Keith Olbermann contributed to three Democrats

[Ian David]

Source: Politco

MSNBC host Keith Olbermann made campaign contributions to two Arizona members of Congress and failed Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway ahead of Tuesday’s election — a potential violation of NBC ethics policies.

Olbermann, who acknowledged the contributions in a statement to POLITICO, made the maximum legal donations of $2,400 apiece to Conway and to Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords. He donated to the Arizona pair on Oct. 28 — the same day that Grijalva appeared as a guest on Olbermann’s “Countdown” show.

Grijalva, a prominent liberal who was just declared a winner in his race Thursday night, was in a tight contest against tea party-backed candidate Ruth McClung when he appeared on "Countdown" — one of several appearances he made on the show.

NBC has a rule against employees contributing to political campaigns, and a wide range of news organizations prohibit political contributions — considering it a breach of journalistic independence to contribute to the candidates they cover.



Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/44734.html

---

See also:

Fox News takes heat for News Corporation's GOP donation
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4507107

TRENDING: DGA calls for Fox News to run disclaimer
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4508774

News Corporation Shareholders Rebel Against Company’s Political Donations
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x475622

[bluestateguy]

1. Olb doesn't make a pretense of being an impartial journalist

It would be like Sean Hannity contributing to Republicans, and that's fine with me too.

[sweetloukillbot]

26. Yes he does...

I remember him getting flack during the election season for saying he wasn't going to vote because he needed to stay impartial. He's a journalist, he shouldn't be making political contributions.

[gateley]

They're not journalists in the way that the people who report our local news

are supposed to be. These are political PROGRAMS -- aren't they called program hosts?

Hell, even their tag line is "The Place for Politics" as opposed to "The Place for News" :shrug:

[sweetloukillbot]

116. No they're not "local journalists" but ethics are ethics.

Do you think Olbermann is just the same as Hannity only on our side? Olbermann expresses some opinion in his show, but he also reports news. He claims to model himself after Edward R. Murrow, he even said he doesn't vote because that would violate his impartiality as a reporter.
Donating to a candidate who is a guest on your show has the appearance of a quid pro quo, even if it isn't.
It was incredibly bad judgement, and while I don't want to see him lose his job over it, he should not have done it.

[Dreamer Tatum]

2. Inconsistent Democrat Hyper-Defense Team coming in 3...2...1...

We already know he's disqualified himself as a journalist, but now he can't even TRY to look impartial?

[sabrina 1]

89. And to whom has he disqualified himself?

The rabid rightwing of the Republican party? Surely you don't think that he has disqualified himself among Democrats? He never claimed to be a journalist, he was a sports announcer who became a political commenter who does not do investigative jouranlism but comments on the news.

Seems Politico, a well-known rightwing biased publication, may be wrong after all.

Nice how all progressives are being targeted these days. I would expect it on a rightwing board, but to see it increasingly on supposed Democratic boards, makes me wonder sometimes.

[bigworld]

3. I agree -- that's out of line

if you want to have any shred of journalistic integrity. He should know that.

[glinda]

23. Politico article contradicts one on Huff Po stating that they allow it

when the Company is notified. I think they released a statement.
Politico is a handmaiden of the right IMHO.
Gone are the days of old standards so take a look at Faux that is an on air fundraiser and commercial 24-7.

[Poll_Blind]

4. I'm more pissed off about people spreading the story here than the story. n/t

PB

[AndrewP]

5. What is Fox "News" policy, I wonder?

Or will this just end up being another one of those "Your not being fair Keith!" kind of deals.

[glinda]

24. It is a hit job on Keith. Same as the take over of our media outlets peeps.

[AndrewP]

28. Yeah, it is a hit job I'm afraid.

I just am fatigued at our own people carrying the water for the hitmen.

[LiberalFighter]

47. Gee I wonder if Palin, Huckabee, and others have contributed to candidates?

[AndrewP]

49. I can't believe that they would have! They are very fair!

LOL

[JackRiddler]

105. Not as much as they've received.

[Posteritatis]

86. If theirs doesn't mandate contributions to Republicans I'd be surprised. (nt)

[dkf]

6. Ironic thing is that face time on his show is probably worth more.

[sasha031]

7. Fox parent company donates $2.25 million to GOP-linked groups

http://mediamatters.org/research/201011020054#2

[robinlynne]

34. the perfect response.

