Either Relevant or True » Was That a Backpedal?

Glenn Greenwald takes KO to task on FISA:

What’s much more notable is Olbermann’s full-scale reversal on how he talks about these measures now that Obama — rather than George Bush — supports them. On an almost nightly basis, Olbermann mocks Congressional Democrats as being weak and complicit for failing to stand up to Bush lawbreaking; now that Obama does it, it’s proof that Obama won’t “cower.” Grave warning on Olbermann’s show that telecom amnesty and FISA revisions were hallmarks of Bush Fascism instantaneously transformed into a celebration that Obama, by supporting the same things, was leading a courageous, centrist crusade in defense of our Constitution.

I’ve been an Obama supporter since the day John Edwards dropped out of the race. I understand that candidates are flawed people and that I will not agree with everything my candidate does. I do not agree with Senator Obama on his FISA stand. I think, as Mr. Greenwald does, that the entirety of the #5 story last night was an exercise in pandering to the candidate.

People change their minds on issues all the time and Keith Olbermann is certainly no exception. But sir, when you do so in the way you did last night, refuting the passionate stance you took in a Special Comment by meekly agreeing with a guest in what appears as a slavish devotion to a candidate, you lose your credibility. You lose respect. You become that which you loathe - a partisan shill like those on Fox.

Becky, that couldn’t have been easy to write.

Unfortunately, you’re exactly right.

I’ve taken Keith to task in the past, but yes. This was the most difficult. Always before it was because I was a little pissed off. This is far worse. This is disappointment.

I understand the political necessity the Obama camp may see in forging a compromise. I don’t agree with it — don’t think it’s right, nor necessary, when you’ve got the numbers on your side (but God knows that hasn’t stopped Pelosi and Reid from snatching surrender from the jaws of victory at almost every opportunity) — but I can understand how they might perceive it. But this doesn’t let KO off the hook. Barring further explanation (and if he’s willing to clarify or even revise his stance, I’m willing to listen), this is far too contrary to his previous stance (and Special Comment), tastes too much like pandering to the would-be president. I cannot reconcile this disconnect. It’s inconsistent, and it’s wrong, and at the moment I’m having trouble figuring out which is worse.

From both him and Alter, I expected a great deal better. You can’t speak truth to power when you forget to bring the truth.

Absolutely. Well and thoughtfully written, Becky, and SIG, great comment: “You can’t speak truth to power when you forget to bring the truth.”

What I found most bizarre a day or so earlier was Keith speculating that Obama might be taking this stand because he also might be considering going after the Telecoms criminally once he is Prez.

That some phone companies, including mine (A rare opportunity to praise Qwest), knew that this was illegal and refused to do it shows that they all should have known.

It is not as if there was not an immediate remedy under the FISA law in terms of emergency action.

I cannot help but wonder what the current administration has shared with so many congressional leaders to cause them to cave like this as I find it impossible to believe that they have enough embarrassing stuff on so many of them as to force the issue through blackmail.

I note that Jon Stewart has had no problem going after Obama.

I have to say, I don’t… really care? I mean, anyone who pays attention to politics knows that Obama flipflopped. Anyone who watches Keith’s show knows he’s pushing for the Democrats. 1 + 2 = Keith’s not going to call out Obama for this.

That’s cable news. Is Keith loads better than anyone else? Absolutely. But he’s not going to always be our liberal crusader and I don’t expect him to. I mean, remember Kucinich being cut out of MSNBC’s debate? Not a peep out of anyone even though KO had railed against FOX for doing the same thing.

So… it’s wrong. But other people are doing worse. And since I know better than to get my news just from Keith, it’s no biggie. He’s done it before, he’ll do it again, and c’est la vie.

That’s why I listen to Rachel, read Newsweek/Time/NYT, and get news from the IAVA. :shrugs:

That’s my two cents.

Not belaboring yesterday’s comments, but, Mr. Olbermann, we are counting on you to be strong.

Keith has posted a Daily Kos diary about this:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/26/222646/124/440/542648

RSS feed for comments on this post.