Olbermann SPECIAL COMMENT: Health Care Obstructionists 'You Were Elected to Restore This Country'

[Hissyspit]

Run time: 10:59 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbWw23XwO5o   Posted on YouTube: August 04, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: August 04, 2009 By DU Member: Hissyspit Views on DU: 11958

 
MSNBC Countdown w/ KEITH OLBERMANN - 3 August 2009: Keith Olbermann delivers a Special Comment taking obstructionist Republcian and Blue "Dog" Democrats to task for blocking health care reform. "You were not elected to create a Democratic majority. You elected to restore this country."

From YouTube OP: Keith Olbermann calls out Sen. John Thune, Sen. John McCain, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans - whom he argues own the insurance industry - as well as a few Democrats, too - specifically the 'Blue Dogs' who he calls 'Dogs'- in a Special Comment.

To Republican Sen. John Thune, Keith says: "We know what you are, sir, we're just arguing about the price."

OLBERMANN: "Congressman Mike Ross of Arkansas. Leader of the Blue Dogs in the House. You're the guy demanding a guarantee that Reform won't add to the deficit. I'm guessing you forgot to demand that about, say, Iraq.

You're a Democrat, you say, Congressman?

You saw what Sandy Barham said?

Sandy Barham is 62 years old, she's got a bad heart, and she's hoping her valves will hold together for three more years until Medicaid kicks in, because she can't afford insurance.
Not just for herself, mind you. For her employees. She needs the public option. So do those six people who work at that restaurant of hers, Congressman Ross.
And why should you give a crap?

Because Sandy Barham's restaurant is the Broadway Railroad Café, and it is at 123 West First Street North in Prescott, Arkansas.
Prescott, Arkansas, Congressman Ross.

Your home town.

You are Sandy Barham's congressman. Hers, Sir. Not Blue Cross's and Blue Shield's, even if they do insure 75 percent of the state and they own you."

- snip -

"If you fail to pass or support this legislation, the full wrath of the progressive and the moderate movements will come down on your heads. Explain yourselves not to me, but to them... If you will behave as if you are Republicans, as if you are the prostitutes of our system, you will be judged as such. And you will lose not merely our respect, you will lose your jobs. Every poll, every analysis, every vote, every region of this country supports health care reform and the essential great leveling agent of a government-funded alternate to the unchecked duopoly of profiteering private insurance corporations. Cross us all at your peril."

"Because ladies and gentleman, President Lincoln did not promise that this nation shall have a new death of freedom and that government of the corporation, by the corporation, for the corporation shall not perish from this earth."

Partial transcript is available in this DU thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6212380

[babylonsister]

1. This is viral worthy! I hope everyone sends this gem around. nt

[Hissyspit]

18. COMPLETE INTRO section HERE: Please Watch

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x347642

YouTube poster edited it out for time consideration in this version.

Everyone should watch Keith's introduction. It is very important.

[BrklynLiberal]

98. Thank you!!!!!

[jaxx]

2. Thanks!

I've already posted it to a bunch of wingnuts.

[choie]

7. man, I'm in awe.

[Tx4obama]

3. Welcome back KO - we missed YOU! n/t

[ejbr]

4. k & r n/t

[Windy]

5. send it reps. I'm doing it now! nt

[Rhiannon12866]

6. K&R! That was quick!

Recommended both for content and for promptness! :yourock:

[kentuck]

8. I think that may KO's best special comment ever!

"You will lose your jobs!"

And they know it.

[Divine Discontent]

25. they're obstructionists, and they don't deserve their seats even if they vote now for it - they've

sided far too long with big-pharma and big-medical. They are usurpers of seats of power on behalf of the corporations. They have no shame....

[Amos Moses]

32. It was very good but not as good as this one.

This was his best, IMO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y04wYfgWxeA

[valerief]

9. Big kick

:kick:

[jotsy]

10. It is soooo good to have him back!

Clearly what ever truce was hacked out in June between fixed noise and msnbc is ovah!

[xxqqqzme]

78. He addressed that lie in his worst person segment.

And it is a lie.

