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

[zitlight73]

I still respect Olbermann but this is kind of like getting into a heated argument with somebody and then you ask them "Well who did you vote for?" And they answer "OH, I never vote." To me that goes a long way of invalidating any positions they may take if they are not willing to back them up by the simple and easy action of voting. Maybe he is a felon, who knows.

[phredralf]

Keith, by not voting, and I do respect your reasoning, I think you're inadvertently effecting your own critiques by suggesting that you don't have the means to separate your personal life from your professional life.

You've made the case for months, against McCain, Palin, Bush and the Right Wing Machine. 'McCain in the membrane,' 'Bushed,' 'Worst Persons,' are a result of an objective critique, a critique that in all confidence can be translated to an objective choice at the voting booth. Your vote is the sum objectivity of your work; you of all people have removed as much opinion from the factor as humanly possible and have earned the right to express that tiny bit of power with a clear conscience; it's the period at the end of a momentous sentence. You deserve to place that period with bold flourish.

Give yourself a break, enjoy the process. I used to be voteless, knowing that if I died the day before the election, (same as not voting) the outcome would be identical, but something clicked, something said it's just not healthy to sit on the sidelines. In consideration of your great impact, there's still a little more you can do to support the 'journalistic objectivity' you've crafted.

[9liberal]

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???

[justice7373]

Yikes! Did he vote before he got his show? Maybe someone needs to verify that Olbermouth can not vote because he is an ex-felon, fugitive or was not born in the USA.

[larry278]

Yes, The View has become like being in a blender-after a power surge. Barbra did manage the Kiethster out alive, well, barely alive. Keith's wounds will heal-if Joy doesn't get at him for a week. Barbra is also a good God mother. Barbra may end up delivering her own eulogy in which she also critizes comments on HP which use reflexive clauses & sentences. Barbra is on a roll. Don't mess with Texas or Liz Smith either.

[Ms Fu]

I am surprised to hear that Olbermann doesn't vote. I am politically liberal, but do not appreciate the one-sidedness that comes from 'Countdown' (the 'Democrats and Obama supporters are noble and all Republicans are from Satan' talk). One would think he would be one of those people that would videotape himself voting and rant about how good it felt on his show...

[9liberal]

do you like the one sidedness that comes from fox??

[DevRock]

I actually respect his decision. Although, his views are clearly and unashamedly liberal, it does show some sense of impartiality.

And, Justice7373, are you kidding?? Olberman has been on TV since he was fairly young. There's no history of felonies or anything of the sort. C'mon, now....

[hardesty]

He looks like he's having a tea-party with five-year-olds.

[zanbama]

I know....he is HUGE, towering over them like a tree!

[dixychik]

Not voting makes a statement of objectivity? You don't have to tell anyone who you vote for, so that makes no sense.

[rican28]

Have I just landed in Jonestown website? How can people listen to pundits like this ladies from the View and KO? Man, politician and tv personality have a secure future (30 millions) with so many Kool Aid drinkers in the US. Dont be part of a herd.....

[VikingQuest]

Olbermann and objectivity are two words that should never be mentiond together.

[larry278]

Typo: This reason ...should read, This is yet another reason...

[larry278]

Ms Huffington, This yet another reason to pull the MSNBC press release. Even the flacks for MSNBC are embarrassed by their press release now. Are you trying to tell GE something? Please don't do it by taking it out on MSNBC's flacks. Even flies desert a garbage truck when the stink gets bad in Aug's dog days. A flack can't jump because nobody will pay as well as MSNBC/GE pay. Flacks have to stay with their garbage truck 24/7; flacks have to eat too.

[UpstateNY]

I love Keith but is he serious??? Not voting making his objective. There is NOT one single objective bone in his body! My son is a journalist - he doesn't register as a member of any party (so no one can use his registration) but he certainly votes (there is privacy in the voting booth). I am proud that I raise my sons to understand the awesome reponsibility and duty to vote. AND i am disappointed that Keith doesn't vote. I think I could do a Special Comment on that! Please reconsider and vote in the future!

[beeb54]

I also lost a lot of respect for him when he said he didn't vote. He has been on our TV each night for ages, now I am grateful that Rachael has her show, I might leave Olbermann for her show. He rants and I love it, but not voting? Made me feel like a fool for even watching.. Sad

[timeisnow29]

Extremely disappointing indeed! He's not an objective journalist, and if he thinks he is, he's delusional. He is, however, an important voice for the left, and he's performed a great service over the past few years. This not voting thing suggests a "chink in the armour" so to speak that makes you question his credibility somewhat. Think about his special comment on Prop 8 last night where he villified anybody who voted for the ban of gay marriage. But, it's ok to simply "sit it out"? Baffling. Please change this absurd policy, Mr. Olbermann, Sir. With this, we will not up put!