[Dave From Canada]

44. NBC's parent company donates $700,000 to Democrats.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/17/fox-news-takes-heat-for-news-corporations-gop-donation/

[tularetom]

8. I welcome this can of worms being opened

I'd like to know the political contributions for all TV talking heads and pundits. Might raise a few eyebrows about the true leanings of the liberal media,

Besides, Keith Olbermann is a "commentator" not a "journalist" and as such, he is free to express his political views in any way he wishes.

Under Citizens United, he's a people, just like the corporation he works for.

This is just politico trying to embarrass Democrats yet again.

[baldguy]

82. "This is just politico trying to embarrass Democrats yet again."

+1000

[slackmaster]

9. MSNBC should fire him

I'm sure Fox would be glad to give him a lucrative contract.

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[slackmaster]

29. IF he broke NBC's ethics policies, he's in the same league as Juan Williams

:hi:

[glinda]

42. If you believe everything you read without researching it.....

[slackmaster]

97. Here's another source. Maybe you will find it more to your liking.

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/keith-olbermann-suspended-from-msnbc-indefinitely/

[sabrina 1]

91. Maybe you should have checked some sources other than

the rightwing Politico before making a fool of yourself. But your reaction does reveal your willingness to join them in their frequent attacks against progressives. I will consider that regarding your comments from now on.

[slackmaster]

92. KO has been suspended indefinitely by MSNBC

Is the Huffington Post an acceptable source of information?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/05/keith-olbermann-suspended_n_779586.html

BTW, I did not go to Politico for any information, nor have I ever done so.

[sabrina 1]

106. Yes, he has while Joe Scarborough remains unsuspended for

doing the same thing.

I wouldn't have expected Politico to have included that information though.

[slackmaster]

107. Did Scarborough make political contributions without the permission of the Editor-In-Chief?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19178161

[sabrina 1]

109. Why would he have to?

His views and political leanings are well know, as are Keith's, so according to their own policy which you must not have read, neither needed to report to the Editor-in-Chief:

"If a contribution, monetary or otherwise, to a candidate or group with a political or social agenda could create the appearance of a conflict of interest due to the employee’s responsibilities at MSNBC.com, the contribution must receive the prior approval of the section Executive Producer or Editor in Chief.

Where is the 'conflict of interest' regarding either of these two? Or did you think Keith was impartial all this time? :rofl:

You know, people really do reveal their leanings at times like this. Rather than look for ways to defend Keith, you worked hard to find a way to defend this decision.

I would love to be Keith's lawyer right now. And I'm sure if he has one, this will be an easy case to resolve. I guess you'd like to see Keith go, so would a lot of other people, but an awful lot of them will want to see fairness, and hopefully MSNBC will be persuaded not to show their own biases by continuing with this farce.

[slackmaster]

110. Keith was not suspended for a conflict of interest

He was suspended for making political contributions without prior permission from his boss.

You know, people really do reveal their leanings at times like this. Rather than look for ways to defend Keith, you worked hard to find a way to defend this decision.

I will not try to defend that which appears to be indefensible. My "leanings" have nothing to do with my sense of fairness and justice, the value I place on keeping one's word, and that kind of thing.

[sabrina 1]

112. You didn't read their rules did you? Someone is only required

to report their political contributions IF that would be a conflict of interest. Since everyone knows Keiths, and Joe's political leanings, neither was obligated to report their contributions. If you want to be fair, that is how you would have interpreted the rule. That is how I would have interpreted it had I worked for them.

Keith will be back, I have no doubt his lawyers will be reminding MSNBC of their own policies, which were not violated.

[slackmaster]

114. I don't agree with your reasoning, and see no point in discussing it any more

Keith will be back because he draws a huge audience.

[sabrina 1]

115. I didn't expect you to. n/t

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sabrina 1]

90. He already worked for Fox, and quit. Because the man has integrity.

Wow, I guess you prefer we go back to when there was no one exposing the lies told by the Rightwing noise machine.

