Many might wax nostalgic for the America immortalized in Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post cover drawings. Not Keith Olbermann. He longs for the good old days when people like Rush Limbaugh . . . could be strung up. Here's the Countdown host tonight, speaking with Air America's Rachel Maddow:
KEITH OLBERMANN: Legally, we've come a very long way since the Haymarket bombing in Chicago in 1886 when we wound up hanging some anarchist writers, who were not even in the state, as murderers by proxy. And legally there is this question of "temporal remoteness" [separation in time between the statement and the act]. You say this now on the radio, it happens in August. It's not like yelling "fire!" in a crowded theater; it is protected speech. But do you think that Limbaugh has any idea that were he to repeat what he said on the air, say the day before the convention, or during it, he might actually be morally or legally responsible for incitement to riot?
View video here.
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Responding, Maddow took some ad hominem shots at Rush's personal life.
RACHEL MADDOW: I think that, with the exception of things involving his housekeeper, and painkillers, and other people's Viagra at airports and stuff, I think that with the exception of stuff in his personal life, Rush is such a pro that he knows exactly where the legal line is that he's toeing. And so I'm sure he knows that when he's speaking through his golden microphone in April about something that's going to happen in August, he's not in any danger of any criminal charges here. But, if he said this not through the golden microphone and in person and in August and in Denver, if he keeps with this line--he was very overt what he was asking for--then sure he would be in trouble. He's not there yet, but if he repeats this in the right place, then that's absolutely the line he's walking.Let's put aside the absurdity of all this for a moment and make a legal point. The people who would be rioting in the streets of Denver would be Obama supporters outraged that Hillary had managed to snatch the nomination away from him. People like . . . Keith Olbermann viewers. Is the Countdown host suggesting his audience would be taking their marching orders from Rush Limbaugh?
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Olbermann had better be
April 25, 2008 - 21:13 ET by motherbeltOlbermann had better be careful what he wishes for. Or he might have to "put up or shut up" and come up with some actual evidence (not just his blowhard opinion) about the Bush presidency being a criminal conspiracy to cover the a$$ of George W. Bush. He might also have to prove his charge that Bush coerced al Queda prisoners to make false confessions, and all the other allegations he pull out of his....imagination.
Middle
April 25, 2008 - 21:08 ET by AzRenegadeIt's hard to believe MessNBC pays this blowhard to make things up out of the blue.
I wonder what the Olbermonster thinks about "Recreate 68," the left wing nut group whose aim is NOT to spread flowers around the city at convention time!
Oh, my bad! That kind of commentary would require the Olbermonster to actually think about his tirades! That's a little much for his two brain cells to handle at one time.
AzRenegade
why?
April 26, 2008 - 10:09 ET by ort777Why are we even talking about this idiot? All he wants to do is get a response from Rush and I don't think Rush should give him the time of day. He has like 3 people watching his show and for Rush to even mention him would give him great satisfaction and help his ratings. I know we need to expose him for the dork he is but please, to mention Rush and Olbe.., I can't even do it! This guy is like a bug trying to get past those bug killers on Rush's great estate and ZAP! No one even knows it happened. Know what I mean?
LOL...glad this is
April 25, 2008 - 21:18 ET by bigtimerLOL...glad this is here...
Olbermann made a fool of himself once again...Maddow, that goes without saying too...
Here is what is already being planned....Amy Goodman and her ilk, sound familiar anyone?
Al Sharpton has already said they would be ready to take to the streets and demonstate before all of this was said...
Too danged funny.
Rush is right....deal with it.
Operation Chaos...continue on....Denver here we come.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Does he mean the Rush
April 25, 2008 - 21:20 ET by MidAmericaDoes he mean the Rush Limbaugh that was declared by some in the media a few months ago as irrelevant and no longer had much influence?
(I don't think they should have tweaked Rush that way. He doesn't take tweaking well) (snicker)
MA... Monday is going to
April 25, 2008 - 21:33 ET by bigtimerMA...
