S.E. Cupp Strikes Back at Olbermann, Gore, Planned Parenthood and NOW
As NewsBusters reported last Thursday, Keith Olbermann for some reason chose to viciously attack conservative author S.E. Cupp for opinions she expressed on the previous evening's "Joy Behar Show."
On Monday, in a Special Comment on her online program at Glenn Beck.com, Cupp responded to Olbermann while calling out his new boss at Current TV Al Gore as well as Planned Parenthood and the National Organization for Women (video follows with transcript and commentary):
S.E. CUPP: I want to take a moment to comment on the incident that occurred last week. In case you were all busy doing other things, and missed it (wish I could say the same) Current TV news director Keith Olbermann took to Twitter on Thursday to, well, wish me unborn. Yes, seriously. I was, in all honesty, prepared to let this dumb story carry on in the gutter without any help from me, but unfortunately Keith is still prattling on about it, the media is still addressed it, and I feel as though I have an obligation to my fans, my employer, and most importantly, my parents to address it myself, here, on my own show. So here goes.
To briefly recap, on Wednesday of last week I was invited on the Joy Behar Show on CNN HLN, where Joy, Jerry Springer and I had a civilized, albeit pointed discussion about Planned Parenthood. I said that I didn’t think I should have to fund with my tax dollars an organization that I fundamentally disagree with, as someone who is pro-life. The conversation was robust but at times conciliatory. And I think we all left feeling like we had a good debate on a very serious issue.
The next day I took off for Ohio to give a speech at Miami University, and later that afternoon someone alerted me to the following post by Olbermann on Twitter:
“On so many levels she’s a perfect demonstration of the necessity of the work Planned Parenthood does.”
Later in the day, when pressed by outraged readers, he kind of clarified, writing:
“I never mentioned abortion. I said her parents could have used counseling by PP rather than get the results they did.”
And then:
“I insinuated her parents would’ve helped the earth had they consulted PP for birth control”
And then:
“I didn’t say she should have been aborted. I said her parents could’ve used PP to learn how not to raise a moron.”
If you’re confused, that’s probably because backpeddling can be incredibly disorienting. I don’t know if his attempts at clarifying hurt his cause or help him, but over the weekend he has continued to dig himself deeper, bizarrely accusing me of lying but refusing to say about what.
The good folks at Mediaite, National Review, FoxNews.com and dozens of other outlets have pointed out that nothing I said in the Joy Behar interview was inaccurate or dishonest. And most people have also pointed out that Keith Olbermann’s nasty suggestion that I shouldn’t exist is, to put it mildly, hitting below the belt. I won’t waste my time and yours pointing out the flaws in his “arguments” or telling you what you already know – that wishing someone dead is a lousy way to make a point.
But I do want to say a couple things.
First, I’m Sorry.
I’m sorry to my parents. I’m a pundit and a columnist and an author, and I choose to write and speak about controversial issues. For that, sometimes I am rewarded with death threats and hate mail. It’s part of the job, but you never get used to hearing that someone wants you dead. Nonetheless, this career was my choice.
But my parents never asked to be challenged on their politics, and they especially never asked to be challenged on their personal decisions, decisions like whether they wanted to keep me or not. They are quite simply, the greatest people I know, so calling into question their character is something I’m not okay with.
But rather than say something I would later regret in the heat of the moment, I allowed my mother to respond to Mr. Olbermann. It’s currently up on the Blaze, and it is better than anything I could write on the matter.
Two, this is bigger than Mr. Olbermann (as most things are.) For many of us, on both sides of the aisle, abortion is a VERY serious and sensitive matter. We care deeply about right-to-life issues, and those of us who are fortunate enough to have a public platform through with to speak about them – either on the pro-life or pro-choice side – recognize that that mantle is a privilege and an honor, and should not be treated lightly or taken for granted. Abortion isn’t a punch line, nor is it a weapon. And if we’re going to have a meaningful conversation about it, well it CERTAINLY shouldn’t be within the crass and limiting confines of 140 characters. Twitter isn’t the best place to debate the value of life. And I’m sure Mr. Olbermann regrets not choosing his words more carefully.
Finally, what now? While the media and the blogosphere debate the imprudence of Olbermann’s words, the voices that should be speaking out are strangely silent. So I’ll ask directly:
Are you proud, Mr. Gore, of your new hire? Are you comfortable allowing Mr. Olbermann to represent your media venture? He’s the face of Current TV?
Planned Parenthood: Keith Olbermann does you no favors speaking on your behalf. If your goal is to convince the country that abortion assistance isn’t the primary focus of your organization, well certainly seems like he’s unaware of that. Do you approve of Mr. Olbermann’s cheapening of the abortion issue?
And NOW, the National Organization for Women: Where are you? I’m a woman. Women’s rights and in particular the abortion issue are huge parts of your national platform. Anything to say? Any fingers to wag? Any comment at all?
