Didn't like the reporter's attitude. I greatly enjoy The Resistance, which is much better written than this article. Olbermann hates Trump, loves baseball and dogs. That's good enough for me. I hope he got the birthday discount at Atlantic Grill, which has great oysters.
7
For one, this article is way too long. I wasn't quite convinced kO is a liberal at least from this article. Besides hating President Trump, the article is empty of political content. What does kO stand for besides loving his dog and hating Donald J. Trump?
1
Trump has me angrier re politics than I'd ever been before in my sixth decade. But over the past couple of weeks I've come to realize adversarial journalism cannot be part of the solution, and that it will take discipline to back away from this argumentative obsession. Olbermann is not just a throwback but, this article intimates, his foes on the Right sound like they could be as well. Would 12 years on be an era when Fox News no longer dominates the way it does now, just as Olbermann seems to have passed his zenith? The same weekend I read this Magazine profile I read a review of the Buckley biography in Books. It may take one reasoned argument at a time, and it will take a long time, but there may be hope yet.
Olbermann was unstable on camera and flew into hissy fits with obscenities too often. BTW. "White rage"? What you got in the Midwest is a bunch of us who just want to be left alone and not Fundamentally Transformed. If the country has been that imperfect for decades why do so many people want to move here?
Bring Keith Olbermann back to live TV!
5
Greg Howard draws an analogy between the birther movement and the notion that Trump has mental illness; "The argument feels wishful and familiar, bringing to mind challenges to Obama’s birth or religion from fearful, frustrated or opportunistic voices on the right."
Howard could not be more mistaken. Given the plethora of paranoid and irrational statements by Trump the only rational position is that Trump has organic brain disease. "I saw thousands of Muslims cheering in New Jersey as the towers came down." "Obama had Trump Tower wire-tapped." "The press won't tell you that the US murder rate is at a 45-47 year high." "I will negotiate the US debt". Firing James Comey may be a manifestation of guilt or paranoia or both. As an MD with board certification in internal medicine I will testify that Trump's statements are confabulations and that these types of statements are pathognomonic for organic brain disease, most likely early Alzheimer's Disease.
Olbermann is right on and far over Howard's head.
Howard could not be more mistaken. Given the plethora of paranoid and irrational statements by Trump the only rational position is that Trump has organic brain disease. "I saw thousands of Muslims cheering in New Jersey as the towers came down." "Obama had Trump Tower wire-tapped." "The press won't tell you that the US murder rate is at a 45-47 year high." "I will negotiate the US debt". Firing James Comey may be a manifestation of guilt or paranoia or both. As an MD with board certification in internal medicine I will testify that Trump's statements are confabulations and that these types of statements are pathognomonic for organic brain disease, most likely early Alzheimer's Disease.
Olbermann is right on and far over Howard's head.
6
I miss Olbermann's excellent wit and insight. He has an honored place in history.
8
A disappointing article. I for one very much appreciate what Olbermann is doing over at GQ. In these times, how can there not be a voice out there like Keith's. Never in my life have I understood how fragile our democracy is as I do now. Olbermann's writing is brilliant; it really is like listening to political poetry. His delivery is flawless and, most important, his monologues are informative. The amount of information that he's able to cram into a 7 minute segment is truly impressive. He's willing to put things out there (which must be received with skepticism and double-checked of course) that wouldn't make it to the big news firms. I'm sure it wasn't easy working with him back in the day, but I get the sense that he would be a different colleague now. I say give him whatever platform he wants. Keep it up Keith.
7
Thanks for letting me know where I can find KO. GQ Episode 73, right on the money!
4
I am exactly Keith's age and height. His work on Countdown used to make my evening. We need him back.
6
"It can’t help that he has garnered a reputation as a terror to work with — known for haranguing and rebelling against the executives who pay him, feuding with the talent around him, making underlings feel small."
Imagine that. A gassy, self-important white male liberal who feels the need to berate and belittle folks who don't make as much money as he does.
Imagine that. A gassy, self-important white male liberal who feels the need to berate and belittle folks who don't make as much money as he does.
1
With MSNBC hiring Greta and George will.....they'd be lucky to get Keith - even at 12midnight.
2
Can't believe he's out there and msnbc is thinking of hiring Hewett.
4
Just like Bernie sanders progressive America is scared of hearing the cold hard truth.
It's time to take the kid gloves off and fight fire with fire.
Which smart yet brave media outlet is going to put this man where he belongs: front and center fighting the rape of America by its's oligarchy??????
I won't hold my breath.
It's time to take the kid gloves off and fight fire with fire.
Which smart yet brave media outlet is going to put this man where he belongs: front and center fighting the rape of America by its's oligarchy??????
I won't hold my breath.
Shocked that the writer got past his editor(s) with the snarky and demeaning tone and commentary of this article. Unusually bad decision-making from the usually high standards of the NYT. I haven't seen a lot of Olbermann's work online, but what I have seen, I like. It takes guts to speak out against Trump, who is notoriously vindictive. I don't see many elected officials doing that, do you?
14
Yes, he can be a " jerk ". But, he loves dogs. And, being a natural and very enthusiastic " smartass" myself, he's okay by me. Seriously.
6
Nothing like kicking a guy when he's down. And I can't stand the blowhard.
1
Is the author paid better for being a jerk, because every time he put Olbermann down, the author made no sense. I guess, it's just the Times' policy of being jerks to Progressives, see Bernie, Sanders.
If this was a profile of a Conservative, none of those digs would have gotten past the editors.
If this was a profile of a Conservative, none of those digs would have gotten past the editors.
What was the point of discussing Mr. Olbermann's size? Is the author svelte? Would he have fat-shammed a woman too?
The author also used old news in discussing Mr. Olbermann's return to ESPN. By all accounts, his reputation was impeccable during this tenure but the author fails to note this fact.
This was a poorly reported and poorly edited article. There is a great story to tell about Keith Olbermann's fascinating career and current success but this is not that story.
The author also used old news in discussing Mr. Olbermann's return to ESPN. By all accounts, his reputation was impeccable during this tenure but the author fails to note this fact.
This was a poorly reported and poorly edited article. There is a great story to tell about Keith Olbermann's fascinating career and current success but this is not that story.
13
Obermann shows why we Lib's always lose the elections, this party has a few shreds of dignity and morality left. Olbermann was fired for a very sorry technicality, a very minimal breach of the rules. By contrast the Conservatives with their family values have voted for, and continue to support daily, sexual predators and liars. O'Reilly lied about substantially more then brought down Brian Williams, but that didn't take him down, years, and years and years of harassment did, and here we are again, the same old story, ethics and morality are a small comfort to the losers, and i'm tired of seeing only one side show any values anymore.
4
Olbermann would steal the shows in a collective fashion. Put him on!
8
I live in Cincinnati and it was named after the man Olbermann admires....Cincinnatus, informative, thank you! Unfortunately we became a red state in the 2016 election and could have used Olbermann passion on cable. We liberals don't have an angry and loud liberal anymore with Olbermann gone. Schumer and Pelosi have to be polite but Olbermann get's right to the gut. I will be watching more of him. Thanks for the update.
5
My brother-in-law started texting me "Resistance" segments, and I'm hooked. The masterful KO remains edgy, entertaining and he threads a narrative that feeds my most diabolical instincts about Trump. I love it!
6
Olbermann was always an egotistical (but self-aware) blowhard of the left. However, MSNBC could never monetize his liberal outrage enough to keep him around like Fox could with Bill O'Reilly.
Olbermann unfortunately became his own worst enemy. His MSNBC show "Countdown" was must watch TV because he was the place we could go to in order to see that there were other people who looked at Bush and the Cheney monster just as we did and realized that they'd taken us into a fake war that killed a lot of our people as well as Iraqis.
Unfortunately KO fought with management and did things that rankled them and sometimes you need those people to stand up for you and when the campaign contributions were revealed, the suits used that to take him off the air instead of defending him and pointing out that the same stuff was happening on the right but no one was ousting anyone for doing it. Now we find out that short of rape and maybe even that -- Fox was willing to defend O'Reilly forever. I can't fathom that if he gave money to Republican candidates anyone at Fox would have cared.
I miss Olbermann because he is smart. I don't agree with some of the stuff he's ranted about outside of politics but I do miss his voice about the current political scene.
Unfortunately KO fought with management and did things that rankled them and sometimes you need those people to stand up for you and when the campaign contributions were revealed, the suits used that to take him off the air instead of defending him and pointing out that the same stuff was happening on the right but no one was ousting anyone for doing it. Now we find out that short of rape and maybe even that -- Fox was willing to defend O'Reilly forever. I can't fathom that if he gave money to Republican candidates anyone at Fox would have cared.