Please explain your baseless comment. In what way can fact-checker, truth-telling Keith Olbermann be compared to any liar on Fox? It's easy to make dumb, hyperbolic statements like that. Now back it up if you can.

[Steerpike]

10. Good for Him!

It's not about him giving his own hard earned cash to people who share his political philosophy! It's about the snakes who take money in order to promote the corporate plutocracy!

[Renew Deal]

13. Can he "report" objectively about Conway or Paul if he's donated to one of them?

Whether he's actually objective or not doesn't matter. This is wrong.

[Steerpike]

18. it is not wrong!

If you want objectivity you need to relocate to fantasyland....

[Renew Deal]

20. So that's the point we've gotten to now?

Unethical behavior is the norm, and honesty should not be expected?

[Name removed]

21. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[X_Digger]

22. Only if it's our guy who's being unethical, silly.

If it's the other side, Oh NOES!

[kestrel91316]

96. Nothing unethical about someone whose job is expressing their opinion

verbally also expressing it by donating $.

He's NOT a reporter.

[slackmaster]

31. I don't recall KO ever claiming to be objective

His show is all about his opinions.

[Renew Deal]

38. That's half true

He presents the news and comments on some of it. But he cannot objectively present the news if he's donated to a candidate. That means there is incentive for him to be dishonest in regards to that candidate.

It's sort of what you're seeing in this thread. Some people are so in love with Keith that they can't even criticize him when he does something wrong.

[kestrel91316]

95. He's not "reporting". He's not a "reporter". He has a show where his entire

job consists of expressing his PERSONAL OPINION about the news.

[Renew Deal]

11. That's completely unethical

And he should know better.

:wtf:

[phleshdef]

14. Its NEVER unethical for an INDIVIDUAL to exercise their freedom of speech.

[Ian David]

15. You are probably correct. n/t

[Renew Deal]

16. It is if they also express their freedom of the press.

It means that they cannot objectively report on a story. He should have to disclose that he contributed to those candidates before he "reports" any one of those stories.

Defending him in this is shameful.

[phleshdef]

50. No its not. And no it doesn't. Reporters do not lose rights based on choosing to be reporters.

Its shameful that you want to rob people of the right to contribute to campaigns just because of the job they have. Its unamerican bullshit.

[Renew Deal]

51. Yes they do

The shame is in your defense of something you KNOW is wrong.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4601853&mesg_id=4601950

[phleshdef]

54. Based on your fucked up logic, its unethical for them to even VOTE.

And you are in no position to tell me what I know or don't know.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Keith, Hannity, Brian Williams, Anderson Cooper, whoever the hell you bring up, contributing money as individuals to whatever campaign they choose. NOTHING.

[Renew Deal]

57. There are reporters and military people that don't vote.

I don't think it needs to go that far. Voting is private and doesn't really compromise journalism, though it would be more ethical to not vote.

The only one on that list that might even have a slight excuse to donate is Hannity, and even he doesn't really have an excuse. Ironically, he has donated.

http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=Hannity&state=NY&zip=&employ=&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=gk2yd&submit=Submit

[phleshdef]

60. Contributing to a candidate and voting for a candidate are the same kind of thing.

Neither compromises journalism in and of itself. A person can do what they want with their vote and their money and still show up to their job and report the facts objectively. Thats irrefutable.

[Renew Deal]

62. I disagree

Voting is private. No one really knows how you vote, so it doesn't create a perception of bias. Donating is public and in a very real way means the reporter is invested in the candidate. It benefits their investment if they report good news about their investment and bad news about things that hurt their investment. It's unethical.

Edit: I still believe that not voting at all is the MOST ethical thing to do, but that's too much to expect from a human being.

[phleshdef]

69. If a reporter favors a candidate enough to contribute to them, then they favor them enough to be....

...bias to begin with. Whether or not they contributed a small amount of chump change (and 2400 bucks is chump change to Keith) to that candidate is irrelevant. There is no way in the world someone working ANY job does not stand a chance of favoring certain candidates.

