Olbermann Suspended Indefinitely for Political Contributions
According to a statement from MSNBC president Phil Griffin, host Keith Olbermann has been suspended indefinitely without pay for political contributions he made to Democratic candidates.
“I became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night,” Griffin said. “Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay.”
MSNBC policies require employees to make the network aware of, and seek prior approval for, any political activity that could pose a conflict of interest. Its rules specifically mention campaign contributions as reportable activity.
Olbermann admitted today that he had contributed $2,400 (the maximum single donation allowed) to three different Democratic candidates this election cycle, for a total of $7,200 worth of campaign contributions.
βOne week ago, on the night of Thursday October 28 2010, after a discussion with a friend about the state of politics in Arizona, I donated $2,400 each to the reelection campaigns of Democratic Representatives Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords,β Olbermann said. βI also donated the same amount to the campaign of Democratic Senatorial candidate Jack Conway in Kentucky.β
(View the Federal Election Commission filings for Grijalva, Giffords, and Conway.)
He defended his actions by saying he didn’t encourage anyone else to follow suit.
When the story broke Friday morning many wondered if Olbermann had informed Griffin of the contributions. Griffin’s statement and actions today seem to suggest he didn’t.
According to the Huffington Post, the relationship between Griffin and Olbermann has been historically shaky. For example, Olbermann once told the New Yorker, “Phil thinks he’s my boss.”
Recently, Griffin responded to that sentiment by telling New York Magazine,“Keith doesn’t run the show.” He added, “I do a lot of things he doesn’t like. I do a lot of things he does.”
The suspension comes at a time when Olbermann’s show “Countdown” is facing ratings challenges from other MSNBC shows. While Olbermann is still the network’s top-rated host, in a story on Olbermann’s admission this morning, Mediaite wondered if “the success of Rachel Maddow (beating Olbermann in the demo last month), and Lawrence OβDonnell may mean the new bosses will be far less understanding of these types of issues that arise with Olbermann when, and if, he went rogue last week.”
The guessing seems to be over.
UPDATE:
Conservative Weekly Standard columnist, and regular Fox News contributor, Bill Kristol has come out in support of Olbermann and against MSNBC:
First, he donated money to candidates he liked. He didnβt take money, or favors, in a way that influenced his reporting.
Second, heβs not a reporter. Itβs an opinion show. If Olbermann wants to put his money where his mouth is, more power to him.
Third, GE, the corporate parent of MSNBC, gives money to political organizations. GE executives and, Iβm sure, NBC executives give money. Why canβt Olbermann?
Perhaps Olbermann violated NBC News βpolicy and standards.β But NBC doesnβt have real news standards for MSNBCβotherwise the channel wouldnβt exist. Itβs a little strange to get all high and mighty now.
But thereβs now a Republican House, and perhaps GE is trying to curry favor by dumping Olbermann?
Republicans of the world, show you believe in the free expression of opinion! Tell the crony corporatists at NBCβkeep Keith!
Politico is reporting that Chris Hayes, Washington editor of The Nation and a previous fill-in for Rachel Maddow, will fill in for Keith Olbermann tonight.
UPDATE II:
TV Newser reports that, “Insiders weβve talked to say Olbermann wonβt be back,” while Gawker sites a similar anonymous source who makes the interesting claim that NBC’s policies don’t apply to MSNBC:
“The standards department has told us that MSNBC doesn’t answer to NBC News standards,” the insider said. “They don’t have coverage over MSNBC. They used to, back before MSNBC went political, but at some point it became too hard and MSNBC was taken out of their portfolio. As far as I know, there are no ethical standards at MSNBC. And if NBC says MSNBC is supposed to be living up to the NBC News standards, that’s a preposterous lie.”
This is a breaking news story. Updates will be added.
In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isnβt really about controlling guns at all; itβs about controlling us. Find out more HERE.
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Comments (741)
jedi.kep
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:05pmWasn’t this the stooge who was waving at Bill O’Riley the other day saying “Still here”?
Tooooooooooooooooo funny.
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Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:08pmLOL, that’s true.
