Media

Keith Olbermann Slams Limbaugh & Apologizes to Michelle Malkin & S.E. Cupp

The Rush Limbaugh versus Sandra Fluke controversy has led to a larger conversation about misogyny over the past week. But while many have attacked Limbaugh, a conservative, talking heads like Bill Maher, Ed Schultz and Keith Olbermann, have largely escaped scrutiny, leading many conservatives — and some liberals — to wonder if there’s a double standard at play.

Keith Olbermann Apologizes to S.E. Cupp & Michelle Malkin

Many, seeing the strong reaction that Limbaugh received as a result of his comments about Fluke, claim that liberals often get away with making similar statements without a subsequent uproar. With pressure mounting on some liberal personalities to own up to their past sexist quips, it seems some talking heads may be buckling under the pressure.

Maher, who has called Sarah Palin the c-word in the past has already come out defending Limbaugh and saying that it’s time for the left to accept his apology. And last night, Olbermann took to his Current TV show to apologize to GBTV’s S.E. Cupp and Michelle Malkin, while explaining the words he has used against these conservative women. While he started out by making fun of the Republican party and poking at specific conservatives who have stood against his past remarks, Olbermann did, eventually, apologize.

At the center of his angst was the notion that his past comments about these women were equal in tone to Limbaugh’s statements about Fluke — an accusation that Daily Beast writer Kirsten Powers waged (Powers called Olbermann a “misogynist” who participates in the “war on women”). On his “Countdown” show, the host dismissed these “desperate false equivalencies.”

Here’s what Powers wrote about Olbermann in her column:

Keith Olbermann has said that conservative commentator S.E. Cupp should have been aborted by her parents, apparently because he finds her having opinions offensive. He called Michelle Malkin a “mashed-up bag of meat with lipstick.” He found it newsworthy to discuss Carrie Prejean’s breasts on his MSNBC show. His solution for dealing with Hillary Clinton, who he thought should drop out of the presidential race, was to find “somebody who can take her into a room and only he comes out.” Olbermann now works for über-leftist and former Democratic vice president Al Gore at Current TV.

“The false equivalency has been fronted by one of the house tamed liberals on FOX News,” Olbermann proclaimed, clearly sliding in a dig aimed at Powers. Then, he continued, poking at the right, differentiating his past comments about women from Limbaugh’s and, inevitably, after a great deal of commentary, apologizing to both Malkin and Cupp.

“In the desperate spin on Limbaugh’s behalf, I’ve been accused of using similar language regarding conservative bloggers Michelle Malkin and S.E. Cupp…,” he said. “There is an overall quality of apples to oranges here. Both of those people were veterans of this country’s political dialogue about whom I made one comment each. They were not private citizens intending a brief dip of the toe into the cultural pool…”

While dismissing his attacks on these women, Olbermann conveniently left out other allegations surrounding Prejean and Clinton. He continued:

“I think Rush Limbaugh actually has done some good work here. I think the previous standard for offensive remarks about women has proven too low — so low that it took a week, two station cancellations and 45 sponsored-bailouts before Limbaugh even realized he was near it — let alone that he had crossed it by 45 miles. So I want to raise that standard. I think from now on we all need to be extra vigilant and dial the filter up a few more notches.”

In a self-imposed effort to take a higher road, Olbermann did finally apologize for causing distress to Cupp and Malkin. Additionally, he pledged to suspend his “Worst Persons” segment (this isn’t the first time) and promised to watch his words more carefully and issues the same challenge to others in the media — particularly those on the right.

“I’m going to try to raise my standard about not using gratuitously abusive remarks about women and men,” he said.

Cupp responded to the apology on Twitter this morning:

Keith Olbermann Apologizes to S.E. Cupp & Michelle Malkin

Watch his commentary, below:

It’s worth noting, again, the selective nature of Olbermann’s apology. If he was willing to address comments against Malkin and Cupp, why not also dismiss the charge that he also insulted Clinton and Prejean? This causes one to wonder if the latter two allegations do, indeed, add fuel to Powers’ claims.

(H/T: Mediaite)

Comments (146)

1 2 3 4
  • CATSUEY
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:17am

    That was an apology?? CRAM it Olbermann!

