Opinion: Olbermann to moderate AFL-CIO Presidential Forum…
The AFL-CIO Now Blog’s Mike Hall blogs that Keith Olbermann will moderate the August 7th Presidential candidates forum on MSNBC…
Olbermann, whose journalism credentials include several Emmys and an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the events and aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks, says he is “honored” for the
…opportunity to question the leading Democratic presidential candidates about the key issues of this race. This is a critical time in our nation’s history and I look forward to helping our viewers better understand where each of the candidates stand on the issues.
Gibson and O’Reilly are going to have a field day with this. And rightly so. Why is MSNBC allowing Olbermann to moderate a presidential forum it’s airing? Would CNN put Lou Dobbs in to moderate a forum? Would FNC put Bill O’Reilly in? I think the answer to both is no.
A year and a half ago MSNBC could have probably worked Olbermann in to moderate a debate without drawing too much fire. But not now. Not after Olbermann has firmly placed himself on the left side of the political spectrum with numerous Special Commnets/attacks at the Republican administration, and one aimed at the Democratic Congress for not having a spine to stand up to Bush on the Iraq War, I don’t see how anyone can watch Olbermann moderate a debate without thinking of his biases. MSNBC is taking a big risk here.
Talk about no shame! Yet the Democrats won’t go on Fox because of bias. Republican canidates need to stand up and no longer go on MSDNC.
Comment by Alix — July 17, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
well, my initial reaction to this “revelation” is of course, PP will probably PP himself. but besides PP, who might watch this slanted attack on democracy? & I do consider that because of no mention of that “not serious” candidate Gravel, who frankly is the ONLY one I would want to hear.
Comment by ditmar — July 17, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
Bravo, Spud.
Comment by William — July 17, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
That’s MSNBC for you. Because of a near complete lack of talent and no real news division to speak of some idiot thinks that it would be a good idea to put on their top rated show host, despite the fact that he’s a partisan.
But even they wanted to go with a newscaster who else do they have really? The only MSNBC employee that could host a debate would be Chris Jansing and she seems like an afterthought.
MSNBC is a top heavy organization. Once you get past the name shows, it’s empty which I guess is exactly what NBC wants.
Comment by Steve — July 17, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
They should get Mika to moderate LOL
Comment by Anonymous — July 17, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Here I am. I’m not going to defend MSNBC for this move. I think if one were to be a fly on the wall when this decision was made, you’d here the word ‘publicity’ and ‘Countdown with KO’ in the same sentence. It will help KO reach a wider audience with his biased point of view, thus help his show overall. As for the debate itself. It will be an easy one I’m sure for all the candidates.
Keep in mind though; it seems this year, the Democratic candidates and the Republican candidates are just picking and choosing which forums to participate in. It’s all a big mess this election cycle. Take for example the FNC debate the Democrats refuse to cooperate with. Take for example the LOGO debate, the Republican’s will not participate in. Or the one Republican who showed up to speak in front of the NAACP. You see, this year, unlike past elections, the candidates are picking and choosing where and what audiences to address. Both sides are doing it. And guess what, they’ll continue to do so!
Now, the argument of course will be that FNC nor CNN would never have a decisive, clear-cut biased ‘commentator’ moderate a debate like a Keith Olbermann. Probably not. But one definately knows the slant of the debates that takes place on both those cable stations. MSNBC’s choice is a strategy. One that will either ultimately attract additional viewers, or hurt the overall news organization. I believe that it will help attract additional viewers, especially as the election nears, because American’s are predictable. You want to hear ‘your side’ speak. MSNBC is re-inventing itself with this in mind, obviously focusing on a liberal audience. As for what this does to ‘NBC NEWS’ as an entire, I don’t know. I would imagine, you’ll see MSNBC distance itself for NBC NEWS.
Go Keith, Go Rosie!
Comment by Peoplepeople — July 17, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
um.. excuse me but fox news had brit hume moderate one of their debates. brit hume is a right wing partisan. and since its the democratic candidates, why not have a democrat moderate it? i dont see the problem.
