An equitable split for Olbermann, Matthews
Much has been made of the tension between MSNBC anchors Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews during the Democratic National Convention in Denver last week.
“Infighting boils over,” noted the Huffington Post.
“Brawling Anchors on MSNBC,” read the Page Six headline in The New York Post. The story went on to detail not only Olbermann and Matthews’ infamous oil-and-water chemistry but a DNC dustup between anchor David Shuster, who earlier this year was suspended for saying that Chelsea Clinton was being “pimped out” on the campaign trail, and Republican congressman cum pundit Joe Scarborough.
So perhaps conspiracy theorists could be excused for reading something into NBC News’ decision to redirect Olbermann from St. Paul back to New York for the Republican National Convention this week.
“You shouldn’t read anything into that,” said Steve Capus, president of NBC News.
Chief White House correspondent David Gregory will take Olbermann’s place at the anchor desk with Matthews during the abbreviated convention.
Olbermann is in New York to help direct the network’s coverage of Hurricane Gustav, explained Capus.
“Keith is particularly strong at being the quarterback for this kind of coverage and that’s why we’re pulling him back.”
With Gustav downgraded to a category two, Brian Williams will nonetheless remain in New Orleans for the time being. Tom Brokaw meanwhile will have a bigger part in St. Paul.
Capus chalked up the on-air disagreements as the inevitable theatrics of opinionated people working in a highly charged environment.
“You’re bound to get some disagreements,” he said. “I think you’ve seen little things blown out of proportion.”
Paulie commented:
Thea , jump from that rooftop when your done shouting out for Olberfrau. Neither of you will be missed.
R.P.Miller commented:
With the monopolization of corporate ownership of Amerikan (sic) media, it's no wonder MSNBC wants to silence the Democratic opposition as well as any word that might adversely affect General Electric'$ bottom line ("
Thea commented:
Let's hope MSNBC, CNN and the others will do the right thing and thoroughly expose Sarah Palin's preacher for what he is - another Reverend Wright. We know FOX NEWS will never cover it properly.
Keith Olbermann is the only one who tells the truth about Palin.
This story needs to be told often and shouted from the rooftops.
Diane commented:
Did anyone hear the lie Rachel Madow told about Gov Palin last nite? MSNBC is unbelievable they say terrible things about any Rep. and people still watch!!!
Tony Whitt commented:
Please keep Chris Matthews in the chair every time I here him speak I get a SHIVER all the way down my leg!
Harry Whittington commented:
It's obvious why MSNBC didn't let Olbermann go to the convention. At some point he would have gottenin a verbal tussle with someone there who would have laid the hammer down on Olbermann who would have looked like a deer caught in the headlights outside the comfy confines of the scripted, teleprompted MSNBC studio as he was revealled to be the weak minded partisan hack that he is.
MSNBC isn't planning on getting rid of Olberman quite yet. Bush is still in office and Maddow needs alittle more exposure. then it's bye bye Keith.
Argon Treat commented:
MSNBC is clueless. Pick one role for each of your people: hard news anchor or commentator. You can't do both simultaneously with any credibility. Fox understands this. CNN understands this. At least NBC put Olbermann back in New York where he can't cause as much trouble. He'd probably throw a temper tantrum every night in St. Paul. Let him stick to lefty political rants, his apparent strength.
Good Point commented:
More opinion on Olbermann:
www.unclebarky.com/reviews_files/b00278f9a0b29815d6641596a7f1cdcf-490.html
wiwj commented:
They are always like that. This is not a story.. get over it people.
wj1975 commented:
I thought that it was nice to have opposite voices during the same broadcast rather than the one-sided coverage you get on Fox News. When you have people calling each other out on "
seaniekaye commented:
I heard last night phrases like "Hey partner" and "I miss you already buddy" between Keith and Chris Matthews. I like both these guys, especially Chris Matthews, and personally feel that the tension between them only adds to the entertainment factor of their coverage.
BR commented:
And Bill O'Reilly should go back to Inside Edition. His opinions are on the same level as a drunken Hollywood blonde.
CR commented:
Olbermann needs to go back to ESPN. His opinions are on the same level as an illiterate linebacker.