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Meyvn
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:59pmFkn hilarious!
capol0705
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 7:40pmYep he waved and stated he was still there (MSNBC) now he’s nowhere noob!
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Asecretary
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:04pmHe contributes but does not vote.
Says he doesn’t vote because he wants to be “neutral”. Wow what a maron!
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Clive
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:19pmmaron huh?
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beekeeper
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 9:25pmYes maron, like Mark Maron – Former Air America celebrity.
http://www.marcmaron.com/
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chuchu12
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:04pmwhat confuses me is…how can you suspend someone that was never there????
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mach51
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:04pmI have no like for Olberdork at all, but who really cares? Was it a shock to anyone on this planet that he did this?<
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Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:04pmKarma is a Behar!
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cmoursler
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:14pmbwaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaa….she’s been verbed.
too funny…I am using that.
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KE_in_IA
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:16pm@ Bob — Well said. Can I use that sometime?
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Rubicon
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:18pmAWESOME!!!!!! I was literally laughing out load a my computer when I read your post. Thank for the great laugh.
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Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:23pmDennis Miller gave me the idea when he said, “Life is a Behar” LOL! The guy is a comedy genius and a great American.
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unashamed conservative
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:39pmI was watching when Dennis Miller was on – hysterical! He actually said “Paybacks are a Behar” in reference to the election! I like that line even better!
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stacila
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:04pmHis viewer will be so sad.
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MattyFos
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:26pmNo, she’ll love him not being on air. He will move back in with her, live in her basement and blog.
Mrs. Olbermann will love having her little baby back home.
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TMACK
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:29pmHe actually had “A” viewer? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
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TMACK
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:40pmOh gotcha Matty – I didn’t realize that one viewer was his wife. LOL
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MattyFos
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:44pmTMACK-
I was referring to his mother….
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IndyPAGirl
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:37pmTOO funny.
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TMACK
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:19pmMATTY – My bad! I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard I didn’t realize you were talking about his mother :)
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vonryansexpress
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:04pmI wonder if Huffington Post had his contributions listed on their site as they do with street addresses and map quest for all the Republican contributors?
If this plays out as correct, this was a method of getting rid of his smug, overbearing presence that wrecked their operation as so many took their lead or acted in fear of him at MSNBC. Remember how Donnie Deutsch was ejected as a result of benign comments that included Herr Keith?
The new management at MSNBC is coming … and ‘hell to be is coming with them.’
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SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:44pmthey will still suck.
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n9jxu
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:03pmEditorial Ethics from MSNBC? This is a first
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jb1972
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:03pmOh NO ! Poor hack. See what happens when your too scummy for the swamp.
This just made my day!
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Spyder
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:18pmThat’s a good point. I hear FOX is looking for someone to clean out the stalls in the bathrooms. Considering all the crap he’s been dealing out over the years, it sounds like a perfect fit.
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stinkybisquit
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:03pmWill he get a job at Fox?
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MattyFos
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:20pmI hope Fox gives him a job, they need more crazies. Beckle(?) just isn’t doing it for me anymore.. Have him come on and call all the people at Fox racists. It’d be great TV.. I can see it now…
Bill-O v.s.. Bozo
Bill- Are you an idiot, you are biting the hand that feeds you.
Olby- Well, this Network is racists beyond belief. It’s a travesty that News Corp and Rupert Murdoch are allowed to donate to the Republican party.
Bill- Can you even hear yourself? You donated to Democrats! PINHEAD
Olby- But that’s different, I am a private citizen and Democrats are Fascist-Racists.
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Dstarr55
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:57pmAs a janitor, maybe there is some qualifications but not as a commentator – you have to say something worth hearing.
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Dstarr55
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:02pmDidn’t he just wave to the camera and say ‘I’m still here”?
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Brad Wesselmann
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:09pmHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! THAT’S RIGHT!!! HE DID!!!! hehehehehe
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mamawalker
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:22pm…lol…what sweet justice!
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TattooQ
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:02pmA fool has left the stage .
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juliaflyte
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:02pmI’m so sorry…. No, really I’m not. I’m not sorry at all!!