I miss Olbermann because he is smart. I don't agree with some of the stuff he's ranted about outside of politics but I do miss his voice about the current political scene.
4
This is what happens to the real warriors. Same happened to his idol -- Edward R Murrow. They eventually marginalized him. Keith is raw and incisive. he should appear opposite Rachel Maddow. Or pair him with Dan Rather. The most cogent voices are being silenced.
6
CNN needs to contract with Mr. Olbermann right away! The ratings will be incredible unless of course they put him up against Rachel. CNN needs spark and he can deliver. Just put him behind a desk and give him a few graphics and watch and listen one of the great personalities of our time. And, yes, I also found that life is all about my Golden and I can hardly wait to introduce Mr. O to him. By the way, how did CNN become the network of that Trump guy with the white hair and devilish grin? What's his name?
4
I miss him, every day. He should be on MSNBC again, in rotation. We need his voice, his anger and his willingness to be civilly incivil.
8
KO deserves another comment. I appreciate his Resistance reports too - I love his outrage. Somebody has to be outraged, and Keith is able to articulate the horrors of the miasma of Trump accurately. The writer doesn't give him his due for his contribution to the movement against Trump & Co. I say Bravo, Keith, and I wasn't a fan before.
5
How many comebacks, second chances and new beginnings has Mr. Olbermann squandered? Several that come to mind. And as for relationships, except for his pets--not so much either.
Mr. Olbermann has always struck me as a man that has both talent and ego of 'Trumpian' proportions. Perhaps that's why he has made Donald Trump the object of his obsession.
It's sad, but I can see Keith in his jammies surrounded by his multitude of Internet 'Tabs', pillaging Trump on Twitter, or Facebook or whatever digital thing is hot today.
You can see a lot of the Col. Walter E. Kurtz (of Apocalypse Now fame) in Keith, except for the great head of hair, of course. "The horror...."
Mr. Olbermann has always struck me as a man that has both talent and ego of 'Trumpian' proportions. Perhaps that's why he has made Donald Trump the object of his obsession.
It's sad, but I can see Keith in his jammies surrounded by his multitude of Internet 'Tabs', pillaging Trump on Twitter, or Facebook or whatever digital thing is hot today.
You can see a lot of the Col. Walter E. Kurtz (of Apocalypse Now fame) in Keith, except for the great head of hair, of course. "The horror...."
2
Mr Olbermann, I have two suggestions:
Seems to me like a weekly hour wrap-up of the news with ending rant would be a good fit on HBO. The Keith Olbermann version of a weekend Talking Head show without the talking heads- except when you want there to be one. HBO's common ownership with CNN should give you access to all the tape and experts you could possibly want.
Talk to the guys at The Young Turks, it is not cable, but it does have an audience and no censors.
Cable and OTA are dinosaurs. The growth and the audience are streaming on the internet.
Seems to me like a weekly hour wrap-up of the news with ending rant would be a good fit on HBO. The Keith Olbermann version of a weekend Talking Head show without the talking heads- except when you want there to be one. HBO's common ownership with CNN should give you access to all the tape and experts you could possibly want.
Talk to the guys at The Young Turks, it is not cable, but it does have an audience and no censors.
Cable and OTA are dinosaurs. The growth and the audience are streaming on the internet.
4
"Olbermann told me he talked to MSNBC for over a year about rejoining the network, but they asked him for a show with no commentary; he didn’t see the point."
Neither do we, Keith. Keep up the good cause, we all (including the 20 and 22 year olds) watch you on YouTube. You keep us (mildly) sane in these insane times.
Neither do we, Keith. Keep up the good cause, we all (including the 20 and 22 year olds) watch you on YouTube. You keep us (mildly) sane in these insane times.
4
Let's see if I've got this right. Bill Simmons doesn't like Keith. A whole passel of people at ESPN don't like Keith. Trump doesn't like Keith.
Why is any of this seen as a problem?
Bill Simmons is so into male bonding he used to write whole columns about "no chicks" at his man-cave while watching whatever sporting event.
An entire legion of on-air personalities at ESPN are so myopically focused on sports that if you put them all in one package, you could shove them through the eye of a sewing needle and not bump the sides. And now a lot those guys are looking for work, too.
Trump? If he likes you, you've got real problems.
Why is any of this seen as a problem?
Bill Simmons is so into male bonding he used to write whole columns about "no chicks" at his man-cave while watching whatever sporting event.
An entire legion of on-air personalities at ESPN are so myopically focused on sports that if you put them all in one package, you could shove them through the eye of a sewing needle and not bump the sides. And now a lot those guys are looking for work, too.
Trump? If he likes you, you've got real problems.
1
Love Keith. Loved Ben Affleck's impersonation of him on SNL when he rages indignantly about the disrespect showed his cat, Miss Precious Perfect.
1
I didn't know much about his earlier works, but I watch all his youtube videos! He gives me hope
2
I believe Greg Howard missed the point entirely. Who Keith Olbermann was seventeen years ago doesn't matter. A case of that was then, this is now. I would hate for my obituary to read like it was written in 2000. I'm a different person now... and maybe if he'd taken the time to dig a little deeper, the article would have been written about the guy who discovered he loves dogs and hates what has become of our country. Hates what has happened because of Donald Trump. Hates it so bad that he is obsessed with trying to get the whole thing shut down: ie The Resistance. So what, he may be is obsessed with his rankings and page views? Sometimes it's nice to be seen as relevant that the gibber jabber you're peddling actually has an audience, not because you are saying it but because of the message behind what you are saying, and hey, lest I forget: Style points. Keith Olbermann is sexier now than in 2000 too...even with a "gnarly limp." We all age...we all change...we all want to make a difference in the world before we die. Maybe that's the story Mr. Howard should have written. Personally, I hope Mr. Olbermann keeps shouting at us to pay attention. Maybe he will make up a few more people who are sleeping, or have their heads firmly stuck in the sand.
4
Keith is the very best at what he does. I hope he finds a cable outlet soon.
4
I miss you, Keith! Will go to GQ.com. Happy to know that!
3
Hmmn, Olbermann is so anxious to defend American democracy that he wishes to subvert it by staging an effective coup himself. Methinks it's Keith who needs to spend some therapeutic time in the Caymans.
2
"The argument feels wishful and familiar, bringing to mind challenges to Obama’s birth"----are you kidding me, seriously, "challenges to Obama's birth." The challenges to Obama's birth were pure demagoguery. Although I have an M.D., you certainly don't need one to know Trump has serious cognitive problems and paranoia. His confabulations have included: 1) I watched thousands of Muslims cheering in New Jersey as the towers came down. 2) The murder rate is the highest it has been in 47 to 49 years. The press doesn't tell you this. (Note the paranoia.) 3) Obama had Trump tower wiretapped. (Note the paranoia.)
Confabulation is a medical phenomenon pathognomonic for organic brain disease and it is routinely associated with paranoia. There is nothing "wishful" in Oberman's statements questioning Trump's mental health. They are judicious.
The totality of Trump's statements and poor judgements suggest dementia. In a 70 year old male most probably early Alzheimer's with prominent frontal lobe involvement.
We shouldn't be demanding Trump's taxes, but rather a PET scan of his brain.
Confabulation is a medical phenomenon pathognomonic for organic brain disease and it is routinely associated with paranoia. There is nothing "wishful" in Oberman's statements questioning Trump's mental health. They are judicious.
The totality of Trump's statements and poor judgements suggest dementia. In a 70 year old male most probably early Alzheimer's with prominent frontal lobe involvement.
We shouldn't be demanding Trump's taxes, but rather a PET scan of his brain.
1
Olbermann is gone and the reason is obvious...he was so often wrong. During his prime everything he proclaimed to be righteous and fair is gone, what he declared corrupt, unfair and dishonest is real and gaining support. He was, and is, a fool with a loud mouth that attracted attention, not thinkers. Good riddance.
1
Americans are an odd breed; we have every luxury possible but cannot be sustained without a flailing rage. Maybe it's because we elevate mediocre talent to fame and then think "if this guy's getting paid to sound like an idiot, why not me?"
Olbermann's schtick got old after 5 minutes; sanctimoniously angry without really having a reason. Maybe if he hadn't cried wolf about every moderate republican being evil incarnate then people would have had more faith in the media when a real danger actually came along.
