for the weirdness with the tracking feature, it is obvious that the bugs have yet to be worked out. Other "issues" remain with other site aspects as well...Patience is required here.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
All valid points, Andrew.
Submitted by ML Stovall on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:11pm.
All valid points, Andrew. However, in the case of MSNBC anyway, as the old saying goes, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." They have been the most active and overt "news" outlet marginalizing conservatives in general and deriding conservative political figures and the Tea Party folks in particular. I do agree with your point; there certainly are many other worthy targets deserving of the focus of NewsBusters' efforts.
Hmmm, as I recall there have
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:56pm.
Hmmm, as I recall there have been quite a few articles about Harry Smith (CBS), Georgie S. (ABC), and a couple Matt Lauer (NBC). But since MSNBC has all day programming it's inevitable that there will be more to cover on the networks that only have 5 or so hours a day of coverage. And the morning show on ABC, CBS, and NBC have a lot of non-political stuff.
My Point is...
Submitted by andrew - des moines on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 9:40pm.
Have you ever considered what candidates do with all the money they raise? The vast majority of a well funded campaign goes to TV commercials. Together they make up such a small amount of air time compared to the political coverage of the major networks. How much is the subtle bias -- undetected by those all important undecided voters -- worth in persuading the public? A bias that is put forth to millions, day in and day out. Subconsiously spinning selected facts from a single point of view to guide the electorate in a certain direction. An empowering game for those in the right positions. Its amazing we ellect Republicans at all.
My point is that Newsbusters has the potential to be a powerful tool to research, collect, and disseminate examples of bias through conservatives to the American people. If all that campaign cash can turn elections with such a small amount of airtime, imagine how an unbiased MSM -- and an informed public could truly save this country.
MSNBC is seen by the MSM and independants alike as left-biased. They are fooling no one, preaching to the choir, and as such not a threat. I am much more concerned with Katie Couric's manipulating of the "unwashed", with the LA Times not releasing footage of Obama cheering a terrorist, with the total silence on candidate Obama announcing he wants huge energy taxes to defeat global warming, with the MSM-wide white washing and cover up of voter fraud, with the complete lack of check on Democrats in elected office.
For the record, the main Newsbusters page currently contains eight stories relating to MSNBC, and only two relating to other sources of news. And no I don't post often, but I do visit often, and I do think this is an ideal time for this site to do some self reflection, change coarse, and use their talented and dedicated reporters to do some good work.
For the record, the main
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 10:01pm.
For the record, the main Newsbusters page currently contains eight stories relating to MSNBC, and only two relating to other sources of news.Ever hear of a slow news day? The Dems are still reeling from the effects of the American people rising up and saying "NO MORE!!!!!!!" Olberturd getting the axe is news, sweet news to those of us that have had to deal with his hatred and vitriol all these years. I do not think you visit this site as much as you think, all those stories that you mentioned, Katie Cupcake, the LA Times not releasing a video, Cap and Tax and many others has been covered by NB. The thing is as with most stories another one comes up to grab the attention of others
I see the point(s) you're making...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 10:45pm.
And I agree with you that an unbiased media would be an asset to the country, as it is meant to be, and once was. I don't agree that networks and other media outlets like MSNBC are not a threat. One of the reasons that Obama was able to con his way into office in the first place was because he had the backing of corrupt media like them. They lied for him, covered for him, and ran interference for him, and as a result, they greased the skids for him, all the way into the Oval Office. Many in the electorate during that election believed what they heard and saw on MSNBC and other media orgs, without doing their own homework, and getting their own answers. Rather than getting the truth about Obama from the media, the people got, for the most part, lies and manipulations. For whatever reason, too many of these folks didn't see that they were being manipulated until it was too late, and by this time, Obama was safely in office. Fortunately, I think that has begun to change, as this last election seems to have shown us.
As far as Newsbuster's role in all this, I think that it is already a powerful tool to research, collect, and inform the public about examples of media bias...I think that NB does that quite well. I'm not sure if you noticed, but NB and MRC were used by Fox News many times as a source for examples of media bias throughout this last election. As for why there are so many stories about MSNBC currently on NB, it is simply because of the import of the muzzling and apparent removal of one of the biggest and loudest bias merchants, Keith Olbermann. Are there others like him out there? Sure. But as anyone who has paid attention to what has been coming out of the unhinged liberal media has seen, Olbermann (and MSNBC in general) has for quite some time, been one of their most prominent and egregious banner carriers, and I think that fact is simply why there are often a number of articles about MSNBC here at NB.
I do not agree with you that NB should change course...I think they are right on course, actually, and that its writers and contributors are doing great work everyday, and with some very, very good results.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
Even the more subtle "truths"
Submitted by Beckiboo on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 3:32pm.
Even the more subtle "truths" put out by the liberal media has a huge impact in my opinion. Like whenever a Republican is caught doing anything wrong, they list all wrongs (real and imagined) by many Republicans. If a Liberal is caught, they often laugh it off, everyone does it. The recent refrain is that both sides are the same anyhow.
Bush had tax cuts, Obama had tax cuts. Bush spent too much, maybe possible Obama is running up the debt. Etc...
if an Oberloon falls in the forest
Submitted by wizardjr on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:47pm.
and no one was there to hear it,
did anyone give a crap?
Does anyone give a crap if an
Submitted by 26CX on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 7:07am.
Does anyone give a crap if an Oberloon falls in the forest?