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JD Carp
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:49pmhis really bugs me. I like listening to the idiotic venomous rants this piece of dog squeeze spews against the conservatives. Okay so he broke an election rule, big deal. If that law were fully enforced most of the democrat party, voters included, would be behind bars.
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Smoovious
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:21pmHe didn’t break an election law…
He broke the terms of his MSNBC contract.
There is nothing wrong with making the political donations, in and of themselves, but when he hired on with MSNBC, he chose to agree with the terms of his contract, and chose to be bound by them.
And, he chose to violate them, and so now, he’s suspended, while MSNBC runs the numbers and sees if he’s worth keeping or not.
(if they were impartial about it, I’d guess ‘not’)
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john seven eighteen
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:02pmIs this a joke? If not i am about to go celebrate like you have no idea. Anything to get that moron off the air (even for just a little while) is awesome news!!!
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lbsm
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:05pmjust remember to celebrate properly…clinging to guns and religion
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snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:11pmA scene found in the Heavens above…
God and Jesus looking down…”Yes earth, miracles still happen, and I am still in control as long as you listen to me. The truth will indeed set you free…”
And in the case of Olbermann it did, for now at least.
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john seven eighteen
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:38pm@LBSM
My “guns and religion” comment was made in jest, but I promise you it will no longer be funny if my rights and freedom continue to come under attack. And that comment most certainly was NOT made in jest.
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DimmuBorgir
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:05pmi don’t know John, i thought it was made as a joke.
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john seven eighteen
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:22pm@Dimm
Yeah, Dimm I wasn’t sure whether LBSM was being funny or not so my comment wasn’t directed at him/her, but at anyone (in general) who lokos to take my freedoms from me. Touchy subject with me.
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SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:39pmno amount of firings can get me to watch that pile of crap of so called reporting.
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stinkybisquit
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:02pm…and this will be noticeable, how?
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Ken
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:46pmExactly!!!
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firstHat
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:02pmWow…. just… Wow….
If an Olbermann fell in the forest and no one was there to hear him…?
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Brad Wesselmann
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:08pmHe’d still be an idiot. ;-)
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MattyFos
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:15pmNice one Brad. I really did Laugh Out Loud
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AirForceBrat
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:07pmBrad! LMAOOOOOOOOO
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firstHat
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:37pmI do actually agree with Bill Kristol.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/keep-keith_514980.html
But for the time being it is fun knowing that this O had his day.
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SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:35pmat least he can get 99 weeks of unemployment.
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Zivko
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:02pmCouldn’t have happened to a more inflamed hemmorhoid on the anus of society
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FirmReliance
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:10pmVery well put!
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SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:34pmI was gonna call him a skidmark on the underpants of the state run media, but thats just as good.
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misteryuck
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:09pmThat was funny. I have never heard that analogy before… Thanks for the laugh.
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glencoe22
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:02pmWho says God doesn’t have a sense of humor????
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Rob
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:01pmCouldn’t happen to a worst person…
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azjoannie
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:01pmYea!!!!!!!!!
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ninecarpileup
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:01pmHell, I would have thought they would give the guy an award.
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scuba13
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:44pmhey look, it’s the new White house commuications czar.
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davecoolworld
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:07pmScuba…I’d laugh except it actually could happen.
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SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:33pmnow thats twice in his life he’s been dropped on his head.
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Rogue
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:59pmYou are on to something, Scuba. I’m sure he is ready to step into the job of Press Secretary if Gibbs ever leaves. Oh how I pray he would be the one to give White House press briefings – can you just imagine this tool defending the president every day? LOL!
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FED-ANATOR
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:01pmI don’t even know where to start.
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Kathy
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:19pmOh please, oh please, oh please … let Chris Matthews be next!
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JPRAustin
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:00pmnow he can tweet from his bathtub…
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CatB
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:28pmIf “supporting” Democrat candidates is against MSNBC rules .. then shouldn’t the WHOLE NETWORK be shut down? That is all they do is promote and support Democrat candidates.
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NickDeringer
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:00pmThere is a G O D!
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snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:09pmWhen Orilly was talking about suicides over at MSNBC, do you think he may have meant their careers going up in flames, not their lives – literal lives, not just their jobs?