Alas, his petulant bluster had to end sometime. Had he stuck to sports maybe he'd still be on the air...
Olbermann's schtick got old after 5 minutes; sanctimoniously angry without really having a reason. Maybe if he hadn't cried wolf about every moderate republican being evil incarnate then people would have had more faith in the media when a real danger actually came along.
Alas, his petulant bluster had to end sometime. Had he stuck to sports maybe he'd still be on the air...
2
Wasn't his ego the end of him? Sort of a new Raquel Welch...............
Olbermann is living a delusion. Trump is not getting crazier by the day. You don't have to like the President to see that he's slowly settling into the job, and starting to act more like a typical Republican politician every day. Anyone still trying to attach the "crazy" label to Trump hasn't been paying attention, and underestimates him. Narcissistic, yes. Uninformed, yes. Petulant, yes. But crazy? Not at all. Obviously Olbermann isn't interested in reality, but rather in ratings and trying to be relevant again. Maybe CNN will hire him, after all!
3
Whatever Olbermann lacks without a cable platform, he sure gets his money's worth through his Twitter account.
4
Keith Olbermann is the modern equivalent of Edward R. Murrow. He speaks truth to power, which has always been sure to rankle many a television corporate executive more worried about ad buys than a newsman telling the truth about war and injustice. Olbermann made a tremendous difference during the Bush Presidency and Iraq War, and his style and intellect shaped MSNBC's evening news through the present day. Watch a Rachel Maddow broadcast and then a clip of Olbermann, and you'll see who she emulated. This profile is a disappointing hit piece, with the author's mean streak apparent from the first sentence. Keith, keep up your noble work on The Resistance. If another TV role comes your way, great. If not, the internet medium you broadacst from today reaches far more viewers, and you are free to speak your mind without constraint. Resist. Peace.
18
Douglas what kind of an education do I need to be as well spoken as you! Thank you for saying what I was thinking, harder to get into words in a comment sections. We need fighters and Olbermann help us come out of our shell. Resist. Peace.
2
Edward R. Murrow and Keith Olbermann are as different as night and day. It is difficult to believe anyone could seriously compare them.
I'm anti-Trump, too, but I don't like Olbermann at all. His smile is fake and he uses the news as a pedestal for his pompous self. I haven't been trusting him since the CurrentTv affair.
1
You have to admit, he would be much more interesting to watch on Fox than Tucker Carlson will ever dream of being.
4
Interesting how Olbermann and Trump sound more alike than different in this article--both blustering bullies living on anger and adulation, lying their way through life. At least Trump married (even if the women wanted to marry him for his money) and had children, who seem to love him. Olbermann has a bevy of mostly imaginary "girlfriends," an army of people who hate him because they worked with him, no job, and ... dogs. A life well lived, Keith.
(Disclaimer: not a Trump voter or supporter, just another person tired of Olbermann's tricks.)
(Disclaimer: not a Trump voter or supporter, just another person tired of Olbermann's tricks.)
1
Well, he could emulate "The Worst Person In The World" and drag his wife down the stairs by her neck and lose custody of his children who want nothing to do with him.
Not everyone's cut out for a white picket fence. Takes all kinds.
Not everyone's cut out for a white picket fence. Takes all kinds.
You can find people of many skill levels in TV newsrooms.
Some are highly talented, great thinkers, and very passionate.
Others seem more like everyday workers....efficient but nothing special. These people...some on-air, some producers, editors, videographers, etc..... are valued not just for their daily work, but because they get along with others and make the newsroom atmosphere pleasant and professional.
Olbermann is no doubt talented and interesting to watch, but anyone who has worked with a temperamental person in broadcasting winds up feeling worn down by day to day dealings with a volatile person.
In other words, Keith has probably worn out his welcome. It is sad, and you'd like to see good performers have a show....but as a producer, I wouldn't want the hassle.
Some are highly talented, great thinkers, and very passionate.
Others seem more like everyday workers....efficient but nothing special. These people...some on-air, some producers, editors, videographers, etc..... are valued not just for their daily work, but because they get along with others and make the newsroom atmosphere pleasant and professional.
Olbermann is no doubt talented and interesting to watch, but anyone who has worked with a temperamental person in broadcasting winds up feeling worn down by day to day dealings with a volatile person.
In other words, Keith has probably worn out his welcome. It is sad, and you'd like to see good performers have a show....but as a producer, I wouldn't want the hassle.
2
If Mr. Howard does not recognize the world that Mr. Olbermann describes in his broadcasts, he has not been paying attention. Mr. Trump's appointments have nearly universally been selected to undermine the very agencies they are to administer; Secretary of Education, EPA, Department of Energy, and Secretary of Health and Human Services are just a few of the most egregious examples. Trump has loaded his administration with Wall Street bankers and Mick Mulvaney, I don't even know where to begin with him. He is a character straight out of a Dickens novel, and not a good one. The new AG is racist. Trump has pushed through Congress a morally bankrupt health care bill, which will cut medicaid, give a nearly trillion dollar tax cut to the most wealthy, and hurt most the very people who support Trump. He has attacked the judiciary, the press, Muslims, and women in his tweets and in his speeches. Trump has Steve Bannon, a altright propagandist, who wants to destroy the "administrative" state as his closest council, and apparently Trump is taking his advice. Trumps executive orders roll back protections to health, the environment and workers rights and will ultimately hurt the economy. He has alienated or insulted many of our closest allies and heaps praise on dictators and human right violators. Trump has diminished his office and America's standing around the world in less than 100 days. This is even before we talk about his and his campaign's ties to Russia.
1
Keith Olberman is a tragic tale about someone who had a promising career and gave it all up to read fan mail from sycophants who only encouraged him to go further of the rails. He is the leftist version of Alex Jones, only worse because his show is called The Resistance which sounds contrived from a Sci-Fi novel but because it's not shows you how much of a cartoon character he's become.
2
Dear Keith.....
Nothing should stop you in your pursuit to tell the truth..
We are all behind you and love to listen to your comments...just love them..
We cant stand the yellow clown whose brain is not even where it should be, so your inputs and truthful commentaries are music to my ears..
There has never been times like these in American history and lets hope they never will.
This will also come to pass, hopefully very soon and you will come out as our hero...the drip., drip has started, and the clown is going soon...
My prayers are being answered as are millions of good and smart Americans....what one man and power grabbing party for no regard what it does to its people and the country is beyond comprehension...
But we are witnessing this as i write to you....SHAME....SHAME...
Dont let anybody or anything stop you my friend...
The truth will set you free...this old saying is still true...
The yellow menace and his worst cabinet ever of deplorabls are on the way
Out......
The people that voted for you know who will pay for this awful mistake...
Thanks again Keith for your courage...
Nothing should stop you in your pursuit to tell the truth..
We are all behind you and love to listen to your comments...just love them..
We cant stand the yellow clown whose brain is not even where it should be, so your inputs and truthful commentaries are music to my ears..
There has never been times like these in American history and lets hope they never will.
This will also come to pass, hopefully very soon and you will come out as our hero...the drip., drip has started, and the clown is going soon...
My prayers are being answered as are millions of good and smart Americans....what one man and power grabbing party for no regard what it does to its people and the country is beyond comprehension...
But we are witnessing this as i write to you....SHAME....SHAME...
Dont let anybody or anything stop you my friend...
The truth will set you free...this old saying is still true...
The yellow menace and his worst cabinet ever of deplorabls are on the way
Out......
The people that voted for you know who will pay for this awful mistake...
Thanks again Keith for your courage...
4
I for one really miss him. Come on MSNBC, bring him back ! And while you're at it, give Joy a regular weekday program she so richly deserves.
3
No one that has the best opinions... just ask them ... sticks around for a long time.
Why isn't there a cable news show willing to bring Keith back?
MSNBC has the disgraced Greta Van Sustern ??? Say what?
Get real - he's the best and most outspoken commentator about the Trump fiasco out there. Name another...
He deserves a place at the table!!!!!
Go Keith!
MSNBC has the disgraced Greta Van Sustern ??? Say what?
Get real - he's the best and most outspoken commentator about the Trump fiasco out there. Name another...
He deserves a place at the table!!!!!
Go Keith!
4
Interesting to see that the Wall Street Journal isn't the only online publication willing to do hatchet jobs against people who haven't wronged them. The amount of petty passive aggressiveness in this article is so high that I'm drowning.
I don't like Olbermann much at all and didn't watch his show when he was on MSNBC, and even I think this article is complete garbage. This isn't news.
