MSNBC Suspends Keith Olbermann For Donating to Democratic Candidates
MSNBC has reported that MSNBC news host Keith Olbermann, one of the nation’s most outspoken liberal pundits, has been suspended indefinitely without pay for giving cash to three democratic candidates. This represents a violation of NBC News’ ethics policy.
“I became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay,” MSNBC President Phill Griffin said in a statement today.
Olbermann confirmed the donations this morning, after they were uncovered and reported by Politico. He gave $2,400 – the maximum allowable – to Arizona Representatives Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords, as well as Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, who was up against Tea Party-associate Rand Paul in a race for U.S. Senate.
“I did not privately or publicly encourage anyone else to donate to these campaigns, nor to any others in this election or any previous ones, nor have I previously donated to any political campaign at any level,” read Olbermann’s statement to Politico.
This is bound to get a bunch of people pissed. It’s also another twist in the whole “Scary ass, angry Republicans are taking over America” narrative. Exciting.