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snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:13pmHow about Olbermann singing this song on the way out…
“I got canned, I got canned, Dear Lord I got canned…why Lord did I get canned?”
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john seven eighteen
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:15pm@SNOW
I can’t wait to see what O’Reilly has to say about that. I’m sure he won’t hesitate to say “I told you so”!
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NickDeringer
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:43pm@SNOW
Actually it was the Tea Parties. They used their mind control satellites and made Olbermann ****** himself.
Diabolical!!
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RobertCA
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:08pmNever watched him or MSNBC so I’m not gonna miss a thing & I’m 100% sure that the rest of them @ MSNBC did some donations too .
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grandmaof5
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:32pmI wonder if O’Reilly can predict the Power Ball numbers? Just saying…..
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Taquoshi
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:29pmI think this has been building for a while. It just seems too coincidental that Olberman suspended his “Worst Person” segment, was one of the key commentators on Election Night and then bragged about still being around after the election and now – poof! (I’ve waited years to use that expression, thank you Keith!) He’s gone.
Could it be that MSNBC is realizing that the political shellacking that the Dems took may be a reflection of America and possibly an indication of why their own viewer numbers are so low????
I’ve read blogs where people literally foam at the mouth about FOX, but oddly enough, FOX is the strongest news channel, which must frost a few tights here and there. I think MSNBC is cutting its losses. I wonder who will be next.
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what4
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:56pmdoes that meen the Inmate isn’t running the asylum anymore??
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chazman
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 8:04pmI guess, deep down, I always knew you were dishonest, you piece of dog crap! Nothing but a libturd. Dry up and blow away, butthead…
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sweetbees
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 10:47amOh my!!! Christmas has come early kids!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!! HE will not be missed!!!!
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Fuzzy
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:00pmLmao ! yessssssssssssss !!!
MAULEMALL
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:03pmBWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Haaaaaaaaaaaa HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:05pm(Sarcasm intended) Awwww! Toooo Badddd!
Probably got suspended just because he got caught.
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DimmuBorgir
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:05pmAH HA HA HA HA HA HA ha
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Freelancer
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:07pmI smell a Glenn Beck gloat fest in the near future….
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theninthplanet
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:08pmLawl.
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dressseller
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:09pm*Said In My Best Beck Impersonation* ….Now… WHO’S the worst person of the day Keeffy..Who??…. YOU are the cutest little worst person of the day now aren’t you?? ..Yes you are… Yes you are.. ….LOL.
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M31Sailor
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:09pmKieth Who?
Sailor
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HouseNegro
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:10pmI’ve fallen and I can’t get up LMAO……………….
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CALL ME SNAKE
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:10pmI shouldn’t laugh (god forgive me), but I am. Talk about shooting your self in the foot! One has to wonder however if this might not have been intentional… I can’t help but think that there might be more to this. Let’s see how this plays out.
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The Patriot
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:12pmGood things come to those who wait!!!
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LVMerrily
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:13pmGuess MSNBC commentators can be hypocrits but they won’t be put in that position. Nice to see a small shred of ethics.
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MattyFos
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:14pmAnd the crowd rejoices.
/Read as if it’s in all CAPS…
//BLAZE WANTS TO RESTRICT MY FREEDOM OF YELLING OVER THE INTERNET
///Love ya, Blaze
Report this comment
HKS
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:15pmThe lamb has been sacrificed, now how many others are doing the same thing? You’ll never know.
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firstHat
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:18pmI keep thinking of that line from the Grinch about all the whos down in whoville singing. I think I hear something now! Is it????
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912er
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:18pmCan’t stand Olberman one bit, but this is wrong….
Caffeinated Texan
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:19pmWhat’s hilarious is that yesterday he was making fun of Glenn Beck saying “We’re still here!”
Guess not.
If Schadenfreude is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
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Misskc1
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:20pmNow, if he could just take Joy Bahar with him!!!
