Keith Olbermann Attacks Campbell Brown, CNN Over Mistake

Keith Olbermann has long gone after his 8PM competition at Fox News, Bill O'Reilly, but Wednesday night he started a new line of attack — against CNN's 8PM host Campbell Brown.

Olbermann chided Brown for mistakenly claiming that the last time the same party controlled the White House, the Senate and the House was under Jimmy Carter.

"The talking point got out enough that the anchor of another news broadcast at this hour reported yesterday that last time it happened it," — and here Olbermann turned on his Brown impression — "didn't go so well, and people who have been worried about the possibility of one party controlling the White House and Congress. 'The last president to do that, of course, was Jimmy Carter.' Swing and a miss. Her colleague tried to correct her. 'Bill Clinton.' Swing and another miss. Correct answer: George W. Bush, that current guy. Early 2001 and again from 2003-2006."

Watch:

Comments

[rockportmass]

Thanks, Keith. Many of us are weary of Campbell Brown and her motor-mouth approach to TV journalism. She never shuts up - blabswhatever comes to mind as says it as quickly as possible devoid of depth, insight or thoughtful analysis. Campbell Brown never stops talkng, cuts off others trying to get a word in edgewise and basically limits her "commentary" to bits and bites without follow-up or follow-through. She is not a jsmart ournalist nor even a commentator but a TV tool amd a mouthpiece for hubby's politics. I dare her to debate you!

[notconfindtweenhatnboots]

Hopefully Campbell will take off early for maternity leave and not return, unless it's for true "commentary". Her dad was a Dem politician who ended up in pr/son for /ying to the FB/ (at the same time the R's were going after Clinton) and she must somehow have issues over that. Maybe she blames the Dems for letting her Dad be sent up the river.

[TotoToo]

Give her a break, Keith; you make mistakes too.

Campbell Brown called out Elizabeth Dole on her mean spirited "Godless" attack on Kay Hagan and bitch slapped Obama for saying he would take public financing, then not taking it.

SInce Republicans are known to run ruthless campaigns of hate and bigotry against Democrats, and Republican 527's have elevated character assassination to an artform, I exonerate Obama for going back on his word. Obama did not initiate attacks against Hillary or McCain, but he did defend himself when attacked.

[ProFromOre]

He DID NOT go 'back on his word. Read the reporting and then tell me where he 'went back on his word"

Feb 2008 - HuffingtonPost Daniel Nichanian
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/17/obama-and-mccain-duel-on-_n_87109.html

Obama said "If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election."

He said he would PURSUE an agreement. He did not say he would TAKE public financing. But as Cooper reports the McCain campaign didn't follow through on discussions and basically flaked out.
June 2008 - NYTimes Michael Cooper
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/obama-vs-mccain-campaign-finance-edition/

What is left out of McCain's continual lies throughout the campaign is that he used the promise of federal funding to secure a loan, thereby forcing him to take federal funding. McCain had NO CHOICE. In fact, McCain would have had to continue campaigning even if he didn't get the nomination, so he could get the federal dollars and fulfill his pledge for the loan. THAT'S why the federal election commission will investigate this situation.

Besides the McCain campaign dropping the ball on the negotiations, why would anybody negotiate an agreement with anyone when they have no alternatives. That would be dumb - and neither of us want a dumb president -we've seen what can happen, no?

[monicaangela]

Thank you ProFromOre, at least you seem to have done your homework and got your facts straight unlike ToToToo who evidently needs to take the blinders off and forget the repugnican talking points. It's a new day folks, it's a great time to be alive, enjoy!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!

[LiberalProfessor]

The real question: Did she not know it OR
Did she know it, but report falsely anyway, to make Carter and Democrats look bad?

I'd guess the latter, given CNN is becoming more and more of an outpost for right-wing shilling.

[lostatsea]

I can see there is very real fear of the White House and Congress in the hands of one party. But before GOPers object too strenuously let's remember the worst damage to date has been done while GOP ruled both the WH and Congress. It's likely that the Dem's will convert their agenda into policy, but if you look at the agenda on the table so far it is far more forward looking, intent on remedying the harm done by the Bush administrations. The Dem's aren't gun toting, self centered individuals trying to fill their pockets with the people's money as did Dick Cheney and Halliburton. For the most part they are caring and practical people hoping for a better future for everyone, not just their constituency.

I was surprised to see Campell Brown moving further to the right, night after night, even praising Sarah Palin, blaming her shortcomings on her rollout, not her vapid sense of history and social studies. So I think I'm going to have to channel surf to another channel during that time slot, it's too much like watching Fox News. CNN, I hope you don't become a stooge for Brown's very subtle right wing propaganda.

[notconfindtweenhatnboots]

Especially since Campbell Brown presents herself as not having bias, but she obviously has huge bias and a lot of ignorance.