I think that, according to an old expression, the bears do.
Justice. That's all I can
Submitted by AJ on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:47pm.
Justice. That's all I can say.
Maybe now
Submitted by jdlybrand on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:50pm.
Maybe now he can put that Ag degree to good use by starting a manure farm.
"What a revoltin' development this is!"
Chester Riley
Open vs Hidden?
Submitted by okiehawk44 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:50pm.
What's the real difference in Olbermann donating money to Democrats openly and all the others in media donating secretly to Democrats? 97% of those who work in media donated to Democrats in 2008.
Olbermann et al should be canned because they have no ratings. Period!
No No No*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:50pm.
I don't want any of them fired. I do want them all to come out of the closet. I want Katie McCouric to admit she's a shill, Diane "hic" Sawyer, Matt Liar, Mr Tingles, Mr/s Madcow. All need to confess like Oberdorf and Larry O'Donnie have done. This way that "fair and balance" issue is out of the way and the American people will know that its not just Mika that gets a text from Bagdad Bob every night.
Look at Snuffulufugus. He was on BOR the other night spewing "center" analysis and the next morning back to the Gibbs talking points.If Fat Eddie loses a few pounds, attends all required sessions of anger management, he may now have a front row seat on their "expert" panel. The level of ignorance and now open prejudice exposes the demise of true journalism. Hopefully this will make people more aware and search for the truth.
The "very idea", as Al Gore
Submitted by DWoSD on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:52pm.
The "very idea", as Al Gore would say, that the head honcho at Mess nbc is all of a sudden concerned with objective , professional journalism is absurd. This group of professional anchors, led by bathtub boy were laughing in the background as Chrissy made a fool out of himself with his stupid questions to Bauchman on their election night coverage. Where does that fall within their operating standards? They all should be fired on the spot.
I predict this is an excuse to fire bathtub boy......
This is just too funny...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:54pm.
This is part of NBC's ethics policy..
"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest..."
Since when is anyone who works at NBC an "impartial journalist" who worries about "the appearance of a conflict of interest"?? I'm not one bit sorry that Olbertwit has been suspended, but if this "ethics policy" was worth the paper it was printed on, everyone working at MSNBC would be out of a job.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
He'll be back...
Submitted by gregfahey on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 2:55pm.
MSNBC will have him back before you know it.
But, they should have suspended him for his snickering and chortling while Matthews did his "are you in a trance?" interview with Michelle Bachman. Unbelievable to me that such immaturity is not only given a pass by the brass at MSNBC but, apparently encouraged. These people get away with portraying Fox News as a Republican network but, I saw Liberal guests all election night on Fox. MSNBC had none! They call people morons and resort to such infantile banter that I am truly astonished that (apparently) grown up people own and run that network!
I'm guessing Olbo the Bobo is staying at Maddow's apartment on the couch and "borrowing" her clothes whilst Matthews coos and coddles his manchild with frequent phone calls.
Not sure about that...Has anyone seen or heard from...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:08pm.
David Shuster since he was "suspended" from MSNBC? Hopefully, Olbertwit's fate will be the same.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
At MSNBC
Submitted by AgentAmerican on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:36pm.
At MSNBC, suspended indefinately could mean just about anything in reference to Keithamphetimine
True...But no one has seen hide nor hair of Shuster...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:41pm.
since he was suspended...It'll be interesting to see where this goes.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
David Shuster now goes by the name---
Submitted by matthewdean on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 10:01pm.
Cenk Ugyur.
MD
And as you predicted,
Submitted by Beukeboom on Mon, 11/08/2010 - 9:46am.
And as you predicted, Olbermann returns Tuesday. At MSNBC "indefinite" is code for "a couple of days."
Elsewhere on NB and before
Submitted by Beukeboom on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:00pm.
Elsewhere on NB and before the indefinite suspension was announce I did speculate that Olbermann might be given a bathtub break since he's crossed paths with MSNBC brass multiple times due to his behavior both on and off camera. His ego has always been such that he thought he could get away with anything. Now the official word is he is on "indefinite" bathtub break so I wonder if that means, unofficially, that he's fired (probably) or if he will be back after a week soaking in his bathtub. We shall see. Will more be tossed under the liberal bus at MSNBC before Comcast takes over? Again, we shall see.
The next thing is hearing Olbermann's response. Will he tow the company line or will he whine to whatever media outlets that will let him on? Will other MSNBC'ers make mention of this on-air? Will Sean Hannity send him a case of Mr. Bubbles? These and other interesting questions await to be answered in the next installments of "As The Liberals Squirm." Stay tuned, happy campers!
"As The Liberals Squirm" -
Submitted by QueenMum on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:32pm.
"As The Liberals Squirm" - Love it, Beuke. LOL
“If you don't read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed." - Mark Twain
Next?
Submitted by ML Stovall on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:01pm.
That's two out of the MessNBC Election Night Fab-Four that have imploded today. Wonder whose next - Chrissie "Spittles" McTingles or Radical ManCow?
Maybe "Sgt" Ed "Potential
Submitted by Beukeboom on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:07pm.
Maybe "Sgt" Ed "Potential Arsonist" Schultz?
Wow, I thought Olbermann was
Submitted by deerjerkydave on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 6:49pm.
Wow, I thought Olbermann was a middle of the road, impartial, fair, even handed journalist who was more interested in the truth than partisan politics. But now that this story broke my esteem for him and MSNBC have been shattered.
