Olbermann - "Good Night, and Good Luck"

Keith Olbermann earns the right to use Edward R. Murrow's famous tagline after delivering this righteous smackdown to Donald Rumsfeld.

(File courtesy of Crooks and Liars)

• Category

  News & Politics

[rivercitymud]

Olbermann is about to get a spot on the NBC Nightly News.

[rivercitymud]

No, instead Osama trained under the CIA run by Bush.

[Abraham Thomas]

Facts, by themselves, are merely the quirks of reality that we choose to highlight, because they are important to us. To present facts, without explaining why those facts are relevant, is to pour gasoline into a car that has no engine. He is not manipulating people, he is merely telling us his analysis and his observation of irony and hypocrisy of the erstwhile Bush Administration. Good journalists do not merely give the facts, they explain those facts within the context of human experience.

[Adam Kw]

It is not his duty to comment or impose any opinion on the audience, rather he should shed a light on particular topic and give us an opportunity to make our own judgments and draw critical conclusions. Yes, in America they do have the right of speech and te right to express one’s thoughts, but still journalists should know what their mission is.

[Adam Kw]

I am not interested in politics that much and I wouldn’t like to elaborate on this particular topic. However, I would like to point out that Olbermann’s behaviour is rather questionable. Surely, no one can have any doubt as for his passion and devotion to his work, nonetheless let us not forget that the role of a true and professional journalist is to present information in as OBJECTIVE manner as possible.

[Clarinda Calma]

Now that is a bave generalization there, 'all politicians lie.' I wouldn't say so. My worry would be more on the relativization of 'the truth.' Moreover, I think there is always room for healthy debate and discussion.

[Clarinda Calma]

Well said, I honestly had these apprehensions as well. But then again, journalists can never really as objective as they may even claim to be.

[Diana Mamak]

Keith Olbermann's "speech" can be considered as thought-provoking, passionate and reliable. But is a journalist supposed to give speeches? In my opinion his duty is to present information in an objective way without expressing opinions. I would say that Olbermann is somehow manipulating people. He is speaking faster and faster, raising his voice and the viewer is bombarded with facts, names and he is already presented with somebody's else point of view which they accept easily.

[Natalia Kolber]

The most striking thing is that in the21st century politicians still insist on having “the monopoly on truth”.Murrow made a real milestone in the contemporary journalism.Since then journalist dare to disagree and confront with politicians. So does people.Yet, does this change anything?Politicans do what they want, the do not care about our good.So,why do we choose them?Unfortunatlely, I think that every politician lies and will lie.Each scandal in politics strikes us, but it quickly quietens.

[pszonekrk]

jacek1987:

Keith Olbermann’s witty remarks undoubtedly reveal his brave character. He focuses on important issues concerning American fate after the attack of November 11th 2001. Olbermann strongly attacks policies of the Gorge Bush presidency & America's participation in war in Iraq. He states brilliantly that questioning American government is not anti-American or morally wrong. He demonstrates that being a liberal is not wrong. Indeed, Americans had a responsibility to question government.

[pszonekrk]

Keith Olbermann comments and responses at the same time to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s attacks towards Bush Administration critics. His main remarks are extremely significant and to the point. He questions the accusation that those who challenge government’s decisions are not true and loyal Americans. Olbermann criticizes the Administration for its undemocratic tactics to suppress widespread dissent and for keeping things secret and not disclosed to the Americans. In sum, Keith