Monday is going to be a blast to listen to Rush...one thing about it though, he rarely mentions Olbie by name, he makes me happy by not giving the slug the time of day most times...which is exactly what Olbie is praying for...
Operation Chaos....they hate it.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
…by not giving the slug
April 26, 2008 - 00:53 ET by maggieqpublic…by not giving the slug the time of day most times…
Yup. Rush must be careful not to give the benefit of his own ratings to Olbermann (and others) by participating in a back-and-forth with MSNBC ratings losers.
Olbermann and his guests don’t even present cogent arguments that are worthy of response.
Evening maggie... Getting
April 26, 2008 - 00:58 ET by bigtimerEvening maggie...
Getting ready to close out for the night and I couldn't agree more.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Wonder if Rachel would ever
April 25, 2008 - 21:29 ET by GeoGolfWonder if Rachel would ever mention Bath Tub Boy's weight problems or being self admited neurotic?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olbermann
If Keith couldn't bash Rush - Bill O - or Bush....with a continual circle jerk of left wink kooks no one has ever heard of, the show wouldn't exist.
Keith, How about having , let's say, ONE conservative on the show, debate your views, and have you embarassed on TV? Oh can't have that--that MIGHT be "Fair and Balanced".
He is a whining child.
"Thank God I am young enough, that I shall see the 60's Anti American,Flag Burning,Dope Smoking,Freakshow Leftist "worst generation" Expire- overtaken by the Reagan Babies"
Far be it from me to
April 25, 2008 - 22:28 ET by JerFar be it from me to begrudge the taking of a degree of blogging license in the choice of attention-grabbing headlines to rally the troops.
But, unless there is something in the video which is not reflected in the quoted dialogue, the characterization of Olbermannn's remarks as evidencing his "Nostalgi[a] for Days Rush Could be Hanged" goes well beyond any permissable latitude.
If anything, KO's observation indicated precisely the opposite of any such nostalgic feelings. Saying "we've come a very long way" would generally be construed as acknowedging and endorsing progress in law and societal attitudes...not a yearning for the old days.
Jer
ROFL.... Just because
April 25, 2008 - 22:33 ET by bigtimerROFL....
Just because Jer...just because.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Sorry bt... Your comment
April 25, 2008 - 22:38 ET by JerSorry bt...
Your comment is against NB rules and regs. Because why?
Jer
....teeheeeheheeeee...hardy
April 25, 2008 - 22:41 ET by bigtimer....teeheeeheheeeee...hardy har har....TGIF!
Smile...be happy!
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
"goes well beyond any permissable latitude"
April 26, 2008 - 04:45 ET by old croWhere is the impermissable latitude? Is it near the unmentionable longitude? Maybe it's just another wild assertion.
old cro...yeah, I agree...I
April 26, 2008 - 20:35 ET by Jerold cro...yeah, I agree...I think I could have used a better choice of words than "permissable latitude".
Jer
And what about Olbermann's
April 26, 2008 - 05:44 ET by motherbeltAnd what about Olbermann's screencap that says "Limbaugh's Bloody Plan"?
Now, unless KO has some evidence that Limbaugh is planning bloodshed, isn't that outside the "permissible latitude"?
Sauce for the goose.....
No
April 27, 2008 - 20:00 ET by ChesterBogusSauce for the goose? No. Eye-for-an-eye is the ancient Arab code and it's proven disastrous for them.
Anyway, being the bigger man means fighting clean, even when they fight dirty.
But I agree that NB was very liberal in their interpretation of his words. He was merely pointing out that if a man incites riots he has some responsibility, and that would/should be punishable.
mb...I believe "riots" as
April 27, 2008 - 20:22 ET by Jermb...I believe "riots" as opposed to, say, organized marches, civil disobedience, or peaceful protests, generally presume a level of unlawful damage to property and often injury to persons.
Limbaugh seemed to be not only "dreaming" of riots, but actually yearning for and endorsing them.
