Olbermann Slams McCain's 'Utter Disrespect for Loss of Life'

September 2nd, 2008 2:55 PM

On Friday's Countdown show, MSNBC host Keith Olbermann tagged John McCain as the day’s "Worst Person in the World," as he charged that McCain is "suffering from at least one actual delusion," and "an utter disrespect for the meaning of the loss of life," because the Republican presidential candidate recently characterized Iraq as a "peaceful and stable country." Citing recent suicide bombings that have killed 78, Olbermann slammed McCain’s comments from what the MSNBC host referred to as a "frightening" interview. Olbermann: "So an average of four people a day dead in suicide bombings means a country is peaceful and stable, but a peaceful and stable country does not mean victory has been achieved and we can get our men and women out of there. One way or the other, you are witnessing a man suffering from at least one actual delusion, to say nothing of an utter disrespect for the meaning of the loss of life. It is not funny. It is shameful. John McCain, today’s 'Worst Person in the World.'"

Below is a transcript of the relevant portion of the Friday, August 29, "Worst Person" segment from MSNBC"s Countdown show:

KEITH OLBERMANN: But our winner, Senator John McCain. In the last 20 days, suicide bombers have killed at least 78 people in Iraq, wounded countless others. Yet, the Senator told Time Magazine in an extraordinary and frightening interview that, as to Iraq, quote, "It’s a peaceful and stable country now." The reporters asked the natural follow up, "It Is? But you wouldn’t say you’ve achieved victory now?" "Yes," he answered. "I would say that the surge is succeeding and we are winning." So an average of four people a day dead in suicide bombings means a country is peaceful and stable, but a peaceful and stable country does not mean victory has been achieved and we can get our men and women out of there. One way or the other, you are witnessing a man suffering from at least one actual delusion, to say nothing of an utter disrespect for the meaning of the loss of life. It is not funny. It is shameful. John McCain, today's "Worst Person in the World."