Olbermann Apologizes

[NYCGirl]

IMO, for something he didn't need to apologize for.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/25/keith-olbermanns-idea-for_n_98557.html

From Rachel Sklar:

an MSNBC spokesperson sent over an apology from Olbermann, which I have reprinted in full:

It is a metaphor. I apologize: the generic "he" gender could imply something untoward. It should've been "only the other comes out - from a political point of view." You could've called for reaction first if your main motive had merely been criticism.

It is true, I did not contact MSNBC for comment - I was reacting specifically to the on-air commentary by their top-rated anchor, as seen by me and about 950,000 other people. To be fair, Olbermann regularly does the same in his "Worst Persons" segment, which often calls out on-air personalities for their remarks. I do, however, appreciate the alacrity of Olbermann's and MSNBC's response.

[backscatter712]

1. On occasion, Olbermann has named himself Worst Person In The World...

[tishaLA]

2. Apologizing for figurative language now

What a sad state we are in.

[NYCGirl]

4. Silly, ain't it? NT

[Adelante]

12. Girls and women all over the world are sold into sex slavery every frigging day of the week

And this is the stupid shit we need to worry about. I can't stand it. I really can't.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

18. Would the bolded part about Obama be silly, as well?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/25/keith-olbermanns-idea-for_n_98557.html

... Said Olbermann: "Right. Somebody who can take her into a room and only he comes out." ...


...What does that mean? Really, it can only mean one thing: Beating the crap out of Hillary Clinton, to the point where she is physically incapable of of getting up and walking out. At minimum. We know this. We know this because we have all seen movies where people are invited into private places to have "discussions" and the unruly party is, um, dealt with accordingly. It's an unmistakably violent image.


Do I really think Olbermann thinks Hillary Clinton should really be violently beaten to the point of physical incapacitation, or worse? No, though some have taken that statement to its logical conclusion. But it is an unmistakably violent image — and that point seems to be undisputed by those who have written about it so far...


... There really seems to be only one interpretation here, and the only point of debate is on whether it's okay or not. I'm going to cut that one short: It's not. To the fellow (male) journo I wrote to about this yesterday, who waved it off as just some colorful film-noir imagery, I say: can you IMAGINE if someone had said that about Obama? That he should be taken somewhere and dealt with, so that he wouldn't come back? Can you imagine if some right-winger had talked about getting Obama out of the race "the old-fashioned way?" If that last one makes you cringe, it should, because it evokes a history of violence against black people in this country that is raw and real. Well, frankly, the same goes for women — many of whom have been taken somewhere private, and never returned....

[kerry-is-my-prez]

21. What would the Obama supporters here think if it was O'Reilly saying this about Obama?

"Someone would take him into a room and only they would come out." Sounss pretty ominous, right?

[rodeodance]

28. this board would crash and they would be more OUTRAGED than after the last debate--calling

msnbc and crying foul!!!!!ect ect

[redstate_democrat]

46. OReilly: "I don't want to go on a lynching party..."

and none of you Hillshills said shit. I was on this board screaming my head off asking the obvious question of WHERE IN THE HELL WAS that fake women's organization named NOW was. Not a peep heard from this. People were on here telling me it was more racial than anything, as if black women couldn't possibly be sexually discriminated against or sexism isn't really directed towards them.

You didn't care about that and I could really give a damn about what Olberman said about Hillary's campaign.

[NYCGirl]

33. It's a fairly common metaphor. NT

[SaveOurDemocracy]

34. So, you'd be cool with ...

Hannity saying we need... Somebody who can take Obama into a room and only that guy comes out.


All good with you, eh?

[NYCGirl]

35. Personally, I'm not cool with Hannity saying "Good evening." But yes, I wouldn't

be offended, because I've heard that phrase before.

[Ronnie]

38. How very gracious of you.

So you're okay with any phrase you've heard before?

[NYCGirl]

45. Now you're just getting silly.

:thumbsdown:

[MindMatter]

40. For chrissakes, it was just a metophor

And not even a very good one. Fight referees don't even do that, do they?

If a referee is fixing a fight, he can just call it in a lopsided way.

Or is the "somebody" not a referee". Int hat case, what is the metaphor? But it still doesn't make sense. One regular guy doesn't go into a room along and beat up a prize fighter. That doesn't make any sense. I'm surprised the Hillbots aren't trying to twist this into a sexual reference.