Good thing NBC has a code of ethics over there to protect them from people thinking they might be biased in some way.
------------------------
"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the Federal Government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State Governments are numerous and indefinite. -James MadisonI just commented before that
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:08pm.
I just commented before that this would never happen. I am so bad at predicting things.
Good to know. I will be
Submitted by stratman on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:23pm.
Good to know.
I will be asking you about the Superbowl before I make a wager. ;-)
Olbermann has offers
Submitted by Jack Bauer on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:11pm.
Keith's agent is already fielding substantial three figure offers from top cable channels, like...
THE TROPICAL FISH CHANNEL -- Exotic Fish 24/7/GLUG
THE ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM CHANNEL - Where The 19th Century Comes to Life
MSNBC BAFFIN ISLAND - Inuit Intuition
All of the above Mr Obama? --- How about ALL OF THE BELOW, instead.
No. No. No. Say it isn't
Submitted by Ruths husband Ben on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:11pm.
No. No. No. Say it isn't so. I will miss you, Mr. Olbermann. You were the only commentator on MSNBC that had any credibility. Who is going to provide balance to Matthews?
Or..........
This is really sweet. Gonna remember this day for a long, long, long, time. If I wasn't a Christian, I would chalk this up to karma.
Must be option two, because I have never actually watched his show (no, not even one time), only the snippets shown here and at Olbermann Watch. Bet those guys over there are tuning up their resume's right about now. Or they could change their website to "NOlbermann Watch."
And now....a Special Comment:
Submitted by ML Stovall on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:19pm.
Adios, pendejo! Don't let the door hit you in the kweef-ster.
Promote the Squirrel!
Submitted by AgentAmerican on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:24pm.
Bring back the Boy Wonder Squirrel!
I wonder what John Gibson's joyous response is?
IF olbmann is re-instated,
Submitted by ThisnThat on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:25pm.
and that's a big if -- will he roll our MSNBC executives for his next "worse person" award?
And how was he dismissed? Did he receive a phone call, telling him to stay home? Or was he in the studios, being frog-marched out from his office? Inquiring minds want to know.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
Although I have quite a bit
Submitted by mang on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:26pm.
Although I have quite a bit of schaudenfreude over this, I honestly have no idea why he is being disciplined. Was his political persuasion really a mystery??
This may be a convenient excuse...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:37pm.
to can Olbermann...Heaven knows that he's never hidden his political leanings...He does in fact flaunt them, on air, everyday. But since this involved money, and, following Tuesday night's way over the top outrageous performance by all of MSNBC's "commentators" including Olbermann, this may have been a convenient excuse to get rid of him. It's common knowledge that Olbermann doesn't work or play well with others, including his bosses, so this may have provided them with the ax they were looking for.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
Oh poor Kieth!
Submitted by Airforce_5_O on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:29pm.
Wouldn't it be great if Fox picked him up? I mean that would just be the icing on the cake! He is on the panel with the "Hammer" and Bret! They would tare him apart!
Time to cut loses
Submitted by 10ksnooker on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:30pm.
Comcast takeover looms ...
I miss Krazy Keith already.
Submitted by nicksmith112 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:31pm.
I miss Krazy Keith already. I hope he angry tweets from his bathtub .
I'm a refugee from the Democratic Party.
This is a great Christmas Present!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by boscokraft on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:32pm.
That Blow hard jerk!!! I hope he never returns to the airwaves.
~I rushed straight over to Kos
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:45pm.
To watch the meltdown. Favorite so far---
I don't know how many more gut punches (2+ / 0-)I can take in one week. This has to rate up there among the most stupid f---ing decisions that a media outlet has ever made.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited profanity courtesy of cl4x)
Tee hee hee!
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:02pm.
I am loving this...We on the right have waited two long years for a week like this, and it feels great!
Remember when Bush beat Kerry in '04, and we heard all the talk about the libs running to their psychiatrists because they were all sooo depressed? Well, warm up those couches again baby, because I think I feel a libnut stampede coming, headed for their shrinks!!
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
~Since I don't have cable
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:54pm.
And I don't watch football, I'd never heard of this character till I started reading NB. So it won't make any difference in my world, but the meltdown is quite a spectacle. Hahahaha!
I first knew of Olbermann from his sportscasting...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 6:24pm.
Then he moved to news (Huge mistake in my opinion...He was a much better sportscaster than a "newsman"). He's always been a bit insufferable, but at MSNBC, he really let loose with his unhinged libnut bs, and over time, completely went off the deep end. The last couple of years, Olbermann and the rest of the MSNBC crowd are pretty much out there where the buses don't run, they are so far left.
This is great news, imho, and it'll be interesting to watch what happens next.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
One More Punch...
Submitted by crimsonspark on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:34pm.
Choselife,
Don't forget the fact that Bristol Palin is still on Dancing With the Stars. It was hilarious seeing people post that Sarah Palin paid all of the Tea Partiers to vote for her.
Hee Hee Chose
Submitted by Denny Crane on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 1:49am.
Some funny comments over there!
"Who knows, in a couple of years Comedy central might be the last independent national "news" organization."
They are bitching about Jon Stewart too!
"why is he sucking up to Wallace?"
"Lib free or die"
We Are The 53%
Ed Schultz is already telling
Submitted by scarebear83 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:45pm.
Ed Schultz is already telling people on facebook if they call for any boycott of MSNBC their comment will be deleted. Wow, so much for free speech eh?
