Although MSNBC and NBC officials are flatly denying the allegations, the New York Post on Friday reported that Keith Olbermann is threatening to quit if he's not promoted to host "Meet the Press."
The Post also claimed that Chris Matthews was actually heard lobbying for the job during Wednesday's memorial service for Tim Russert.
As reported at the Post's "Page Six" column (h/t TVNewser):
Matthews was heard loudly discussing what seemed to be his strategy for landing Russert's "Meet the Press" show at Wednesday's memorial reception for the NBC Washington bureau chief at the Kennedy Center in DC. After Brian Williams, Carl Bernstein, David Gergen, Barbara Walters and NBC brass eulogized their friend, Matthews huddled with an unidentified "agent type" and seemed to be plotting.
According to our spy, "Chris, with his loud voice, was going over a pitch for Tim's job. He was saying, 'You know, Tim's thing was this, and my thing is that.' It was unbelievably tacky." [...]
Meanwhile, Matthews' MSNBC cable cohort Olbermann, who was also at the memorial, is "threatening to quit if he isn't installed as Russert's replacement," another insider said. "I know, it sounds ludicrous, but, then, Keith Olbermann is ludicrous."
For the record, Matthews has denied that this was what was being discussed on Wednesday. And, as TVNewser reported, NBC News senior vice president Phil Griffin has responded, "It's outrageous and it's so disgusting and it's so disrespectful of Tim's memory that Page Six would use his memorial as an occasion to slam MSNBC and NBC News."
Olbermann has also taken issue with this Post story by making "Page Six" editor Paula Froelich his "Worst Person in the World" Thursday evening.
Who's right? You decide.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Comments Policy
Riiiiiight... and he'll
June 20, 2008 - 13:57 ET by PeskyDaneRiiiiiight... and he'll leave the country if McCain is elected.
pesky -- well, he's already
June 20, 2008 - 14:00 ET by Jack Bauerpesky -- well, he's already left his mind.
So that's not much of a leap.
Meanwhile, Matthews' MSNBC
June 20, 2008 - 14:48 ET by motherbeltMeanwhile, Matthews' MSNBC cable cohort Olbermann, who was also at the
memorial, is "threatening to quit if he isn't installed as Russert's
replacement,"
We should be so lucky.....
Please, please, please, pick anyone but KO!!!
he could join the others
June 20, 2008 - 14:54 ET by wizardjrHe can have a seat on the plane next to Susan Surrender, Alec Baldwin, and the rest of the crew. Man at this rate, we'll need two buses to get them all to the airport.
Awwww....I'll be a sport and
June 20, 2008 - 20:39 ET by Scout FinchAwwww....I'll be a sport and front the entire fee for the big "van" limousine to transport the whole bunch. I'm a stand-up kind of gal.
When Susie Q announced she
June 21, 2008 - 09:15 ET by misterbee241When Susie Q announced she would leave the country if McCain was elected, I went to one of her fan websites and offered to send 20$ toward her air fare out of here but she had to promise to really leave. I asked for an address where I could send the 20, but strangely enough, I never heard back. I left an email and a phone number. Oh well, cant blame a guy for trying.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
I'd rather
June 20, 2008 - 17:00 ET by ToddonCapeCodI'd rather he just leave the country. Period
I don't know anything about Paula
June 20, 2008 - 14:01 ET by Dee Bunkbut seeing as Olberman is a complete nut job lunatic, I'd have to believe her over him even if her nose grew as she spoke.
I hope he isn't chosen. 1:
June 20, 2008 - 14:04 ET by ForeverOnTheRightI hope he isn't chosen. 1: he is an incomptent child that needs two dipers. One for his pie hole and the other for his a## hole, but then I am repeating myself. 2: I'd love to see him quit. Cross the fingers and hope he'd never reappear on the national seen. 3: They could easily do better than Keith.
Ok Then..
June 20, 2008 - 14:06 ET by PurdueMattSee you later Keith!
And, by the way, Olbermeister...
June 20, 2008 - 14:15 ET by goldenthroatDon't let the door hit you on your left-coast, bleeding-heart, 'do as I say, not as I do' liberal a** on the way out. We'll miss you - just like a root canal!
"How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all?" - Firesign Theater
Just curious
June 20, 2008 - 20:51 ET by ChaitealoverAs most folks use the term 'left coast' to refer to California, why did you use it about a guy that comes from NY and went to Cornell? We've got enough of our own fruits and nuts here, we don't need to add this jerk to the list.