    Report Post » CATSUEY  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:42am

      Oh, my that is a great looking photo of Keith on air, he certainly lost some of that extra weight he used to carry. That choice of shirt and sweater is exceptional and the dusky background highlights his grey hair to add to his ultra manly bright eyed visage. What a dreamy hunk!

      There is no way such an ardent airwave jester should have to be held accountable for a little playful kerflufferry. He is an avowed absurdity entertainer, not a leader or role model. Anyone who takes him seriously is guilty of misplaced trust.

      TEA

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:05am

      .
      Mr. Olbermann, Keith’s dad still yells at his wife till this day for running out of D-Cells……

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • robert
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:09am

      The only way this dork and those like Ed Schultz can get any viewers….for awhile anyway….is to say something sensdational, hoping somebody would tune in and see more of it for its entertainment value.

      If everybody ignored these kinds of publicity stunts, the radicals on the left would dry up and blow away for lack of viewership.

      They HAVE TO say something outrageous. That’s the only way their mundane programs will get viewed.

      Report Post »  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:37am

      MONICNE, are you sure physical appearance is the comparison you want to make between Olbermann and Limbaugh? Not to mention the allegorical nature of your description of Olbermann sans even the veiled adoration you would copiously heap upon the paragon of virtue that is Rush Limbaugh.

      Report Post »  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:39am

      CATSUEY, in case you hadn’t noticed dear, that is precisely how Limbaugh’s “apology” was received.

      Report Post »  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:45am

      I’m not sure if your parents are still alive SpankDaMonkey, Olbermann’s are not. Since it appears even deceased parents are fair game, could you get your mother off of my choade?

      Report Post »  
    • Unbelievable
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:53am

      Can anyone on the left ever just give an apology without twisting words around to jusify their rudeness? Geez… they are truly unbelievable

      Report Post »  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:55am

      Robert, can you explain how Limbaugh is providing some manner of crucial information thereby justifying his existence and how his shtick classifies him any differently? I wonder what Rush will say today? I guess I’ll just have to wait until he sets his hair on fire…. again.

      Report Post »  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:14pm

      UBELIEVABLE, why don’t you try this before you make any hasty remarks. http://www.mediaite.com/tv/ed-schultz-apologizes-on-the-ed-show-for-calling-laura-ingraham-a-right-wing-slut/

      Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:23pm

      .
      @EchoHawk

      I take it Nuanced Humor is lost on one such as you…….

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Marci
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:29pm

      Desperate false equivalencies? This is why Olbie belongs in the dark corner that is Current TV, viewership 4. And Cat—you are right, that was NO apology!!!!

      Report Post » Marci  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:27pm

      Is that supposed to be an apology or does your mother have a shift this evening?

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 6:24pm

      ECHO
      Are you actually defending Olbermann?

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • robert
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 7:03pm

      EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:55am
      “Robert, can you explain how Limbaugh is providing some manner of crucial information thereby justifying his existence and how his shtick classifies him any differently?”

      Rush gets right to the heart of the matter and has an uncanny ability to correctly analyze people and situations, revealing the truth and true intent.

      Of course, none of that would be deemed “crucial” to you, because you’re part of the radical leftist wing that supports anything and everything that is of a deviant nature.

      The brand of kookism you subscribe to is popular with every flake, oddball and misfit who might be aimlessly wondering around trying to spew hatred for people who bathe regularly and believe in traditional American values.

      If I knew your name, I’m pretty sure I would eventually find it in the news where you had been arrested for running through the streets in the nude, thinking you were making some kind of point.

      Too, you’re the type who chains himself to others in order to protest a conservative speaker scheduled to speak in your area, while tears are running down your face and you’re choked with rage.

      And if somebody asks you why you do as you do, you tell them it is because you hate fanaticism.

      Report Post »  
    • Maji
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:56pm

      I thought he was dead!
      He is as far as I’m concerned..he puts forth as much
      productive thought as a cadaver!!

      Actually a cadaver has a legit use,Obermann dosen’t.

      Report Post »  
    • zoniezz
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 2:12pm

      Guys Like Olbermann need to be taken out. They need to start making examples of these schmucks. I really can’t believe he is even given a audience and platform for this kind of garbage.