Your messages of support for Keith Olbermann are welcome on the Ed Schultz Show page. However, talk of boycotts etc... against Ed's employer (MSNBC) will be deleted. Ed appreciates your passion and support of our fellow progressive talkers.More typical bs from microbrain...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:56pm.
That's that tolerant, liberal mindset at work, dontcha know!
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
The only thing better.....
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:50pm.
Having worked for a company that prohibited political contributions above $50, (without written aproval from counsel), I can totally understand why NBC wants to control their employee's politcal contributions. There is absolutely no way that Olbermann didn't know of or understand the policy. He just thought he was above it all.
The chance of this is close to zero, but I would like to see Olbermann become a part time contributor to FOX news and have him appear opposite two or three competent conservatives, so they can laugh and chortle at him and his mellon-head opinions, the same way he was doing during the election night coverage at MSNBC.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
Yes!
Submitted by ML Stovall on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:56pm.
That would be awesome, Kingfish! Heck, I would probably even purchase daily pay-per-view to watch that!
I wouldn't pay a plug nickle
Submitted by needle on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:39pm.
I wouldn't pay a plug nickle to watch the gas bag.
On the other hand if we still used stocks and I happened to be in the immediate neighborhood of this POS, I might walk over to see that he was getting appropriate attention.
- Looking forward to the self-annihilation of the Manipulated Stories Machine.
Or maybe on Hannity's
Submitted by Emma Grump on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:52pm.
"Great American Panel", sitting in between Ted Nugent and Ann Coulter. Talk about a clock getting cleaned. My guess is he'd pull a "behar" and storm off the set, cursing as he ran.
They should have suspended
Submitted by rbosque on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:54pm.
They should have suspended him years ago for insanity.
Keep Keithie on the air
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 3:58pm.
...as he is the best thing that has ever happened to the conservative movement.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
~I'd call him a runner-up
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:02pm.
To Obama. LOL
Where the heck have you been"
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:24pm.
Where the heck have you been" Blonde and myself were worring about you. I did a search on the obit from Georgia for the past few weeks. We missed you.
Don't get me wrong, I despise
Submitted by NattyGreene on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:05pm.
Don't get me wrong, I despise KO, but this has got to be the dumbest pretense for firing a journalist ever, even dumber than the Juan Williams thing:
"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest"
Impartial journalist? KO? Are you kidding me? The only person at NBC stupider than KO is Phil Griffin. If he thinks KO was ever "impartial journalist" he evidently doesn't watch his own network.
I guess Keith LEANED FORWARD and fell right out the d**** window.
Bring back KO! Otherwise, Newsbusters and Dailycaller traffic is going to tank!
Perhaps this is the beginning of the end for MSNBC. If so, good riddance.
Lean forward...
Submitted by Red Jeep on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:24pm.
...this won't hurt a bit.
Lean forward....
Submitted by Ruths husband Ben on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:44pm.
So my boot can get a better shot at your arse.
apples and apples
Submitted by acumen on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:06pm.
From CNN article - "Olbermann, as well as MSNBC executives, was a vocal critic of the $1 million donation by Fox News' parent News Corp. to the Republican Governor's Association earlier this year, saying at the time, "We now have another million reasons Fox News is the Republican news channel."
I disagree with the premise. Fox donated nothing. Fox's parent company News Corp made the donation......much like GE, NBC's parent company, made donations to political parties. If Olberman wants to criticize Fox for the actions of their parent company, then he should apply the same standard to NBC for the actions of their parent company.
Now as far as supposedly conservative Bill Kristol's reaction - "Republicans of the world, show you believe in the free expression of opinion! Tell the crony corporalists at NBC - keep Keith!"
I understand Kristol's message was tonue in cheek; however, "free expression of opinion" is not the issue. Olbermann's refusal to adhere to company policy is the issue. Libs just love to re-write/break the rules and Olbermann's actions are a clear example. The message should be; Tell the crony corporalists at NBC that no employee is above the rules - lose Keith!
Isn't this policy kind of a joke, though, given what MS-NBC does
Submitted by krendler on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:10pm.
Isn't this policy kind of a joke, though, given what MS-NBC does, week-in, week-out for the Democratic party? I'm not sure you can even put a $ value on the active promotion that MS-NBC provides to the Dems for free, yet, they disallow cash contributions by employees.
Certainly happy to see Obly get whacked, but the rule itself doesn't make sense given the make-up of the network. Is it supposed to provide the appearance of being non-political, non-partisan? LOL. Yeah, sure.
more normal than not normal
Submitted by Injest on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:20pm.
What other have to say?
host George Stephanopoulos dismissed Olbermann's firing claiming, "...We see, now, every two years, the country just says throw em' out. Again, it's happened all the time."
R. Maddow “What happened last night is more normal than not normal. But small adjectives are less exciting in punditry than big adjectives..........”,
I'm a hopeless channel surfer, but
Submitted by Chaitealover on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:24pm.
It may be time for me to reprogram my remote control. It has skipped over PMSNBC for several years because seeing KO, even accidentally, upset my stomach. Now that CNN's HN has changed it's title's meaning from "Headline News" to "Henhouse Nutjobs," I can land on PMSNBC for a laugh and eliminate any chance of seeing Nancy Dis-Grace or Joyless Beher without losing the total number of channels to surf through.
Chai
Karma, Dude
Submitted by notinstl on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:24pm.
On Friday, November 5th, the 1st day without this smug bastard on the air.