It is just a throw-away line, chosen poorly.

I'm glad he apologized. It was such a trivial thing, but it never hurts to apologize when making a mistake.

[ellacott]

6. We are truly in a sad state

Who's really the one that's been whining?

They don't have the nerve to go after Rush. They were silent when McCain insulted Chelsea or let her be called a "B" at a campaign stop.

No, they don't do anything about those attacks. They don't seem to have the understanding to realize that people are turning away from Hillary for a reason.

Pitiful..

[Ronnie]

39. Who are they?

A lot of broad-brushing here. It would get you kicked off a high school debate team.

[ellacott]

66. I know it does feel like high school around here...

but we are not on a debate team here.

To answer your question, "they" are those that are making a big deal a KO.

Not too hard to follow.

[Zachstar]

8. Well yes but it does help calm the strain.

The two camps are at their breaking point when it comes to people saying they will never vote for the other side in the GE.

He just needs to show a little bit more political correctness until this race is over.

[ProSense]

11. Right, and we know Hillary's camp prefer Hannity and Fox Noise. n/t

[Zachstar]

22. They will get over it after they realize what the choice is.

Obama is not their first choice I am sure but compared to McCain who will be HAPPY to try to put more conservative justices on the supreme court. They will grow out of it.

McCain means the end of Roe vs Wade and other decisions.

[Zachstar]

23. They will get over it after they realize what the choice is.

Obama is not their first choice I am sure but compared to McCain who will be HAPPY to try to put more conservative justices on the supreme court. They will grow out of it.

McCain means the end of Roe vs Wade and other decisions.

[rodeodance]

29. and then Fineman and KO had a good laugh about only the 'he" coming out of the room.

[Rageneau]

47. Figurative language? You mean like, "Shuck and jive?"

Nah, there's nothing wrong with language like that -- and no Obama supporter would EVER whine, whine, whine that there is. /sarcasm.

[Writer]

3. After listening to the context in which he spoke, he obviously wasn't advocating murder...

however the imagery raised a few sick issues, however.

[BklynChick]

5. I remember that line. omg, can we say silly season?

[MadBadger]

7. Its ridiculous that he should have to offer any kind of apology whatsoever.

[Zachstar]

9. Both camps are in high stress for various reasons. So its good that he did so.

[BlueIdaho]

10. Hyperbole...

is a figure of speech which is an exaggeration. Persons often use expressions such as "I nearly died laughing," "I was hopping mad," and "I tried a thousand times." Such statements are not literally true, but people make them to sound impressive or to emphasize something, such as a feeling, effort, or reaction.

I suspect the Hillbots also believe in the literal translation of the bible too huh?

[slinkerwink]

13. kicking for a good apology. I do think the metaphor was rather poor.

[burythehatchet]

14. Whine Cry Lie Cheat Smear - Hilldog's got it all covered.

[Uncle Joe]

15. One thing I've noticed about NBC/MSNBC,

their network seems to magnify the misogyny issue with their own behavior, I believe with the goal of actually helping Hillary Clinton.

Saturday Night Live did it two weekends in a row just before the Ohio primary with skits regarding their own anchor's poor behavior during a debate among other skits portraying Hillary Clinton as being picked on by the corporate media, which was them selves.

On the other hand after the obviously unfair debate to Obama and poor performance by Gibson/Stephanopolous in ignoring the critical issues of the day just before Pennsylvania, SNL ran a rerun.

Timing is everything.

[TTUBatfan2008]

16. Party leaders...

You know when he said it, I thought of Bill Clinton, Al Gore, or someone like that. But he is right in that he should have simply said a party leader takes her into a room and only the party leader comes out, rather than specifically saying "he." Nancy Pelosi is certainly one of the most powerful people in the party and certainly counts as a leader just as much as Bill Clinton or Al Gore or any of the other top brass of the party.

[durrrty libby]

17. Definitely

.... WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD

........OGREMANN

[JuniperLea]

19. let this be a lesson to us all

it's the fucking whiners of the world that fuck us all over.

just sayin'.

