Olbermann-Gate

Wow. That is about all I can say about it; and that is wow.

The Story via Politico:

MSNBC host Keith Olbermann has been suspended indefinitely without pay after POLITICO reported that he made three campaign contributions to Democratic candidates.

MSNBC President Phil Griffin said in a statement Friday: “I became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay.”

Olbermann made campaign contributions to two Arizona members of Congress and failed Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway ahead of Tuesday’s election.

Olbermann, who acknowledged the contributions in a statement to POLITICO, made the maximum legal donations of $2,400 apiece to Conway and to Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords. He donated to the Arizona pair on Oct. 28 — the same day that Grijalva appeared as a guest on Olbermann’s “Countdown” show.

NBC has a rule against employees contributing to political campaigns, and a wide range of news organizations prohibit political contributions — considering it a breach of journalistic independence to contribute to the candidates they cover.

Chris Hayes, the Washington editor for The Nation and a previous fill-in for Rachel Maddow, will fill in for Olbermann tonight, MSNBC confirmed.

The real strange part is there are people coming to his defense. People like… William Kristol. Wait Wha? Yup, Neo-Conservative Bill Kristol says the following:

MSNBC’s suspension of Keith Olbermann is ludicrous.

First, he donated money to candidates he liked. He didn’t take money, or favors, in a way that influenced his reporting.

Second, he’s not a reporter. It’s 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, I’m sure, NBC executives give money. Why can’t Olbermann?

Perhaps Olbermann violated NBC News “policy and standards.” But NBC doesn’t have real news standards for MSNBC—otherwise the channel wouldn’t exist. It’s a little strange to get all high and mighty now.

But there’s 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 NBC—keep Keith!

I have always said that the difference between a Neo-Conservative and a liberal, like Olbermann; is their position on foreign policy. Keith is against war, Kristol is for war, especially if it supports and benefits Israel. What they both agree on, is the statist expansion of Government. They just disagree on the method of that expansion.

Anyhow, on the suspension of Olby. This has been a long time coming; MSNBC has been wanting to rid themselves of the man, I mean, he has an ego, about the side of his ever large head. Will this be permanent? Well, Ed Morrissey is doubtful it will last the weekend; however, the word is that Olbermann is gone for good.

The big round up is here. It is going to be fun watching Bill O. tonight! 😀