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

[SteveDenver]

Keith doesn't vote? How disappointing.
I was in tears over his lambasting of those who supported Proposition 8, while making a plea for people to support LOVE in a world tilted towards hate and fear.
Not voting? His non-vote is cast by those with whom he disagrees.

What a huge shame.

[rafaelkafka]

Olberman really thinks that anyone will believe that he is independent?

He is kidding, the most socialist guy in media will not be independent by only not voting.

[Franb]

I am most impressed with Keith's work, and have watched pretty much everything available on youtube, but I've never seen anything that would mark him out as more than a left-of-centre liberal.

And I say that as a socialist myself.

I don't think not voting increases your independence or objectivity.

People who say they are 'objective' are either deluded or disingenuous. Everyone analyses and interprest the world from some set of assumptions (whether they are entirely engaged with them or not). Being a newscaster doesn't deprive you of the right to have an opinion on the governance of the country. One could submit onesself as a write-in candidate, if one were so minded.

Being professional merely requires that , subject to the constraints one cannot avoid, one consistently strive to present all relevant information about the things one comments on in as lucid and accessible a way as one can. Opinion pieces are, self-evidently, highly subjective and providing that the content is neither accurate nor misleading, invite the audience to reflect on the underpinning framework of ideas, which is a helpful thing.

Faux 'objectivity' (cf: "Fair and Balanced" Fox) is far worse.

[SteveDenver]

I think not voting is a grotesque display of laziness.

[stino]

Exactly, it's the symbolic nature of his decision not to vote that should be the focus.
He can be more objective this way, it's not his job to choose sides, but to appeal to
logic. If his loyalty lies with one party across the board, it's too black and white...no­t
enough room for the interrogation and inspection of all the philosophies at play.
Besides, maybe he's not even a democrat.

[Proletarian101]

That would make sense if he was a journalist, but he is more of a pundit or commentator than a journalist. Why would he not vote the position that he preaches.

[houstonbch]

So you assume Olbermann is too ignorant to form an opinion? Olbermann is unable to research both candidates and form an objective, informed, educated decision based on experience, merit, integrity, etc? He is talented and educated, enough, to have his own TV show, but completely incapable of thought? Does Olbermann simply walk the streets with drool hanging from the right side of his mouth waiting for someone to tell him what to do next?

Please do not defend his incompetence as an American. If you don't vote, you can't talk, period.

[stagebandman]

This is actually very typical of newsmen and reporters. The difference being that I see KO as more of a commentator, and not a reporter. And, if I recall, he's gone out of his way to make it known that he is not a newsman. Still, I'd rather Keith stick to his guns and continue to expose hypocrisy than consider himself beholding to whomever he would vote.

[VFed]

All his yelling, screaming, outrage, lectures, and other B.S., and the guy doesn't vote? Maybe he is a Mormon? Down with X-Mas!

[zanbama]

Maybe he is a Jehovah Witness?

[Proletarian101]

That is one of the most rediculous things reasons I have ever heard against voting. That is like the videographer that films somebody being attacked or beaten and uses the excuse that they could not help them because they felt it important to document the situation on film. Shameful.

[panderwatch]

I can be one the most cynical bastards when it comes to politics and the people in it (how can you not be after this most recent election cycle?). But when I get in that voting booth I get goose bumps. For a secularist, the feeling it gives you beats going to Church and getting Communion by the power of 10. Keith, try it some time. Find a precinct that still has the dowdy curtains and the big ol' lever. There is nothing like it to make you know you are living in a democracy.

[wingman1]

Not voting? Silly bugger. Time to get over himself. Keith you are allowed to have a private life!!!!!

[AnneOlivia]

Okay: this "not voting" thing is the only thing I've ever heard about Keith that diminishes his sexiness in my eyes.

Bad boy!!!!!

[Chansmom]

*sigh* Agreed, Keith has lost many points with me. I really don't know if I can watch his show anymore, and I do mean that. His excuses are just not excusable.

[Samalabear]

What a bummer. And I love his show. Maybe his viewers can convince him that he should vote, period.

[Xelene]

I absolutely ADORE KO, and watch him religiously - but I do think it's rather shocking how he just doesn't vote! He loses credibility in his profession by not voting.

[hoopesaz]

What a joke. No amount of "not voting" on Olbermann's behalf is going to make him appear impartial. For someone who has made a career out of complaining about the current state of affairs, he miserably fails his responsibility as a citizen by not voting.

[Ipanemagirl]

This is funny to see in this video, Keith towering over the cackling women!!! looks like an SNL skit. ha ha ha

[jrbear]

9liberal said;
"I thought it was interesting that Elisabeth is hoping for Obama to mess up and she wants it reported on Keith's show. Why doesn't she demand fairness from fox and her lover Hannity???"

Well, it's because the 'fair folks' at Fox keep saying they ARE un-biased. they get Very upset when anyone presents the overwhelming proof of what they really are 24/7. Even in their 'news' (propaganda) reports.

VikingQuest said:
"Olbermann and objectivity are two words that should never be mentioned together."

So what? It's his right to do so, he's billed as a commentator, not a 'news report. (unlike most of Fox) Again, as long as FoxNews is around, we need an antidote, and KO is at least much more truthful in the arguments he presents, usually direct video quotes from the Repub's making fools of themselves.
Look at the way the Repub's have turned on themselves when they have no Dem's to chew on anymore.

[Lora4Obama]

Maybe Rachel needs to do a "Special Comment" on Keith not voting.
This is disappointing to say the least.