MyDD :: Keith the Silly Hypocrite.

Keith the Silly Hypocrite.

by NY Writer, Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:41:32 PM EST

Cross posted at Orange Camp Obama

How many times can you repeat the word assassination, Keith? Why don't you lend this meme more energy in the media--and in the mass consciousness?

In this article http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/l ifestyle/chi-fempower-0518may18,0,433371 4.column the author listed all the death imagery in the MSM about Hillary. You're referenced in the article, Keith, as having said you hope "somebody will take her into a room--and only he comes out." Interesting, our dear hypocrite, no?

Did you watch the whole interview, Keith? It was a long DRONE on policy, and for the older ones of us, RFK's tragedy was specifically June 68. (As MLK's was in April). And she referenced June re Bill and that other CA primary--and now you ride it. Yes, it was a thoughtless reference but clearly, if you watched the interview, was not of malicious intent.

You and the old boys can joke about "taking her out" and it's fine, right?

From the article referenced and linked above:

On CNN, pundit Alex Castellanos said democrats must realize that "it's time to take the family dog to the vet." Matthews' MSNBC colleague Keith Olbermann expressed the hope that "somebody will take her into a room--and only he comes out." CNN's Jack Cafferty gleefully floated the specter of Clinton being run over by a flatbed truck.

Ride it politically, boys, Have a ball. But best to a) listen to the actual interview rather than deconstructing the sound byte, and then, b) let it go.

And, some updates for the record: . 1. The statement from Argus Leader, the South Dakota Newspaper where Hillary Clinton made those remarks: "The context of the question and answer with Sen. Clinton was whether her continued candidacy jeopardized party unity this close to the Democratic convention. Her reference to Mr. Kennedy's assassination appeared to focus on the time line of his primary candidacy and not the assassination itself" . 2. This evening Robert Kennedy Jr. cautioned folks not to be offended at Clinton's mention of his father's assassination when discussing why she was staying in the race and how there was precedent for the primaries lasting until June. In a statement, Kennedy Jr. said: "It is clear from the context that Hillary was invoking a familiar political circumstance in order to support her decision to stay in the race through June. I have heard her make this reference before, also citing her husband's 1992 race, both of which were hard fought through June. I understand how highly charged the atmosphere is, but I think it is a mistake for people to take offense." http://blogs.abcnews.com/... 2008/05/rfk-jr-says-no.html

Tags: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Keith Olbermann (all tags)

Permalink :: 67 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 3)

Again, you should watch the interview rather than reacting to the sound byte.

by NY Writer on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:45:54 PM EST

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

Seen it. Thanks.

John McCain on social security.

by heresjohnny on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:49:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

P.S. Keith (2.00 / 2)

Nice theatrics with the O.S. "pop" and you flinching at 1:34. Guess you didn't get a chance to rehearse that long enough in the run-through.

by izarradar on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:50:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm sure your diary was (2.00 / 3)

well received at Obama Orange.

You must have an asbestos suit that you save for your visits there.

As for Keith, I have bid him a sad adieu even though his was the only show I used to tape every day.

by Radiowalla on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:51:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

lol Radiowalla (2.00 / 2)

Can you imagine? And one person said I was a coward for not putting a tip jar on Kos! At one point I did mention that I planned to vote for the democrat, Barack or Hillary, but they were too busy calling me an asshole.

Funny.

There was a diary here today that Barack may put California in play for McCain. But over at Kos, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

I'll add though, I like Obama and I like him more and more. I just think Hillary would be a better president.

If he's the nominee and he doesn't choose her, he has favorable odds of winning. If he DOES choose her as VP, he can't lose. I think over at Kos, they forget that this is about the platform, not the personalities. (About health care, Iraq, etc.)

by NY Writer on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:55:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

If he picks her as VP (2.00 / 3)

I think there will be quite a few Kossacks who won't accept the ticket. Think of the acres of a Hate Hillary manure that have been spread over there in the last year....it's hard to imagine much reconciliation in the offing.

Considering how much time I spent over there (I joined in 2003), it's astonishing to me how little I miss it and how much better I feel.

by Radiowalla on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:02:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

"...how much better I feel." (2.00 / 2)

What you said.

by Caldonia on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:07:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 1)

You're asking Kool-aid Kidz to reason?? Don't you know any better??

by tarheel74 on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:54:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I've seen it, NY. (none / 0)

The thing is, as Josh tried to say, it's hard to imagine any context that justifies the bringing up the subject of the Kennedy assassination in response to a question about why she's still in the race.

