The electronic media was abuzz on Friday with huge news of MSNBC’s President Phil Griffin and his decision to indefinitely suspend their prime time firebrand Keith Olbermann from the flagging cable news network. This story was so big that CNN (the distant 2nd place for politics) covered it with a front page link to their story.
Allegedly Olbermann’s campaign contributions (reported first by Politico) to at least three Democrats running for office in the recent mid-terms caused the problem. Well, the contributions were not the actual problem, Mr. Olbermann’s lack of disclosure to his employer was at issue. My new hero, Phil Griffin issued the following statement;
“I became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay.”
As stated in a personal email sent to Phil Griffin (phil.griffin@nbcuni.com), I applaud him for showing the American people that rules matter, actions have consequences, and enforcement of the rules must be equal or the rules are meaningless.
A Twitter brush fire was immediately lit on both sides of the Olbermann river. Those in “Team Keith” were calling the MSNBC switchboard and demanding for reinstatement and his immediate return. While those on “Team Griffin” enjoyed a second bite of the schadenfreude apple this week. The elections being bite #1. There really isn’t a Team Griffin, just a large and now satisfied group of MSNBC detractors who are smiling broadly.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, MSNBC still had a show to fill. So who could host to the now benched Olbermann? One report said that Chris Hayes of the Nation would step in… that was until Hayes’ 2008 and 2009 campaign contributions were discussed. MSNBC mentioned these donations when they said Hayes would not be hosting, Hayes took a different route, tweeting the following:
Last night’s edition of “Countdown Without Keith Olberman”n was hosted by MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts who closed with the following:
“Last night, MSNBC management became aware of three political contributions that Keith made to three different candidates last week,” Roberts said. “The contributions are not permitted by NBC News without prior approval. In light of those facts, Keith has been suspended indefinitely. We know all of you are looking forward to Keith’s return, and so are we.”
I agree with Thomas. Keith Olbermann should get his job back soon. In these tough economic times America cannot afford to lose even one job. Perhaps Keith has also learned something from his suspension. Maybe the man who railed against the campaign contributions of others (Fox, Koch brothers, etc.) and then was undone by his own need to feel as if his money could influence an election, has been taught something about seeing a story from both sides. Oh the sweet irony of it all.
Honestly, I for one would love to see Keith Olbermann back on MSNBC as soon as Monday, introduced by his boss, Phil Griffin, and explaining himself to the Progressive people while consuming a large plate of crow followed by a huge slice of humble pie for dessert… and closing by naming himself the Worst Person In The World.
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