Comment by Chris (My Two Sense) — July 17, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
Brit Hume only asked one question at the last debate. The others were asked by Chris Wallace (registered democrat) and Wendel Goler.
Comment by JMK24 — July 17, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
Comment by JMK24 — July 17, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
well i didnt watch, but it said “moderated by brit hume”. despite how many questions he asked, he was the moderator. my point is that if we are going to start eliminating people based on their affiliation or their viewpoint, there wont be anyone left.
Comment by Chris (My Two Sense) — July 17, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
^
This guy is comparing Brit Hume to Dobermann lol. Do you see Brit ranting and raving about Democrats on his Special Report?
If you said Hannity then you would have a point.
Comment by Lurker — July 17, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Heeelllllooooo, CNN uses Anderson Cooper, the only person NOT in the commercials for the “best political team on TV” but they are just trying to promote him as a young and hip 40 year old middle aged man, who lately looks like he’s sucking on sour candy 24/7 and that crease in his forehead looks big enough to lose small animals in. He needs a long break.
The one CNN should be using to host the political debates is John Roberts the smartest, well informed, most stabbed in the back by CBS man on TV. I wonder how CBS would be doing in the ratings if he was behind the desk instead of Katie but I digress.
If Cooper can do it, Olbermann can read he Qcards just as well. It’s not brain surgery.
Comment by Mary Snow — July 17, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
You can’t compare Hume to Olbermann. Hume is conservative but he’s been much more non-partisan on his show than Olbermann has been on Countdown. Plus Hume is a real political journalist with a long established history hosting political events. Olbermann is not.
Mary Snow raises a valid point about Cooper. But two wrongs don’t make a right and besides Cooper hasn’t gone out on a long political limb the way Olbermann has.
Comment by Spud — July 17, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Gee, I wonder what the questions will be like…
“Why are the Republicans so terrible?”
“If you had your way, what matter of imprisonment would you give Karl Rove?”
“Should we impeach all the republicans now?”
“What is your strategy for getting Bill O’Reilly off the air?”
Predictable. Uninformative. Pathetic.
But hey, on the bright side. This might be the first time O’Reilly goes after Olbermann by name. That should be fun, no?
Comment by ImNotBlue — July 17, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Geez Mary Snow, you have to poke at AC ALL the time? Even when it makes no sense? What do AC’s looks have to do with this anyways? And at least AC doesn’t spew left-wing garbage day after day after day after day on his program unlike your “god” Sloberman…
Comment by Anonymous — July 17, 2007 @ 2:46 pm
I seriously doubt Olbermann will be like that. I think Olbermann will do a good job and bend over backwards not to ask those types of questions. That was never the issue for me. The issue is he’s radioactive thanks to his Special Comments and that’s why he should not be moderating anything political on MSNBC.
It’s purely a perception issue for me, not a substantive one.
Comment by Spud — July 17, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
O’Reilly will not talk about this. If he did he would have to sy Olberdork’s name and he will never ever do that.
Comment by scott — July 17, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
I think we’d all agree CBS has a credibility problem. Now NBC is building on it’s own credibility problem. I agree with PP on the short term ramifications; Countdown will gain some new viewers. Olbermann may top 1 million this fall. But long term…
I have to admit I wasn’t buying it at first when O’Reilly started attacking NBC/MSNBC as one. But soon after, NBC itself started to promote a linked news organization. That was solidified by Brian Williams and Chris Matthews hosting the first two debates on MSNBC. Now there’s really no turning back.
Comment by erljr — July 17, 2007 @ 2:55 pm
What prey-tell - No Joy in spudville ?
This would have been twice in one day (Weekend ratings).
So a more moderate moderator would be in order here? But a crackpot host is ok?
Hmmm DOW 14k day 2:58 pm
Comment by Hmmm — July 17, 2007 @ 2:58 pm
Keith asking relevant, non-partisan questions? ha ha ha ha I know what I won’t be watching on August 7. Mary Snow - I’m with you about John Roberts and is Cooper really under 40? No way.
