Olbermann: National Review Editor Masturbated During Palin Debate

Just when you thought Keith Olbermann couldn't go any lower, he plunges to new depths that seem almost unimaginable for someone pawning himself off as a journalist.

On Friday, the "Countdown" host actually told his viewers that National Review editor Rich Lowry's published opinion of Sarah Palin's performance during Thursday's debate "read like soft core porn."

MSNBC's leading on-air personality disgustingly concluded: "I don`t really care if you sat there last night during the debate and masturbated. But was it really necessary to tell America about it?"

What follows is a partial transcript of Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World" segment (video embedded right, relevant section at 1:30, h/t NB reader Teresa Kroker):

But our winner tonight, actually topping that, Rich Lowry of "National Review." Thinking Governor Palin did well last night is not a ludicrous position. It`s not a criminal offense. It`s an opinion. But when you`re opinion starts to read like soft core porn, you may be explaining more about Sarah Palin`s appeal to the far right than you want. Here is Mr. Lowry`s opinion, as he posted it in full today: "A very wise TV executive once told me that the key to TV is projecting through the screen. It`s one of the keys to the success of, say, a Bill O`Reilly, who comes through the screen and grabs you by the throat. Palin too projects through the screen like crazy. I`m sure I`m not the only male in American who, when Palin dropped her first wink, sat up a little straighter on the couch and said, hey, I think she just winked at me.

"And her smile. By the end, when she clearly knew she was doing well, it was so sparkling. It was almost mesmerizing. It sent little star bursts through the screen and ricocheting around the living rooms of America. This is a quality that can`t be learned. It`s either something you have or you don`t. Man, she`s got it."

Look, sir, I don`t really care if you sat there last night during the debate and masturbated. But was it really necessary to tell America about it? Rich, sitting up a little straighter on the couch, Lowry of "National Review" online, today`s worst person -- please sit back from your TV, sir - - in the world!

Wow. The good folks at General Electric should be so proud.