I don't think she wants Obama to be assassinated. It's just one of many things, though, that could happen that would justify (in her mind) staying in the race. That's the BEST believable spin I can put on it, and it still stinks to high heaven.

If your situation is so desperate that you have to remind people that your opponent could be assassinated (better to suggest he could be struck by lightning), then you need to think hard about conceding.

by Dumbo on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:08:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

http://www.truepat.org/

by CrushTheGOP2008 on Sat May 24, 2008 at 02:51:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Boycott KO and MSNBC (2.00 / 3)

Hit them where it hurts the most ... stop watching MSNBC, block the channel in your cable box, encourage likeminded friends and relatives to do the same.

by Sieglinde on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:52:24 PM EST

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (2.00 / 4)

I've already stopped watching Olbermann, who I really used to love, Matthews, and the rest. I don't even watch Meet the Press every week anymore. Only on rare occasions.

I'll tell you, not watching the political press is a better way to live. It's more peaceful. I say this even if they weren't an old boy's club in Obama's pocket.

Anyway, the trend is toward Internet everything. Guys like Olbermann and even Russert (in his more polished sexism) makes me accelerate the process away from MSM.

by NY Writer on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:57:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

http://www.truepat.org/

by CrushTheGOP2008 on Sat May 24, 2008 at 02:51:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

And send letters to the superdelegates saying that Clinton didn't mean any harm and that you won't vote for Obama if he's the nominee. Please. Pretty please!!

John McCain on social security.

by heresjohnny on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:57:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

the above message sponsored by the GOP

by zerosumgame on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:59:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

You agree that those threats are from GOP agitators eh? That's what I think.

John McCain on social security.

by heresjohnny on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:10:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

yep, a lot of the BHO 'supporters' sure do act like Rovian agents.

by zerosumgame on Sat May 24, 2008 at 09:28:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

Classic projection.

John McCain on social security.

by heresjohnny on Sat May 24, 2008 at 09:42:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

actually reflection of the very same accusation hurled by people like you each and every day. try a mirror some day.

by zerosumgame on Sat May 24, 2008 at 09:44:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

You first.

John McCain on social security.

by heresjohnny on Sat May 24, 2008 at 09:55:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

Yes - become disengaged, think only one pure thought, listen to only those who agree w/what you have established as the absolute truth- Scared yet?

daninpa

by daninpa on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:14:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Boycott KO and MSNBC (none / 0)

There are many other outlets for news, information, and informed analysis.

You don't have to exhibit your idiocy every time you post something here.

by Sieglinde on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:23:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 3)

Keith Olbermann, certified as Holier than Thou.

Linfar's co-blogger opposing John McCain

by psychodrew on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:55:25 PM EST

I have never, and I mean n-e-v-e-r (2.00 / 4)

seen anyone as nauseatingly sanctimonious in my life. I mean, he had my guests tonight almost rolling on the floor laughing, lol

Seriously though, when all someone really wants to do is find a way to condemn another, they trivialize the apology and label them 'unforgivable', or the 'axis of evil', anything to justify the unjustifiable.

I believe ratings play into this also. He posted a 'preview' diary on dKos prior to going on the air. Last I looked it had over 1000 recommends. He's as transparent, and as disingenuous, as George W., and that's saying something.

Kossacks are tripping over each other for a turn to salivate over him natch.. ugh. Better them than me.

by phoenixdreamz on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:57:09 PM EST

Re: I have never, and I mean n-e-v-e-r (2.00 / 2)

is it a conscious decision by him to try to imitate Steven Colbert imitating Bill O'Rielly without the comedic talent?

by zerosumgame on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:01:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

LOL (2.00 / 1)

I too stopped watching KO long ago, along with all the other Big Media gasbags. I prefer to hear sermons on Sunday Mornings, not on TV from someone just trying to make a quick buck.

Hillary/Obama 2008

by Sandy1938 on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:36:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I have never, and I mean n-e-v-e-r (2.00 / 2)

he can't stand having less ratings than oreilly! By trashing Hillary he gets the Obamaniacs but what he forgets that the people who are disgusted with him, turn to Fox where Hillary is being played more accurately. God, I never thought I would ever say that about Fox! I find them more credible in this instance, so if you want to hurt him tune in to Fox!

by suzieg on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:43:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Stop it (none / 0)

Olberman wasn't urging violence on her, he made a vaguely stupid pop-culture reference. He apologized for it. It's over.