I’m happy to debate women’s rights, and do so often and with alacrity. If anyone from Current TV, Planned Parenthood, or NOW wants to have a meaningful discussion about those issues, this chair is open. Come on in.
Until then, I’m sure Keith Olbermann will be more than happy to fill the vacuum left by your deafening silence.
Indeed he will.
In reality, Olbermann has shown himself throughout the years as being quite a sexist. The former MSNBCer even got himself into trouble when he commented back in 2008 about someone needing to take Hillary Clinton "into a room" to get her to bow out of the presidential race.
As such, his Twitter comments last week shouldn't surprise anyone.
But as Cupp pointed out, they should raise Gore's eyebrows. Is this what the Nobel laureate wants as the new face of Current TV?
It is by no means a secret that Olbermann has caused trouble at every television station he's worked for, and has left on bad terms with each departure.
When are TV executives going to realize that this man is a ticking time bomb, and it's not a matter of if he's going to explode - it's a matter of when?
That said, our hearts go out to Cupp and her family. As S.E. correctly pointed out, this world of political punditry is a tremendously hostile one, but our families should never become part of the battle. That Olbermann doesn't know this is further proof of just how disturbed he is.
Those interested in reading more on this issue should review recent articles at Mediaite where Tommy Christopher has been on top of this story since day one.
And while you're at it, keep a positive thought in your heart for the Cupps.
S.E. is one of the good guys, and she deserves far better than how she's recently been treated by one of the Left's heroes.
- Noel Sheppard's blog
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Comments
Olbermann....
Submitted by Slyrr on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 10:06pm.
Olbermann.... Olbermann....
Didn't he, like, die in a grease fire a couple months ago?
I heard he raped and murdered a teenager...
Submitted by shooter on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 11:42pm.
...you know, as the other side claims Beck did.
_________________________________________
"An armed society is a polite society" -- Robert A. Heinlein
Great visual ...
Submitted by RealVet on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 7:05am.
That's a great visual, but I heard he was recently arrested in a Wal Mart toy section, dressed in a leopard-skin thong & tank top, sitting in front of a shelf full of rubber chickens.
and
Submitted by HockeyKid on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 8:22am.
under his trademark trenchcoat, no doubt.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
The last time I ran across
Submitted by motherbelt on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 8:51am.
The last time I ran across Current TV in my on-screen guide, most of the lineup seemed to be episodes of a show called "Kill it, cook it, eat it."
Even Keith Olbermann is a plus in a lineup like that.
Keith Olbermann
Submitted by ProudAmerican58 on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 7:28pm.
"Kill it, cook it, eat it" (if you dare)
Perfect!
Now you've done it.
Submitted by Now_I_Want_Change on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 9:08am.
The visual you just conjured up caused me so much brain damage that I've become a liberal.... :-}
The simple fact is
Submitted by bkeyser on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 10:16pm.
that Gore doesn't mind this -anything to draw another viewer's attention to Current TV is a positive for him. One day, he hopes to get to a full dozen actual viewers, so this can do nothing but help.
PP certainly isn't going to comment; they're keeping as low a profile as possible right now and hoping to hell that Barry wins in '12. 'Mo money, 'mo money, 'mo money.
NOW doesn't consider anyone with both pro-life views, and breasts, a woman. So defense for SE is surely not forthcoming.
All-in-all, this was probably a calculated media stunt by KO, likely from the confines of his bathtub, all in an effort to make sure people don't forget about him. SE probably won't have anything else to say on the matter.
Too late and dishonest
Submitted by Chris Norman on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 10:19pm.
'I don’t know if his attempts at clarifying hurt his cause or help him"
Public "clarifications" are merely weak attempts to make poisonous comments more palatable after they're swallowed. By definition, they're always too late to undo the damage caused.
With each and every nasty thing Olbermann excretes he hurts the liberal cause except among other equally nasty (but unknown) liberal thugs who are already in his gang. The rest of us can only shake our heads and sigh.
Absolutely pathetic
Submitted by GG_NB on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 10:22pm.
This makes me equal parts mad and sad.
S.E. is fantastic. Olbermann is...well, it's plenty evident what he is.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
Wow! You can't get any clearer and articulate than that.
Submitted by Rush Fan on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 11:00pm.
I'm glad S.E. Cupp is a spokesperson for our side. We could use more Republican politicians with Cupp's clear, concise and no-nonsense approach to represent us on CBS, NBC, etc., to replace media whores such as RINOs McCain and Gramnesty who seek the adulation of the liberal media.
Silence is deafening
Submitted by Tomorama on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 11:00pm.
One of my favorite pundits, I DON'T agree on her every opinion, but I RESPECT her every opinion.
She is spot on here and she shows more guts than many male Republicans... hmmm, I sense the pattern..........