People keep blaming Trump and his followers for the decline in respect for media publications. That may be true to a degree, but nonsense like this solidifies their criticism far more than some half-baked outrage by someone on Facebook about the liberal media being biased.
Also, you don't have a clue how the adsense works. CPM is determined by views, the type of content that advertisers are bidding on, the length of the video, the demographic of the viewer, the percentage of people who actually click the ad, and several other factors. What you don't realize is that Youtube, and Google, more specifically, have FAR more knowledge of who is watching their content than TV producers and stations do. Everything is monitored because everyone's google account is monitored. Roughly on average, 1000 views is a dollar. By your absurd logic, people would just be making vines five times the length to hit the 30 second mark, upload it to Youtube instead, and make the same amount as someone who makes a high quality, long-form video. Nope.
I don't like Olbermann much at all and didn't watch his show when he was on MSNBC, and even I think this article is complete garbage. This isn't news.
People keep blaming Trump and his followers for the decline in respect for media publications. That may be true to a degree, but nonsense like this solidifies their criticism far more than some half-baked outrage by someone on Facebook about the liberal media being biased.
Also, you don't have a clue how the adsense works. CPM is determined by views, the type of content that advertisers are bidding on, the length of the video, the demographic of the viewer, the percentage of people who actually click the ad, and several other factors. What you don't realize is that Youtube, and Google, more specifically, have FAR more knowledge of who is watching their content than TV producers and stations do. Everything is monitored because everyone's google account is monitored. Roughly on average, 1000 views is a dollar. By your absurd logic, people would just be making vines five times the length to hit the 30 second mark, upload it to Youtube instead, and make the same amount as someone who makes a high quality, long-form video. Nope.
2
I think Keith is thinner, myself. That was a mean-spirited description and the single thing seemed kind of bitter.
He's made a difference. How many people can you say that about?
He's made a difference. How many people can you say that about?
6
I find Keith both credible and likable on youtube. The man does not mince words and says things Maddow only dreams of. Plain talk, real outrage - his assessment of Dems nearly complete irrelevance is spot on.
4
Prior to Obama and Health Care for Americans and after Katrina, Mr. Keith Olberman expressed his outrage, in regard to the citizens of Louisiana and the utter disregard of the Bush Admin. Not only did he represent the disgust of the majority of Americans, he gave vent to our outrage. At the same time, he gave valuable/usable information. Ironically the night Keith told our country of an organization called US Clinics (I believe that was the name). This same day, my sister-in-law, called and told me she found a lump. No health insurance. Desperately searching on-line for insurance.....terrible coverage for outrageous amounts of $$. No way. Too much income in the family for Medicaid. 56 years old....no health coverage. As I had Keith on the TV, I went on the website his guest offered and was running on the bottom of the screen. I found a location for my SIL not far from her house in NC!! She went the next morning, diagnosed breast cancer. This wonderful organization guided her through the care and treatment SIL needed. 8 months later she died, because she came in too late. SIL had no health insurance, did not want to burden her family with bills they could not pay.
Your article is wrong. Mr. Olberman has a LARGE EXTENDED FAMILY. He is thought of often and with affection.
He 'fights the good fight'.
Denise Atkinson, Raleigh, NC
Your article is wrong. Mr. Olberman has a LARGE EXTENDED FAMILY. He is thought of often and with affection.
He 'fights the good fight'.
Denise Atkinson, Raleigh, NC
7
I enjoy him and I'd watch him if he were still on MSNBC. I don't care how many feathers he ruffles. Although I enjoy Chris Matthews, I don't really see the point of watching his rerun show. I wish Olbermann were in that time slot instead of watching MSNBC reruns.
3
I doubt that David Carr would have allowed this article to go to press. Clearly, the writer has been reading clips about Keith Olbermann instead of having actually watched his MSNBC programs and understood how vital his impact was while he was on the air.
I watch the YouTube videos, my 26- and 30-year-old children watch them, and, when my daughter was in India when Olbermann was fired from MSNBC, I waited until she'd come home to tell her that he was gone. His loyal following is as loyal as any commentator's on any channel.
The only negative I can come up with about Keith Olbermann is that he once had the bad taste to live in some place called Trump Palace. I'm glad he's thought better of that grave error.
I watch the YouTube videos, my 26- and 30-year-old children watch them, and, when my daughter was in India when Olbermann was fired from MSNBC, I waited until she'd come home to tell her that he was gone. His loyal following is as loyal as any commentator's on any channel.
The only negative I can come up with about Keith Olbermann is that he once had the bad taste to live in some place called Trump Palace. I'm glad he's thought better of that grave error.
2
Olbermann's problem is that no one seems to be able to stand him. He's been fired from more jobs than anyone can count. He comes across as nasty and clueless and yet his ego seems to rise with every failure. Maybe if he employed more intellect in his arguments and less whining and vitriol, he would be taken more seriously.
6
"Keith Olbermann Was Once Cable News’s Liberal Standard-Bearer. Now He’s Missing Its Boom Times."
Nope!
Googled Olbermann after viewing tonite's GQ series: "Resistance." -- Factual and clear headed analysis.
Google search listed NYT headlines bashing Olberman!
NYT should NOT do this. It will reduce the respect of your publication.
Olberman is still the liberal standard bearer -one of only a very few who stick to the facts.
He's presenting news commentary instead of this push/pull me Dr. DoLittle headline clickbait.
Watched the CSpan coverage today [also for free] on my computer for the testimony of Sally Yates & James Clapper - real news, real facts, instead of provocative dead-end hooks that serve only to increase anxiety among our countrymen, not inform the public!
Isn't informing the public a Constitutional duty of the Free Press?
It's not right to use the shenanigans of the WH for clickbait.
American citizens, NOT only deserve to read & see factual assessments as to coverage on the White House, they must know in order to challenge their Congressional leaders.
It is incredibly important during these treacherous times.
Our democracy is at stake.
PS: Personalizing Olbermann's physique is truly beneath the editorial standards of the New York Times.
Stop it.
Nope!
Googled Olbermann after viewing tonite's GQ series: "Resistance." -- Factual and clear headed analysis.
Google search listed NYT headlines bashing Olberman!
NYT should NOT do this. It will reduce the respect of your publication.
Olberman is still the liberal standard bearer -one of only a very few who stick to the facts.
He's presenting news commentary instead of this push/pull me Dr. DoLittle headline clickbait.
Watched the CSpan coverage today [also for free] on my computer for the testimony of Sally Yates & James Clapper - real news, real facts, instead of provocative dead-end hooks that serve only to increase anxiety among our countrymen, not inform the public!
Isn't informing the public a Constitutional duty of the Free Press?
It's not right to use the shenanigans of the WH for clickbait.
American citizens, NOT only deserve to read & see factual assessments as to coverage on the White House, they must know in order to challenge their Congressional leaders.
It is incredibly important during these treacherous times.
Our democracy is at stake.
PS: Personalizing Olbermann's physique is truly beneath the editorial standards of the New York Times.
Stop it.
33
The headline a statement of fact. He can't get a job because he burned all his bridges, so he's no longer a player in political commentary. And his "childbearing hips" are the stuff of legend (Google that phrase). Olbermann does not report; he opines. If that's what you want, enjoy. I'll continue to avoid his ridiculous ranting (which, fortunately, is easy to do).
1
KO remains a straight-shooter. There's still a cable market for that. He'll be back on air.
22
I doubt the author has studied The Resistance in depth, nor has he gauged its impact. Olbermann's voice is heard far beyond YouTube.
18
I'm glad there is a Keith Olbermann.
31
Illuminating to one not familiar with some of the backstory. I watch Keith more now than back then. I do not think he is more extreme than is required. It depends on whether you approve of minds like those of Pam Geller and Steve Bannon. I think they are toxic and hateful. I think they influence Trump. My only problem these days is balancing the fears Trump creates with those Pence does as his likely successor on his hopeful removal.
22
Seriously? Your comparing questioning Trump's mental health with questioning Obama's birth certificate? You have got to be kidding me!
31
My husband and I were faithful Keith Olbermann fans and will be when he returns. He championed Rachel Maddox, Chris Hayes, Chuck Todd and others. He had the best show on TV. He maybe prickly but he is worth watching. Hannity, Greta, Matthews are not even on the same planet. Bring back Keith! He has an instant audience.
23
I watch every single Olbermann Resistance broadcast on GQ. SUBSCRIBE from Youtube !
Keith Olbermann is great now and Keith Olbermann was great then... on Corporate media. Keith Olbermann isn't sick... Corporate media is sick.