Its not unethical just because you don't feel warm and fuzzy about it and thats basically what your argument has been reduced to here.

[Renew Deal]

73. I agree that there might be subtle bias in reporting.

The best example of that is Candy Crowley covering Bush. You should have seen the howls here about that.

Coincidentally, I found an article from MSNBC about why it's wrong for reporters to donate.

There's a longstanding tradition that journalists don't cheer in the press box. They have opinions, like anyone else, but they are expected to keep those opinions out of their work. Because appearing to be fair is part of being fair, most mainstream news organizations discourage marching for causes, displaying political bumper stickers or giving cash to candidates.

Traditionally, many news organizations have applied the rules to only political reporters and editors. The ethic was summed up by Abe Rosenthal, the former New York Times editor, who is reported to have said, "I don't care if you sleep with elephants as long as you don't cover the circus."

But with polls showing the public losing faith in the ability of journalists to give the news straight up, some major newspapers and TV networks are clamping down. They now prohibit all political activity — aside from voting — no matter whether the journalist covers baseball or proofreads the obituaries. The Times in 2003 banned all donations, with editors scouring the FEC records regularly to watch for in-house donors. In 2005, The Chicago Tribune made its policy absolute. CBS did the same last fall. And The Atlantic Monthly, where a senior editor gave $500 to the Democratic Party in 2004, says it is considering banning all donations. After MSNBC.com contacted Salon.com about donations by a reporter and a former executive editor, this week Salon banned donations for all its staff.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19113485

I think we've gotten to the point where some people are defending this behavior because of who is involved.

[phleshdef]

75. I'm not. I defend the right of all individuals to contribute just as I'm against corp. contributions

Its a red herring. A reporter can choose to be or not be biased and writing a check has no bearing on who they favor, its just an exercise of what they all ready feel.

[Renew Deal]

77. Couldn't the donation and perception of bias be a form of "corporate contribution?"

God knows Fox is entirely a corporate contribution to the republican party.

[phleshdef]

80. I seriously doubt any perceptions of Keith's biases has been altered by the knowledge of him...

...having contributed. If Sean Hannity never contributed to a political candidate in his life, would you be unsure of where his biases lie?

[kestrel91316]

101. Candy Crowley is a NEWS REPORTER. Olbermann is a COMMENTATOR.

You either don't know the difference, or have been advised to ignore the difference.

[Renew Deal]

103. Have you ever watched his show?

He's a news anchor that does interviews and commentary. He's Brian Williams or Katie Couric with the ability to mix in opinion.

[kestrel91316]

100. Olbermann is NOT a reporter. He has a show wherein he expresses

HIS OPINION.

But go ahead and keep ignoring that little fact all day.

[Renew Deal]

104. He has a ***News*** show where he expresses his opinion.

It's still a news show in MSNBC's eyes.

[sweetloukillbot]

118. Olberman him self was criticized 2 years ago for saying he wasn't voting....

Specifically because he wanted to maintain journalistic impartiality.

[RobinA]

113. Well, Actually...

he never had the right to violate his (private) employer's ethics rules. This was dumb of him. Clinton dumb. That said, I'm sure it was a hit. Why do these people INSIST upon standing on a firing range with a bullseye on their backs?

[kestrel91316]

98. His job is not to report objectively. His job is to offer up his opinion.

[slackmaster]

30. But you can be fired if it violates the terms of your employment, like what Juan Williams did

:hi:

[phleshdef]

52. Yea, MSNBCs rules are what they are. Though they aren't going to fire their biggest ratings drawer.

[Renew Deal]

58. I think that's partly why Rick Sanchez WAS fired.

They probably wanted to be rid of him anyway, though his comments were insane.

[baldguy]

12. Keith, as an individual contributing to individual candidates

Is entirely different from News Corp, as a corporation contributing more than a token amount to the Republican Party.

The first should be expected & encouraged from all citizens who can afford it. The second seeks to alter the political landscape of the United States on a large scale for the profit of multinational business interests.

It's the difference between clearing an acre on a mountainside for a homestead to clearing away the mountain.