Chai
“A liberal is a man who will give away everything he doesn’t own.” —Frank Dane
Frankly I thought he was
June 20, 2008 - 14:18 ET by BuffNBoneFrankly I thought he was politicking last Friday when he was speaking with Matthews over in Paris.
"Quit if he is not made MTP host?" This could turn out to be a win-win situation after all.
"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"
STHU
June 20, 2008 - 14:31 ET by BacchusNBC's Last Best Hope: Keith Olbermann.
Quickly, NBC, sign Keith Olbermann up for Meet The Press and end once and for all the circus mentality of Sunday Morning talk shows.
Bwaaaaaa!!!
STHU!
I caught the very beginning
June 20, 2008 - 14:35 ET by bigtimerI caught the very beginning of Keith's insane rant last night...
Yeah right Olbie...I believe every slimy word you say.
Trust me.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
If they want their ratings
June 20, 2008 - 14:36 ET by NewsbusterbrownIf they want their ratings to drop, by all means they should hire Olbermann then.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
Olberdouche is gonna pull a
June 20, 2008 - 14:39 ET by TeddyDavid Caruso?
Say It Ain't So Keithy! Say It Ain't So!
Either Olbermann or Matthews would be great...
June 20, 2008 - 14:39 ET by CTThink of the exposure the Peacock Network could get for their outstanding cast of news commentators. Maybe they could even replace Tim Russert's chair with Keith's bathtub.
Oh man....
June 20, 2008 - 21:47 ET by BarkerMaybe they could even replace Tim Russert's chair with Keith's bathtub
CT, that is some funny, funny stuff! You deserve the Best Line Award for that one. And someone should give Keith "Bubbles" Olbermann a Rubber Ducky Award.
Why would Keith be upset
June 20, 2008 - 14:49 ET by txcoWhy would Keith be upset when someone uses exaggerated information....his whole show is based on that model.
Meet the Press
June 20, 2008 - 14:54 ET by somedaysIf Matthews can get his "Obama Tingling Leg" under control then mayby he should get the job. Olby might quit but maybe Al-Jazeera could find a place for him. If not, he can always go back to being mop boy at a porn arcade.
there's job waiting for him right now
June 20, 2008 - 14:55 ET by wizardjrAl Jazeera needs another vitriolic America hater with extreme BDS for their English language segment.
Based on that criteria....
June 20, 2008 - 15:06 ET by Prester John....the BBC would be a better fit for him.
Noel
June 20, 2008 - 15:14 ET by sarcasmoUnless I'm not recalling correctly, Olbermann denied he was angling for the job on his show last night. Since I was only watching during Daily Show/Colbert commercials, I may be incorrect on this one, but he complained that even thinking about it was inappropriate. I liked Brokaw's approach better. Tom said he was in an entire room full of people who are all gunning for Tim's old job. My mind really wants it to go to Eric Burns, a guy Fox News was dumb to lose, IMO, but the heart still says Jackie -- or was that the eyes?
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Bye Bye Keith
June 20, 2008 - 15:19 ET by NorthCoasterGood riddence, don't let the door hit you on the way out!
Re-watch Olby at Olby watch
June 20, 2008 - 16:29 ET by Interested and concerned CDNRe-watch Olby at Olby watch and you will note he HIMSELF isn't worthy of the job. That doesn't mean that his bosses don't, or that he would turn the job down.
It's the ol' not little ol' me...ok...if you think I'm up for it...i'll do it for Tim...
I'm sure you're right
June 20, 2008 - 16:48 ET by sarcasmoLike I said, I watched only part of it, so that sort of tactic would be expected on-air even if he's constantly on the phone to his agent the rest of the day. It's a big prize, Tim's old job with Meet The Press. Maybe NBC should rotate a bunch of people through Tim's chair for a while, if only as an excuse to see how all the prospects perform for cheap/free.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
room full of people who are all gunning for Tim's old job
June 20, 2008 - 18:05 ET by allamericangirlWorking in that newsroom, I hope they called in CSI to check for foul play
What a bunch of vultures
Olbermann
June 20, 2008 - 15:38 ET by EllisWyattCan we get his promise to quit in writing?
If you're not outraged at the media, you haven't been paying attention.