Loony O'Donnell
Submitted by Red Jeep on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:25pm.
O'Donnell might be better at 8 and draw a bigger audience. Most of the time he appears sane.
Where's the gift wrap?
Submitted by sanderson13 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:26pm.
This story is just too, too perfect. My birthday is a week from today, I consider this my first early bday gift!
I don't really care about NBC's policies. That's their right and they're a big joke, no matter what.
But oh, oh my, I wish to mentally clink glasses with all my NB homies. This one's for us!
Maybe Juan Williams will come out in support of Olbermann?
Who would of thunk?
Submitted by RichieBABY on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:31pm.
I could of given MSNBC a million reasons why they should of dumped Olbermouth, what they dumped him for, I didn't even think of.
FYI, as for how much is he losing by being suspended, Mr. Countdown just signed a 4 year extension on his contract with MSNBC for 30 MIL.
It's a good thing
Submitted by Jack Herman on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:31pm.
Olby suspended "Worst person in the World". He'd be making the list.
I was wondering where
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:33pm.
I was wondering where everyone went today!
Oh Keith, you should have taken my advice yesterday. You know, the vacation on the deserted island? Well, I suppose late is better than never.
In all seriousness, who does MSNBC think they're fooling? It's a pretty drastic move in comparison to that other cable news network.
TedTheTroll
Submitted by MrShy on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:44pm.
It's a pretty drastic move in comparison to that other cable news network.
What did CNN do?
- Disco Shy
Liberals are the obvious racists
Join Mr. Shy and The 1* Percent
Alright there, Disco Queen.
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:49pm.
Alright there, Disco Queen. Whatcha gettin' at?
I'll say it
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:36pm.
SIR! HAVE YOU NO SHAME???
ROFL! Where is the
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:53pm.
ROFL!
Where is the "Like" Option?
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
"Anyone working for NBC
Submitted by Dirjj on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:38pm.
"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest,"
Hmm, so why is Contessa Brewer still employed? or did I miss something.
As for David Schuster . .. doesn't he run Mediate, or is that someone else?
ab
Hmmm....
Submitted by Hippopaulimus on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:40pm.
Unless he has really pissed off the brass at NBC, he'll be back.
But, after Tuesday night, they might just finally be ready to clean house.
Either way...what a great week! ... even here in lib-tard Connecticut, where they actually increased the democrats in office!
White - does not mean racist
Heterosexual - does not mean homophobic
Male - does not mean sexist
Schadenfreude. . .
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 4:52pm.
Schadenfreude. . .
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
I've never seen so many
Submitted by z7e1r3o on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:15pm.
I've never seen so many updates on a story.
------
"The point of war isn't to die for your country....it's to make the enemy die for his."
Now Keith can spend quality time with David Shuster...
Submitted by Red Jeep on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:22pm.
...in MSNBC exile.
I don't understand why
Submitted by cc1975 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:39pm.
I don't understand why anyone's personal choice to donate to whatever politician should put their jobs in jeopardy. His complaining about whoever at Fox donating is wrong and him being in trouble for donating himself is wrong. As private citizens we should be allowed to donate to whomever we wish. What's worse is that he's not in trouble because of a disagreement of political values in regards to his employment; the big factor is the fact that he made the donations at all. That's ridiculous! It's one thing if he was donating to some organization that was completely offensive, like Nambla or some such nonsense, but just simple political campaigns? Who cares? I guess this could be karma for his complaints about Fox execs donating to Republicans, but both cases are incredibly stupid.
It's not that he donated
Submitted by Denny Crane on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 1:54am.
It's that he broke the rules of the company he worked for.
If he would have asked his boss first, he wouldn't have been suspended. (at least not for that)
"Lib free or die"
We Are The 53%
Bathtub Boy photo(shop?)
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:47pm.
He's clearly crying out for help.
bk...You are having waaay too much fun...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 6:12pm.
with this!
Love the photo! LOL!
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
I am johnny cash, that boy
Submitted by GreenTea on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:56pm.
I am johnny cash, that boy should walk the line even if it's not in his nature.. son
"Ring of Fire" comes to mind
Submitted by Beukeboom on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 6:44pm.
"Ring of Fire" comes to mind but because Olbermann is an inflamed hemmorhoid.
Christmas in November? I
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 6:04pm.
Christmas in November? I keep pinching myself, thinking this is a wonderful dream and soon the alarm will ring. God I hope not.
Who will obama invite to the WH now that Keith's gone?
Submitted by ThisnThat on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 6:20pm.
He'll have to get someone else to show up, now.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
Maybe Ryan Seacrest is free
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:45pm.
Maybe Ryan Seacrest is free some afternoon.
Two Words for Keith
Submitted by 26CX on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 6:22pm.
Buh-Bye!
It was their chance
Submitted by hbest on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:16pm.
It was NBC's chance to suspend/fire Olby without looking like they were doing it for his crazy diatribes!
Personally I will miss being able to switch over to MSNBC for a few minutes. No matter how far I'm down in the dumps, it cheers me up. But, as an old farm boy, I liked to hear the Jackass bray too.
Sniff, sniff, we are going to
Submitted by dscott on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:21pm.
Sniff, sniff, we are going to miss our favorite punching bag...
So does this mean that the other networks are going to start enforcing their cough, cough ethical standards, cough, cough, choke.
Hmmm, checking the Federal Elections contributions website, putting NBC as the employer a whole bunch of people show up as contributors.... So, will we be seeing mass suspensions????
he'd make a perfect...