[McCamy Taylor]

20. People who will walk on eggshells to avoid being racist do not worry about sexism

That is what this episode has taught us. Remember when KO got hot and bothered about O'Reilly's insensitivity about lynching? I am afraid that I may puke if Fox, which has called Hillary every sexist name under the sun suddenly starts making like Simone de Beauvoir in her defense.

[SeaLyons]

24. Olbermann - Worst Person in the Word

[rodeodance]

25. KO and Fineman yuked it up over KO comment that night. They were talking

about Hillary.

Having a good laugh over only one coming out of the room.


Now he parses away.

Nope, that does not work for me.


....

KO: "Yeah, somebody who can take her into a room and only he comes out."

[Evergreen Emerald]

26. Amazing. The double standard on DU.

Had anyone said this about Obama you would all be hysterically calling for the firing.

When someone attacks Clinton, suggesting that the female should be physically beaten, you all ignore it, cheer it, defend it.

What a load of hypocritical crap.

[jazzjunkysue]

56. Edwards left when it was time. So would Obama. She's bloodying our party.

It's not her gender that's being questioned. It's her sanity.

We'd all be saying the same to Obama if HRC had it locked up. But I think we wouldn't have to, because like Edwards, he's leave before we got the chance.

THe question is, what is HRC waiting for? To raise money? To tear down the party? She can't win. So, what is the point?

[ccharles000]

60. I agree

[BlueIdaho]

27. Its a shame HRC supporters don't know hyperbole when they hear it

But that's good for Obama - the more completely insane they seem the less chance anyone will take them seriously.

I dare you to do a "woman on the street" pole - ask ten people NOT on DU if they really think KO want's someone to "take out" HRC permnently. The look on their faces would be priceless.

[Maribelle]

32. When evaluating hyperbole one considers the source.

And KO has proven himself a Hillary hater.

[BlueIdaho]

53. Only if one wants to sound delusional

Really, go down town and see how many ordinary people will agree with the general Theseus of these posts...

A mainstream TV personality wants someone to KILL Hillary Clinton.

Personally I really hope you all keep this hopeless quest up, it helps to marginalize HRC supporters as both desperate and pathetic.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

44. I'll Play

If Hillary and Keith Olbermann went into a room with bad intentions I'd bet my home only Hillary would walk out...

[Alii]

63. This is what I imagined when I heard that 'infamous' snippet...

Howard Dean took Hillary into "the room" to explain the facts of life to her, i.e., it's time to hang it up...IT IS OVER. After much persuasion, Howard leaves the room while Hillary remains there fuming and crying. Now, Howard Dean being a Dr., I found it difficult to imagine that he might have had to resort to torture and/or bodily harm to achieve his goal. The "he" might not have been Dr. Dean, not certain that he'd have the huevos.

Actually, I have no idea what was on Keith Olbermann's mind. And, unless one is psychic, neither do they. I doubt that it was homicide. Just a little friendly persuasion.

Regardless...jeez, much ado about nothing.

Yep, it is the "silly season." Patience, patience...it is nearing an end...more like ex post facto, it is over.

And then, we can begin "Silly Season 2." This time between a Democrat and Republican.

[Maribelle]

30. The Allegory of KOs Fables?

No KO that was not a metaphore - - Stick the tips of your forked tongue in your ears, because the roar over this is going to hurt your eardrums.

[BzaDem]

31. How many of the above posters would certify that

they would say the same thing if Olbermann said the same thing about Obama?

[2rth2pwr]

36. The blind loyalty of the Obama folks is astounding, they defend things that

even the people who utter them apologize for.

Obama and his Fox News "boycott", The "bitter" comments, Rev. Wright, Keith Olbermann, etc.. etc ad infinitum.

They are always left flapping in the wind, never learning a lesson.

[redqueen]

37. Classier than the pundits lining up to spew Hillary's spin, by MILES.

:)

[KaptBunnyPants]

41. Is it wrong to want to throw Hillary and her supporters in a bag and then throw the bag into a river

And then throw the river into space? I can't stand these people now, they are as bad as or worse than Republicans. At least Republicans are typically too stupid to be held to account. These people are simply mean, petty, and treacherous. I don't know which of our factions will end up with the Democratic Party, but we clearly are not on the same side and I don't think we ever will be again.