Hey it's looks mostly
June 20, 2008 - 15:44 ET by taterHey it's looks mostly win-win...Olby gets the job then he would almost have to have an opposing viewpoint once in a while (and if he doesn't the show dies) so at least someone could put him in his place instead of having a bunch of yes men. If he doesn't he quits (I bet he doesn't) and we never hear from him again (unless CNN picks him up).
www.theholyrosary.org
"There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we can not resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." -Sister Lucia
Can't you just picture it
June 20, 2008 - 15:57 ET by Tom in NCOlberputz throwing a tantrum over at the executive offices at NBC with spittle flying all over, flopping around on the floor, face turning blood red. Maybe if we're really lucky he'll pop an anuerysm in that pea brain of his.
I usually just flip to KO's
June 20, 2008 - 16:06 ET by gopsteveI usually just flip to KO's show for a second to see what personal agenda he's covering. Last night, I forced myself to watch him for about four minutes...
Ugh, I never knew that he changes his voice to mock dissenters...
and just to see his guests constantly nodding their heads...why does he bother to have guests?
I wonder what would happen
June 20, 2008 - 16:14 ET by mattmI wonder what would happen if Ari Fleischer, Dana Perino, Mark Levin, or even El Rushbo himself, were offered the job...
Actually Tony Snow would be great if his health allowed.
John Stossel would be a good choice, too....
But, since Democrat Insider is probably a minimum requisite for the job....
Stossel
June 20, 2008 - 16:21 ET by sarcasmoIs IMO too-good to hope-for because he's "out" as a libertarian. They'll keep him around, because some of us like him a lot, but his politics won't thrill GE/MSNBC insiders who want the government to pay for healthcare. I think the best realistic hope is still Eric Burns. If I'm being unrealistic I'm still in favor of giving the job to the weatherbabe, since she's at least as likely as Stossel. :)
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Tony Snow
June 20, 2008 - 17:14 ET by CellaYes, Tony Snow.
But we would have to change the name of the show to
"Meet the Best". (Though Tim was one of the best.)
Tony Snow. Yeah, we could
June 20, 2008 - 17:31 ET by goldbarTony Snow. Yeah, we could watch him wither and waste away before our very eyes!
gb... You are absolutely
June 20, 2008 - 17:36 ET by bigtimergb...
You are absolutely disgusting.
I really do not understand how critters like you sleep at night let alone look at your reflection when you wake up.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
GB Tony Snow is one of
June 20, 2008 - 17:42 ET by the curatorGB
Tony Snow is one of the most genuinely decent people in Washington. Even if he wasn't, he's still a human being. Why do you bother even trying to contribute. I'd be ashamed to know you.
"I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation-building."
-George W. Bush, October 11, 2000
Just echoeing some of the
June 20, 2008 - 17:54 ET by goldbarJust echoeing some of the posts I saw here regarding Tim Russert.
BS if you are gb. You are
June 20, 2008 - 18:05 ET by bigtimerBS if you are gb.
You are despicable.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
Huh?????????
June 20, 2008 - 18:24 ET by sarcasmoTim Russert died and then BRENT BOZELL HIMSELF WROTE A TRIBUTE, WHERE NB USERS COULDN'T EVEN POST. This site may have its faults (in fact, IMO it does) but NB has been more than respectful to the memory of Tim Russert. What other journalist would have gotten that treatment if he/she died on the job??
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
sarc
June 20, 2008 - 18:38 ET by Noel SheppardJ,
As an FYI, comments were blocked on Brent's post because we didn't want ANY vitriol directed at Russert. Furthermore, the writers here were given instructions to remove any comments in subsequent posts about Russert that were deemed offensive. That's how far we went here to make sure this man was not defamed at our website in the days following his death...and I'm very proud of that. Very proud.
Frankly, I was never prouder of my affiliation with the MRC than how we responded to Tim's death. I hope all NBers share this sentiment. ns
Thank you Noel, Tim was a
June 20, 2008 - 19:29 ET by RukusThank you Noel, Tim was a good journalist, that's not the way it is in the MSM today. So sad. I will miss him, he can't be replaced. God bless him and his family and friends. It's a loss that we all feel. God speed Tim! I know you are watching us down here, we will do our best to make you proud!
"Nuke 'em 'til they... oh hell, just shoot 'em!"
Absolutely Noel.....MRC and NB did a great job....
June 20, 2008 - 19:53 ET by BEGRUNTI just saw goldbricks comments and almost fell out of my chair. I knew he was a loon, but to stoop that low is really incredible. By the way he argues his points, I would say he is in his late teens, to early 20's. If that is a sample of whats coming, god help us.
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Noel, Mr. Bozell's not allowing comments was wrong. Period.
June 20, 2008 - 22:55 ET by R D HelmThe fact that the members here were not allowed to comment on Mr. Bozell's post regarding Tim Russert smacked of elitism.