[AllyCat]

99. I'm SO out of the loop. What happened? n/t

[glitch]

11. Ross, Thune et al think they sold themselves to the insurance industry but really

they are owned by Keith Olbermann.

[Styxiv]

12. Its funny

How two of the arguments against this are 1: This will cause insurance companies to go out of business and 2: The government can't run anything. BUT I like Obama's Response in a news conference when asked these very things he said (for the most part) " Let me see you say the government can't run anything YET if this passes it will put insurance companies out of business" " So how can that be if we can't run anything then how can we put insurance companies out of business?"

Now I know that's not the exact quote but its too funny how the arguments contradict each other LOL.

[Flying Dream Blues]

75. Welcome to DU, Styxiv.

Good post.
:hi:

[cal04]

13. thanks for posting

Thank you Keith !
:kick:

[orleans]

14. this was good. hope keith keeps at this all month. n/t

[williesgirl]

15. No one can say the truth today more powerfully than Keith. Thank God for him. Every person in

Congress needs to hear and see this commentary and LISTEN for a change. My guess is if/when they don't, there'll be an uprising in this country that will knock their socks off. rec'd

[tomreedtoon]

16. He's angry because he has to re-establish his cred.

Since GE has told him he can't bitch-slap Glen Beck any more, and probably took him off Limbaugh as well, he has to do SOMETHING.

[Hissyspit]

19. He trashed Glenn Beck AND Bill O'Reilly tonight.

If GE told him not to do it, why is he doing it?

The special comment is about Health Care Reform, which is more important than his feud with Bill O'Reilly or Fox.

[mmonk]

63. He said he didn't get the memo. Knowing Keith, he will take that

as a challenge.

[Old and In the Way]

44. If he gets fired, he's going down fighting.

A remarkable opinion piece. Of course, no one in the corporate news media will talk about it because that would mean....talking about it. I guess he wasn't just covering the Hall of Fame on his vacation.....

[Stellar]

73. He wasn't angry per se, he was serious.

You need to watch his show sometimes. Keith has changed *nothing*. Although the conflict I read about was between Keith and BillO. Glen/Rush will probably never come off his worst persons in the world list. Those two entertainers are jokes punchlines, not journalists.

eta: Happy Birthday President Obama!

For your birthday present Gallop poll says you have gained 4 points in the polls from 52% to 56%.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/113980/gallup-daily-obama-job-approval.aspx

[Kind of Blue]

17. Rachel said it best, "Welcome back. We missed you, a lot." n/t

[_dynamicdems]

20. KO is awesome. K&R

Good to have him back.

[brightertomorrow]

21. keith at his best

it was AWESOME!

[onestepforward]

22. Thank you Keith. K&R

[2Design]

23. Terrific - intelligent - then we get to Rachel's show and see the obstructionist bullies at meetings

doing what they did in the 2000 election during the recount - this is why Bush had closed meetings - he did not allow any other thought - but these other people aren't thinking - they are working for corporate lobbyist to oppose what is good for everyone

[Divine Discontent]

24. UNGH! SMACKED THE f**KING shit OUTTA those bastards - Wish he'd have mentioned Mary Landrieu!

KEITH! YOU DUH MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

:)

[donheld]

26. Can I please recommend this 5000 times

at least?

[GivePeaceAchance]

27. Legendary comments. Hit this direct to every facebook page on your list.

[wroberts189]

28. Hissyspit you rule ..knr nt

[Hissyspit]

34. WATCH THE INTRO Very important:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x347642

thanks, wroberts189

[wroberts189]

35. Thx.. Already did and posted. Love the ceiling kitty .nt

[swilton]

57. Thanks for the intro also - Classic!

[BobTheSubgenius]

29. Huge K&R for KO!

I can't believe this is even a 'debate.' A completely naked example of what money can do to the process.

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

30. Giant Kick and Rec

[gorfle]

31. Fucking A.

This guy has balls the size of basketballs. Calling out that many elected officials? He better not fly on any airplanes.