Submitted by spepper on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:22pm.
.....spokesman with an American accent for George Soros
Oh, Oh, Oh!!!!!! put in
Submitted by dscott on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:25pm.
Oh, Oh, Oh!!!!!! put in MSNBC in the FEC website!!! Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas!!!!
Look whose names show up...Bill Press & Joe Scarborough
Oh, NBC... What's you going to do about these two guys, one is supposed to be a R-E-P-O-R-T-E-R?????????
More info.
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:31pm.
More info.
In that case it seems people
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:37pm.
In that case it seems people have no issue with the reason he was suspended, just the suspension itself is what's making everyone giddy.
I don't care that he donated
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:44pm.
I don't care that he donated to a political campaign, but he violated company rules so they're within their jurisdiction.
And yes, the suspension itself is making us giddy. It's like when the meanest kid at school gets a vacation!
So you agree with my post.
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:49pm.
So you agree with my post.
There are certainly some
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:58pm.
There are certainly some people here who don't care why he's been suspended, and a few who have expressed the opinion that it shouldn't have been done. I think most are just happy he got kicked off for a bit.
Personally, I think every news organization should keep track of who it's employees are donating to in order to monitor bias. But that would be assuming the news media was more concerned about reporting news than influencing it.
It seems to me MSNBC is being
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:01pm.
It seems to me MSNBC is being just a tad bit hypocritical. They've been banking on Olbermann for some time now, and for what? An obnoxious liberal voice, earlier to compete with O'Reilly, and more so with Beck and Hannity at present. So they suspend the guy who's been their loudest liberal voice...for being a liberal and supporting his liberal beliefs, those same beliefs they've been paying him for to speak out for liberalism.
Makes no sense.
Well, Expired One
Submitted by 26CX on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:24pm.
Maybe they're starting to look at... I don't know... ratings?
If I cared about Olby I'd be
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:58pm.
If I cared about Olby I'd be more concerned about the hypocrisy of going after him when it's likely others at the network have also donated and not reported it. But as others here have noted, it might just be a Jaun Williams type of situation, he was a smart a$$ to Griffen one to many times.
“…banking on Olberman for some time now…”
Submitted by JPR1 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 10:15pm.
Ain’t capitalism just grand?
Sure they’ve been banking on Keefy and, though I’m puzzled as to just how, it’s evidently been working out just fine. Until now.
There’s been a significant change in the political winds; there is a change in ownership/management on the near horizon and well - Keith does in fact have a few loose screws.
He’s run his course; shot the whole nine yards; blown his…..cred.
Executives, with input from the marketing folks and the bean-counters have probably decided in favor of longer term positions. The sub-sub par ratings simply cannot be ignored indefinitely.
Ed Schultz will likely also be looking for a new gig; he at least can (probably) go back to radio. Olby, assuming he isn’t institutionalized somewhere, is going to have a tough time finding significant work.
I really feel kinda’ sorr….Nah! He’s a jackass!
ADK
Submitted by Denny Crane on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 1:57am.
It's just an excuse, they just don't like him anymore!
"Lib free or die"
We Are The 53%
This of all posts makes the
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 10:41am.
This of all posts makes the most sense to me. Even a pretty liberal minded person as myself long ago lost interest in his rantings.
As a public service
Submitted by 26CX on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:16pm.
Keith is showing how what goes around can come around.
Many thanks, Keith. Live free and prosper!
Nice catch Jer, Hannity gave
Submitted by dscott on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:55pm.
Nice catch Jer, Hannity gave at Fox. However, does FOX have a similar policy and did Hannity get permission if such a policy existed?
But the real issue here is what are NBC's motivations in getting rid of bathtub boy? Was this a convenient excuse to tone down the radical bombing leftist schtik? I would guess Keith will be getting some kind of severance package given the high profile of Joe Scarborough and Bill Press. Or will NBC pull a permission slip out of the hat for these two??? Doesn't the NBC policy make an exception IF they get permission?
Like NPR it seems NBC may have ulterior motives in which case they need to realize when they don't act like adults their actions will be viewed as petty and juvenile when phony reasons are given because in essence Keith had his reputation damaged by NBC. We all know Keith is a liberal, even though he denies it, it's like Joe Isuzu selling the Trooper or Pup. Or on a tangent, when Howard Dean announces he is not running for President in 2012 and supports Barack Obama, we know he is lying. The bottom line is transparency, unless the "reporter" says he's a Democrat and is shilling for the Democrat party he is unethical. Most of what NBC produces is unethical because it as a policy shills for the Democrat Party. Hence, NBC giving this phony self serving excuse about Keith's giving to Democrats as a reason for his suspension is simply NOT BELIEVABLE.
And here is the pertinent
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:28pm.
And here is the pertinent part of the article you linked Jer;
News Corp policy does permit employees to make donations in a personal capacity. Fox News has long said it considers Hannity, similar to Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck, a host not a news anchor or journalist.
Don't let those darn facts get in your way. :-)
Scoob---
Submitted by matthewdean on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 9:44pm.
Jer was just going through the "they do it too" withdrawals.
He hasn't been able to find a good opening on a thread to insert that phrase for, I dunno, probably a couple of days now.
MD
Get in the way of what? I
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 11:42pm.