      Report Post »  
  • True American66
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:16am

    Grotesque excuse for a human being.

    Report Post »  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:16am

    Quite impressive the way he apologizes to soften people up to lower their shields while Olbermann beats you with a hammer and wedge you don’t even see coming.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:19am

      Powerful is the dark side. May the force be with you, always.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:22am

      Olbermann tried to slice off your arms with his red light-saber, but the white light saber is stronger, as well as it contains all the colors of light. You’ve been deflected.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • nelbert
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:34am

      Olbermann and Maher (and I suspect others on the left) know there‘s blood in the water and that as complaints abut the media’s double standards grow louder, their’s will be the next set of heads on the chopping block. It is no mistake that Maher has urged his fellow liberals to shush it up and accept Limbaugh’s apology, and Olbermann here is just being preemptive.

      As has been said before, when one condones or tolerates censorship, there will be no one left to defend you when you’re censored.

      Report Post » nelbert  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:43am

      nelbert,
      They don’t care about their careers more than their agenda, and another position somewhere would be waiting for them if they commit career suicide but still leads to a win. Like that, they are near the same ideology as suicide bombers.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • Athinkerinaseaoflibs
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:14am

    When has Keith Oberman ever been even close to occupy the high moral ground on anything? The only high ground this idiot occupies is when he climbs on a dung heap, typically of his own making. He takes the opportunity to “turn the knife” prior to his feeble disingenuous effort to apologize. We all know snarky people, normally we avoid them. But algore (Albert Gore), he embraces him and pays him a king’s salary. I guess this is the difference between a liberal and a quality person

    Report Post »  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:13am

    Keith who?

    Report Post »  
    • Agnes
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 4:03pm

      Let me fill you in -a looser, a moron, and a piece of sh…..

      Report Post »  
  • Roger_Finkelstein
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:13am

    All 46,000 viewers must have really enjoyed his show.

    Report Post »  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:11am

    I’m telling you here it comes …!
    The presidents diversity czar…“Mark Lloyd” remember him..?
    The media is going to be all one big happy family real soon.
    And then we will be living the live version of the “Outer Limits” ..!
    We will control all that you see and hear…

    Report Post » sawbuck  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:16am

      They pretty well control it as it is. Next it will be control via the threat and application of force of arms against anyone who dares to oppose them.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:21am

      Revoked FCC license is all that’s needed.
      That will make them step back in line.

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:29am

      And that’s why cyber-space is on the menu.
      Its the Last Frontier .

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:04pm

      You do know the only one that has to have an FCC license is Limbaugh right? Subscription cable television doesn’t require FCC oversight. Next try to make an intelligent comment on something of which you know.

      Report Post »  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:23pm

      Echohawk
      Not for long dipstick..!!! Thats my point…!!!

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:29pm

      Echochicken
      Apparently you are the one that doesn’t have a clue who Mark Lloyd is ,where he came from ,who his idol is ( Chavez) and what he has in store for America . I gave you one of them.
      Go troll somewhere else …to find the others

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 6:26pm

      ECHOHAWK
      “You do know the only one that has to have an FCC license is Limbaugh right? Subscription cable television doesn’t require FCC oversight. Next try to make an intelligent comment on something of which you know.”
      This is the best you can do. Does being unregulated elevate the status of Olbermann’s rhetoric?

      Report Post » dmerwin  
  • Akbarjonnie Shaheed
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:09am

    When a deepthroat political pimps talks…….who cares?

    Report Post »  
  • wewantchillywilly
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:08am

    sheesh i forgot about Keith! that comment about SE Cupp was off the charts.

    Report Post »  
  • Just Jake
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:08am

    Old Keith should be the poster boy for “Liberalism Is A Mental Illness.”

    Report Post »  
  • ConservativeResponse
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:05am

    Current TV… Enough said.

    Report Post » ConservativeResponse  
    • So
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:10am

      No one is “WONDERING” if there is a double standard.

      We are witnessing it.

      Sickened by it.

      We are turning away from the state run media because of it.

      Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:27am

      Keith apologized (sorta). I wonder if Randi Rhodes will still watch him?