Clinton still hasn't apologized to her opponent for implying that she was waiting around for someone to kill him. We all know she didn't mean that, why hasn't she apologized?

Honestly it's a made-up controversy, but Keith's had the unfortunate job of chronicling every single sketchy thing that Clinton has done this year, and it's a long list. It must be rough on someone who thought well of her... much like seeing your heroes fall from grace.

Cut him some slack.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:57:29 PM EST

Only problem (2.00 / 3)

Clinton still hasn't apologized to her opponent for implying that she was waiting around for someone to kill him.

SHE DIDN'T IMPLY THIS! If you watch the whole interview, she didn't. It's bullshit.

I wish I could link it, cause I watched it earlier tonight and am now having a hard time finding anything but the sound bytes.

by NY Writer on Fri May 23, 2008 at 11:59:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Only problem (none / 0)

There was no logical reason for her to mention this time in history. the anology is poor at best. Study the electoral process and you find this reference bizarre at best.

daninpa

by daninpa on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:16:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Only problem (2.00 / 1)

what a load. she was ASKED about past elections, for god's sake try to keep up

by zerosumgame on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:02:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

She might not have meant to. (none / 0)

But she did imply it.

Just like she didn't intend to imply that only white Americans are hard-working, she did that, too.

Words have implications, intended or not.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:19:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: She might not have meant to. (none / 0)

Indeed.

Not to mention that there was no reason to mention 1968 when 1980 and 1984 are more recent.

Not to mention that the first contest in 1968 was New Hampshire in late March, which means this campaign has gone on much longer than that one did.

Not to mention that she had invoked the assassination before, which means that her excuse that it was only because Kennedy's cancer has been in the news is either false or at best partially true.

She reminded the nation of RFK's assassination, then tried to use the cancer of his younger brother as an excuse. There are not words.

John McCain: Healthcare for Kids? In America? No way

by bosdcla14 on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:12:06 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: She might not have meant to. (2.00 / 1)

You're another one who obviously didn't listen to the interview.

To people over 40, RFK's assassination is connected in our minds to "June." It's just how it is for those who lived through it. She was referencing Bill in the race until June, and then this.

To say why didn't she reference 1984 or whatever. you may as well ask 'why doesn't she send my mother a birthday card on my mother's birthday?
************** **

You might (or night not) like to know, the statement from Argus Leader, the South Dakota Newspaper where Hillary Clinton made those remarks:

"The context of the question and answer with Sen. Clinton was whether her continued candidacy jeopardized party unity this close to the Democratic convention. Her reference to Mr. Kennedy's assassination appeared to focus on the time line of his primary candidacy and not the assassination itself"

by NY Writer on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:27:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: She might not have meant to. (none / 0)

I've seen it. She definitely emphasizes "June." I don't think she wants Obama to be killed.

But I still don't see why she had to bring up assassination rather than use 2 more recent examples which didn't involve a young, charismatic contender for the Democratic nomination getting killed.

John McCain: Healthcare for Kids? In America? No way

by bosdcla14 on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:41:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Stop it (2.00 / 1)

You are so small minded and partisan that you cannot see or should say refuse to see that she was making references to the time of year when the assassination took place. Grow up, please, it's tiring having to explain what is obvious to everyone with a brain

by suzieg on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:45:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh, that's it, of course (none / 0)

You're calling ME partisan when I'm saying that it's a made-up controversy?

No, you're the one being partisan if you're trying to turn this around on Obama, his supporters, and Keith Olbermann. I'll be the first to admit that Keith probably overreacted, but the fact of the matter is that Clinton made a serious misstatement and hasn't really owned up to it yet.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Sat May 24, 2008 at 07:11:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

You and the old boys can joke about "taking her out" and it's fine, right?

Close, but no cigar.

Keith apologized

Today, Olbermann apologized. "It is a metaphor. I apologize: the generic 'he' gender could imply something untoward," Olbermann said, in a statement MSNBC spokesperson Alana Russo forwarded me a few minutes ago. "It should've been 'only the other comes out -- from a political point of view.'"

(I also mentioned this in another diary, but it bears repeating)

by randomscientist on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:00:02 AM EST

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 3)

OK. so he apologized and then blew her comment out of context to imply violent intent? What a guy!

by NY Writer on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:04:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 1)

Our silly angry little Howard Beale

by NY Writer on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:04:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 1)

and of course saying someone should take her intoo a room and only he come back out...really implies "It should've been 'only the other comes out -- from a political point of view????"