It's not so much a legal question, as it is an issue of professionally responsible behavior.
Jer
→ Jer
April 27, 2008 - 20:35 ET by Cool ArrowI can "dream" of riots in Denver. I can even "call" for riots in Denver.
But what would be my level of influence in this incitement unless one concedes Democrats will follow me?
The riots in Denver will be a direct result of Democrat condescension towards African Americans. Limbaugh isn't inciting anything. He just sees it coming.
♣ a seal
Cool...I think Rush also
April 27, 2008 - 20:54 ET by JerCool...I think Rush also added something to the effect that it was the duty of his audience to make sure it [the riots] happened...although I believe he later fell back on the "I was just joshing" defense.
Look, nothing is going to happen to the 800 lb. media gorilla [and I say that within the context of admiration--not disparagement]. But, I don't think it was very responsible language.
Jer
Jer... You do realize all
April 27, 2008 - 21:10 ET by bigtimerJer...
You do realize all of this is taking place.... plus Sharpton's comments about taking to the streets if the superdelegates went against the will of the people... were the reasons for these remarks...right?
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
bt...
April 27, 2008 - 21:19 ET by JerI was familiar with the Recreate 68 angle....did Sharpton's comments predate Rush's? Obviously, I hope there is no disruption of any kind.
I don't pay much attention to Sharpton. He's the favorite Democrat of Fox News.
Jer
Jer...yes they did in
April 27, 2008 - 21:29 ET by bigtimerJer...yes they did in answer to your question about Sharpton's remarks, I had a link and looked for it and couldn't find it when I posted this above, nevertheless hope you trust me...I am so lazy tonight I am not looking any further...I may tomorrow though, I'm pretty sure Rush has a link too, although that isn't where mine was from.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
bt...Of course I trust
April 27, 2008 - 21:53 ET by Jerbt...Of course I trust you. I'm too lazy and tired to try to track it down tonite, too. If you run across it, let me know. But if you don't, that's okay. I'll take your word for it.
Jer
Implied in Content
April 26, 2008 - 07:44 ET by CobraMan"If anything, KO's observation indicated precisely the opposite of any such nostalgic feelings."
Oh, really? Then why start the segment with a reference for a old form of punishment (death by hanging) for "murderers by proxy" (a.k.a inciting a criminal act, you know, like a riot) and then follow it with a supposition that "he might actually be morally or legally responsible for incitement to riot?" That sounds a lot like he’s having nostalgic feelings to me, especially when he used the qualifier of "legally" when describing the former punishment.
If he wasn't being nostalgic then why mention the old form of punishment, dramatic effect?
Which one's Olbermann?
April 25, 2008 - 22:35 ET by the strugglerWhich one's Olbermann?
The less masculine-looking
April 26, 2008 - 07:55 ET by Roger the ShrubberThe less masculine-looking one, I believe.
FLASH! This just in . . .
April 25, 2008 - 23:03 ET by seanrobinsFLASH!
This just in . . .
Olbermann's a moron . . .
sean robins
blog.seanrobins.com
Sean, LOL.
April 25, 2008 - 23:17 ET by R D HelmPerhaps it is time to consider investing in a new flash generator, as yours seems to be a little, ahh, s l o w.
Theme for Election '08: Who cares?
Denver
April 25, 2008 - 23:36 ET by sbarkLeft already has a group getting ready in Denver---"Recreate 68", got permits etc ready to go
I said 5 weeks ago......there will either be riots in Denver or in November.......whichever spot Hussien O. Losses.....
and if he wins......heck the rest of us better riot...Boston Tea Parties all over the nation......
Hi sb... I've put the
April 25, 2008 - 23:44 ET by bigtimerHi sb...
I've put the links here in a couple places already tonight on other threads...here it is again to Recreate '68.....
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Olbermoron
April 26, 2008 - 03:47 ET by Logic over emotionCan anyone tell me, God forbid, what happens to Olbermoron if Obama becomes President? Seriously, his 6 viewers only tuned in to hear him bash Bush and company. Some very good points here, I really enjoy NB's great investigative Journalist and the good peoples comments.