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watchmany2k
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:20pmHey Keif, I hear there’s an opening at NPR…
Or ya can put that Agri-degree to work, go shoulder deep in Cow intestine again…
I can’t wait to hear Ann Coulter’s take on this event LOL
Thank-You God for making libcriminals so dumb.
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mizflame98
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:22pmWell, that frees up a time slot for the Alan Grayson Show.
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the_patriot
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:28pmThis makes me so happy! I am doing a dance and LOL as I write this! It is about time this communist got what he deserves.
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OneIfByLand
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:31pmActually, I am sorry to see him yanked. As long as these asshats are on the air, the more they expose the progressive insantity to the American public with a two fold result. First, they are showing their own how ignorant they really. Second, they are ******* off the conservatives even more and driving them to lay down complacency and take action.
StMichelob
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:34pmCan I get an AMEN!!?!?!?!! CAN I HEAR HALLELUJAH!!!!!!
RAISINGCONSERVATIVES
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:35pmOh my what a shame…awww…who am I kidding??? BAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I guess they can’t do whatever they want after all!! It is not the last we will hear from him…Look for him at HuffPo or NPR….I am sure that they will welcome him with open arms, not that many will watch or listen or care….still…..BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
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beekeeper
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:49pm“I love these people that say ‘Read your contract!’ What good does it do you to read the contract if you don’t have a team of lawyers and 2 or 3 days to understand it?”
I understand Olbermann’s friend Nancy Pelosi advised him to “sign the contract, so he can know what’s in it!”
I would love to have seen Olbermann ask his boss “Where, in my contract, does it say I can’t write personal checks to poetical candidates?”
Keith, once you’re booted off MSNBC, I’m not sure where you can land – maybe you could get a gig as a repeating character on SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment, you could play an over-rated, full of himself political TV show host with good hair and Palin glasses… Just be yourself, it’ll be a scream, and you can consider it an honor!
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No1YaKnow
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:50pmDoes anyone feel like MSNBC is trying to recreate the Juan Williams moment?? Not the same thing…and again, the policy says “impartial journalism”, which we know Keith never engages in (nor pretends to ha!) or tries to. Think we are trying to garner some “Lean Forward” attention since the tagline hasn’t produced flocking audiences to their network. Grandstanding.
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A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:50pmAs much as I think Olbermann is a douche, there’s nothing wrong with making personal donations.
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Okpulot Taha
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:52pmMIZ FLAME 98 quips, “Well, that frees up a time slot for the Alan Grayson Show.”
No! No! This will be Alan Grayson and Alvin Greene, the two of them will have half a brain between them. Grayson will do the talking, Greene will wave his arms around to add excitement.
“Grayson & Greene” Rather catchy logo for this new show and makes for a simple logo graphic: AG & AG
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
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mizflame98
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 2:59pmWell, Keith Olbermann has a nasty habit of getting suspended from jobs. Look at his track record in Wikipedia. He always burn bridges.
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HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:01pmNo doubt with full pay….that spray tan and plastic hair ain’t cheap!
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Chicago Ray
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:01pmHow bout it, celebrate good times come on!!! Lowlife scum democrats play by their own rules, and this is just the beginning of the end of MSNBsleaze as Comcast takes over NBC Universal and throws that channel overboard since a single Catholic church grosses 1oo times more in tithing yearly than that liberal black hole of a dump does.
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slickmeister
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:04pmWho is Keith Olbermann? Is he some kind of sports guy?
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citizenx
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:09pmIf Fox had the same policy half of their staff would be suspended.
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TheSlugbuddies Dotcom
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:10pmWe’re not totally up on human behavior, but our guess is the Huffington chick had him signed before the ink on the pink slip was dry. His friend is probably getting tired of the same old parlor anywho.
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Aither
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:12pmCouldn’t of said it better myself. :)
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citizenx
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:16pmI suppose I should post proof to support my claim that fox news personalities also make political contributions.
http://www.newsmeat.com/media_political_donations/
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Jim S
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:17pm…He never gave the scores any more…I think that was the real problem…KO and Ricky Sanchez can get together and throw bottles at Glenn…it never ends well when you get too high an opinion of yourself…God seems to slap you to your knees and says, “…try it again…”…now will he learn from this…or blame the Corp bosses etc etc….and who cares anyway, if you saw 1 show there was no reason to watch ever again..