Comment by jules — July 17, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
i think its a good move. olbermann is the #1 guy on MSNBC, hes their biggest name, and it will draw viewers. its true that olbermann is a liberal. and if you are moderating a debate of democrats, and liberals democrats at that, who better to moderate it? and for the republican debate have a republican moderate it. for the one on one presidential debates next year, i can understand wanting a “moderate down the middle” person, but this is not that.
Comment by Chris (My Two Sense) — July 17, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
I think the only viewers this charade of a “debate” will draw is dyed in the wool democrats, who will vote for “satan” if nominated. I have no intention of watching as I believe this “programming” is about control. Propaganda does take all forms. PP you did surprise me, may I join your reality now? NOT on one pt. PP, too easy!
Comment by ditmar — July 17, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Chris: Bill O is the biggest name on Fox, so by your reasoning Fox should use Bill for a Rep. debate. But we know Fox would never even think of that type of strategy.
Comment by Jim — July 17, 2007 @ 3:25 pm
Chris, the reason why it’s not a good idea is because someone who has openly advocated one party over another will not seek to press the candidates any harder than he/she feels they need to.
In other words, why would Olbermann ask any kind of questions of any of the Democrats that could make them look bad? Instead, he’s much more likely to throw softball after softball, asking questions that make them look good, and the Republicans look bad. It’s going to be one huge bitch session about how terrible the other side is!
Think about it. If all the Libs are always up in arms because they think that FNC treats the Republicans better than the Democrats, because they’re more sympathetic to their POV… why would this be okay?
Hypocrisy at its most obvious.
Comment by ImNotBlue — July 17, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
I think the overall big picture is summed up pretty well from the AJA essay called “What the Mainstream Media Can Learn From Jon Stewart” by Rachel Smolkin:
…Olbermann’s show, cited in several interviews as a serious news program that excels in revealing hypocrisy, is unabashedly liberal….
“Unfortunately, people are heading for news that sort of re-inforces their own beliefs,” says Washington Post reporter Dana Milbank.
Comment by Obama in 08! — July 17, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
despite what some of you think, I think Olbermann will do a great job, and will ask the tough questions. If he sucks, I will have no problem admitting it, but I highly doubt that will happen.
Comment by Chris (My Two Sense) — July 17, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
Oh this ought to be hilarious!
Comment by Alison — July 17, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
Anyone who makes radioactive statements like Olbermann should not moderate a debate, regardless of party affiliation. It is a bad move on MSNBC’s part, but who else would they use, Chris Matthews? They would need a twenty second delay for that, plus he makes the debate all about him. I suggest Willie Geist.
Comment by JMK24 — July 17, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
Chris: When has Olbermann EVER asked a tough question to anyone? Certainly not on Countdown.
Comment by William — July 17, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
JMK24, I think really the only choice MSNBC would have would be one of the news reader ladies they have during the day. At least they aren’t overt about their politics, and try to play it pretty straight down the middle.
But I suppose this is the problem with having very partisan show hosts… they don’t really have a face for their straight news presentation. They might have to dip into the NBC News pool to find someone. I was always a fan of Lester, but I’m not sure if he’s still there or not.
Comment by ImNotBlue — July 17, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Lester Holt is my favorite too. Tucker would be great.
Comment by mel — July 17, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
Does it really matter who asks the questions? The candidates only have to give sound bites. I’d like to split them up in teams of two and see some real debating. Hey, why not let the public vote, like on American Idol? Americans seem to be a lot more discriminating when it comes to picking the next pop star than their presidents these days.
Comment by Bobbie Reinecker — July 17, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
> and for the republican debate have a republican moderate it.
MS already did their Republican debate. And the republican they picked to moderate it? Chris Matthews.
Comment by johnny dollar — July 17, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
How is this going to be hilarious? KO as stated will be asking from prepared questions. I don’t think that will be funny.
#27 What’s your definition of ‘radioactive’ in your comment? Commentator, liberal, opinionated? Furthermore, is it OK for a ‘radioactive organization’ to sponsor or hold a debate?