Get in the way of what? I didn't call for Fox to fire or suspend anyone. I've simply stated that Olbermann, Hannity, Maddow, O'Reilly et al are all in the same category. I think it's ludicrous for MSNBC to suggest KO is an impartial journalist whose credibility is undermined by a political contribution.
Jer
I think it's ludicrous for
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 12:36am.
I think it's ludicrous for MSNBC to suggest KO is an impartial journalist whose credibility is undermined by a political contribution.Well Jer why don't you go over to MSNBC and vent your spleen about the injustice that has been done? MSNBC is calling Olberturd a journalist where as Fox calls Hannity or O'Reilly hosts, not anchors or journalist. Go on over to them and tell them that Bathtub Boy cannot be considered a journalist because of what you have seen or heard. Laser in on the one incongruity and dazzle them into realizing the error of their ways, just like you do here.
Because, Scuba...
Submitted by Jer on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 1:04am.
...if you had been paying any attention for the past three years, you would know--or at least easily surmise--that I don't give a ratzass about what happens to Keith Olbermann.
Jer
Then why the hell are you
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 10:29pm.
Then why the hell are you posting on this thread? If you don't care about him stop posting on this thread.
Then why the hell do you keep asking me questions?
Submitted by Jer on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 10:45pm.
I posted two words: "More info"
...which was a link to more info on the topic.
Every other post of mine (except a remark about GE) has been a direct reply to a comment of yours which was addressed to me.
Finally, what I said to Liberallies last night [about his not being authorized to dictate what and how I post] goes for you, too.
Jer
So your Oppositional Disorder
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 11:07pm.
So your Oppositional Disorder is in full force. You just have to take a stand against anything posted.
You said you do not give a rats buttocks about Keith Olberdouche but your OD compels you to post about that to which you do not care. Poor poor Jer, always having to fight against yourself.
If your comment made any
Submitted by Jer on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 11:28pm.
If your comment made any sense, I would post a more detailed response.
Jer
Apparently...
Submitted by jimbo297 on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 11:31pm.
...his OCD also makes him reply to posts he can't understand, as well
I didn't want my buddy Scube
Submitted by Jer on Sun, 11/07/2010 - 12:53am.
I didn't want my buddy Scube to think I was ignoring him.
Jer
Jer---
Submitted by matthewdean on Sun, 11/07/2010 - 1:27am.
maybe you have to be a conservative to get the gist of Scoobs message.
In a nutshell, your Oppositional Disorder is just that, as evinced by the fact that you are a liberal on a conservative site and feel compelled, make that, absolutely cannot stop yourself from, replying to any post you feel slights liberals or Democrats in any way, shape, or form.
Which, on a conservative site, would be damn near all of them.
You oppose them, therefore you are oppositional.
You will have to check with Scoob on the disorder part, as I don't know if he meant you were disheveled in the sartorial sense, or the mental one. :^)
MD
Oppositional Disorder?
Submitted by Jer on Sun, 11/07/2010 - 1:50am.
You're wrong as usual Matthew. You're all wrong! Every..single..one of you right-wingnuts, dammit. I do not have an Oppositional Disorder. Never have. Never will. It's just another conservative LIE!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Jer
Jer I give
Submitted by gfrrman on Sun, 11/07/2010 - 1:55am.
it to you, you crack me up some of the time. That was funny!!!
G
gfrrman---
Submitted by matthewdean on Sun, 11/07/2010 - 3:11am.
Jer has one of the best senses of humor on these threads.
I think that is how he manages to put up with us conservatives.
MD
Sorry, Jer, but Howard Dean
Submitted by Beukeboom on Mon, 11/08/2010 - 9:48am.
Sorry, Jer, but Howard Dean beat you to that one.
Hey Queefy has principles!
Submitted by docjohn52 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:27pm.
He didn't need no stinking 30 million dollars.
Him and Sanchez are starting a new Summer Camp for Dems,
"Dems In Principals Saluting His Intellectual Teaching School"
A fitting end for a graduate of 'Cornyell' College.
C'ya Olbermouth!
docjohn52
Submitted by gfrrman on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 10:53pm.
ROTHFLMAO!!!! Best laugh of the day. thank you sooo much
G ;~)
As Marv Albert would say: YESSS!
Submitted by Mary Louise Turner on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 7:32pm.
NBC actually had some backbone and suspended ol' Bathtub Boy! Now if they could only find a way to jettison Fat Eddie...
The Affleck-Olbermann parody is spot on
Submitted by Galvanic on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 8:59pm.
That's one of the best parodies I've ever seen.
“…banking on Olberman for some time now…”
Submitted by JPR1 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 10:12pm.
Delete. See #147
re: UPDATE 6: Love this comment on OlbieWatch
Submitted by mrt721 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 11:21pm.
"Insiders we’ve talked to say Olbermann won’t be back."
"Good evening, and welcome to Countdown with Alan Grayson...."
Um, sic721.....they changed the name of that show, sorry.
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 11:54pm.
"Good evening, and welcome to Meltdown with Alan Grayson....."
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Rachel Maddow defends Keef: "BUT LOOK AT FOX!!!!!"
Submitted by mrt721 on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 11:49pm.
“Missing from this defense is this: neither Hannity nor Fox News would ever deign to call Hannity a ‘journalist” whereas Mr. Olbermann has co-opted a Murrow-esque persona in support of the sacred ground that is “Capital J” journalism. Further, Fox News would probably tell you that Sean Hannity did not host their election coverage (as Keith Olbermann did Tuesday night amidst mixed reviews.)”
