Keith Olbermann is getting some unusual support after NBC and MSNBC honchos moved to suspend the primetime host.
Weekly Standard editor William Kristol writes on
his blog that Olbermann's suspension is simply "ludicrous."
NBC execs said they suspended Olbermann because he violated the network's policies by donating to several Democratic candidates.
Kristol writes:
"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?"
Kristol concludes: "Republicans of the world, show you believe in the free expression of opinion! Tell the crony corporatists at NBC — keep Keith!"
Olbermann's indefinite suspension comes just as the liberal muckraker announced this past Monday that he is turning over a new leaf. Olbermann announced that he was suspending his "Worst Person in the World" feature that skewered conservatives and had become a staple of his show.
Apparently the gesture didn't improve his karma, at least so far.
If GE and MSNBC throws Olbermann overboard, what's next for the volatile host?
Perhaps the "Fair and Balanced" network will offer him a gig as roving liberal ombudsman. Fireworks like that make for great ratings.