Keith Olbermann, Truly One Of The Worst People In Journalism, Is Busted For Making Political Donations

GRINNNNNNN!!!!

Politico broke the story today.

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.

The Politico link also features a 'best-of-Keith' video gallery, as he rails about the evil people who donate to causes he reviles.

It isn't like the policy hadn't been made clear, as found on the MSNBC website:

"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions. You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the president of NBC News or his designee.”

Keith found out this week that that word 'anyone' meant, well, 'Keith'...

OS does not spend much time with Rush, or Sean, or Savage, or the other ideological screamers that mount the radio and tv pulpits. They're so busy scoring points that they often miss the point--the point about the culture itself. Screaming people are difficult to reason with. It feels great to feel that rush of adrenaline when someone you agree with turns the phrase just so, and verbally slam-dunks any and all who may disagree.

But the feeling goes away, and usually, the problem isn't solved. We really need grown-ups behind the mic, people with great minds, and definite opinions, but with some old-fashioned manners. Bill Buckley did it so well, as did David Brinkley, and David Frost. No one seemed to be taking notes on how they did it, though. No one filled their shoes.

Keith is just a Leftie doppelganger of Michael Savage, raging and fuming, cheered by those who agree and reviled by those who don't. The ratings go up, and the civil discourse swirls the drain.

Unfortunately, this won't be the end of him. He'll be portrayed as a victim, a crusader for Hope-n-Change. There will be a fresh radio show, a book deal, the lecture circuit, etc. etc, etc. Who knows, TheOne may choose him to replace ObamaBob next year. Who knows? Stranger things have happened. In any event, the circus will simply move to another town. He and Al Gore can co-produce a series on ethics in public life, with John Edwards as the first hero held up for our admiration. The possibilities are, after all, endless, if one is unencumbered by reason or conscience.

But, today, let us count our modest blessings. For now, he's off the air, and the silence is golden.