Corporate media doesn't tell the whole story; If they did, people watching the networks would know all about Ajit Pai and the Federal Communications System and the full-scale assault on Net Neutraity. We don't know; because the big networks are opposed to Net Neutrality' and that's a serious matter.
Also if you want objective discussions, and smart perspective ... subscribe on Youtube to 'David Pakman', and 'Secular Talk' with Kyle Kalinsky, and 'The Young Turks'. They are the future. DO IT. You won't regret.
You Go Keith Olbermann ! I'm a FAN !
Keith Olbermann is great now and Keith Olbermann was great then... on Corporate media. Keith Olbermann isn't sick... Corporate media is sick.
Corporate media doesn't tell the whole story; If they did, people watching the networks would know all about Ajit Pai and the Federal Communications System and the full-scale assault on Net Neutraity. We don't know; because the big networks are opposed to Net Neutrality' and that's a serious matter.
Also if you want objective discussions, and smart perspective ... subscribe on Youtube to 'David Pakman', and 'Secular Talk' with Kyle Kalinsky, and 'The Young Turks'. They are the future. DO IT. You won't regret.
You Go Keith Olbermann ! I'm a FAN !
19
Yes Mr. Olberman can cross many lines. I enjoy his intelligence, fire and sense of justice. Societies need 'truth tellers' in many forms. The writer considers Mr. Olberman negatively. Don't buy it. If only the 'press' would be more skeptical to the far right and stood up to FOX and the liars and half truthers of economic mythology pillaging the commons citizens would be much better off. Go Obby!
27
Olbermann is helping me stay sane in this new world where the lunatics are in charge.
25
Then all we can really hope for is for Oberman to go away.
Keith - we miss you. Resist.
18
Sad to see KO at this stage. Face it, some of his downfall is in part to his temperament and bluster.
I do believe with humble wisdom he too will rise in favor.
I do believe with humble wisdom he too will rise in favor.
Angry white men who are liberal won't be helping us much no matter how funny they are. In a way, they're the mirror image of Fox News. Turn the sound off and see if you don't agree. Olberman, Oliver, Maher and Stewart practice something that functions as a perfect feedback loop for lefties like me, but in the end seems like a macho fight for official mouthpiece of the resistance. I do like them all, and really admire the crazed anger of super-feminist Sam Bee... but I love Stephen Colbert. He's the only one too cool to show any sign of Trump getting under his skin, plus... he always puts his invisible mime props away.
4
I have followed Olbermann since he started on MSNBC, then to Current, and was glad to have stumbled upon his latest incarnation online just recently. I have some catching up to do but I always enjoy his fiery honesty. I believe he was what got me through the Bush II years. If he gets a cable gig, I'll be there too.
1
Olberman's "worst person in the world" virtually every night was Bill O'Reilly. What's funny about that is that Olberman is the O'Reilly of the left, in the sense of being pointlessly angry.
Rachel Maddow is fun to watch, she's cheerful and has a good time doing her show and she's not off-the-chart angry. I enjoy her show. Olberman is just painful, sorry. Frankly I would not want to hang out with people who like things like that. You start getting the feeling that there is a bit of derangement. Please give me folks like Rachel Maddow who evidently enjoys life and has her feet on the ground.
Rachel Maddow is fun to watch, she's cheerful and has a good time doing her show and she's not off-the-chart angry. I enjoy her show. Olberman is just painful, sorry. Frankly I would not want to hang out with people who like things like that. You start getting the feeling that there is a bit of derangement. Please give me folks like Rachel Maddow who evidently enjoys life and has her feet on the ground.
4
Keith Olbermann is my anger translator.
Keith, we're watching you on YouTube, same for our children, 20 and 22 years old. Keep it up, you are our sanity.
8
Keith Olbermann is the reason I started watching MSNBC and continue to watch 5 hours a day.
I remember him introducing Rachel Madow on his show and became hooked even more.
Olbermann is an extremely bright man with passion and courage. He should be viewed by millions 5 days a week. About that, sir, there is no doubt!!!
I remember him introducing Rachel Madow on his show and became hooked even more.
Olbermann is an extremely bright man with passion and courage. He should be viewed by millions 5 days a week. About that, sir, there is no doubt!!!
20
I think KO still has a place on cable news. If what is known about his personality is true, and he is indeed difficult to work with, I suppose we won't see him again on TV.
I do miss his viewpoint and his indignant anger. That anger may be been a bit displaced with Dubya, but absolutely not misplaced with Trump. Even I'm angry....and I am not generally angry in my personal life.
I have, indeed, been watching his Resistance YouTube videos.
If the right can have Rush, we should be allowed KO.
I do miss his viewpoint and his indignant anger. That anger may be been a bit displaced with Dubya, but absolutely not misplaced with Trump. Even I'm angry....and I am not generally angry in my personal life.
I have, indeed, been watching his Resistance YouTube videos.
If the right can have Rush, we should be allowed KO.
8
MSNBC or NBC should bring back Keith Olberman.
I like and watch Rachel Maddow but there is room for both newscasters on television. I would watch Olberman just as much Rachel Maddow, which is a heckuva lot.
Come back, Keith !
I like and watch Rachel Maddow but there is room for both newscasters on television. I would watch Olberman just as much Rachel Maddow, which is a heckuva lot.
Come back, Keith !
16
Oh my gosh, 2 of my favorite people in media - Howard and Olbermann. But, Greg, I'm sorry, I don't believe this is an accurate equivalence. The racist birther argument was based on NO evidence whatsoever. It was an assertion about the president's origin - a myth spun out of the old fiber of American white-supremacist folklore, designed to appeal to a group already panicking over its own demise.
However, behavior DOES qualify as evidence for psychological pathology - it's, like, the basis for it. There may not be complete agreement amongst evaluators but the very definition of pathology is built on observation of a set of behaviors. We are all witnessing a new president exhibiting very unstable behavior. Regularly issuing public put-downs of critics at 4am is not the picture of psychological health. Therefore, basing an unfavorable opinion of that leader's mental state on the frighteningly abundant evidence is not wishful thinking, unlike that of the "birthers." Don't equate me, someone who cares about evidence, with them.
Unfortunately, in this case, "wishful thinking" will probably apply to getting this dangerously unstable man out of office.
However, behavior DOES qualify as evidence for psychological pathology - it's, like, the basis for it. There may not be complete agreement amongst evaluators but the very definition of pathology is built on observation of a set of behaviors. We are all witnessing a new president exhibiting very unstable behavior. Regularly issuing public put-downs of critics at 4am is not the picture of psychological health. Therefore, basing an unfavorable opinion of that leader's mental state on the frighteningly abundant evidence is not wishful thinking, unlike that of the "birthers." Don't equate me, someone who cares about evidence, with them.
Unfortunately, in this case, "wishful thinking" will probably apply to getting this dangerously unstable man out of office.
8
This is the most intelligent rebuttal to this article. It should be noted that the editor really needed to pay closer attention to the writers attack of KOs success on the bases of his age/apperance and seen just how discriminatory/stereotypical it really was.
1
I hope he gets back on television.
8
If you haven't tuned in to The Resistance yet, you've been missing some of the best oratory since Cicero. Amazing.
13
Olbermann is the exact subject of a hundred Greek tragedies - the fact that he doesn't even recognize that simple fact makes it even more delicious.
He is most successful as a talking head - the fact that he wants to be the actual thinking head in charge is poignant and sad... and the very definition of tragedy.
He is most successful as a talking head - the fact that he wants to be the actual thinking head in charge is poignant and sad... and the very definition of tragedy.
This article feels as though it were written in about 1995, given the laments about Mr. Olbermann not being married and no longer on television. An online presence like the one Mr. Olbermann enjoys offers both large audiences, usually younger and better informed, as well as freedom from the kind of forced editorial slant that cable news is so bogged down by. Mr. Olbermann may wish he was back on cable television, and I can understand that, but only in the context of the kind of work his former colleague Rachael Maddow has been creating; otherwise, cable news is little more than entertainment product.
Speaking of Ms. Maddow, I notice she has been receiving the same treatment as Mr. Olbermann does here: dismissive and sarcastic comments for the work they do, and by the media they're part of. It's curious and even a bit sketchy; if you have reason to say something Mr. Olbermann said was incorrect or improbable, tell us the reason, don't just roll your eyes and inform us he's crazy and a hypocrite. The choir you're preaching to will eat up your criticism of Mr. Olbermann without question, but the rest of us require proof and don't respond to just being told what to think.
