Keith Olbermann, the best newscaster EVER (or at least so far in the 21st century), gives us his Worst Persons in the World.
I always think that people like this are a lot more sex-obsessed and secretly kinkier than the rest of us “loose” people:
It’s time for “Countdown‘s” list of today‘s three nominees of the coveted title of worst person in the world. The bronze winner is Ferrell White. F-e-r-r-e-l-l. Not Feral, F-e-r-a-l.
He‘s the building official for Spring Hill, Tennessee. He has ordered a hair salon to remove lewd language from an advertisement in town. The ad is for products called sexy hair concepts.
The lewd language Mr. White says, is the word sexy.
Some people are vicious about dishing it out but would scream bloody murder if it were done to them — Ann Coulter seems to think it’s alright to bash an actress who disagrees with her. This is an issue I mentioned on December 2nd, referring to a Crooks & Liars story:
There‘s an issue that never arises for our runner up tonight. Ann Coulter.
A twofer. She posted the personal phone number and e-mail of a blogger who was critical of her. And she called other groups which disagree with her, “Nazi block watchers”. You know, she explained.
They tattle on their parents, turn them into the Nazis.
Then there are the fomenters of phony issues:
But the winner, and this one comes with great personal pain because we were friends when he worked here and thereafter, John Gibson. Selling his new book about this phony baloney war on Christmas, John revealed a very ugly side to himself. He is one of those people who think all religions but his are mistaken. You know, the way a lot of these religious nut bag terrorists think.
I would think, Gibbie said on a syndicated radio show. if somebody is going to be—have to answer for following the wrong religion, they are not going to have to answer to me. We know who they‘re going to have to answer to.
I‘d tell you which religion, John, thinks is the only one that‘s right, but what‘s the difference? It‘s not the faith that‘s the issue. It‘s the intolerance. John Gibson, today‘s worst person in the world.
Ho, ho, ho … with a poll …
I really like it when he yells out in a funny booming voice at the end ie:”Bill O’Reilly is Today’s WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD”..although I did notice on Friday when he did the list you posted he was using his kinder/gentler voice when he announced John Gibson as the Worst Person in the World. I think that was because they go way back. I guess Asshole Gibson used to work at MSNBC. He is disgusting. I would have used the booming voice for John myself. But I have turned so many People on to KO, as I did Aaron Brown before he was foolishly cancelled by the Anderson Cooper Network. My 7 pm TV Timeslot will never be the same. Ouch!!! Some of my bruises still hurt from yesterday. Keep up the great work Susanbohu..You are simply the Best. I would let you lead me anywhere.
I like it when all three of his Worst Person in the World are the same – Bill O’Reilly won the honor last week, I think.
on the DVR…and need to set up to record tonight’s (spouse and I have grocery shopping to do when he gets home). Looking forward to seeing this episode.
Was it Wednesday that Bill O’Reilly took all three spots? That was totally priceless… 🙂 I still remember Keith’s quote on “The Tonight Show” when Jay Leno asked him if there was a ratings based “feud” between him and the Big Giant Head: “There’s no feud…I just don’t like the guy.” Keith totally rocks…
…of news presented as entertainment; I prefer the straightforward approach of the Murrows, Kronkites, and Amy Goodmans.
But I’ve made an exception for Olbermann, who has brought a little of the spirit of Jon Stewart into the newsroom, and knows how to be sincerely self-deprecating, never presenting himself (as do so many of his colleagues) as a know-it-all. These are endearing traits in anyone.
Which is why, every day, I expect to hear KO has been replaced.
You expressed my sentiments exactly. The light approach to news has always turned me off, but Olbermann has a way of doing it that is endearing. I think it also helps him fly under the radar by making him appear less political than he clearly is. I especially like when he identifies stories “my producer made me do.”
Right now MSNBC is promoting the fact that Olbermann has passed CNN in the time slot ratings. As long as he continues doing that and MSNBC keeps promoting that fact he is probably safe. There is no doubt, though, that he reports stories that no one else dares touch. He is clearly the only reason MSNBC made Bill O’Reilly’s newly posted “enemies list.”
in the coverage of Hurricane Katrina and the inactions of the Bush misAdministration, Keith can play it straight and serious when the situation warrants it. Also in his coverage of the current Debacle in the Desert, he tends to play that more serious as well. But if a subject needs skewering, he’s more than willing to wield the skewer.
that MSNBC will get some sense and put Aaron Brown in the slot after Keith, relegating Rita Cosby to “special features” or some place where she can cover the Missing Woman Of The Week or some such. (I get a sore throat just listening to her voice — I love it when the DVR cuts her off just as she opens her mouth…)
That could be a powerhouse two-hour block, especially if they attract some of Aaron’s disgruntled fans from CNN…
…I wasn’t saying that I think KO isn’t serious. He merely seems to have able to find a palatable way to meld entertainment news with serious stuff and some almost-comedy, of which his Worst Person feature is a perfect example.
As for Rita Cosby – if my wife hears half a sentence from her she has a fit.