      Report Post »  
    • Beckisdelusional
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:36am

      GBTV; Enough said…

      Report Post » Beckisdelusional  
  • THXll38
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:04am

    The reason libt@rd$ got a free pass in regards to certain comments is because they have a low, low standard when it comes to morals and values. On the other side of the spectrum, social cons and their ilk raise the bar too high resulting in ammo for the libt@rd$ to use against them. Like most things in life, moderation is the key.

    Report Post » THXll38  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:08pm

      You’ve confused low moral standards with a low threshold for hypocritical BS

      Report Post »  
  • MidWestMom
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:03am

    “….he pledged to suspend his “Worst Persons” segment….“ ”….promised to watch his words more carefully…” “…I’m going to try to raise my standard about not using gratuitously abusive remarks about women and men…”
    - – Well this will disapoint the handful of people who watch his show

    And his so-called “apology” sounded forced and insincere at best.

    Report Post »  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:03am

    Oh Olbermann you little snake you. You little slippery serpents think you can just go about slithering without people noticing. Noticing that someone like Rush Limbaugh would eventually be driven to say something that is actually in your domain of thought, and then you take it up into your arms as a shield and sword. As you target Rush Limbaugh for destruction, by even trying to drive a wedge between other conservatives and Rush Limbaugh, to seclude and destroy – divide and conquer. I fully accept your apology, but you can hold back your swords cutting edge, because you have no shields.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:13am

      This I‘m sure is a good learning experience for Rush Limbaugh that you don’t ever want to go into your adversaries domain unless you are a master of both domains.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:03am

    I wasn’t gong to comment, but I came back to say, sometimes good ideas come from yucky people. There has been way to much name calling including here on the Blaze. It’s gotten a lot nastier since the politicing started, too. Sometimes it doesn’t seem to be related to what most of us say we are, Christians, and we get on the same level as the hacks and trolls that show up. So, maybe we should take it “up” a few notches to more civilized, too. Just a thought.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:02am

    All the faux indignation from the lefty talking heads reveals their gut wrenching jealousy of Rush. I think they hate him for his success far more than they do for his ideology.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:16pm

      You’ll never make a living thinking GONZO.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:04pm

      You’ll never make a living editorializing Chickenhawk.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:59am

    I wanna see that guy get pied by someone soon!

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • TEE-PAR-TEE
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:57am

    KO’s mother is/was a slut and prostitute.

    Oops, let me apologize for those remarks.

    Report Post » TEE-PAR-TEE  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:55am

    Love how Liberals try to apologize then use the equivalency of “But it is different when I do it because of…blah blah blah..”…they try and rationalize their misogony…’Apples to oranges…’…this guy needs to eat a gun.

    Report Post » Mark0331  
    • CLG 4
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:09am

      The left sees that this has the potential to silence them for they have used far worse language. Silence it quickly. Rush was right the woman in question was no 19-20 something college girl. She was in her 30′s,and has a socialist agenda that was being promoted by you know who nancy p.

      Report Post »  
  • I_Occupy_A_Job
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:55am

    Sooooo, let me get this straight. He insults the republican party. He insults Fox News. Then he goes on a rant about using a better filter (especially those pesky republican talking heads!!!) and words he found in a word a day calendar…and I‘m supposed to believe he actually means it when he says he’s “sorry” but Rush didn’t? The media is the real insult here. Do your job and focus on the real issue of religious freedom.

    Report Post »  
    • Mark0331
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:57am

      Exactly..1st Amendment is the issue…this Alinsky diversion tactic is so old and childish.

      Report Post » Mark0331  
    • angelcat
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:06am

      And liberals will actually think this was a real apology – even with all the disclaimers.

      Report Post »  
  • Fipper
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:53am

    The man is still off his meds.

    Report Post »  
  • Duckhead
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:51am

    Olberman is a ****.

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:51am

    “to wonder if there’s a double standard at play”

    Gee ya think … and now Olberass apologizes .. and still slams Rush .. double standard STILL at play!

    Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:49am

    Gee, I’m sorry for doing the same thing, but many times over. But, Rush is still wrong and should go away.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:31am

      and she also lied … about at least her age … 30 not 23 and regarding her “friend” … she has not produced said “friend”.

      Report Post »  
  • bandi9
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:48am

    how sincere….not!

    Report Post »  
1 2 3 4

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love