Speaking of Ms. Maddow, I notice she has been receiving the same treatment as Mr. Olbermann does here: dismissive and sarcastic comments for the work they do, and by the media they're part of. It's curious and even a bit sketchy; if you have reason to say something Mr. Olbermann said was incorrect or improbable, tell us the reason, don't just roll your eyes and inform us he's crazy and a hypocrite. The choir you're preaching to will eat up your criticism of Mr. Olbermann without question, but the rest of us require proof and don't respond to just being told what to think.
10
Did Olbermann have a bad break-up with the writer's sister or something. He didn't go for the jugular, he went for Olbermann's belly instead. I can't imagine that the Magazine editor would allow the writer to belittle a female subject's appearance and I'm not sure why It was deemed appropriate here.
8
Man, this was hilarious. Olbermann is even more pathetic than I imagined. This is truly what it feels like to defeat your enemy. Trump crushed it and now the Left is losing it. You realize we are going to remake this country into a successful, strong, freedom-loving country that truly is a city on a hill. Reagan redux, I like to call it.
OMG, no one else is here yet? Well Keith, its just you and me. Not a very flattering article, by the way. But, so it goes. Having been the prototype for the passionate MSNBC talking heads of today, you must have quite a lot to say about the incisive news industry you and the Donald helped coauthor. You surely have noticed a main difference between you, the old, and they, the new. Whereas you were angry, at times furious about the state of our union, the broadcasters of today seem quite happy, gleeful really, to have your former job in such a target-rich environment. Rachel can barely contain her enthusiasm as she skewers each new subject in her inimitable round about style. Chris Hayes and others, while more direct, still often punctuate offensive stories with their giggles of, not superiority, but satisfaction. Chris Matthews may be the lone exception to the new rules. Righteous indignation, laced with a very pointed anger. A holdover from the Olbermann school of expose and hold accountable. Yes, we miss you Keith, but not your ill-fitting ego. You know, we have drugs for that now.
4
I don't care what Keith may look like now, after all, we all get older and our bodies change even if we don't want them to. But Keith always had a dry wit that not only appealed to me, but he had the language skills that intrigued me with every word. I loved listening to everything he had to say. I still listen to him since you-tube has his GQ commentary on each week - just wish his show was longer. He is one of the brightest commentators I've ever listened to and everything he says is so spot on especially his truthful and insightful pieces on Trump. He makes one think and gives me hope that we will see the end of Trump because he is a fake president. I'm with Keith and believe in our resistance as I see no other way that we can let him know we do not want anything Trump's peddling. Keith will help me overcome the depression I've felt since 09 November 2016. He speaks for all liberals who want to see progress and not the regression to a past that did not occur the way Trump wants us to believe. It's difficult to go back when we've experienced a future and hope for a better future once Trump and his minions are removed. The right has their Faux Spews and we have Keith Olbermann!
6
Here's the sad truth. He is a loudmouthed shouter, just like the Fox idiots, only from the other side. I wanted to like him, but frankly could never stand his persona on TV. I don't need someone screaming at me from that box in the corner even though there are things like Trump's mental state where I agree with him. Rachel Maddow may have followed him in some ways but she is an intelligent and thoughtful person not another cable shouter. Hyperbole is not the be all and end all of even TV journalism.
2
Keith is the only guy saying all the right things right now.
7
When is he gonna get back on TV? He was very good at it. I'd watch him again.
4
It's interesting that Mr Howard seems to think that those of us who live alone need his pity. It's not at all cruel to point out that I live alone. It's a choice I've made, as has, apparently, Mr Olbermann. The alternative holds absolutely zero appeal to me. So, please, spare us your condescension.
I might add that Bill Simmons' career trajectory has a lot in common with Keith Olbermann's. Once the "It" boy of sports commentary, his current gig is a podcast.
I might add that Bill Simmons' career trajectory has a lot in common with Keith Olbermann's. Once the "It" boy of sports commentary, his current gig is a podcast.
8
Needlessly cruel. Would not have been David Carr's way.
5
To Keith's everlasting credit, he was the first to lead the attack against Rumsfeld and the Bush White House and the insanity of the Iraq War at a time when no other TV commentator had the courage to do so. My wife and I watched riveted--and as grateful Americans--for months as he spoke truth to power. Thank you, Keith, for all those moments in the sun.
16
I really enjoyed reading this piece on Keith Olbermann. Thank you.
1
I too miss Olbermann on Cable, his commentaries always gave me hope. The writer did seem dismissive and ignorant of the importance of his Mr. Olbermann's voice and The Resistance he speaks so eloquently on. We miss him on cable but seek him out on Youtube and GQ! Thanks Keith for keeping up the fight for our Democracy.
6
We, the country, need Olbermann.
3
A fascinating character and personality. Obviously quite intelligent, but by all accounts lost in his own hubris and blinded by self-regard. There's enough of substance out there for him or any clear-thinking, principled commentator to focus on; why has he chosen to adopt this alt-left mirror image of Limbaugh, Alex Jones, et al? He's only hastening his irrelevance. As I said, fascinating--in every sense of the term.
1
Bring Olbermann back!
3
Why does the author feel the need to denigrate Olberman by remarking negatively on his looks. If the author had done that to a female subject, we'd be up in arms. Why is it ok to do the same to a male subject? It adds nothing to the profile. And makes the author seem snarky.
10
Greg Howard's subject comes across as a rather sad fellow (celebrating a birthday with a stranger, living alone and childless, no longer a staple on television), but it doesn't have to be so. Here's a cheery suggestion. Return Keith Olbermann to the high-profile perch he deserves; if the New York Yankees could hire and fire Billy Martin repeatedly, and the revolving door industry that is television news can pluck personalities from one show and network and move them like chess pieces to another, MSNBC can engage Olbermann again. Or CNN. Or he can join the ranks of fellow brash commentators Oliver and Maher on HBO. Olbermann will deliver the ratings his bosses crave, and we, his viewers, will be enriched by his invaluable and urgently-needed insights.
4
I watch the MSNBC evening lineup out of a sense of duty (with the exception of Lawrence O'Donnell's show, which I actually like), but the network should never have fired him. It has never recovered.
5
I never knew who Olbermann was until I found his "Resistance" on Youtube. I am now a faithful viewer. I don't have cable, and all those talking heads are all, essentially, the same. I watch Youtube for the price of my monthly internet connection. Olbermann is great at crystallizing and focusing the outrage and disgust that many of us out here in the heartland feel toward Trump and his gang of White House incompetents, Russian puppets, traitors and criminal thugs from Wall Street. Is he sometimes over the top? Yes, but he's always right on point. We need more voices like his.
6
I think you are missing the boat. He gets more views now then he did when he was on cable.
3
If there were more of the KO type rather than the Washpost and NYT type stories that found Trump amusing and failed to show how dangerous the fool is before the election perhaps the country would not be in the danger it now faces.
As an aside thanks for hiring a climate change denier as a commenter, it really helps things. Jeez!
As an aside thanks for hiring a climate change denier as a commenter, it really helps things. Jeez!
6
Keith is keeping the Resistance (which includes me) informed and recharged. A true hero of American values and human dignity. Thank you, Keith!
Bring him back. MSNBC????? Please. We need Olbermann. No one can do what he does, say what he does the way he says it. How can we get him back??? Maybe Mark Zuckerberg could fund a short Olbermann interlude on Rachel or Lawrence ODonnell? Or put Keith Olbermann with Brian Williams (so much better than Nicole Wallace - blah).
3
The first paragraph of this article, describing Olbermann's body, struck me as highly inappropriate. Mr. Howard, are you yourself an Adonis of some kind? I doubt it. Perhaps you should wait until you're a little older before you disparage other people's looks. You're just projecting your own fears about aging and less than perfect appearance. Who cares? As a reader, the information that Olbermann has a thick midriff is totally irrelevant to me.
10
Keith Oberman is surely missed and it is my hope that MSNBC will offer him his show back not CNN. Cable news has not been the same without him. He is needed.
4
Olbermann was my refuge.
I moved from the lower 48 to Alaska and in the dark frigid wilderness where I thought I had escaped the madness of right-wing America I found "Countdown."
Yes, Alaska is a "red state." But it's a red state that jettisoned its governor over a jet plane he bought using the state treasury as collateral, that prosecuted Ted Stevens for having the deck on his mountain cabin built by VECO, and which has had very limited restrictions on firearms (are there any - in fact we would say it would be insane to travel in the bush without one). Sarah Palin's 15 minutes of fame not withstanding - as a resident I found it Very hard to tell if Alaska is a actually red state, or not even politically mappable.