[sweetloukillbot]

33. No, it's no different

The first day I started as a journalist fresh out of college I was given a big book on our code of ethics - no campaigning, no contributing, couldn't even serve on a church council or parent-teacher organization. Many of the reporters I knew in the news dept were registered independent so to avoid any impression of bias one way or another(although most in features didn't go that far).
This is journalism 101, and while its shameful that News Corp blatantly ignores it, it's just as shameful that someone who lambastes them for their lack of journalistic ethics also ignores it - especially after he made a point in 2008 that he didn't even vote to avoid the impression of bias.

[Steerpike]

40. lol

my first day as a journalist they handed me a beer

[sweetloukillbot]

117. Alas, I started after the days of the managing editor w/ the sidebar in his office...

Although I've heard stories from some of the older reporters...

[baldguy]

43. Keith is not a journalist. News Corp & their employees are.

At least they're supposed to be.

[Renew Deal]

45. Is he an entertainer?

[slackmaster]

81. I regard him as a liberal commentator who has a great sense of humor and an entertaining style

And I agree with him about 95% of the time.

He goes off the deep end occasionally, as we all do.

[baldguy]

83. He's a *commentator*. MSNBC *PAYS* him to express his opinion on TV.

The fact is, this is just another attempt to smear an honest commentator using the RW's fauxny outrage over Liberals doing to same thing they do, only less. Much, much less in this case.

Like I said above, it's the difference between clearing an acre on a mountain for a house, and clearing away the mountain.

[kestrel91316]

102. Keith isn't a journalist. He is a commentator. He talks about HIS OPINION,

and he doesn't dig up and tie together and report strictly the facts.

Commentator. Look it up. Google is your friend.

[MadBadger]

17. If its against NBC policy and he knew that, NBC would be in its right to reprimand him.

[glinda]

27. Think they said IT IS NOT against their policy.

[MadBadger]

35. Where did they say that?

[glinda]

39. Go to Huff Po on front page article about it.

[joeglow3]

85. I would say NBC disagrees with you nt.

[glinda]

111. They said they require notice first. I do not know if consistent though.

[cindyperry2009]

19. So what I say

how many at Faux News have contributed. Rupert Murdoch.

[Gator_Matt]

32. I support him; progressives owe it to him to circle the wagons

Keith is a good man, and we owe him our support. The last thing we need is hand-wringing over this. Naysayers can go to hell.

[CLANG]

36. What if he would only like to give a donation to somebody

but doesn't because of his position? Do we have the right to know? Do thoughts disqualify? Should all journalists be lobotomized?

[Joanne98]

37. So fucking what!

[groundloop]

41. K.O. broke the rules, it was a bad decision on his part. HOWEVER....

I'm sure Faux News will be all over this claiming how biased Kieth is. Let's see an accounting of contributions made by the Faux News staff, and of course by Faux News and newscorp themselves.

It doesn't help our side trying to defend something that we're criticizing others for doing. I wish he hadn't gone there.

[phleshdef]

61. Apparently he didn't break any rules by contributing.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/05/keith-olbermann-donated-democrats_n_779359.html

"The policy does not ban staffers from donating to political campaigns, but it does require them to "report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee." It is not clear whether Olbermann obtained such approval."

[wisteria]

46. I think everyone knows he is a liberal Democrat and his program has never been promoted

any other way. If I had to compare his to someone on the right, I would compare his to Hannity from Fox.I am sure Hannity has contributed to quite a few campaigns. Now, don't attack me because of the comparison, Hannity is a liar and a political spinner for the Repub party. And, of course, Oberman has facts and figures and truth behind what he promotes on his show.