Gosh ... "hanging" ...
April 26, 2008 - 04:41 ET by Jack BauerGosh ... "hanging" ... which is just another word for "lynching" ... which is so redolent with racist undertones....
Omigod... Olbermann is tantamount to a racist. That's how Keefs ill logic works right?
Add to the fact that Rush is actually disabled.... OMIGOD ... Keefy is now subliminally setting the stage for a disabled person be strung up in some public lynching.
Is there no end to Olbermann's intolerable and inflammatory rhetoric. Hang 'im high.
Morning, Jack! Cant' be
April 26, 2008 - 05:49 ET by motherbeltMorning, Jack! Cant' be "racist undertones"....Rush isn't black.
However, this is kind of like Clarence Thomas' "high-tech lynching"
Wacky how they focus on Rush
April 26, 2008 - 05:27 ET by Miket53Someone else here pointed out how the liberal media says "Rush doesn't matter" yet he is talked about everyday by somebody. More so than ever. They say Rush "lies" and stirs up trouble but I listen virtually everyday. He is not doing any of this. People like Durbin can call our troops "Nazi's" or others compare Bush to Hitler but that is not even questioned by the media.
Miket53 http://mtaricani.blogspot.com/
Coming from Maddow, the
April 26, 2008 - 08:06 ET by SickofLibsComing from Maddow, the Viagra swipe is particularly vicious. Nice touch!
Well, that's a liberal for
April 26, 2008 - 11:10 ET by motherbeltWell, that's a liberal for you. The current dicussion is never enough. They have to drag up everything from the past...whatever they can think of. When talking about a conservative public figure, it's always important to bring up all that stuff in his personal life.
Notice the difference
April 27, 2008 - 03:53 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsWhen talking about a conservative public figure, it's always important to bring up all that stuff in his personal life.
Notice the difference for the leftist neo-progressive Obama:
Old friend Wright is a racist, old news, move on.
Old friend Ayer is a bomber, old news, move on.
Old friend Rezco is a crook, old news, move on.
Drug use, old news, move on.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
I am shocked
April 26, 2008 - 10:47 ET by Jonah Johansen"Rachel is 33 years old and lives in New York City and rural Western Massachusetts with her partner, artist Susan Mikula."
I am shocked. She always came off as so feminine and seductive.
I guess it's back to Katrina Vanden Heuvel for my erotic
fantasies.
Rush's Dream
April 26, 2008 - 15:05 ET by SanityClauseMark,
Your last paragraph summarizes the thoughts I had when I heard about this Rush legal jeopardy nonsense.
When I have heard of various bad guys killing each other, competing drug dealers, members of "crime families", Middle East terrorists or political anarchists, I have often dreamed that they would be efficient at killing each other, just praying that innocents do not also get killed in the process. The recent reports about the Weather Underground group reported about one of them accidentally blowing himself up: goodie goodie.
I am not requesting or suggesting these killings, just bemused when they happen, so long as innocents are not injured or killed.
I fail to see how Rush can be convicted of a crime based on similar dreams.
Hey Chico.....
April 27, 2008 - 04:36 ET by old croI really don't have anything to add to the conversation, just that your screen name reminded me of the Marx Bros and I agree with you completely.
Good old days
April 26, 2008 - 22:57 ET by nkviking75I long for the good old days when libel and slander laws didn't make it nearly impossible for public figures to sue. It would serve Olbermutt right to have to fork over a significant portion of his meager MSNBC salary to Rush every paycheck for the rest of his life.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Only if uber-blubber were
April 27, 2008 - 01:11 ET by RaOnly if uber-blubber were transmitting back in WWII, with the same market share he has now. He'd be the to bit hack on some radio station that no one listened to. Has his viewership hit like oh 25% of Fox? or .0125 of the great one's?
The sun is not set by a thermostat.....