Countdown w/ Keith Olbermann

In a time when watching Chris Matthews, Tucker Carlson, Lou Dobbs, Bill O'Reilly and Hannity can be repetitive, boring, safe, wretched, and just downright wrong and bullying (even if the former sometimes is OK), Keith Olbermann is a sublime respite. Yes, he'll make his point of view known, but an unpopular one? I think not; when watching Olbermann go into one of his "special comments" it comes about as close to- if not quite as classical- as an Edward R. Murrow speech rallying against one injustice or another. It's actually inspiring to see what is usually just another 'talking-head' speaking intelligently not from some vapid "gut" ala O'Reilly, but from facts that send many Americans as of late into a tailspin. How to put such a travesty like the Bush administration into a context of articulation (and one that isn't of full-on satire like the Daily Show)? Look at Olbermann.

But it isn't all serious and such; one of the great joys of Countdown is that, within the parameters of the archetype of the structure of the show. Olbermann makes his show into fun satire and moments of levity following the first half just the typical lot (though an interesting lot usually) of talking heads, with his "Best Person" and "Worst Person" listing, Oddball moments (videos of crazy Santa's or deer jumping over a car as it's driving, among many, many, many other classic bits that most often would be left in the dregs of you-tube). He's a man that understands irony- he's not one to back down from giving a scathing comment against someone whom he thinks deserves it (and, whatever affiliation you have, you got to admit that he can give the sucker punch linguistically like few others in cable news, and not with the rancor of some of his rivals). But he's also a man of conscience, and he'll reveal himself as having more lucid thoughts on a subject than one would ever expect of a Tucker or even Anderson Cooper or other.

For me, it's one of the most addictive shows on cable TV news.

I've begun to watch Olberman's Countdown. I must say I am absolutely amazed at how lacking I am at amazement as to his ratings. He's positively dreadful; lacking in talent, acumen, political savvy of any sort, and the permanent smirk doesn't help.

Maybe he should have stayed doing "sports" journalism and guesting on the Hollywood Squares.

Those who seem to think he's remotely fair, consider this: He just, as I write this, referred to John McCain as indulging in "crass political terrorism." Even as he just had several guests in a row that he offered the opportunity to bash in the worst way, Sarah Palin and the aforesaid McCain.

He obviously promotes anti-Palin scurrilous rumors, attacks Republicans with an irrationality that would do Bill Maher proud, and omits basic facts when characterizing his pathologically fearful enemies (does he have a list, maybe he can count them down?).

I don't think he's a Democrat actually, I think he's an Obamacrat. He shills for him without question or demur -- taking his orders obviously as a robotic talking head.

His lack of balance is actually a bit scary insofar as others, such as Hannity and Colmes, O'Reilly, Wolf Blitzer, and even Chris Matthews (though not lately), have proponents of the other side to at least discuss a particular matter with.

Olbermann? He has a part of his "show" that is dedicated to the "most outrageous or untrue thing said on the behalf of John McCain", entitled, "McCain in the Membrane." Nice.

The snicker inducing backdrop of all this, is that no one watches this dreck -- excepting a few bemused critics (like me), or the true believers who hang out on the Daily Kos and MoveOn.org, who spew out the most vicious of comments, not limited to wishing death on those they feel are insufficiently non-extreme left. Throw in that female comic who called Hillary Clinton a word best left unwritten, even with asterisks. I'm not afraid of words, but that was something Olbermann probably wouldn't have minded on his show if he could have gotten away with it.

I'd actually suggest tuning in, merely to be shocked and amazed, and have one's jaw dropped, at what passes for "journalism" on MSNBC.

Contrary to the other comments by macjoubert, Keith is NOT pro-democrat as stated there. He is however anti republican, but if you pay attention to his show you see he is just as hard on the democrats as the republicans. He goes after all the idiots running our country and points them out for what they really are.

Yes he is biased, he has his opinion and speaks it loud and clear, but perhaps that's what makes him so good. Unlike a lot of other news groups which just spout off the latest talking points from Karl Rove, or what the Neo Cons would have them say, unlike the lame, democrat biased reporters who are too weak to stand up to our failed government policies and speak the truth. Keith is NOT afraid to tell it like it is. He and unlike those who try to defend the republicans, Keith actually shows proof and makes sense with what he says. Go to Rush, or Bill O'Reilly's show and you will find nothing but baseless claims, aimed at destroying freedom of speech, freedom of though and the American Way. This is Free America, NOT Natzi America! It's time we had more reporters like Keith Olbermann

I faithfully watch Keith Olbermann's Countdown on MSNBC. He is articulate, sometimes humorous, and really fair to both sides. I consider this to be the one hour of can't miss TV. If you miss the 8 o'clock hour, it replays again at midnight (on the east coast). He brings on informed guests to review the day's news and often brings out facts that are missed by the quick synopsis given on other shows. Each story is covered in depth rather than spending 10 minutes endlessly debating a few points that other shows do. He and guests discuss the topic with a genuine interest in the facts rather than the spin. If you want news with ALL the facts, and how it may relate to other issues, watch Keith Olbermann and Countdown on MSNBC.

I used to watch this show religiously. Yes, I consider it equal to going to church.

Keith has a way of lightening up the news while making important points.

He can be depended up to bring in the very best commentators to back up his own commentary and give us the real facts behind today's news.

Yes, it has a liberal bias, but then the truth is the truth, and Fox News needs to have something to counteract the falsehoods.

I enjoy Olbermann because he just doesn't take himself seriously and her certainly has fun bursting the overly inflated egos of those who do not have America's interests at heart.