At least Morning Joe Scarborough admits to having bias, having signed the Contract with America, and being married to someone who worked for Jeb Bush. I don't mind hosts having an agenda, as long as they don't claim that they are neutral. If Campbell honestly thinks she has no bias (just because she doesn't fit neatly into one box or the other) then she really needs to re-examine herself.

[amyeom]

I only catch Campbell's show during Keith's commercials. I wrote to CNN and told them to put her in Lou Dobbs' time slot and move his whining to the early-bird elderly slot of 5 pm that way more people could watch Rick Sanchez and Campbell from 6 to 8. **shrug**

[plebeianswillrevolt]

Campbell poop.

[SonicGuppy]

Campbell Brown. The overpriviledged version of Sarah Palin?

[Bozwellian]

Gotta' remember, Camp met her true love Dan Senor in Iraq while covering that area once we were embroiled there, married now, very much aligned...You DO remember Dan don't you ? He was a very BIG chief sppkesman for the Bush regime..gave the pertinent talking points an dspins...aHEM.
(SO MANY bUSHY FOLKS..Nicole Wallcae, formerly OF the WH staff..the one who was getting and got married the weekend of Katrina which had a good majority of those other staffers off enjoying the several days of festivity while NO got swamped/etc....Her hubby, out of the stat dept. ranks, works for FOrd Mo. when not on a loa to assist presidential campaigns...the list is long !!! Lots of repositonings, but few have actually truly gone away and all for most part, ready and willing to regroup for the "Cause".

[RedWhiteandBlueState]

Take your time next time. Hard to read your salient points.

[debb3111]

Way to go Keith..get them honest.

[drfifthace]

Honest? 103rd Congress and Clinton?

[UncleRico]

Honest? You mean like the Bush administration?

[notconfindtweenhatnboots]

Keith should be given a medal for his ability to call this bias out.

[mamacat]

KO, Chris Mathews, and Rachel Maddow are news and politics junkies. They study the stuff, look at it from different angles, and come up with their views on the news. It is possible to disagree with them while still appreciating the passion and professionalism that they bring to their jobs. That Ms. Brown did not know that the Legislative and Executive Branches were controlled by the Republicans during much of the Bush years smacks of rank incompetence - a lack of passion and professionalism that is shocking in a newsperson. I think she is trying to make a name for herself in the news business, but mistakes like this are very disheartening for anyone looking to find a news outlet to depend on.

Firstly, she should have known such an obvious fact without having to research it.
Secondly, she should have discussed her show with those around her prior to going on air. Are those around her just in it for the money, or do they actually follow what they are making their livings reporting on?

That neither she nor those around her at CNN realised what a blatant mistake she was making is news in and of itself, and KO rightly commented upon it.

[Bozwellian]

whole heartedly AGREE !!! but Camp gets HER talking points from hubby Dan Senor....a gop strategist thta remains undercover but a hardworker and considered efficient !!!

[GingersPawPaws]

SO SHE HAS AN UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL TYPE RELATIONSHIP?
I LOVE ROBERT REDFORD MOVIES...LOL

[GingersPawPaws]

I Love Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow they are my favorites
They Are Junkies and Good ones too!! They give it like they not only see it but in its Actuality!! This makes for good news reporters!
THEY ROCK!

[Lexuses71]

I totally agree.

[USMC1980]

Campell Brown is a hottie, but she is also a clueless GOP tool (just like her husband). Brown also did a report a wee ago Thursday on how the "Youth" vote was "blowing" off the election. Actually Cambell, the youth vote came out in record numbers for Obama...maybe you should have actually waited untill after Nov 5th to report something like that...loser.

[mamadeus]

She is eye candy to some, but would it not be nice to see an experienced seasoned anchor such as Candy Crowley do the show.

[AlaskanWannaB]

Love Candry Crowley. Very professional. Reminds me of journalists of old. I guess they want a real cutie to draw viewers. I prefer a journalist who is intelligent, objective and charismatic. Obama should consider Candy as his Press Secretary. She would be awesome.

[MrZrule]

Candy Crowley rocks. I'd like to see her get a 'Meet the Press' opportunity. I hope she continues to be in the fray because I really trust her insightful and even-handed reporting. I'd hate to see her get a desk job though lord knows she's earned it.

[Spinsterina]

I don't understand the appeal of Candy Crowley.

She doesn't seem to have anything more insightful or interesting to say than any other campaign reporter. It's mostly gossip, horserace handicapping, spin and B.S. And she reports on that stuff. Yawn.

If she was a cute blonde bimbo, you'd probably be complaining about how awful she is.

Some day you'll get REAL journalists on the tube and you'll realize what weak tea you've been served.