[Renew Deal]

55. It looks like you're right about Hannity

HANNITY, JILL
OYSTER BAY,NY 11771 NONE/HOMEMAKER 8/31/10 $5,000 MICHELE PAC (R)
HANNITY, MERRI
OYSTER BAY,NY 11771 HOMEMAKER/HOMEMAKER 7/15/10 $2,400 Gomez, John (R)
HANNITY, MERRI
OYSTER BAY,NY 11771 HOMEMAKER/HOMEMAKER 7/15/10 $2,400 Gomez, John (R)
HANNITY, SEAN
OYSTER BAY,NY 11771 FOX NEWS/TALK HOST 8/31/10 $5,000 MICHELE PAC (R)
HANNITY, SEAN
OSYTER BAY,NY 11771 FOX NEWS/BROADCASTER 5/1/10 $2,400 Gomez, John (R)
HANNITY, SEAN
OSYTER BAY,NY 11771 FOX NEWS/BROADCASTER 5/1/10 $2,400 Gomez, John (R)
HANNITY, SEAN
,NY 11743 2/17/06 $-2,100 Pirro, Jeanine (R)
HANNITY, SEAN MR
LLOYD HARBOR,NY 11743 10/28/05 $4,200 Pirro, Jeanine (R)
HANNITY, SEAN MR
LLOYD HARBOR,NY 11743 10/28/05 $2,100 Pirro, Jeanine (R)
HANNITY, SEAN MR
LLOYD HARBOR,NY 11743 10/28/05 $-2,100 Pirro, Jeanine (R)

http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=Hannity&state=NY&zip=&employ=&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=gk2yd&submit=Submit

[shoreline]

53. Carefully read the policy...

...and it could be argued there isn't a problem. "Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions." Read it again, "contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions". Do any of the candidates' campaigns "espouse controversial positions"? I would say no, they are all well within the mainstream of their parties, two are sitting congressional members and one is a state AG - the differences between them and their opponents are merely ones of degree. Absent any evidence of support of a truly controversial position, e.g. advocating fundamental changes to our form of government, KO is off the hook.

[blackspade]

56. Good for Keith!

Putting his money where his mouth is.

[Nite Owl]

59. The only way this would be shocking

is if he gave to the Republican. Keith makes no bones about who he supports and that is why we watch him. I'm happy he puts his money where his mouth is. Thank you Keith!!

[Ian David]

68. Interestingly, Keith says he does not vote.

Keith Olbermann Does The View: Explains Why He Doesn't Vote, Says Sarah Palin Has TV Future

<snip>

The ladies also pressed Olbermann on his decision not to vote.

"I don't vote," Olbermann said, saying it is the only thing he can do to suggest journalistic objectivity. "It's a symbolic gesture."

Watch as Joy calls him a bad role model for not voting, while Barbara says, "Forgive me, master...I just don't want to be the Worst Person this week."

More:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/10/keith-olbermann-does-the_n_142749.html

I hope he's voted this time.

[caveat_imperator]

63. I wonder how much scarborough contributed

to rethuglicans?

[Renew Deal]

65. I found it

SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32503 MSNBC/HOST 3/31/06 $2,100 Kitts, Derrick (R)
SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32503 MSNBC/HOST 3/31/06 $2,100 Kitts, Derrick (R)
SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32591 UNITED STATES 7/3/98 $1,000 Aderholt, Robert (R)
SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32591 HOUSE CAMPAIGN 3/31/00 $1,000 Gallagher, Tom (R)
SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32591 HOUSE CAMPAIGN 3/31/00 $1,000 Gallagher, Tom (R)
SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32591 UNITED STATES/CONGRESSMAN 10/20/00 $500 Pollock, Jeffery L (R)
SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32591 UNITED STATES/CONGRESSMAN 10/20/00 $500 Pollock, Jeffery L (R)

http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=scarborough&state=FL&zip=&employ=&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=fzg58&submit=Submit

Maybe this is accepted in MSNBC's culture, but it doesn't make it right. Also, these candidates don't appear to be national figures or stories. It's still wrong because they may be someday.

[Ian David]

67. Good catch! n/t

[Ian David]

70. Keith should just look-up who Joe Scum donated to, and then donate twice as much to their opponents.

That's what *I* would do, if I were making Olbermann-sized paychecks.

[baldguy]

84. Gee whiz, where's the fauxny outrage story on Politico about this?

[KamaAina]

94. Dead Intern was very much on BSNBC during '06

he still had the evening show "Scarborough Country".