Rachel Maddow Defends Olbermann: ‘We Are Not A Political Operation. Fox Is’Bathtub Boy
Submitted by pug lover on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 12:58am.
Was also fired from Football Night in America before the football season began. People in general are tired of his BS.
The problem is not the money
Submitted by big.league.slider on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 1:06am.
The problem is not the money Olbermann gave to Dem candidates. It's the $139 billion in taxpayer loan guarantees that the Obama administration funneled to MSNBC's parent company GE. Since the GE Corp. is almost $500 billion in debt and essentially insolvent, that $139 billion in loan guarantees is taxpayer money thrown down a rat hole.
"Essentially" insolvent?
Submitted by Jer on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 1:51am.
I guess that depends on how you define "essentially" If you define it as "not even remotely", the description of GE's overall financial condition would then be accurate. In which case, you might consider doing what the expert stock analysts recommend.
Jer
You know about experts dont
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 2:32am.
You know about experts dont ya, lawers buy and sell em all teh time.
huue whee!
Submitted by vcb-tn on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 2:10am.
enjoyed seeing R's take House, really enjoyed seeing Pelosi so demarginalized , but nothing gave me more joy to see Grayson totally rejected.... and now? this, Uberdouche? deposed? now??? .....where can he go now? Air America?
Herr Olbermann may be gone from MESSNBC for good.
Submitted by Rush Fan on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 6:49am.
TVNewser is reporting that:
Oh well...Bathtub Boy returns
Submitted by Beukeboom on Mon, 11/08/2010 - 9:50am.
Oh well...Bathtub Boy returns Tuesday evening according to latest reports. This has all the markings of a publicity stunt.
Andrea Mitchell, Joe Scarbrorough, Chuck Todd
Submitted by Texndoc on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 8:30am.
There's a lot of MSNBC "regulars" who have never been on his show (nor did the mentioned three here appear on MSNBC on election night to my knowledge). There's a lot happening "behind the scenes" I'd guess. As O'Reilly put it, names on NBC like Tom Brokaw or Andrea Mitchell or David Gregory didn't want anything to do with that panel of idiots MSNBC had on election night. Chuck Todd is the "chief political head" or whatever on MSNBC - what does it say that he was no where to be seen on MSNBC on election night? Where was Joe Scarborough? I think they hate the sight of each other behind the scenes and Olberdouche saw himself as the "leader" of the kooks - he probably banned Scarborough from the election night coverage. Here's hoping Olbermann joins David Shuster in the "never to be heard from again" group. It's just all too funny, and I couldn't care less - faithful Fox News viewer who enjoys reading about the shenanigans here on Newsbusters.
Andrea Mitchell, Joe Scarbrorough, Chuck Todd
Submitted by Texndoc on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 8:30am.
There's a lot of MSNBC "regulars" who have never been on his show (nor did the mentioned three here appear on MSNBC on election night to my knowledge). There's a lot happening "behind the scenes" I'd guess. As O'Reilly put it, names on NBC like Tom Brokaw or Andrea Mitchell or David Gregory didn't want anything to do with that panel of idiots MSNBC had on election night. Chuck Todd is the "chief political head" or whatever on MSNBC - what does it say that he was no where to be seen on MSNBC on election night? Where was Joe Scarborough? I think they hate the sight of each other behind the scenes and Olberdouche saw himself as the "leader" of the kooks - he probably banned Scarborough from the election night coverage. Here's hoping Olbermann joins David Shuster in the "never to be heard from again" group. It's just all too funny, and I couldn't care less - faithful Fox News viewer who enjoys reading about the shenanigans here on Newsbusters.
I'm no Olbermann fan by any
Submitted by Rusty Shackleford on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 10:49am.
I'm no Olbermann fan by any means, but MSNBC's decision to fire him was really stupid. I know, technically he violated his contract so MSNBC had to right to do it, but I still don't think it was smart or made any sense.
First off, he's a commentator and not a journalist. Obviously NBC has no problem with their journalists being grossly opinionated, but a commentator is supposed to be grossly opinionated. It's the whole point! All his donations do is give him a degree of sincerity about those beliefs because there were times he was so absurd I had to wonder if his entire show was staged just to cater to the hard left.
Second, GE actively donates to politicians so why is it a conflict of interest only when the TV personalities do it?
Third, he has a great voice, comes across very passionately so I think he does his job as well as it can be done. I just think his ratings suck because his positions are the norm in the media and there's a limit to how much of that anyone can take. MSNBC will surely replace him with another (Alan Grayson or the Young Turk guy) but will their ratings be any better?
Fox News has loads of lefty pundants appear, so I think it would be great for them to pick him up for that. Not a show, but as a guy to appear on their shows.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Matthews: The Joy Behar of MSNBC.
Bill Maher: The Joy Behar of HBO.
Paul Krugman: The Joy Behar of The New York Times.
The Only Reason Olbermann
Submitted by ahusser on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 12:21pm.
Was suspended is that just last week Phil Griffin publicly proclaimed that MSNBC doesn't fundraise for the Dems. Olbie just made him look like the liar that he is. Must have been an embarrassing and maddening moment for Griffin. Either Olbie is incredibly stupid and arrogant (I believe he is) or there was a tremendous failure to communicate. There are repercussions when you embarrass the boss.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
Mr Griffin must really be angry*
Submitted by cajun2 on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 10:44pm.
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/11/06/olbermann/
Embarrassed again!