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

Keith Olbermann, who just signed a 4-year contract extension with MSNBC, visited the ladies of "The View" Monday morning, where he discussed, among other things, Sarah Palin's future and why he doesn't vote.

"For my political point of view, I hope she stays exactly where she is," Olbermann said of Palin. "Because she's an unending font of material."

Olbermann also said that the former Alaska sportscaster has a future in the TV business.

"I think she's gonna wind up in television, and she's gonna kick all of our butts," he said.

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."

Comments

[supertamsf]

I like Olbermann but not voting is BS. He is a political commentator who freely doles out his clearly left leaning opinion which is fine ( particularly with me since I happen to be liberal) But Pahleeeeeze! Just cowboy up quit the "objective" charade. Spit out your opinions man, OWN them. This is the precise thing he ridicules O'Reilly for with his "no spin zone" nonsense.

He should vote. He doesn't (nor should he) reveal who he voted for OR officially endorse a candidate but him not voting is really dumb . As much as I like the guy this logic is right up there with " I can see Russia from my house" Palin stupidity. You betcha Rachel Maddow votes.

[Kambriel2]

I can understand Keith's point. I have to vote myself, because if I don't the ghosts of suffragettes come to me in my sleep and talk about being arrested, going on hunger strikes and picketing the White House just so I can.

[BOin08]

Did Keith call himself a journalist? Wow. I guess I can now call myself Tiger Woods.

[willconley777]

Also: "Objectivity" does not mean "without opinion". Discuss.

[willconley777]

Voting is a religious act. Discuss.

[lynjs]

Jim Leher doesn't vote. so get over it.

[sumac3]

So Keith Olbermann says he doesn't vote. As a symbolic gesture. (The horror!)

Whatever. So what. Get over it.

This is America where lobbying for a cause is permitted/­encouraged­, but the actual voting
IS voluntary and private. An America where we all are free to tell the truth OR lie to friends,
family, co-workers about what we did or did not do. (Even to telemarketers or exit pollsters!)
And where we can then change our minds or pretend change. Why, we don't even have to
answer anyone's questions, about voting or why we name our children what we do, but that's
really hard to pull off.

Have known Keith Olbermann since the dawn of time and I've never seen/heard this
"I am a role model" status that you officially conferred upon him, but as he- like you all-
are ON TV, it must be so.

But, guess what, you're ON TV, too, you other "role models." (Hope you learn to handle
the flak as well as Keith does.) Instant "role model" street cred, whether you want it or not.
Doesn't have to make sense or be logical. (Look at "Joe the Plumber" running the
gauntlet of fame/infamy.)

Us folks NOT ON TV? We get to build you up / tear you down / demand answers to silly
MYOB questions. (WE aren't the "roles models" you didn't ask to be, OK? Deal with it.)

The great, enduring American pastime.

[meltingpot101]

Keith, that is lame.

As I agree with alot of your veiws, your show is anything but objective.

[Jo Manning]

Love Keith Olbermann but he is a jerk not to vote. I am amazed by his comment, which is so stupid I cannot believe this is the same man who gives such excellent on-air essays on so many topics. Shame shame shame on him!

[karvictho]

It's immature not to vote. Plenty of people have died to secure this opportunity in order to prevent our being taken over by despots and tyrants. It's bad enough to get trapped by bad government for 4 years at a time, but unfathomnable for someone to sit on his/her hands and let this happen intentionally.

Grow up, take responsibility--be a participant in your community--not a selfish taker.

[FTracy3]

Olbermann doesn't vote so he can suggest journalistic objectivity? Has he ever watched his own show? He's a commentator, not a journalist. Olbermann is about as objective as Sean Hannity.

[undeluded]

Keith's stance lacks any logical credibility and it's totally inane and stupid (there, I've vented)! The one thing that each and every American citizen has a responsibility to do, and Keith trades it, the most precious American right, for what he thinks is an appearance of objectivity: Keith, we know it’s something you clearly don't possess?! (Now why weren’t Keith and Chris allowed to actually host the election night proceedings on their network? Hmmm, think, think, think). How can railing and flailing Obermann possibly think that any such act could possibly make him look impartial? Though I won’t directly lay the ‘U-word’ label onto him, I will say that for people who boycott the process ostensibly to make some ‘larger’ point, let me say that there is no larger point possible to be made and I think it’s one of the most unpatriotic things a citizen can do. The grand experiment simply doesn’t work when people make up reasons for not participating; it would be better for him to write-in himself, Nelson Mandela, or Laura Bush, onto the ballot, than for him to snub his nose at the process and all those living and dead who’ve suffered to extend this treasured right to all American citizens regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, and yes, even vocation or profession. Keith, go and reacquaint yourself with the Magna Carta; see if you can bring the concept forward, across the ocean, to present day America; it might help you.

[Meanwhile]

Helen Thomas votes.

'Nuff said.

[Tblack]

Guys

Keith has explained this stance for years now...many of you must be new fans. He doesnt vote because he feels it would hinder his ability to objectively criticize everyone...even the people on the left he admires.

It's a stance that basically only a journalist can take. It's not a perfect stance but I understand the meaning behind it. Keith is quite old school.

[deegee99]

I for one love Keith Olbermann. He can go overboard from time to time, but at least there is a place for proud Liberals to hear our side of the story. Rachel Maddow is also excellent. I get most of my news from them and the rest from The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.