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Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Vox Olbermann
Too funny:
MSNBC host Keith Olbermann was put on indefinite suspension Friday after bosses at the cable news network learned that he had donated to three Democratic candidates, including one who had appeared on his show on the same day, in violation of the network's rules.
"I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay," Phil Griffin, president of MSNBC, said in a statement.
Right. Contributing a few thousand dollars - chump change in modern politics - to three candidates is a violation of company policy. I get that. It's MSNBC's show and they make the rules. One assumes, however, that this policy is designed to help maintain an air of impartiality.
Thing is that no one who has ever had the displeasure of watching Keith Olbermann rant would assume he was impartial. He is an obviously biased political commentator. Again, nothing wrong with that. It's what he's paid to do and, for a dwindling number of people, it's something they are wiling to watch.
But if it's inappropriate to kick over a few thousand dollars to Democratic candidates, in a few tight races, then what about the millions of dollars worth of free air time Olbermann has given over the years in mouthing DNC talking points? What is more obviously impartial, a private donation, or public cheerleading for one part of a two party system?
Posted by Richard Anderson on November 9, 2010 | Permalink
Comments
Dollars or Debate. Job or donate money. Not both. Seems simple enough to me. Olbermann broke his employer's rule.
Posted by: Agha Ali Arkhan | 2010-11-09 9:52:04 AM
MSNBC has been losing the ratings war and viewers for several years now because they have moved so far to lhe left. I believe that getting rid of Olbermann will lead to a attempt to move closer to the perceived middle in a effort to compete with Fox. Time will tell.
Posted by: peterj | 2010-11-09 11:52:30 PM
I heard that Keith actually cried when they took his degree from the Cornell Agricultural College down off the wall.
Insufferable pompous asses look good next to Olbermann.
Posted by: BoomNoZoom | 2010-11-10 4:02:24 PM
What can be expected of limp-wristed pansies like Olbermann? He decries Foxnews for the same tactics he practises.
Posted by: AB Patriot | 2010-11-10 10:07:07 PM
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