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Frameman
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:18pmWhats the rest of the story? Surely he wasn’t dumb enough to admit to this transgression. I want to know who figured this out and exposed him.
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beekeeper
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:19pmA DOCTORS LABOR IS NOT MY RIGHT – Olbermann’s contract said he needed to get permission to do anything that might cast him (or the network) as non-neutral on political matters.
He violated the terms of his contract, and MSNBC choose to take this opportunity to cut it’s losses – cut and dried, no ambiguity.
Think of it like the “morals clause” many professional athletes, product spokesmen (hello Vick, Woods, etc) and many, many executives have in their contracts.
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jzs
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:24pmNotice the difference with FOX. FOX’s parent company openly donated to Republicans. The whole company. Wonder what people would say if MSNBC donated to the DNC? And news personalities and candidates fundraise routinely on FOX (citing websites where people can donation, scrolling the websites across the screen) and promote candidates and Tea Party events on their straight news programs. Olberman’s actions, right or wrong, would never have ended in a suspension at FOX. A raise maybe.
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quickone
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:29pmWonder if Fox can use him as a tackling dummy!
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beekeeper
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:32pmAlmost missed it! Keith released a new book last week – Pitchforks and Torches, a collection of his on-air rants, transcribed so that those in his audience that can read may wallow in the ignorant rambling of an over-paid TV personality…
http://www.amazon.com/Pitchforks-Torches-Worst-Posturing-Republicans/dp/0470614471/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1288985141&sr=8-4
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kryptonite
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:32pmOK, tell me why Olbermann wasn’t fired. He clearly violated MSNBC policy, and he openly admitted doing so. NPR fired Juan Williams for reasons interpreted by many in the media as a violation of his freedom of speech. If this had been a conservative anchor, or if his contributions had gone to a conservative candidate, he would have been fired on the spot. But as we all know, MSNBC only employs fringe-left loons.
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firstHat
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:38pm912ER
You aren’t alone: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/keep-keith_514980.html
At the same time it does feel good to see KO KO’d for a short time.
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Psychosis
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:41pmactually if you look at fox contributions they are not all for repubs, and actually a larger percentage went to dems so to say they just support repub candidates is untrue
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EgoBrain
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:49pmHahahahahahahahahahaha
OHhhhhhhhhhhhh Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
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*************************
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:49pmOlber-who?
“Hello, handsome. Is that a ten-gallon hat, or are you just enjoying the show?” -Lili Von Shtupp, Blazing Saddles
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BernieKittyCat
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:50pmIt’s a lame excuse to get rid of him. Everyone knows they have a crappy network so the powers that be are trying to save their own necks by doing the clean-up before Comcast comes in and clears out everyone. Not that I mind. Olberman is a freak and the network sucks big time. I guess Soros will have a new ball washer.
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leftiesaredangerous
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:56pmDon’t get too excited, it’s just a publicity stunt.
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the_patriot
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 3:59pmLol, this is hilarious news!
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ron the veteran
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:00pmand what all the other stations think that all the obama leg humping isnt helping the democommis cause. abc nbc and cbs are all 24/7 democratic shills id say he was probably tired of olbermanns mouth and arrogance
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Smoovious
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:00pm@beekeeper
> Keith, once youβre booted off MSNBC, Iβm not sure where you can land β …
Wouldn’t it be just great, if the only network willing to take him on as a contributor, would be… …
Fox News?
…
…
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
That’d be great, having to go up against, face to face, everybody he showed contempt for!
;)
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*************************
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:03pmApparently, MSNBC president Phil Griffin doesn’t watch his own programming … can’t say that we blame him … :D
railroad worker CHARLIE: “They said you was hung.”
sheriff BART: “And they was right.”
-Blazing Saddles
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SnapTie
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:03pmBeing the #1 anchor at MSNBC is the same as being the tallest midget.
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rebel
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:05pmha ha ha ha ha ha. see…they hang themselves!
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Robert W
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:08pmI dont like to see anyone suspended from their job, but I just cant shed any tears for this guy.
