Is Keith Olbermann on the verge of another meldown?

JaJae · 05-19-2008, 03:18 PM

Keith Olbermann has been showing some strange behavior apparently. He has a history with ESPN where he basically gave up on the job because he couldn't mentally hack it.

Originally Posted by Olbermann

Enough preamble. After five and a half years there, I left ESPN at the end of June 1997. My decision inspired a lot of head-scratching, everything from graffiti on a wall in a syndicated comic strip, to shouts of "traitor" from a viewer at a World Series game. There have been a lot of explanations conjectured, by myself and others, but heretofore I have never definitively stated why I left -- in large part because until recently, I didn't really know. In point of fact, I couldn't handle the pressure of working in daily long-form television, and what was worse, I didn't know I couldn't handle it.

...

I have lived much of my life assuming much of the responsibility around me and developing a dread of being blamed for things going wrong. Moreover, deep down inside I've always believed that everybody around me was qualified and competent, and I wasn't, and that some day I'd be found out.

ESPN: Mea culpa | Salon News
This is why he says he left ESPN abruptly. He gave up simply because he couldn't hack it. He doesn't have the confidence and fears mistakes... perhaps that is why he continues to read his entire show off a teleprompter like a deer trapped in headlights.

Well it's ten years later now and he's once again been thrown back into the spotlight with his Countdown show. He's been given a second chance.

Yet had a bit of a breakdown the other day. He also equates US soldiers to cold-blooded killers in Iraq.

Bush: "The biggest issue we face is, it's bigger than Iraq, it's this ideological struggle against cold-blooded killers who will kill people to achieve their political objectives.'

[camera switch]

Olbermann: Mr. Bush, at long last, has it not dawned on you that the America you have now created, includes 'cold-blooded killers who will kill people to achieve their political objectives'? They are those in, or formerly in, your employ, who may yet be charged some day... with war crimes.

He starts to loose it at the end of that segment:
YouTube - Countdown: Special Comment "Bush Shut The Hell Up" Pt.02

His behavior is becoming more erratic. But it's not just his on air performances that show a change. His off air behavior is making some raise an eyebrow. The headline from the New York Post:

ANCHOR'S ADRIFT AGAIN

May 19, 2008 -- IS Keith Olbermann, MSNBC's top-rated anchor, on the verge of yet another professional meltdown? His feuding with "Hardball" host Chris Matthews is nothing new. But now we're told notoriously odd Olbermann is lashing out at the rest of his network's talking heads. During West Virginia primary coverage the other night, Olbermann began pounding the table when lead White House reporter David Gregory didn't wrap his segment quickly enough to satisfy him. Olbermann recently encouraged management to oust the cable channel's lone conservative, Tucker Carlson, and it's also no secret among producers that Olbermann refuses to introduce Dan Abrams' show, which follows his own. Olbermann walked out of MSNBC years ago in a huff after also blowing up at ESPN, so TV insiders are curious if this recent behavior is a sign that history will repeat itself. MSNBC did not respond to our calls and e-mails seeking comment.

ANCHOR'S ADRIFT AGAIN - New York Post

It will be interesting to see if he can get himself under control or if he'll end up storming out again.

TankRizzo · 05-19-2008, 03:40 PM

he has gotten progressively more tense on countdown since he started. If he couldn't hack the pressure of sports center, what the hell would posess you to get into your own political show.

JaJae · 05-19-2008, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by TankRizzo

he has gotten progressively more tense on countdown since he started. If he couldn't hack the pressure of sports center, what the hell would posess you to get into your own political show.

I've noticed he's gotten more tense through videos online of him. I only watch him when I'm at my brother's apartment cause he watches him religiously. Personally I can't stand being stared at for so long. Having him on TV makes me feel like there's a picture on the wall whose eyes follow you. It's just strange and his personality annoys me. But anyway, I've noticed he's gotten a bit more tense, but he's also gotten a bit more cocky so I don't know if he's going back down the same meltdown route he did with ESPN. However, I could see him go down another path to a different meltdown under different circumstances.

motivez · 05-19-2008, 03:55 PM

Bush: "The biggest issue we face is, it's bigger than Iraq, it's this ideological struggle against cold-blooded killers who will kill people to achieve their political objectives.'

[camera switch]

Olbermann: Mr. Bush, at long last, has it not dawned on you that the America you have now created, includes 'cold-blooded killers who will kill people to achieve their political objectives'? They are those in, or formerly in, your employ, who may yet be charged some day... with war crimes.