[bullwinkle428]

64. Sean Hannity - latest contribution to "MICHELEPAC". Defined as

"MANY INDIVIDUAL CONSERVATIVES HELPING ELECT LEADERS EVERYWHERE"

$5000!

http://newsmeat.com/media_political_donations/Sean_Hannity.php

[Ian David]

66. Thanks! n/t

[joeglow3]

87. So, Hannity is now the standard we try to attain???

Not me.

[Ian David]

71. Other donations from MSNBC, NewsCorp and Fox "News" employees

Search Criteria:
Donor occupation: MSNBC
Cycle(s) selected: All
28 records found in 0.046 seconds.
Total for this search: $18,590
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=&state=&zip=&employ=MSNBC&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=gnsk8&submit=Submit

Search Criteria:
Donor occupation: NewsCorp
Cycle(s) selected: All
64 records found in 0.046 seconds.
Total for this search: $126,008
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=&state=&zip=&employ=NewsCorp&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=tkpzn&submit=Submit


Search Criteria:
Donor occupation: Fox News
Cycle(s) selected: All
73 records found in 0.494 seconds.
Total for this search: $86,309
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=&state=&zip=&employ=Fox+News&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=dsst3&submit=Submit

And also, where most people get their news...

Donor occupation: Comedy Central
Cycle(s) selected: All
66 records found in 0.653 seconds.
Total for this search: $55,375
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=&state=&zip=&employ=Comedy+Central&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=hywvb&submit=Submit

[Ian David]

93. MSNBC

CHOUINARD, CAROLE
LA CANADA FLINTRID,CA 91011 MSNBC/PRODUCER 10/11/04 $1,000 DNC Services Corp (D)
COLGAN, FLAVIA
PHILADELPHIA,PA 19103 MSNBC/POLITICAL ANALYST 12/30/03 $2,000 Torsella, Joseph M (D)
COLGAN, FLAVIA
PHILADELPHIA,PA 19103 MSNBC/POLITICAL ANALYST 12/30/03 $1,700 Torsella, Joseph M (D)
Colgan, Flavia
Los Angeles,CA 90048 MSNBC 8/3/04 $500 Kerry, John (D)
COLGAN, FLAVIA M
HARRISBURG,PA 17102 MSNBC/POLITICAL ALYST 6/14/04 $500 Kerry, John (D)
FEDERICO, MICHAEL
MILLBURN,NJ 07041 MSNBC/CAMERA OP 10/6/04 $230 America Coming Together
O'HALLORAN, JAMES
SEATTLE,WA 98103 MSNBC INTERACTIVE/SOFTWARE PROGRAMM 8/29/08 $500 Obama, Barack (D)
PARIS, MARIA A
NEW YORK,NY 10024 MSNBC/DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPM 9/26/06 $500 Kennedy, Patrick J (D)
PARIS, MARIA A
NEW YORK,NY 10024 MSNBC/DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPM 9/26/06 $500 Kennedy, Patrick J (D)
PARIS, MARIA A
NEW YORK,NY 10024 MSNBC/DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPM 6/7/04 $500 Kennedy, Patrick J (D)
PARIS, MARIA A
NEW YORK,NY 10024 MSNBC/DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPM 10/22/04 $250 Kennedy, Patrick J (D)
PARIS, MARIA A
NEW YORK,NY 10024 MSNBC/DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPM 12/17/03 $250 Kennedy, Patrick J (D)
PARIS, MARIA A
NEW YORK,NY 10024 MSNBC/DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPM 5/10/05 $250 Kennedy, Patrick J (D)
Paris, Maria A
New York,NY 10024 MSNBC 5/23/06 $250 Kennedy, Patrick J (D)
PRESS, BILL
WASHINGTON,DC 20003 MSNBC/BROADCASTER 5/27/08 $500 Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte (D)
PRESS, BILL
WASHINGTON,DC 20003 MSNBC/REPORTER 9/14/07 $500 Shafroth, William G (D)
PRESS, BILL
WASHINGTON,DC 20003 MSNBC/REPORTER 6/28/08 $250 Shafroth, William G (D)
SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32503 MSNBC/HOST 3/31/06 $2,100 Kitts, Derrick (R)
SCARBOROUGH, JOE
PENSACOLA,FL 32503 MSNBC/HOST 3/31/06 $2,100 Kitts, Derrick (R)
SCHWANEWEDE, RACHEL
RAMSEY,NJ 07446 MSNBC.COM/PRODUCER 10/8/04 $230 America Coming Together
SCHWANEWEDE, RACHEL
RAMSEY,NJ 07446 MSNBC.COM/PRODUCER 10/8/04 $230 America Coming Together
SIMON, MICHAEL
REDMOND,WA 98052 MSNBC.COM/WEB DEVELOPER 7/31/08 $500 Obama, Barack (D)
SIMON, MICHAEL
REDMOND,WA 98052 MSNBC.COM/WEB DEVELOPER 8/29/08 $500 Obama, Barack (D)
STEEN, JOHANNA
KIRKLAND,WA 98034 MSNBC/MARKETING RESEARCH 10/24/06 $500 Burner, Darcy (D)
STEEN, JOHANNA
KIRKLAND,WA 98034 MSNBC/MARKETING RESEARCH 10/20/06 $250 Burner, Darcy (D)
TILLINGHAST, CHARLES W
WOODINVILLE,WA 98077 MSNBC INTERACTIVE LLC/EXECUTIVE 9/6/06 $500 Grant, Larry L (D)
WIDZER, JOEL
TUSTIN,CA 92782 MSNBC.COM/JOURNALIST 2/15/07 $1,000 Richardson, Bill (D)
WU, CELIA
SAMMAMISH,WA 98074 MSNBC.COM/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 5/31/07 $500 Obama, Barack (D)

