Olberman Donates to Dems, Including one on his show right before the election (Congress, ethics)

[sanrene]

Keith Olbermann contributed to three Democrats - Simmi Aujla - POLITICO.com

MSNBC host Keith Olbermann made campaign contributions to two Arizona members of Congress and failed Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway ahead of Tuesday’s election — a potential violation of NBC ethics policies.

Olbermann, who acknowledged the contributions in a statement to POLITICO, made the maximum legal donations of $2,400 apiece to Conway and to Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords. He donated to the Arizona pair on Oct. 28 — the same day that Grijalva appeared as a guest on Olbermann’s “Countdown” show.

I'm guessing he might have had permission from the top.

[TempesT68]

Good for him! I'm glad to see one of the talking heads give back to what they are fighting for. I've never seen fools like Beck or Hannity donating anything, just milking the fools of their money.

[Jillaceae]

Originally Posted by sanrene

I'm guessing he might have had permission from the top.

Huh, so easy to say, so difficult to substantiate. You could say you guessed he had permission from Stalin's ghost and it would be no less accurate a statement.

I think it is really interesting that NBC has this policy. Personalities from other stations certainly make political contributions. Given that we've apparently decided money = free speech, it would interesting top debate whether or not this policy should be in place, although I see how NBC would want it there for their own reputation.

I don't think it is news to anyone what party Olbermann supports. If he violated his contract, that is between him and his employer, but he hasn't done anything illegal. New stations have gotten far more involved with politics than this, so I'm not sure why this is such big news.

[Jillaceae]

Originally Posted by TempesT68

Good for him! I'm glad to see one of the talking heads give back to what they are fighting for. I've never seen fools like Beck or Hannity donating anything, just milking the fools of their money.

But they do donate:

Glenn Beck Sparks Record Donations To Chamber of Commerce - Washington Whispers (usnews.com)

NEWSMEAT ▷ Sean Hannity's Federal Campaign Contribution Report

Here's a general article about journalists and political contributions as well: Journalists give campaign cash - Politics - msnbc.com

Personally, I don't see why journalists shouldn't. They are Americans too. I see no problem with wanting to keep it on the down low, but it also doubt it is doing anything to sway other voters.

[USNRET04]

MSNBC has suspended Olbermann indefinitely without pay.

http://wireupdate.com/wires/12029/ms...-indefinitely/

Maybe he can get a job at NPR.