Randi Rhodes isnsists Cosby is a man.
Aside from her sleazy subject matter, she is really one of the worst interviewers I have ever seen. She asks questions that are so leading and so dumb that the interviewee frequently does a double-take before declining to answer. then she asks the same question over and over in slightly revised form. I really think she/he has an IQ in the moron range. It must drive Olbermann nuts to have to introduce her show every night.
Here’s what I can’t figure out about Rita Cosby –
Why?
I mean, she’s not attractive, her voice is like nails on chalkboard, and she seems…kinda…stoopid.
Yeah. That’s been my question. She used to be at Fox News till she moved over to MSNBC. She must have had a more prepared script to follow over there. It’s almost painful to watch her in action.
She lost me during the Katrina coverage when events were unfolding. The phone interview was a nurse at Charity(?) Hospital who was clearly at the edge of hanging on. The nurse had recounted the horrors and broken promises of rescue in between Rita’s very stupid questions. As the nurse broke down in tears, again pleading for help and rescue, Cosby wished her well and said she’d check back in again with her tomorrow night.
Do any other old(er) people here remember Phyllis George on a CBS Morning Show? She had the interview of a man wrongly convicted of rape and the alleged victim who finally recanted after several years of his imprisonment. The tension was obvious and oole Phyll suggested a big group hug and let bygones be bygones…she was noticeably absent the next day.
I’ve been a fan of Olberman’s since Countdown started. He’s not afraid to be honest and doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Cali, wouldn’t that be the best?
I really miss Aaron Brown’s news show at 7pm. I’d listen because he’d always cover the main stories (even though they’re the MSM stories) and he’d cover something I hadn’t had time to read about. And I loved his preview of the next day’s newspapers.
Rita Cosby is an embarrassment to MSNBC. And I feel badly for KO having to introduce her, although he ALWAYS does so in the gentlemanly manner that makes me proud of him. He’s a very civil fellow, with a naughty sense of humor and a strong sense of what’s right and what’s just.
After KO, I now turn to PBS Newshour because it’s also an intelligent news show — not the best, but good.
I’m with Meteor Blades re Amy Goodman. She should be on MSNBC too! And I love it that Chris Matthews is having her on as a guest so often — she is a PISTOL on his show. Does she ever have her arguments and her facts down. Impressive.
For those of us clueless..
Rita Cosby is an embarrassment to MSNBC. And I feel badly for KO having to introduce her, although he ALWAYS does so in the gentlemanly manner that makes me proud of him. He’s a very civil fellow, with a naughty sense of humor and a strong sense of what’s right and what’s just.
Rita Cosby is NOT related to Bill in any way, is she?
Silly question, I know
Here’s another Keith story, from the same transcript:
Gen. Odom is on my TV set … he has vulture-ish features. He’s very sensible on the war though!
I saw that vulture segment; he was also very pretty and fluffy, especially for a vulture.
Ohhhhh … I missed that segment because I had to pick up Darcy.
I love that part about the mom lovingly pushing them off cliffs! 🙂
Reminds me of the baby eagle that I helped watch 24/7, in shifts, because he’d fallen out of his nest onto a lower branch and wasn’t getting any nourishment. … but state wildlife people didn’t want to interfere.
So, I’d stand on the bluff overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca for three hours and stare at him on his branch.
He cried a lot! Just like a baby would!
Then, finally, his dad started bringing him food. Finally, he fell off the branch but his parents got him back into the nest somehow. And that’s the last I heard about him. This was a couple years ago.
Most here know how I feel about Keith my man man…he can eat crtackers in my bed anytime…lol. Rita on the other hand has got to go back to Fox. I wrote to MSNBC and told them so. Aaron Brown would be the perfect compliment to Keith for sure. I miss his no nonsense. Keith just said, “Another story my producer’s are forcing me to do” but didn’t catch what the story is about. will find out after the next 15 commercials.
That’ s cool that you suggested Aaron to MSNBC.
(He could also take one of those two hours that Dan Abrams is getting now.)
Can we share Keith?
Another thing: I’d love to listen to his daily radio sports show. Is it on the ‘net?
I am NOT sharing Keith,,uh uh no way girlfriend…lol! I don’t know about the radio show. If I find out I will let you know. Have you heard from Boo? How’s his move going out in frigid land?
pick it up on the ESPN Radio website — he’s on with Dan Patrick in the 11am Pacific hour.
(The spouse got a great deal on the Delphi MyFi for XM Satellite Radio coverage…we’re still trying to figure out how best to place the antenna/repeater so we can listen in the living room…)
If I ever get out of debt I might get a cable subscription so I can watch NBC (not available in my neighborhood!). I’ve never even seen Keith Olberman or Jon Stewart except online in clips. Is Comedy Central usually a “premium” thingie? How about MSNBC? Are they worth it?
You can usually get both Comedy Central and MSNBC with a basic cable package….in my experience! Comedy Central is definately worth it, not sure I will say the same for MSNBC…
Thanks Brin!