Comment by Peoplepeople — July 17, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
#32 Again, people people, not making much sense here, even with the humor. This election cycle is proving to be very different for these debates. EACH SIDE IS RUNNING TO SAFE GROUND. Not just the Democrats. But the Republicans as well. This country is so divided along party lines currently, why the hell would a candidate waste time trying to convince an individual or group he/she knows in the end won’t vote for him/her anyway??? Can’t anyone see what’s happening?
Comment by Peoplepeople — July 17, 2007 @ 5:02 pm
Have any of you ever actually seen Brit Hume on Fox News Sunday? He tries to be a “journalist” during the week, but when he appears on the Sunday panel, he’s right-wing all the way. As for Keith, I’m glad he’ll be hosting the debate. Anything that pisses off conservative Fox viewers is ok by me.
Comment by Jay — July 17, 2007 @ 5:09 pm
Spud, major kudos for paying attention to this and stating your opinion up front. At the bitter end of his TVNewser stint, Brian Stelter simply quoted the press release and refuses to publish any of his reader comments about this, or question this insane NBC decision himself. TVNewser will improve once Stelter leaves but this has always been and always will be my #1 site anyway. Keep up the good work.
Comment by Kit — July 17, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
Tucker is great, but could not host a democrat debate sponsored by a union.
Comment by JMK24 — July 17, 2007 @ 5:20 pm
Jay, it’s not just Fox News Sunday. Hume’s Political Grapevine is two minutes of bashing Democrats and liberals. I cannot remember the last time he took a jab at a Republican in the Grapevine.
Comment by Davey — July 17, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
Jay is a perfect example of whom they’re trying to cater to. The people who’ve already given up their free thought and critical thinking abilities, for a much more comfortable and easy lifestyle controlled by media figures and liberal blogs. He’s surrendered his ability to question what’s actually going on, for the convenience of having his world black and white. FOX bad. Olbermann good. Republicans bad. Democrats good. No thought necessary. Rinse, lather, and repeat.
However, for the rest of the people who still have a use for their brains, I kind of agree with PP on the safe haven idea. Although, I see the Dems doing it more this time around than the Reps. A debate on LOGO isn’t quite on par with a debate on FNC… why not have a debate on Nickelodeon for that matter? But I think you’re making a false assumption, which of course is the audience structure of the particular news stations. As has been stated time and time again, FNC has an ample sized audience amongst Democrats and Independents. So by the Dems refusal to debate on FNC, they’re retreating to more than just a safe haven… they’re going to home base. They’re not willing to talk to anyone who is even outside their direct circle… and for the someone who wants to be the leader of this country to in essence say, “I don’t care about half the population, I don’t care about their opinions or ideas, I only care about my guys” (IMO) isn’t the way this country should be run.
But I digress. Prepared questions or not, I have no faith that this debate will be anything other than one long commercial for the Democratic candidates, and a bitch session against the Republicans and President Bush.
Comment by ImNotBlue — July 17, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
^
LOL Nice analysis of Jay
Comment by Lurker — July 17, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
I cannot believe that MSNBC/NBC could not find another political journalist from among its news talent to moderate this debate. I watch KO’s show and I don’t consider him to be a political or government expert. And the football gig should give him loads of credibility in the political arena (sarcasm). If the debate only covers bashing the president and other White House staff, then KO will do well. Otherwise, not so much.
Comment by Goldfish — July 17, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
#37. Brit just did it a few minutes ago on the Grapevine commenting on the high cost of Mitt Romney’s haircuts. The point being that Edwards is not the only one shelling out big bucks for the service. He usually targets Reps on every segment.
Comment by Jim — July 17, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
Everything Bill O. says about MSNBC/NBC is correct. They picked Olbermann because they and he have a left wing bias. They want to make sure he asks the democratic candidates cup cake questions, so they all look good.
Comment by Nadine — July 17, 2007 @ 6:43 pm
The Political Grapevine segment is often an indictment of the media, not candidates.
Davey, it is nice that you can recognize that the mainstream media fits into the “Democrats & liberals” category.
Comment by bigred — July 17, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
IMB, that’s how all the dem debates turn out - major Bush bashes, and that’s about it. It’s more of a contest as to who is the biggest Bush-basher, not what any of them will do to correct problems or establish policy.