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suttonea76
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:09pm@CitizenX
Who cares who gives to whom in any election. If MSNBC wished to include that as part of the stipulation for their on air personalities, then so be it. If FOX doesn’t, who cares. The issue is that FOX doesn’t equate the donations of its employees to how they are to conduct themselves on the air. It’s like saying you have no opinion therefore don’t give one. I personally don’t care if Keith gave money to the DNC since he obviously wasted it. It comes down to rules associated with the job and he broke them…. end of story! Also, this ain’t his first go around either…this guy is the Randy Moss of political pundits.
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BlazingPatriot
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:14pmI keep seeing Keith doing that silly little wave the other day and saying “Still here” ……….Well, not any more!!!
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longhorn mama
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:16pmActually, I’m shocked MSLSD did anything.
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rebel
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:21pmjust had to come back and make sure this was real…what am i going to do for comedy now that he’s gone?
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beekeeper
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:23pmWow, now I know where he lives! Can’t wait for Ariana Huffington to arrange for buses to fill the streets for the candle light vigil I’m sure the left has planned for him!
Over at HuffPo they are at 10K comments already, and they are calling for a boycott of MSNBC until Keith returns. I’ve been way ahead of them on the whole boycott thing, how about you?
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lillymckim
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:25pmOH yes I’m reveling in my own happiness
Olbermann would be doing the happy dance on his desk if this was happening to anyone on the Fox network it would be HEADLINE NEWS on every media outlet …
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SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:28pmIf olberman is suspended and nobody is watching, does anybody notice?
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TxGold
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:29pmWell, that just makes my day!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad that pompous azz won’t be on. Course, I never watched him anyway. But, still, it’s good to know that vile little man has finallly outdone himself!
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TxGold
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:33pmAmen, Fuzzy, Amen!!!!!!!
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SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:41pmYour right 912er, he should have just been flat out fired for being the worst at his craft like most of us would be if we sucked at our job as bad as he did. Of course msnbc is kind of like a gov’t job and substandard performance is encouraged at msnbc.
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DirectlyUnPCman
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:45pmRemember this fool waving to Hannitty and saying “I’m still here” Haha Loser….your not.
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SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:45pmkeith, how’s it feel to be teabagged?
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CultureWarriors
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:46pmROTFLMAO – Still wont buy anything frm GE though. He’s just the tip of the iceberg!
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Joseph_Plumb_Martin
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:54pmIf only Keith had found Joseph Smith like I have,all would be ok.
psst
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:12pmWeDont posted
Olber-who?
βHello, handsome. Is that a ten-gallon hat, or are you just enjoying the show?β -Lili Von Shtupp, Blazing Saddles
Um WEdont, it’s not a ten gal hat. It’s a ten gal boot.It was big enough so he was finally able to kick himself in his own arse.
And we are enjoying the show.
Von PSST.Paddle-less Old-erman. Up the creek w/o a paddle. That movie will win an Olberman.
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pajamash
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:38pmHey Keith… “Not still here”….waving hand at camera.
Keith…maybe you should have voted rather than donating!!!!!
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blacksmith
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:27pmNot so fast on breaking out the champagne. These people are shrewd and I don’t believe the violation of policy was accidental. K.O. was the most vocal about Jon Stewart’s rally on the mall. Perhaps stewart is the new power guy and the one that needs to be pleased. He met with tax cheat Timmy to talk about the economy.
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thesixfour
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:33pmYep, this just made my weekend.
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oldoldtimer
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 7:31pmFreelancer: Beck would be the first to defend Olbermann. Beck believes in freedom of speeck and the courts have said donations are freedom of speech protected.
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poverty.sucks
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 8:48pmUnfair practice by NBC, political opinion host should be allowed to disclose political and charitable donations. This adds more credibility to the stories and show guests.
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uhadenoughyet.com
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 9:02pmI couldnt be happier, but I agree it is a bs reason to fire someone. I dont think this is really why and time will prove me out.