[Ian David]

99. Re: Olbermann: 'This Is Gonna Be Tricky' - TPM

Re: Olbermann: 'This Is Gonna Be Tricky' - TPM
If MSNBC president Phil Griffin is going to suspend every on-air personality who violated the company's policy against making political contributions, we may be seeing a lot of new faces on the air. More soon ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9489079

[TreasonousBastard]

72. Not that I want facts to get in the way of a good flame war, but...

here is MSNBC's own statement of its position on political contributions. Whether or not Saint Keith got the permission would be the point as far as his job goes. Other than that, nobody but the severely deluded or over medicated thinks of him as unbiased.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19178161/

<...>
MSNBC.com requires permission of the editor in chief.

"MSNBC.com employees who take part in civic or other outside activities, including participation in political campaigns or public events such as speeches, marches and political rallies, or who publicly espouse controversial positions, may find that these activities jeopardize their standing as objective journalists. MSNBC.com employees should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain the prior approval of, the Editor in Chief or his designee.

"If a contribution, monetary or otherwise, to a candidate or group with a political or social agenda could create the appearance of a conflict of interest due to the employee’s responsibilities at MSNBC.com, the contribution must receive the prior approval of the section Executive Producer or Editor in Chief. Any participation in a political campaign must be reported to the employee’s immediate manager.
<...>

[Ian David]

74. So, presumably, Keith had prior approval anyway. n/t

[KingOfLostSouls]

76. Hit Piece, Fox News Gets Around This, However

by simply employing the majority of 2012 GOP presidential candidates, giving them free air time and shows.

[rocktivity]

78. BFD--if Fox News can continue to operate as a political action committee

I refuse to give it a second thought. In fact, maybe this is Keith's way of forcing the issue.

:headbang:
rocktivity

[Broderick]

108. If Fox wants to be fair and balanced

Maybe they should hire Keith so their viewers get the other side of the story.

[onehandle]

79. He must watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

I get they impression from that program that it would be immoral to donate to Republicans.

Glad he pays attention.

[Ian David]

88. NBC suspends Olbermann for donations

NBC suspends Olbermann for donations
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4602301

FUCK YOU, MSBC!

[activa8tr]

119. Keith contributed to Democratic candidates? NEWS? in OTHER news today.. the sun

rose in the East and set in the West, unlike every other day in the history of time.:sarcasm:

[AzNick]

120. You mean he's a democrat?

This is just a take-out.

Unbelievable.