MSNBC suspended "Countdown" host Keith Olbermann Friday after the news that he donated to three Democratic candidates.

Politico reported Friday that Olbermann gave the maximum individual donation of $2,400 to three candidates in Tuesday's election: Arizona Reps. Gabrielle Giffords and Raul Grijalva and Senate hopeful Jack Conway, who lost in Kentucky to Republican Rand Paul. (Grijalva appeared on Olbermann's "Countdown" on Oct. 28, the same day the host donated to his campaign; Conway was last a guest in May).

Olbermann, in a statement to Politico, said that he "did not privately or publicly encourage anyone else to donate to these campaigns nor to any others in this election or any previous ones." Also, Olbermann said he had not "previously donated to any political campaign at any level."

But the revelation raised clear ethical issues.

Olbermann, a liberal commentator, gives his opinions each night on the air. But NBC News editorial staffers -- like journalists at most news organizations -- are forbidden from giving to political candidates. Also, Olbermann anchored election coverage Tuesday night without disclosing that he'd given to candidates who were running for office.

It's ironic that Olbermann gave to political candidates after criticizing Fox News because its owner, Rupert Murdoch, gave $1 million donation to the Republican Governors Association. "Fox News has put its money where its mouth is," Olbermann said in an August segment that questioned the network's impartiality.

In October, Olbermann again raised the issue of Murdoch's donations, during an interview with Democratic Rep. James Clyburn. Olbermann asked whether there was "a legislative response to the idea that there is a national cable news outlet that goes beyond having a point of view and actually starts to shill for partisan causes and actually starts to donate to partisan groups of one party."




Wow - Bathtub Boy is a liberal. Who would have guessed? I think he needs to get back on the air just long enough to demand that his 5 Countdown to No Ratings viewers blister NBC with emails demanding he resign - for the good of the network.

\:d/

It is shocking and horrifying to see a member of the media caught in such biased antics.

I still can't beleive it.... 😟

I am almost outraged.

I don't like Odermann, but he should have the right to donate just like everyone else. If PMSNbc wants a policy it should be that employees make public their contributions and if a conflict of interest arises on a story or interview make it known.
I'm sure PMSNbc if FULL of differing opinions and would not be embarrassed at all with the records being public.

He sucks but has a right to spend his money for things he considers the right cause.

😂

NBC News editorial staffers -- like journalists at most news organizations -- are forbidden from giving to political candidates. Also, Olbermann anchored election coverage Tuesday night without disclosing that he'd given to candidates who were running for office.

It's ironic that Olbermann gave to political candidates after criticizing Fox News because its owner, Rupert Murdoch, gave $1 million donation to the Republican Governors Association. "Fox News has put its money where its mouth is," Olbermann said in an August segment that questioned the network's impartiality.

In October, Olbermann again raised the issue of Murdoch's donations, during an interview with Democratic Rep. James Clyburn. Olbermann asked whether there was "a legislative response to the idea that there is a national cable news outlet that goes beyond having a point of view and actually starts to shill for partisan causes and actually starts to donate to partisan groups of one party."

So Olberman knew the rules about political donations and broke them...after slamming Rupert Murdoch for doing the same thing.

Hey Keith, I hear NPR has an opening.

Rupert Murdoch makes the rules.

Olberman is RickAmaven and Helen Thomas' **** love child...

**** = Basssturd

The guy signed an employment contract and agreed to certain restrictions and terms in exchange for his job and pay. It appears he violated the contract in a major way. I have no problem with them firing his ass if they want to. This is NOT a First Amendment matter; it is a private breach of contract issue between the parties. Serves him right. There is no way I can imaging that he didn't know he was breaking an important rule.

Someone honest enough to admit it? That sure leaves out Beck, Hannity, Limbaugh and their ilk.

Dude...

It gave NBC a way to cut him loose.His ratings sucked and the new owners would've canned him anyway...

12 RFENST, You of all people should realize you can not impose any illegal restriction by any contract..

I don't think any of them signed an agreement that they wouldn't donate to a political party.

So...ummm...your point being?

When Comcast(The new owner of NBC) takes over all the Commie Libs there will be on NPR