I don't really think he's wrong there, especially with our hiring of mercenary groups that don't really have any oversight in Iraq.. there are certainly some soldiers who are guilty of war crimes, both in Iraq and in places like Guantanamo, our secret prisons, those who sent people to other countries to be tortured.. etc

I dunno if he'll have a breakdown or not, but it seems like he's finally found a niche that he feels comfortable in. He posts on Daily Kos sometimes, and I think a lot of the story ideas / comments he makes he's getting from there.. he has the very active and vocal support of that community, and the network is enjoying the extra ratings from being one of the few outspoken liberal news shows that exist.

TankRizzo · 05-19-2008, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by JaJae

I've noticed he's gotten more tense through videos online of him. I only watch him when I'm at my brother's apartment cause he watches him religiously. Personally I can't stand being stared at for so long. Having him on TV makes me feel like there's a picture on the wall whose eyes follow you. It's just strange and his personality annoys me. But anyway, I've noticed he's gotten a bit more tense, but he's also gotten a bit more cocky so I don't know if he's going back down the same meltdown route he did with ESPN. However, I could see him go down another path to a different meltdown under different circumstances.

I'm like you, I've only seen it here and there. I remember when it first came on he was fairly calm looking, and you're right, he is uncomfortable to watch. His cadence sounds like he's reading something that he's rehearsed but is still nervous to read and his wide eyed stare at the teleprompter is just unnerving. Then there's the awkward camera change, it just all looks too contrived and doesn't flow like any other show on TV, it's just uncomfortable.

Read paragraph, pause, look at new camera, read new paragraph, repeat.

kombayn · 05-19-2008, 05:01 PM

And I thought I was the only one who thought his weird eye-opening stare with his superficial, "I'm really mad at you, Mr. Bush!" face was awkward.

DosEquis · 05-19-2008, 05:24 PM

I see both sides of it depending on the show that night. There are times where he covers live debates and other events that you can't just shoot from a prompter or rehearse for 5 hours before hand. He does fairly well at those when they are on. His show as always hit or miss for me. Some days it was great and other days it was really stupid.

There are two shows that seem to be slipping to me, the daily show being one. Their skits are maybe funny 20% of the time instead of 80% of the time like they used to be.

The other is Real Time with Bill. They used to be really good shows, but now its like he can only get the same 6-8 guests on and they just keep talking about Iraq and global warming over and over.

JaJae · 05-19-2008, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

I see both sides of it depending on the show that night. There are times where he covers live debates and other events that you can't just shoot from a prompter or rehearse for 5 hours before hand. He does fairly well at those when they are on. His show as always hit or miss for me. Some days it was great and other days it was really stupid.

Yea, the debates are something I was considering as well. The questions are scripted. But he has a completely different personality while doing the pre-debate and post-debate commentary. But even still at those points he doesn't give much opinion at all. He acts more as a moderator and introduces people who give their opinions. Which kinda goes in hand that he may not feel comfortable talking live.

motivez · 05-19-2008, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

I see both sides of it depending on the show that night. There are times where he covers live debates and other events that you can't just shoot from a prompter or rehearse for 5 hours before hand. He does fairly well at those when they are on. His show as always hit or miss for me. Some days it was great and other days it was really stupid.

There are two shows that seem to be slipping to me, the daily show being one. Their skits are maybe funny 20% of the time instead of 80% of the time like they used to be.

The other is Real Time with Bill. They used to be really good shows, but now its like he can only get the same 6-8 guests on and they just keep talking about Iraq and global warming over and over.

Colbert has definitely been outshining The Daily Show lately, IMO. I remember reading something awhile back about Stewart maybe taking over Conan O'Brian's role?

Real Time hasn't been as good either overall, but he has had some good shows this last season. I think that does have some to do with the guests. That Gary Shandling guy has been on twice and I can't stand the shows he's been on.. he never has anything useful to say or add to the discussion

JaJae · 05-19-2008, 06:35 PM

When I'm bored at night and can't sleep I'll put Bill Maher on sometimes. I think he's a jerk, but sometimes the people on make good points. But I agree, every time I watch it Garry Shandling's big head is on and he's very annoying and always flirts with Arianna Huffington whose voice also makes me want to stick my head into a meat grinder. But occasionally they have better people on. Usually I get annoyed with the guests like Ben Afflick's wild theories or something and just turn it off annoyed.