NOW is again shown to be the phony POS that they really are.
noLw is the real name and meaning of the organization and the L stands for Liberal.
Like the media reporting on Obambi from day one, NOW is always kicked dragging and screaming into defending a Conservative leaning WOMAN.
And she is a SMART, Courageous and beautiful woman.
She doesn't bide by their screed though, she has more class.
Maybe some "gray haired tied back" spinster wil come out and say something minor about this and THEN launch into an anti-Conservative, Faux noise hatefest to appease the other spinsters?
Miss Cupp
Submitted by almostacowboy on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 11:08pm.
While you and I disagree one very fundamental issue that I believe was a founding principal of our nation, I am disgusted by Olberman's vile attack - even more disgusted than I usually am by the mere mention of his name.
The man - no, make that "the slimey creature" is not even a man. He epitomizes all things real men are not. I would like to say "let it go. He's not worth the wasted pixels". But, if it were me, I couldn't - wouldn't - let it go either.
Praying for your salvation.
Par for the course...
Submitted by Bill Brasky on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 11:12pm.
The silence on this from Al Gore, Planned Parenthood, and NOW is par for the course... liberal hypocrisy as usual. As for Olbermann, is there a more hateful, delusional, jerk in media than this clown? Good for S.E Cupp taking this moron down a notch with her level headed response.
Excellent words
Submitted by grammajane on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 11:39pm.
Ms. Cupp........you are an excellent speaker, and I thank you. Your parents must be so very proud of the good work you do daily. Stay safe and stay strong.
I can only hope that someday
Submitted by MightyMouth on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 11:56pm.
I can only hope that someday Kieth is fetching coffee and mail for Ms Cupp. She should also make him walk her dog (with pooper scooper in hand) and wash her car and pickup the dry cleaning. All these jobs would be a step up from bootlicking Al Gore!
Don't trust Keith
Submitted by nkviking75 on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 12:46am.
I'm sure she has more sense than to trust Olbermann with her mail or her coffee, or to entrust her dog or her car or her wardrobe to him. But those jobs would be better than he deserves.
“Always love your country — but never trust your government!" -- Bob Novak (1931-2009)
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Mighty
Submitted by Model850 on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 5:43pm.
She should also make him walk her dog (with his hand for a pooper scooper)....
Fixed it for ya!
Bullying
Submitted by Simplicity101 on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 12:14am.
It's fascinating that the media will cry how we need anti-bullying measures / laws for children in grade school, yet they let their own members act worse than any school yard bully could ever dream of.
Algore is quite pleased with
Submitted by LAM SON 719 on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 12:26am.
Algore is quite pleased with olbertard (morons of a feather).Both are cowards, both are probably gay and both hide behind a wall of minnions why they spout garbage. BKeyser is correct in pointing out that algore views any attention as positive, let's face it, olbertard wasn't hired for his intelligence.
If any of you see Bathtub Boy
Submitted by Ozconservative on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 1:38am.
please go up to this fat sack of misogynist shite and punch him right in his pig-ugly face.....
Just let us know when he
Submitted by rwesley2.0 on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 9:37am.
Just let us know when he makes his way through Texas and its as good as done.
Awesome job SE Cupp!
Submitted by DaMav on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 1:57am.
mandatory comment
"And I’m sure Mr. Olbermann
Submitted by dscott on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 3:24am.
"And I’m sure Mr. Olbermann regrets not choosing his words more carefully."
No, S.E., he only regrets getting called on it. The point of Olbermann's evil cant is the trial balloon and liberals in general see that it sank like a lead balloon. The reason why liberals say such outrageous things is to probe the public reaction to their agenda. Olbermann is like the canary in the Coal Mine, if he chokes on his bile then liberals lay low and continue their agenda more insidiously until such time another cretan like Olbermann tests the air again. When their vile comments are not batted down or they can bully successfully intimidating the public with their PC nonsense they come out of the closet to advance their agenda more openly and quickly. This is why a few years back Sheryl Crow came out with the one square of toilet paper nonsense, liberals were testing to see if the public was so worked up and terrified that they could be hoodwinked into any action they wanted, the push back and mocking by the public and conservatives told them in no uncertain terms that conditions were not favorable to them.
This is why we as conservatives must be constantly viligant playing the wack-a-mole game with liberals. If you fail to beat them down, then liberals take this as a sign of condoning their agenda. Polarization is not the negative as liberals would have you believe since apathy is condoning in their eyes. Polarization is a positive and healthy sign that society has a strong sense of centeredness and vision.
Quite well stated dscott.
Submitted by Truestar on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 4:54am.
Quite well stated dscott. However, I think olberjerk , flaming idiotic lib though he is, is mentally deranged. I don't think he necessarily has some agenda as you imply, he falls into the category of "useful idiot". But as tired as I am about yet another olberjerk story, you are correct in stating that conservatives have to be vigilant in batting down this type of bullying from the left.
olberjerk
Submitted by Truestar on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 3:34am.