Comment by Missy — July 17, 2007 @ 7:52 pm
It’s a Democratic debate, hosted by the radical left’s favorite “journalist” aka opinion guy, Keith Olbermann. I predict the ratings will utterly suck for this. And Olbermann, not a guy known for being able to ask coherent and short questions without dragging in pointless analogies will bomb. But hey, maybe that’s part of MSNBC’s strategy: no one expects him to be good so just as long as he’s not absolutely horrible, he’ll be praised as being “good”, at least by the likes of our new (and latest) MSNBC cheerleader, “People, People”. But I remember how miserable his performance was in the first MSNBC debate as an analyst, Matthews was openly dismissive of him. It was somewhat better for debate number two, but not by much. But I’m sure that won’t matter to the radical leftists who will tune in to see their man in action. They’ll proclaim him a great success even if he keels over with a stroke and remains silent throughout the remainder of the debate. And the fawning mainstream media will chime in with wonderful reviews for him, no matter how horrid he is. Remember, they are the ones who keep labeling his show a ratings success, despite the evidence that it’s clearly not.
Comment by Alison — July 17, 2007 @ 8:04 pm
I think it would be interesting to see a debate moderated by the four main guys at MSNBC (Joe, Tucker, KO and Matthews). That would bring attention to the entire network. It would show that MSNBC is a total package network and not just focused on one guy.
I’m surprised the candidates agreed to KO moderating the debate. All anyone’s going to talk about is KO. It’ll end up being the KO show (with special guest appearances by Hillary, Obama, the Breck Girl…..). Maybe they’re hoping he’ll hand them each a check like he did with Bill Clinton.
Comment by TBDave — July 17, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
RE: Brit Hume
Hume is hugely biased in his reporting and has anyone seen his lunatic ravings on Fox News Sunday? You can compare the two, saying that I do not agree Olbermann should anchor the debate but still, the two can be compared especially seeing as Hume hosts Fox’s “premiere news program”.
Comment by Mike Beckham — July 17, 2007 @ 9:16 pm
Mike,
Brit Hume is no longer a reporter. He’s an anchor. When he was a reporter, for ABC, he was THE most respected political reporter in the world. Bar none. He has the awards to back it up.
And please, point out his “lunatic ravings”. He gives opinions on Sundays. He anchors during the week.
To compare him to Olbermann is sad and pathetic on your part.
Comment by bigred — July 17, 2007 @ 9:31 pm
I really wonder who how some awards made him “THE most respected political reporter in the world”, but him giving his right wing views on the weekend show surely means he should not host a debate let along the premiere news show on Fox News? Right?
He has his views which he expresses freely and yet can host a debate and a news show because he does not display them on a certain show? Come on… Olbermann and Hume are not that different in reality. If Hume can anchor a debate and keep his views to himself why can’t Olbermann too?
Comment by Mike Beckham — July 17, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
If Hume acted during his anchoring like he did on Fox News Sunday, yes, you’d have a point. However that is not the case here. I’ve seen Hume cover debates and provide analysis for other political events and he keeps his personal views in check. If Hume had a show like Countdown, then I would be of a different opinion.
Comment by Spud — July 17, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
I think there’s a big difference between media bias and outright propaganda. Brit Hume may have a conservative bias, but he presents both sides of the news.
KO’s show is propaganda (same as Hannity’s America and Geraldo’s crappy show). KO only reports on stories that support his political point of view. He doesn’t include any opposing viewpoints.
Comment by TBDave — July 17, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
How is Geraldo propaganda? He covers Missing White women and tabloid crap.
Comment by Mike Beckham — July 17, 2007 @ 10:10 pm
“If Hume had a show like Countdown, then I would be of a different opinion……….”
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Hmmm DOW 14k day 11:38pm
Comment by Hmmm — July 17, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
Hannity’s America is nothing like Dobermann’s show. He debates with liberals and he also has those 2 on 2 debates. Both sides represented. Dobermann can’t debate with anyone he disagress with cause he’ll get owned so it’s just 1 hour of left-wing garbage.
Comment by Lurker — July 17, 2007 @ 11:41 pm