TankRizzo · 05-19-2008, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by motivez

Colbert has definitely been outshining The Daily Show lately, IMO. I remember reading something awhile back about Stewart maybe taking over Conan O'Brian's role?

Real Time hasn't been as good either overall, but he has had some good shows this last season. I think that does have some to do with the guests. That Gary Shandling guy has been on twice and I can't stand the shows he's been on.. he never has anything useful to say or add to the discussion

Maybe I'm just biased, but I think Colbert Report is largely devoid of humor. He just recycles the same jokes with the same ironic delivery over and over and he basically just panders to what he thinks/knows his audience will laugh at. The first couple times I saw it, it was funny, but now it's just like "I GET IT" kind of frustration that I watch it with.

The daily show still has it's moments and yeah, Maher has become redundant as well. He has the Olbermann anger and stiffness to his interviews, but I can still bare to watch him.

kinggovernor · 05-19-2008, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by JaJae

Yet had a bit of a breakdown the other day. He also equates US soldiers to cold-blooded killers in Iraq.

He starts to loose it at the end of that segment:
YouTube - Countdown: Special Comment "Bush Shut The Hell Up" Pt.02

when I heard that it made me think one of two things:
1. He didn't mean to say it, he was just angry and the teleprompter told him to say it. Aka Ron Burgundy moment.
2. He meant to say it and the anger shows his and many other far left people's real feelings, they consider people in the military baby killers and war criminals.

Since I haven't heard him come out against the statement, I am inclined to believe it was #2

JaJae · 05-19-2008, 07:11 PM

Looks like Olbermann and Matthews are being forced to work together tomorrow night. Here is how Matthews broke it to the viewers:

CHRIS MATTHEWS: Remember, tomorrow night with Keith Olbermann, we're going to be working together for complete coverage of the Oregon and Kentucky primaries. As I said, for me it's Christmas morning. I don't know how it feels to Keith.

northhunter · 05-19-2008, 07:39 PM

Is it just me or does Kieth Olberman look strangely like Eugen Levy? You know, the dad from those American Pie movies? Maybe it's the glasses and the eyebrows but something is strange. As for loosing it I thought he lost it a long time ago.

6SpeedTA95 · 05-19-2008, 07:51 PM

Olbermann is an idiot IMO and always will be, he wayyyy over reacts to all kinds of stupid shit and can't get over the fact that Oreilly has more viewers....goofy.

motivez · 05-19-2008, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by TankRizzo

I'm like you, I've only seen it here and there. I remember when it first came on he was fairly calm looking, and you're right, he is uncomfortable to watch. His cadence sounds like he's reading something that he's rehearsed but is still nervous to read and his wide eyed stare at the teleprompter is just unnerving. Then there's the awkward camera change, it just all looks too contrived and doesn't flow like any other show on TV, it's just uncomfortable.

Read paragraph, pause, look at new camera, read new paragraph, repeat.

He's trying to be Edward R Murrow.

JaJae · 05-20-2008, 01:06 AM

So Keith Olbermann made a clarification for his cold blooded killer comment.

Originally Posted by Olbermann

No writer or broadcaster is ever as precise and clear as he thinks he is. Television goes by quickly, and the viewer is not provided a copy of the script. So it is possible that reasonable viewers might have been confused by exactly to whom I referred. Especially considering that I edited the original line, which was:

Originally Posted by Olbermann

"Mister" Bush, at long last has it not dawned on you that the America you have now created includes cold-blooded killers who will kill people to achieve their political objectives? They are called your Cabinet and your Pentagon.

During the editing process it seemed that was a little broad. That there appear to be men in both of those places--Gen Ricardo Sanchez, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, perhaps even the new Secretary of Defense Richard Gates--who did not merit inclusion in that list. My use of "Mister" Bush's phrase "cold-blooded killers" did not refer to US troops.

He forgot the punchline where he blames it on Bush! Where have I heard that one before...

kinggovernor · 05-20-2008, 01:28 AM

Originally Posted by JaJae

So Keith Olbermann made a clarification for his cold blooded killer comment.

He forgot the punchline where he blames it on Bush! Where have I heard that one before...

he must have read my post

Stylerod · 05-20-2008, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

The other is Real Time with Bill. They used to be really good shows, but now its like he can only get the same 6-8 guests on and they just keep talking about Iraq and global warming over and over.

I thought it was just me. I almost never agreed with him but he was funny enough to watch every week and I really liked his show. But the last year I just haven't enjoyed it anymore and I have stopped watching completely.