I am so sick of this jackass. Good for Sarah Elizabeth with her civilized, intelligent and adult response to someone who deserves nothing of the sort. I don't know what Al Gore is thinking to have this delinquent head his Current TV news dept., but if he's thinking Current TV will improve it's ratings (wherever the hell they are), he's just as moronic as olberjerk. Good god, isn't this the same olberjerk who supposedly had bought into Obama's call for more civility in public discourse?
"Two, this is bigger than Mr.
Submitted by Anna on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 3:37am.
"Two, this is bigger than Mr. Olbermann (as most things are.)"
Oh, snap! LOL
S.E., my dear, I have absolutely no doubt that your parents are quite proud of you. They have every reason to be. You're sharp, witty, charming, and infinitely likable - one of those people that shines, from the inside out.
overhisheadmann is a JOKE!
Submitted by obamaotp on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 6:04am.
Way to go S E Cupp ........ NOW is a Complete joke, where were they when Palin/Bachman were attacked?
NOW really is the National Organization of liberal/democRATic women.
Intellectual
Submitted by LaVallette on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 6:05am.
The most erudite and intellectual argument in the progressive liberal debate armory :
If you do not agree with us: "Shut up!!!! We do not want to listen!!!! Drop dead!!!!" all done for the sake of advancing tolerance and diversity of course!!!
They actually believe this is conclusive.
Keith who?
Submitted by johnsonl on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 7:05am.
The best way to deal with this pathetic, miserable excuse for a man is to simply ignore him. Back in high school, back in the days before we were forced to tolerate loudmouth idiots, he'd have been beaten up daily and would have led a life of QUIET desperation.
NOW needs to change their name to NOL(liberal)W. Apparently, that's the only women they represent.
Ms. Cupp has a father. I hope Olbermann gets to spend a little quality time with him soon. I'd sure like to.
Olbermann......
Submitted by inquiringmind on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 9:01am.
Olbermann...... Olbermann...... Didn't he used to be the side kick on the Flippo the Clown show?
He's still around?
Where's the ratings? [Clara Peller-esque voice]
Submitted by Beukeboom on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 9:39am.
Has anyone seen the ratings numbers for "Current TV" since Olbermann joined? Increase/decrease? Has "Current TV" overtaken local public access channels yet?
S.E. Cupp MMMM MMMMM MMMM
Submitted by ShaLung on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 9:40am.
She's one tough lady. LOVE HER !!!!
S.E. Cupp
Submitted by Paul G on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 9:47am.
another smoking hot non democRAT
Olbermann is beneath contempt
Submitted by troxruss on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 10:44am.
Olbermann: "“1. I didn’t say she should have been aborted. 2. I said her parents could’ve used PP to learn how not to raise a moron.”
1. Yes, that's exactly what he said - once with every retraction.
2. Apparently, his parents didn't consolt with PP, either - because they DID raise a moron - and a hateful one as well.
"The silence on this from Al Gore, Planned Parenthood, and NOW is par for the course... liberal hypocrisy as usual" That's because his viewpoint is THEIR viewpoint, too. They may have even coached him to say these things.
I'll just come right out and say it....
Submitted by jcrue on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 12:27pm.
Leaving Olbermann's parents out of any decision making in their past, I believe Keith is a walking, talking argument for post-birth abortions for the good of a society.
He is a hateful, ugly, angry person and he's to blame for that. No one else.
C'mon! It's not Olbermann's
Submitted by Beukeboom on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 12:57pm.
C'mon! It's not Olbermann's fault...it's BUSH'S FAULT!
Didn't you get the liberal playbook in the mail, yet?
Wishful thinking
Submitted by ricklail on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 1:30pm.
Current TV draws between 23,000-30,000 viewers a day. They are projecting that Oberdork will increase that 10 fold. I call it wishful thinking. I don't know how many cable systems carry
Current. I know that Direct TV does. Not sure about Dish Network. This is saying viewership will go to 230,000 to 300,000. No way that will happen.
Any current (no pun intended)
Submitted by Beukeboom on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 2:07pm.
Any current (no pun intended) numbers available?
Got me a new CRUSH!!
Submitted by Fraybird on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 5:23pm.
Wow, she is the Feminine version of Allen West!! Gotta love those who shoot straight from the hip, back up their statements with facts and draw logical conclusions based on those facts. I am having my doubts about PP, NOW or KO showing up on her show as they have an aversion to logical discussions.
Gore is an even bigger coward than Olby, if that's possible.
Submitted by SickofLibs on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 7:55pm.
Some CIC he would have made.
And don't even get me started on NOW. But I guess nobody wants to burn $75 bras these days.