I am quite sure that many of our detractors have taken note of the fact that we mere members were not allowed to post comments in that thread.
To me, it suggested that we NBers cannot be trusted in "sensitive" situations.
I realize that most all of us here have "lost it" on occasion. God knows I have. However (and if I am wrong here, please correct me, as I haven't the time to spend here as in days past) 98.5% of the comments that were posted by NB members on Tim Russert's untimely death were quite respectful.
In the future, if Mr. Bozell does not want input on his articles from NB members, then perhaps he might consider confining those articles to the MRC site, along with other places that do not allow comments.
I have always thought we (regardless of our myriad differences) were in this thing together.
Perhaps I was wrong.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
I can see where you're
June 20, 2008 - 22:56 ET by balboaI can see where you're coming from, RD. But I can see it from NBs POV, too. As well-intentioned as people on here might be, there was always the potential of the thread getting sticky, an argument popping up. So instead of worrying about that, they just said, "Ya' know what? No comments on this one," out of respect for Tim. That's fair, IMO.
I agree bal.......
June 20, 2008 - 23:05 ET by BEGRUNTI think they handled it in a respectful way..................
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Too many hand grenade tossing trolls.............
June 20, 2008 - 23:09 ET by BEGRUNTthat would have taken advantage of the post.......kudos NB for heading it off!!
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
*
June 20, 2008 - 23:47 ET by R D Helm*
I now think they did the right thing
June 21, 2008 - 05:13 ET by sarcasmoAt first I felt what you said, but as NB users we had plenty of opportunity to say things, nice or nasty, about Tim Russert on other threads. Not every dead MSM journalist is going to get a tribute like that from a site like this, so letting it stand alone was appropriate as a troll-prevention measure, and maybe also so that the Russert family could safely send around that link. Speaking of good links, I still can't get over Uncle Tony's solo guitar performance.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Well said Sarc!
June 21, 2008 - 11:35 ET by Dee BunkI had the exact same thought process and couldn't have said it any better.
RD
June 21, 2008 - 11:54 ET by Noel SheppardRD,
I don't think you're being fair. After all, this is his site. If he wants to post an article without allowing comments, he has that right, and his reasons.
As you are quite aware, message boards can get ugly. Oftentimes, it not even the content of the article that stokes hostility. As such, in this instance, Brent, representing the MRC, wanted to express an opinion about Tim's demise that would stand all on its own. I don't see anything wrong with that. ns
Noel, I stand corrected.
June 21, 2008 - 20:25 ET by R D HelmOnce I thought about it a little more, I saw it as the right thing to have done, as well.
It appears I perceived a slight that was not really there.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
sarc......I know we butt heads from time to time.....I want you
June 20, 2008 - 20:29 ET by BEGRUNTto know that your a stand up guy!! BTW, I do agree with you about 75% of the time. ;-)
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Thanks.
June 21, 2008 - 05:15 ET by sarcasmo75% is better than nothing!
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
goldbar, Exactly which
June 20, 2008 - 18:29 ET by hydrodynDMgoldbar,
Exactly which posts are you referring to?
I ask, since my past experience with you suggests you like to make crap up.
redbar, you are an ass of the first order...
June 20, 2008 - 21:25 ET by R D Helm...and I can think of nothing further to say.
Jerk.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
Leadbar... We can only
June 20, 2008 - 18:04 ET by Clear thinkerLeadbar...
We can only hope that you someday go through the same as Tony. I'm sure you will be crying like a baby and blaming your government for the cards you were dealt.
You sir, would never be half the man as Tony!
FYI... This will be the very first time I ask the honchos at NB to kick this guys butt to the curb!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
I'm with you Ct. Enough
June 20, 2008 - 18:11 ET by bigtimerI'm with you Ct.
Enough is enough...and I knew exactly what he meant about watching Tony die before our eyes with cancer...he is filthy.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
Well bt...
June 20, 2008 - 18:15 ET by Clear thinkerI have already sent my request to the NB generals. I'm hoping they put him in front of a firing squad (or just kick him off the site).
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
"Meet the Best".
June 20, 2008 - 18:15 ET by allamericangirlIf Olbermann is chosen as the host it will have to be called MEET THE BEAST
They'd have to change the
June 20, 2008 - 16:37 ET by Chris NormanThey'd have to change the name to "Meet the Mess"...