[kymlosang]

love candy! she is tough and smart and really strong. she is always interesteing to listen to. as far as campbell, she is trying to find her voice and her show style. hasnt quite jelled but she is trying to be honest and all that. i think she means well but some of her shows bug.

[hufporeadersaremorons]

actually only about half the eligible voters under 30 years old turned out to vote...national turn out was 63% so other age demographics turned out a better percentage... actual increase of youth voters was between 1-6 % over the number who voted in 2004...youth did go overwhelmingly for Obama 66%, but the overall turnout didn't match the hype...sorry to bust your illusion...I think its funny that on hufpo CNN is a "right wing" network and on most conservative blogs CNN is a "liberal" spin machine...too funny...guess CNN is doing its job since everybody hates them...

[sirpatty79]

Thank you for the information. Some of it is preliminary, but it is interesting to read.

The projections I've seen agree that the youth vote turned out in greater numbers and percentage than at any other time since 18 became the eligible voting age.

On a separate note, your name is pretty di*kish.

[lwaxanatroi]

see, there's that idiot meme again: if everyone hates you, you must be doing something right. Do you ever listen to yourself? Does that line make any real sense at all?

[RedWhiteandBlueState]

Do you realize that you read huffpost as well? Dufus.

[ProFromOre]

There is a decided push to the right from CNN. Before two months ago, I had NOT watched CNN, MSNBC, etc. in 15+ years. My TV sources were CSPAN, cautiously PBS and very cautiously, network news.

I think I can honestly say that SOME on CNN push for the truth without bias, but some don't. Too many in the media feel that if they interview someone from the Democratic viewpoint and then let the Republican spew talking points without challenge that is unbiased reporting. IT IS NOT.

Quit watching CNN, et al for 90 days and watch CSPAN. You will get the daily news from the early morning show. Record it if you have to, but it does repeat at night. CSPAN is the ONLY straight, unfiltered, unbiased info on television. (SO unbiased, you'll scream at them sometimes to comment on a caller being an idiot - it takes SOME control to work there!)

Continue with print and Internet, just cut out the TV media. After 90 days go back to it and see if you can see a difference, then. Both sides of the political divide will be surprised.

[billw8017]

It's odd how much Republicans hate Carter. Unlike Republican administrations that squeeze the economy so that it naturally bounces back at election time, Carter first built up the economy, then went after inflation. In the election year of 1980, the unemployment rate was a point better than when he came in, but it was rising and that kind of relativity is what matters. Now, I think Carter was wrong to fight inflation at the cost of economic hardship for the lower and middle classes. He should have let it level out with a more egalitarian distribution in inflation. He was certainly wrong in the sense that it cost him his re election and credit for the prosperity that followed.

[mamacat]

He tried to put his country first. For him it was more than just a cheap political slogan.

[antiprop1]

Media used to be regulated to be unbiased. When the news media industry was deregulated Fox News swung to the right because they knew they couldn't compete with CNN straight up. Murdoch knew that by pandering to the right he could build a successful network. So now we have Right Fox News, Left CNBC, Middle CNN. Its more entertaining but I dont think the public is as well informed. So bloggers, what do you think, are we better off being entertained or being well informed?

[killswitch667]

Funny how everyone recoils in horror to the word regulation, but every instance of deregulation has had negative long-term effects.

Late-stage consumerism, hope it's not terminal

[ProFromOre]

Bring back the 'Fairness Doctine'. It was the biggest blow to democracy that Reagan made.

[MilesTrane21]

I normally like Campbell Brown, but seriously, that's a GIANT goof. I think Olbermann could have skipped the impression, but it's ridiculous she wasn't aware of that.

[MrZrule]

ditto

[Pam4Waters]

Keep setting them straight Keith! Cambell Brown's "No Bias, No Bull" reminds me of of Fixed noises "Fair and Balanced" slogan. Neither of them apply. If you don't know Bush had a Republican majority for most of his presidency you are not a political report. You are in fact to stupid to be on TV.

[ProFromOre]

I saw an interview with her. I think she's trying, but doesn't get it that interviewing the Democrat and allowing the Republican to spew is not unbiased. She was a child when Reagan tossed the Fairness Doctrine, she doesn't KNOW what journalism can be.

[UWNBM]

NBC Exec: We want O off by Janurary 1st.

[greentipcove]

Change the channel....

[UWNBM]

Hey Egoverman.­..Campbell could care less what you think.

[StLBoy]

Hey, UWNBM... the cliche is "couldn't" care less, not "could." Your version makes no sense.

To quote O, "Swing and a miss."

[bored2tears]

Yes, but itsn't it nice that the clueless consistently reveal themselves by their misuse of the language?

[hufporeadersaremorons]

Olbermann should have stayed at ESPN...at least there "swing and a miss" is actually understood by the viewers