Meanwhile, there was Olbermann who spoke reason to me in a world full of people who needed to blame all their problems on some segment of the population, most of whom tended to be on the outside of American prosperity. He is an individual who gave voice to smart people who were being too polite to argue with their heavily armed neighbors over whether or not health care was a right rather than a privilege, and the dangers of living in the leper colony we were becoming without Universal Health Care.
I inevitably moved out of Alaska (never learned how to handle a rifle big enough to bring down a brown bear) - but as smart as they are I find the existing liberal MSNBC troupe a bit too young and snarky at times - even though Keith was the same.
Come back KO.
I moved from the lower 48 to Alaska and in the dark frigid wilderness where I thought I had escaped the madness of right-wing America I found "Countdown."
Yes, Alaska is a "red state." But it's a red state that jettisoned its governor over a jet plane he bought using the state treasury as collateral, that prosecuted Ted Stevens for having the deck on his mountain cabin built by VECO, and which has had very limited restrictions on firearms (are there any - in fact we would say it would be insane to travel in the bush without one). Sarah Palin's 15 minutes of fame not withstanding - as a resident I found it Very hard to tell if Alaska is a actually red state, or not even politically mappable.
Meanwhile, there was Olbermann who spoke reason to me in a world full of people who needed to blame all their problems on some segment of the population, most of whom tended to be on the outside of American prosperity. He is an individual who gave voice to smart people who were being too polite to argue with their heavily armed neighbors over whether or not health care was a right rather than a privilege, and the dangers of living in the leper colony we were becoming without Universal Health Care.
I inevitably moved out of Alaska (never learned how to handle a rifle big enough to bring down a brown bear) - but as smart as they are I find the existing liberal MSNBC troupe a bit too young and snarky at times - even though Keith was the same.
Come back KO.
2
Why he is off the air speaks more for those who guard those gates than for Mr Olbermann. I can only hope one of those, who has influence with whoever is needed to get him back, actually turns the trick.
Olbermann has a clear, cutting and insightful, but not over the top, critical voice which we could use in our mainstream opinion mix.
Too bad the Murdoch family is so obcessed with the success of those who rant and don't see the goldmine Mr Olbermann could be for them. He might actually keep them less stilted and certainly more honest, both qualities sorely missing from this most watched network.
Maybe when pigs fly.
Olbermann has a clear, cutting and insightful, but not over the top, critical voice which we could use in our mainstream opinion mix.
Too bad the Murdoch family is so obcessed with the success of those who rant and don't see the goldmine Mr Olbermann could be for them. He might actually keep them less stilted and certainly more honest, both qualities sorely missing from this most watched network.
Maybe when pigs fly.
1
"If I had 10 peasants I could make 10 anchors, but if I had 10 anchors I could not make 1 Olbermann."
4
I miss Olbermann, even if he did spin out at times. He doesn't suffer fools lightly, which means he isn't going to last in any standard news position where "the game" must be played personally and professionally. Hopefully, the online work is more suited to his personality.
3
So Keith pointing out trump's tenuous grip on reality and his penchant for lying are now equivalent to birtherism? A new low in media assisted moral equivalency.
31
Before Keith Olbermann came to MSNBC, there were no voices on television unashamedly speaking for liberalism. Then Keith came on, and suddenly we were no longer alone.
In the years since then, people like Rachel have come, and some do Keith's job better than he did. Keith's had his ups and downs, and seems to be his own worst enemy. Yet I will always treasure him for being there when there was no one else, hammering for what we believed with a voice loud and strong and proud.
In the years since then, people like Rachel have come, and some do Keith's job better than he did. Keith's had his ups and downs, and seems to be his own worst enemy. Yet I will always treasure him for being there when there was no one else, hammering for what we believed with a voice loud and strong and proud.
31
I also miss him so much. I only watch Rachel, Lawrence, and Brian Williams at 12. If only he were part of that lineup, I think the election would have ended differently.
We all have our dualities, they're just both sides of the same coin. Speaking as someone who's been fired more than he has, and will be paying my horse's vet bill until I die, a man who is intelligent, articulate, impassioned, an occasional monster, and owned by 2 Maltese is a hero.
We all have our dualities, they're just both sides of the same coin. Speaking as someone who's been fired more than he has, and will be paying my horse's vet bill until I die, a man who is intelligent, articulate, impassioned, an occasional monster, and owned by 2 Maltese is a hero.
8
A has been pure and simple. Maybe a Jeopardy answer under "Gone and Mostly Forgotten".
The best part of the article was the accurate observation that Olbermann¬s internet segments frequently deal in unfounded speculation. The worst part was the unnecessary observations as to his personal life and appearance.
2
Olbermann is stronger and sharper than ever! His reach is international, not just domestic, precisely because he is online. Just ask his fans in Europe and Asia. We need more courageous reporters and commentators like Olbermann. Keep up the good work, sir.
18
What got Olbermann attention was the simple fact that he was the first liberal commentator with a major platform , MSNBC, who fired back at the conservative bloc of commentators with equal bluster, volume and fire. Armed, of course,with a better sense of political history and vetted facts, he got attention and created the grounds for which liberals could find voices in the media for left-of-center analysis of right wing policies. Olbermann, though, is his own worst enemy. As much as he genuinely asserts well written rants espousing the glorious legacy of democracy and service to others, his string of firings from the outlets he's worked for were the results of him being petulant, arrogant, and demanding, a personality that regards the world as spinning around him. I thank him for his pioneering work in breaking the conservative stranglehold on cable political commentary, and I am glad his voice is being heard in this time of a supremely inept and dangerous Presidency, but there is no one to blame for his exile from cable than himself. Still, I might imagine one of the streaming services--Netflix, Amazon--signing him on to do a weekly series of commentaries on what's transpiring . I suspect Olbermann's future on the internet may be brighter than we think.
9
Mr. Olbermann is a real spirit of democracy. Can we keep our experiment in democracy? If we do keep it, it will be because of men and women like Keith Olbermann. -Rudy
17
Olbermann's revolution will not be televised.
3
Keith Olbermann once hosted a cable tv show that was both informative and entertaining. There was plenty of criticism for either side of the political debate, albeit with a noticeable but acceptable tilt to the left.
Then something changed.
One memorable night, he lost it. A screaming diatribe about something President Bush did or said. I don't remember what it was. I just remember seeing someone who I found entertaining turn into something I found puzzling initially, then increasingly incoherent and irrational.
I am to the right of center in my own political bias, yet, I enjoyed his show for quite a while. I never enjoyed Bill O'Reilly's show; his tone was pompous and his views too extreme. How sad it was when Keith Olbermann surpassed his nightly cable tv competition on both scores. I had nothing good to watch each evening.
So I tuned out, and so did many others, it seems. Sad, almost tragic. President Trump is an extremely flawed person, yet he is the president we have. He merits criticism in ways beyond the scope of my comment here.
But becoming the left-side equivalent of Rush Limbaugh or Alan Jones serves nobody well. They perform for a narrow slice of kooks, and are largely ignored as a result.
Seems like that's where Keith Olbermann has found himself, too - a mirror image of the shouting conspiracy theorists of the right. Each serves a small group inside their respective echo chambers, achieving nothing other than validating the views of very few.
Then something changed.
One memorable night, he lost it. A screaming diatribe about something President Bush did or said. I don't remember what it was. I just remember seeing someone who I found entertaining turn into something I found puzzling initially, then increasingly incoherent and irrational.
I am to the right of center in my own political bias, yet, I enjoyed his show for quite a while. I never enjoyed Bill O'Reilly's show; his tone was pompous and his views too extreme. How sad it was when Keith Olbermann surpassed his nightly cable tv competition on both scores. I had nothing good to watch each evening.
So I tuned out, and so did many others, it seems. Sad, almost tragic. President Trump is an extremely flawed person, yet he is the president we have. He merits criticism in ways beyond the scope of my comment here.
But becoming the left-side equivalent of Rush Limbaugh or Alan Jones serves nobody well. They perform for a narrow slice of kooks, and are largely ignored as a result.
Seems like that's where Keith Olbermann has found himself, too - a mirror image of the shouting conspiracy theorists of the right. Each serves a small group inside their respective echo chambers, achieving nothing other than validating the views of very few.