[kiranon]

50. If you throw away the old ones, who will be left to vote?

The people you want to throw away are the ones who walked the precincts for JFK and Bobby and who walked with Martin Luther King and who marched against the VietNam War and faught for civil rights for everyone. Do you understand now why older voters are taken aback by the attitude of some Obama supporters and wonder why they should side with the voters who want to throw them away. The way to win in November is to be inclusive not exclusive. Hillary never claimed to be perfect but I'll take her warts and all because she isn't going to throw away half of the Democratic Party.

[KaptBunnyPants]

51. My side didn't betray you. Your betraying us.

Teaming up with Team McCain and Fox news to slander the Democratic nominee just because the primary didn't go your way is disgusting conduct. If you want to rip this party into two just because the baton has been passed, then I can't stop you. But don't expect me to smile while you do it.

[Voltaire99]

65. Agreed.

The Clintonites have taught us to despise them, and the only surprise (after all, we've been able to study them for years) is how much.

The party will schism -- they will go over to the GOP -- I say good riddance.

[JoFerret]

42. KO has zero credibility to begin with

He turned himself into a mere ranter a while back.

[AtomicKitten]

43. The ClintonCo Sphincter Police are at it again.

Archie: All right, all right, I apologise.

Otto: You're really sorry.

Archie: I'm really really sorry, I apologise unreservedly.

Otto: You take it back.

Archie: I do, I offer a complete and utter retraction. The imputation was totally without basis in fact, and was in no way fair comment, and was motivated purely by malice, and I deeply regret any distress that my comments may have caused you, or your family, and I hereby undertake not to repeat any such slander at any time in the future.

Otto: OK.

[mmonk]

48. When Hillary supporters get rid of all broadcast progressives

we all can watch that "honest" FOX network and listen to Sean Hannity and Neal Boortz on the radio.

[OzarkDem]

49. Olberman is a disgrace

We really got to see his sexist side during this campaign and its not pretty.

:puke:

[Beacool]

59. What do you expect from a guy his age who's banging a 24 year old kid.

Typical middle age guy who would not be able to handle a powerful woman his own age.

[Ichingcarpenter]

52. GOOD, get over it, its over, a non story.

Unless Faux news on DU wants to run with it for a couple of days

[uncertainty1999]

54. Perhaps women HIS OWN AGE scare Olbermann...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/21/meet-keith-olbermanns-gi_n_92715.html?page=4

[ruby slippers]

55. I think that someone complained that he was implying that....

Obama would do something "sinister" to Hillary and they called him on it so the MSNBC lawyers made him apologize....I doubt "he" really wanted to apologize nor did he mean anything bad happen to her....I just think he meant that Hillary should be told the campaign is over for her and that Obama would walk out as a victor while she sat there stunned.

But...

think about during Dubya's election when some police guy commented about someone who said they wished Dubya gone and the police guy joked and said he would provide them the bullet. That guy got in trouble big time with the FBI for his comment. The Right Wingers live in a literal world and don't really understand metaphors and will jump at anything that sounds like a threat.

[rodeodance]

57. Fineman and Olbermann yucking it up about Hillary not coming out of the

room.
and they laughed. KO put his skinking foot in his mouth and got called on it.

[Beacool]

58. Olbermann and O'Reilly, ying and yang.

Not much difference between either of them. Both are pompous asses who love to hear the sound of their voice. It's a toss up as to who is more puffed up and annoying.

:shrug:

[ruby slippers]

61. O'Reilley is cleaner...he uses louffas.....

but KO is funnier....

[Beacool]

62. I used to like watching KO,

even though his constant harping on O'Reilly became as boring as Dick Morris' obsession with Hillary (ditto for Tweety). After he became one more MSNBC pundit in the tank for Obama, I stopped watching the network altogether.

[ruby slippers]

64. he does overdo his exuberation for Obama BUT.....

his show is one of few that will ask those hard questions of other things that the mainstream misses or intentionally leaves out. And, I like Rachel Maddow and Maria Milito. I just wish he would have a little more Stephanie Miller and Ron Reagan now and then....

[mtnsnake]

67. Olbermann got lots of practice being a misogynist when he worked for Fox Sports Network

and for ESPN prior to that, but especially when he worked for Fox, so nobody should be all that surprised by his lousy comments.