Keith Olbermann Special Comment: Free speech, failed speakers, and the delusion of grandeur

This is from the 30.th November 2006.

from Wikipedia:
Regarding former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich's comments regarding free speech protections.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Keith
• Olbermann
• MSNBC
• FOX
• Government
• failure
• Special
• Comment
• passionate
• speech
• Bush

[blacksamcooke]

Keith,

I remember this commentary well. I also remember, a month later, Al Sharpton's march into your studio.

The Reverend basically said that MSNBC would dismiss an employee who made a remark that Al didn't like and that he (Sharpton) would not allow "you guys" to hide behind some free speech maxim.

Keith, you said NOTHING to this, and MSNBC followed Sharpton's command.

So much for your title of free speech champion, Keith, you wannabe intellectual and two-faced loser.

[medallish]

Sounds interesting, but do you have anything to back it up with? I just googled it and couldn't find anything so maybe you can point me to the right direction?

[justfacts88]

blacksamcooke--If you're referring to the Don Imus scenario, the difference was more like four months, rather than one.

But your point is well-taken, considering the absolute nature with which Keith seems to be talking about First Amendment privileges in this segment.

Olbermann should have assured Sharpton of MSNBC's First Amendment rights, especially when Sharpton challenged them on the very set of MSNBC.

This does compromise his words on Gingrich.

[justfacts88]

medallish--I think blacksamcooke is referring to the Don Imus debacle. The timing would be right, and that was who Al Sharpton was referring to with his comments.

While one could say to blacksamcooke that MSNBC, with Keith's backing would have disciplined Imus anyway, blacksamcooke has a point.

If Keith really wanted that "free speech champion" mantle, as well as a reputation for some consistency, he would have told Sharpton to take a hike.

How MSNBC polices itself is another subject.