3
I have observed the activity of the GOP for nearly 50 years. The push for "local control" of Public School Boards, the concerted and successful effort to stack the Federal Courts with "conservative" judges, the gerrymandering of House districts, the vocal support of "States Rights" (racist code), the active courtship (and militarization) of police, of military personnel, the NRA, and militant White Nationalist and other "patriot" groups, their contempt for science, the scientific method, logic and the traceability of ideas are only a few examples. This is a coordinated attack on the systems and values that made, and make, our United States unique.
The USA is a beacon in the twilight for so many people in the world today. I hear this (paraphrasing) many times in my travels.
I have concluded, through analysis of their behavior and actions, that the Republican Party is a irredeemably corrupt organization. Their leaders need to be prosecuted (RICO Act and Sedition...) and imprisoned and the party dissolved. Keith Olbermann is far closer to reality than nearly anyone else on cable. For print media Charles Blow, Gail Collins, Linda Greenhouse, Tom Friedman and Paul Krugman are required reading for those interested in thoughtful and informed analyses.
The USA is a beacon in the twilight for so many people in the world today. I hear this (paraphrasing) many times in my travels.
I have concluded, through analysis of their behavior and actions, that the Republican Party is a irredeemably corrupt organization. Their leaders need to be prosecuted (RICO Act and Sedition...) and imprisoned and the party dissolved. Keith Olbermann is far closer to reality than nearly anyone else on cable. For print media Charles Blow, Gail Collins, Linda Greenhouse, Tom Friedman and Paul Krugman are required reading for those interested in thoughtful and informed analyses.
22
I wish the writer had explored Olbermann's schooling a bit. To me he represents a classic boarding school type - bright, spoiled, sarcastic, bullying when he finds a good target and socially inept. I have the feeling that he hasn't changed much since his high school days, nor has his nemesis Donald Trump, who no doubt followed a similar path in military school. To say they deserve each other would be an understatement.
3
I like the Resistance broadcasts even better than the full program he did because he can concentrate on one thing and give it all he has. He doesn't have to have guests on to add their two cents. But if he came back to cable I would definitely watch.
2
Only within the NYTs can you read an exposè on a liberal has-been whose offensive behavior has been excused far too often. Granted it is satisfactory to conclude he has used up all his chances.
2
Like the elderly couple I really do miss Olberman. I will be sharing this article hoping that his program picks up speed. I believe we would have a different president today if Olberman would have been on air
7
Whether or not you agree with Olbermann, or think he is marginally successful in his attempts at humor ... his voice is not needed or helpful in this opposition. Does he make salient points? Sure. But his style and brand of smug, holier-than-thou, preachy liberalism is toxic to people in the middle of the political spectrum. Olbermann is a one trick pony of preaching to the choir. His pedantic rants may have truth in them, but who's listening? Enough with these familiar baby boomer bastions of old "liberalism", NY Times included (just look at who writes Op-Eds here).... and equally, young leftists need to purge P.C. social justice twitter hashtag activists from their ranks. Rich, white guilty private school educated millennials who are easily offended and are naive to the workings of the harsh real world are not a political base you can win elections on, and provide actual America progress through.
2
MSNBC lost much of it's charm and character when Mr. Olbermann left. No one can tell it like it is in politics like Keith and we miss him terribly. I thought this piece spent too much time putting Mr. Olbermann down and not enough time reminding readers what a great impact Keith has made for liberal leaning people. I didn't need to know that Keith was not liked by co-workers or neighbors or that he has no wife or children. While trying to make Keith Olbermann look pathetic, the writer only revealed how pathetic he is. If Keith came back we would watch everything he did as we watch The Resistance.
16
It's disappointing, but hardly surprising, that a NYTimes columnist would talk like this. Olbermann was hated by his media bosses, and considering how chummy much of the elite media can be, I would hardly be surprised of those sentiments reached the ears of the author of this piece in so many ways.
Some of it, I suppose, is media chauvinism taking root. Considering that Keith gets millions of views on his videos, perhaps the Times should stop nitpicking Olbermann's life and start paying attention to the message that is resonating.
Some of it, I suppose, is media chauvinism taking root. Considering that Keith gets millions of views on his videos, perhaps the Times should stop nitpicking Olbermann's life and start paying attention to the message that is resonating.
What Bill Simmons said.
Many years ago I was searching for a TV channel with objective news coverage. I was horrified by the blatant conservative propaganda on most news channels including the major so called mainstream channels. I came across Kieth Olbermann on MSNBC and was ecstatic that I finally found a newscaster that spoke truth to power and challenged people who got on the air and lied! The country needs Keith Olbermann and newscasters like him especially in the age of lying Trump and fake news!
I'm horrified that Andrew Lack is in the process of turning MSNBC into another FOX propaganda outlet. He's getting rid of his once great progressive lineup and is bringing in the likes of Greta Van Susteren, Megyn Kelly, Brian Williams, Nicole Wallace and Hugh Hewitt. Who's next? Sarah Palin? It won't be long before Lack pushes out Rachel Maddox, Chris Hayes, Lawrence O'Donnell, and Joy Reed. Where are progressives to turn then for intelligent, unbiased news analysis and commentary? I wish I spoke French. In France fake news is against the law!
I'm horrified that Andrew Lack is in the process of turning MSNBC into another FOX propaganda outlet. He's getting rid of his once great progressive lineup and is bringing in the likes of Greta Van Susteren, Megyn Kelly, Brian Williams, Nicole Wallace and Hugh Hewitt. Who's next? Sarah Palin? It won't be long before Lack pushes out Rachel Maddox, Chris Hayes, Lawrence O'Donnell, and Joy Reed. Where are progressives to turn then for intelligent, unbiased news analysis and commentary? I wish I spoke French. In France fake news is against the law!
17
U know- he's trying to increase viewership and shake the misperception that MSNBC isn't balanced or fair. If MSNBC can gain new viewers and they get a little liberalism I'm fine with them bringing on Greta and George Will. Greta is balanced.
Btw-it's good to hear other points of view.
An aside- it's hard to watch CNN. Most of the anchors are not that smart and the analysts are so partisan and nasty. I find it unwatchable
Btw-it's good to hear other points of view.
An aside- it's hard to watch CNN. Most of the anchors are not that smart and the analysts are so partisan and nasty. I find it unwatchable
1
I love Olbermann's energy, no less than his message which is current and very relevant. This is a well needed outlet for people who already has a sense of the knowing of what influences our current and new policies, and hopefully a realistic, not naive point of view, for those who seems aloof and disconnected on the topic.
38
We don't need war on Trump; we need an insurmountably rational campaign against the irrationality and deceit that is modern Conservatism, a battle fought with a strategy and tactics that closes as predictably on the opponents pieces, and finally the King, as Magnus Carlsen prosecuting an opponent, any opponent, in a chess match.
That's what Olbermann needs to be capable of. War is pointless. Conservatives don't care. They're already masters of lying. A loss is declared a victory and they move on. What's needed is the kind of loss that GW was, a loss that is so documented, and total, that it can't be denied, even by the best liar, and the Trump camp is chock-a-block full of high caliber liars, all the way up to liar-in-chief, pope of liars, liar master of the universe himself, Donald "the weasel" Trump.
That's what Olbermann needs to be capable of. War is pointless. Conservatives don't care. They're already masters of lying. A loss is declared a victory and they move on. What's needed is the kind of loss that GW was, a loss that is so documented, and total, that it can't be denied, even by the best liar, and the Trump camp is chock-a-block full of high caliber liars, all the way up to liar-in-chief, pope of liars, liar master of the universe himself, Donald "the weasel" Trump.
62
No conservative I've ever spoken with has ever communicated any dissatisfaction with W. Bush's performance. For them it's always seems to be party over country and they prefer war and economic disaster to sound Democratic governance.
6
I really like Olbermann's Resistance broadcasts on the Internet. I've seen every one of them so far. The author of this essay is dismissive but I suggest that people give him a chance.
I especially recommend the one in which he reads aloud the letter that Trump's grandparents wrote when they were immigrants...
I especially recommend the one in which he reads aloud the letter that Trump's grandparents wrote when they were immigrants...
172
How well The Donald has forgotten his roots, the grandson of a German immigrant, Friedrich Drumpf.
1
I loved Olberman. He was my introduction to cable news. Yes he is biting but that is what is great about him. BTW. Bill O'Reilly wasn't just a blow hard, self serving jerk but a serial sexual harasser and even with millions paid out to settle claims, he was "beloved" by the right for 20 years
I'd LOVE to see Olbetman back on TV. Keep up the Resistsnce Keith.
I'd LOVE to see Olbetman back on TV. Keep up the Resistsnce Keith.
2