Yeah.

by NY Writer on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:06:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

He didn't say a hitman should go into the room with her. He said a superdelegate should go into the room with her. As in, to end her primary run...not to end her life.

But of course it was a terrible thing to say, and that's why he apologized.

He's only holding her up to the same standard to which he holds himself. She should apologize to Obama rather than give a watered-down "I'm sorry if anybody misunderstood what I was really saying."

That said, I think he goes way over the top in some of those special comments. I hate righteous anger except in the most clear-cut situations. And this was not a clear-cut situation.

by randomscientist on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:11:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 1)

so his saying superdelegate is more acceptable and less violent than hitman? Please explain that one to me? I thought violence = violence, period! So being killed by a sibling is less violent than by a hitman?

by suzieg on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:48:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

Allusions to violence can either be literal or metaphorical. In this case, he (supposedly) meant it metaphorically, such that the violence was not being done to Clinton herself but to her viability as a candidate (see, even viability is rooted in the verb 'to live', so metaphors of this sort are common).

More concretely, his explanation is that he never suggested a superdelegate kill Hillary. He suggested that a superdelegate kill Hillary's chance at the nomination.

I.e., he says his comment != violence to a person.

by randomscientist on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:58:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 1)

God, how far will you go?

What Keith said is obviously a mafia hitman image. He talks out of anger and saying 'someone should take her into the room and only one should come out,' is an assassination image, obviously. And it's one which you're now dressing up into his spin and apology.

by NY Writer on Sat May 24, 2008 at 02:30:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

Um, I'm just explaining his explanation.

Feel free to think that his apology is BS.

Personally, I...actually, I don't know what I think about it. I'll give Keith the benefit of the doubt because he apologized. With the words "I apologize" rather than "I regret you misunderstood me."

by randomscientist on Sat May 24, 2008 at 02:34:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 6)

It puts the farcical comparison with Murrow to rest once and for all. I knew Ed Murrow, Mr. Olbermann; Ed Murrow was a friend of mine. Mr. Olbermann, you're no Ed Murrow. You're Rita Cosby with a haircut and glasses.

by Caldonia on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:05:27 AM EST

Good one,,,,,,,,,LOLOL (2.00 / 2)

Hillary/Obama 2008

by Sandy1938 on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:40:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: (2.00 / 1)

Keith = Rita Cosby with a haircut and glasses.

OMG, lmao.. I'm crying I'm laughing so hard :p~

by phoenixdreamz on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:16:23 AM EST

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

love the title! v. fitting.

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:21:14 AM EST

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

Comparing a metaphor, a cliche none the less (that most sane people recognize as being just that, a tool to make writing more interesting) to an actual straight comparison to an assassination that would blow the nomination right into her lap is clearly two different things.

Come' on, even you have to be smart enough to recognize that?

by IowaMike on Sat May 24, 2008 at 12:58:04 AM EST

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (2.00 / 1)

Keith's was a mob image of killing. "Taking someone into a room and only one comes out."

In the case of HRC, again, if you watched the long long long interview, in which it came up after a half hour or so, you'd see the context and that it wasn't malicious.

by NY Writer on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:11:40 AM EST

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

Mike Huckabee apologized for his stupid joke and said it was a dumb thing to say.

He did not try to rationalize and say "he didn't mean it."

He did not say, "IF I offended anyone, I apologize."

He admitted to MAKING A MISTAKE, and then talked to Obama and made sure Obama understood that he made a mistake.

I have respect for Huckabee on this issue, even though I also thought what he said was really offensive, especially since he said it at an NRA meeting. I respect him because he took responsibility for his actions and did not seek to rationalize them.

by ProfessorReo on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:25:00 AM EST

Re: Keith the Silly Hypocrite. (none / 0)

clinton:"I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire nation and in particular the Kennedy family was in any way offensive. I certainly had no intention of that whatsoever,"

seems like you're grasping. why would she apologize directly to BO when the comment HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM?

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Sat May 24, 2008 at 01:53:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

But it did have something to do with him (none / 0)

Whether she meant it or not, she tapped into the very real fear that a candidate, especially a black candidate, could be murdered.

At the very least, this is a drastic misreading of the political climate. For those of us who have a cold dread whenever the subject comes up because of the parallels between this leader and this year to those leaders and those years, she crossed a line.

I don't think it was intentional, but it shows how myopic she's gotten in her quixotic quest for the nomination.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Sat May 24, 2008 at 07:17:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

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