I read this was all
June 20, 2008 - 17:54 ET by balboaI read this was all rebutted, as someone asked Matthews about it at the funeral, and he quickly and promptly shut the conversation down, as he should have.
i see another
June 20, 2008 - 17:55 ET byi see another disappointment from a broken promise coming my way : (
Support our Troops
Obie threatens to quit?
June 20, 2008 - 20:06 ET by pbthinkerOne can only wish.
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
pb... Hey...Hope springs
June 20, 2008 - 20:23 ET by bigtimerpb...
Hey...Hope springs eternal....
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
Please NBC, if you have any
June 20, 2008 - 22:22 ET by Airforce_5_OPlease NBC, if you have any sense, any credibility, you will not let this Butt Monkey anywhere near Meet the Press. He is one reason MSNBC is so bad. Time to clean house NBC and Odor-man is the best place.
But what do I know? I am bitter and cling to my religion and guns.
Frankly, I don't care which
June 20, 2008 - 23:44 ET by seanrobinsFrankly, I don't care which of these turds gets the job (if either), but for laughs sake - and seeing NBC once and for all flush itself completely down the toilet - let it be Olbermann.
sean robins
blog.seanrobins.com
Message to NBC/GE
June 21, 2008 - 01:23 ET by MSD6Obie: He will eventually go berserk when one of his guests disagrees with him.
Chrissie: He will ask the second and third questions before the guest has a chance to answer the first question.
Both will seriously damage the reputation of a fine show that Russert took great care to nurture and build. Don't go with a host that is obviously partisan. The public will vet them and no stone will be left unturned.
Lotsa stuff on this item.
June 21, 2008 - 01:37 ET by maggieqpublicLotsa stuff on this item. Gossip/not gossip? All interesting, but the barb that caught my attention was…
Come on... prove you earned that two-year vocational degree in janitorial services/
This “curator” of the intelligentsia sure has a solid grip on the bitter clinger-types in fly-over America.
How could we not trust this
June 21, 2008 - 07:07 ET by WhichWingHow could we not trust this completely unbiased source? The New York Post, owned by Murdoch, who also owns Fox News, would have no reason to print such a story about NBC, MSNBC or Olbermann!
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
I wouldn't hire Olbermann for dog catcher
June 21, 2008 - 08:23 ET by ChiefE9He is a loose cannon not read for prime time.
Russert most of the time was fair and balanced.
I wouldn't hire Olbermann for dog catcher
June 21, 2008 - 08:35 ET by ChiefE9He is a loose cannon not ready for prime time.
Russert most of the time was fair and balanced.
NBers
June 21, 2008 - 09:35 ET by Noel SheppardNBers,
For those interested, according to LexisNexis, in the past three months, there have been 160 news reports citing the Post's Page Six without mentioning that it's a gossip column. This even includes CNN's Howard Kurtz on the May 25 installment of "Reliable Sources" and Chris Matthews on the March 27 installment of "Hardball."
Hehehehehe. ns
Who woulda thought?
June 21, 2008 - 11:30 ET by dbo"The Jourrnalist" must be heartbroken.
dbo
June 21, 2008 - 11:41 ET by Noel Shepparddbo,
Here's another stat: over 60 percent of the reports citing Page Six in the past 3 months DIDN'T mention that it's a gossip column. :-)
BTW: You don't really believe this guy's claim that he's a "professional journalist" do you? He spells like a first-grader. ns
You mean the guy that said
June 21, 2008 - 12:04 ET by dboYou mean the guy that said "if you were an actual reporter, you'd likely be brought before the governing board of whatever state you may work in and be censured"? LOL. I believe the closest this guy got to journalism is that he's probably read "Much Ado about Nothing" a gazillion times. Honestly, if he looked in the mirror I don't think he could find his nose.
Do these two men have no
June 21, 2008 - 11:19 ET by msh1973Do these two men have no shame? Tim Russert just passed away last week and already they are fighting over his job. Instead of feeling sympathy for the family they see his death as an advantage for themselves. Sickening!
To Emote or Not to Emote
June 21, 2008 - 14:49 ET by third eyeWell these allegations are most likely true, at least with Olbermann, because if they werent he probably wouldnt have bothered mentioning them on air with such emotion. With that said, Im all for giving the chair to Olbermann -- his unique ablity to rally the conservative base is unparalleled in modern times.
Olberboyy
January 29, 2009 - 11:12 ET by afotiaWhaaaa whaaaa whaaaa....that's Olberboy crying about not getting the MEET THE PRESS gig. But how could he? He's not a journalist! Check out the comments here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/fire-keith-olbermann
The man is an idiot with an ego the size of his large head.... but no brains allowed.