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Impeach-BO
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 9:18pmAll I have to say is, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Bluebonnet
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 9:50pmCouldn’t have happened to a better DESPOT, Alan Grayson next, oops, he’s a nobody now isn’t he?
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rebel
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 10:35pmafter thinking this over…they should put him back on the air.
Think if the tables were turned…we would be saying Who cares if Glenn Beck gave money to SO AND SO. We know his political beliefs, he didn’t do anything sneaky and underhanded. And the final reason i want him back on the air….I MISS THE COMEDY!
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5412
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 10:52pmThis is for all. I disagree with sticking up for what he did because he did not receive money. He signed a contract, got paid a whole lot of money. In the contract he gave up certain rights, one being to donate to political candiates without first clearing it with his superiors.
Plain and simple, it was a conscious breach of contract….and a subtle finger in the face of his boss. Damn right he should be fired. I would say the same if he donated to republican candidates.
You sign a contract and take the good (big money), with the bad (agree to give up some rights other citizens have). You breach the contract, you are stupid and should get fired.
regards,
5412
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In God We Trust
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 10:56pmDancing in the streets…and on the ceilings…..and on bars….. Christmas presents are early this year.
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cruisemates
Posted on November 5, 2010 at 11:13pmOMG!!! I donated $2,400 each to the reelection campaigns of Democratic Representatives Raul Grijalva
RAUL GRIJALVA – THE GUY I WAS TRYING TO GET ALL YOU GUYS TO DONATE AGAINST.
I CANNOT BELIEVE HE WOULD DONATE TOWEARDS THIS PR0-ALIEN SLEEZEBALL WHO IS RUNNING THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF AZ!!!
This is better than Grijalva losing – Baa – Byeeee!!!
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Pnxgld
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 12:09amMSNBC drawls the line where? Are you freaking kidding me! Lies are ok, fundraising, slandering baselessly everyone who doesn’t agree with you, but ooops donating some $ too your hateful, slanderus, lieing cause is where they drawl a line!
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Robert W
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 2:40amIs still allowed to hide under his desk?
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thecommish58
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 7:32amPeoria talk radio has a spot open for afternoon drive – but you have to be able to read traffic and weather as well…let me know Keith and I will put in a good word for you…
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abc
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 10:22amHow is this different than Hannity actively stumping and fund-raising for Bush? Why would people support journalists or political pundits who are working for one side? The whole point of journalism is to be able to see and articulate both sides of an argument, both sides of an election. When you are putting your own time and/or money to defeat one side, you naturally have a difficult time–and have a strong incentive to avoid–making both cases. We need to return to credible journalism again. All of these guys should be exposed and removed from credible discourse. Not through censorship, but through self-discipline. Aristotle said you are what you do, and virtue is habit. Those that make a habit out of consuming the biased propaganda of either Fox or MSNBC hurt themselves because they do not obtain real news and real facts but spin and lies. Follow the money and you clearly see this on both sides. America demands better. The voters, who are views/consumers of news, need to be better. If you cannot understand an issue clearly or speak competently on important ones or ferret out the nonsensical and fake controversies that fill this blog and the nightly lineup of stories on Fox or MSNBC, it likely means that you are not in command of facts and logic, but only are parroting the spin found in those media. Shame on you. If you rely on Olbermann or Hannity for news, for staying informed, then shame on you. You technically have a right to vote, but you are guilty of dereliction of duty when you vote based upon such poor information.
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billydee
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 11:15amThis is bad news for anerexics everywhere. Now they will have to use their fingers to induce vomiting instead of simply just watching his show.
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tower7femacamp
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 11:16amthe Scary thing to me is No Laws to stop Goldman Suchs from donation millions to both
side, also I will bet that more conservatives do this than the Libs
maybe this is a set up to stop the Slaves from running grassroot candidates like
Ron Paul in 2012 ? because where else can they get funding ?
Goldman Suchs ??? Wake up Slaves get over the left / right Paradigm
http://www.prisonplanet.com/analysis_newsom_122302_leftright.html
both parties want to please Lucifer
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dazyann010501
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 7:16pm@citizenx,
So where exactly in Fox’s contract does it say they cannot make contributions to political parties??? ;)
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