This guy is amazing. I'm astonished that someone of such character has risen to such a podium where he can speak so plainly and powerfully to the people. I'm astonished he's allowed to.

[Jack Rabbit]

33. K/R

!!

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

36. Keith was at his best today. Recommend!

and thank you for posting this video.

[el scorcho]

38. Way to go KO!!

Naming names and kicking butt!! W00t!

[AllenVanAllen]

37. Excellent Special Comment.

I see what lawmakers are getting out of protecting the the fucked-up American health care system, but what do their constituents get have to gain? "Let's help kill this thing so we can pay more and more of our money to the insurance companies! I love paying more and getting less every year! Hell yeah!"

Thank you for posting this. k&r

[Seldona]

39. Powerful stuff.

So much for there being some deal between Fox and NBC.

This is absolutely devastating for blue dogs. Talk about adding to the pressure. He came out and asked if him and his friends could get the money together, could they buy their own Senator? Or would there have to be an auction?

Damn!

[ProudDad]

40. Gonna hold our wishy-washy blue-dog to account!

If the tea-baggers let us...

They're stronger here in the streets than the Dems are...The Dems here are a joke...

The Dems here are damn wishy washy -- they're in charge of the City Politics at the moment, outnumber the pukes in registrations and don't think they have to respond to anything or anybody...

Real small town machine politics...

and the Dems are very wimpy...

[LSK]

41. HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT KEITH I FUCKING I LOVE YOU

OMG OMG OMG

[lonestarnot]

42. He's back! Yeah!

I plan on going to every local town hall meeting and waiting for insurance lobbyist who may attempt to intimidate me. :evilgrin:

[GreenTea]

43. Truly excellent - Don't miss Keith - We demand a Public Option!

[democrat0986]

45. i've been scanning these comments and...

nobody seems to want to mention the 18 million dollars that president obama got from the health industry. anyone have any comments about that. i'm pretty disappointed in him here. i had no idea he took that much from the health care industry. it seems to me that it might have something to do with why he isn't pulling a josh lyman on these blue dogs and saying "if you don't vote for this issue we will endorse a democratic primary opponent". don't chastise me here. i just thought some one had to say it.

[FlaGranny]

47. Well, uh, you see, KO

mentioned it. Also mentioned that the insurance companies are now a bit sorry they wasted their money on the president.

[DutchLiberal]

97. Oh come on, we all *know* Obama is bought by corporate America...

We just like to pretend he's not!

[geckosfeet]

46. 'The prostitutes of our system'...

[florida08]

48. watched this last night

Made me misty with his tone of outrage for us. I especially liked it when he pointed out how these hypocrites say they don't want government to come between us and our doctor except when it comes to a woman trying to make a difficult decision..then that they will decide for her. Thanks hissy for posting both parts. Not only one of his best but intensely needed.

[amyrose2712]

49. +++

[City Lights]

50. Wow!

I'm left speechless. :wow:

[Turborama]

51. K&R thanks for posting this awesomeness!

I'd like to think Obama would sit them Dogs in a dark room and force them to watch this and take notice.

[Soylent Brice]

52. that was perfect. now we need every other progressive voice

we can get out there in the media to reiterate the same message, ad nauseum.

it's time reality is thrown in their faces.

[DrZeeLit]

53. I was literally CHEERING, up on my feet, jumping with fist in the air. GO KEEEEITH!

I hope... hope...hope... SOMEBODY... (everybody? too hard to do but) was watching and/or will forward this to every progressive and moderate!

Thank goodness ONE person in the media has the guts to name names and amounts and connect the dots OUT LOUD.
Would that more had the guts.
Sorry that his fellow commentators/pundits/moderators/newscasters/anchors will not do the same and/or will call him a tool of the left. Bummer.

Still, thank goodness for one "tool" in the toolbox if that be the case.
I will forever be on his side.
No excuses. No chagrin.

Keith O -- you are ... my hero.

[OwnedByFerrets]

54. A great Special Comment...I disagreed with "one" portion of it

When he threatened them with their jobs, I really doubt that holds any weight. Number one, incumbents almost always get reelected. Number two, and more important, I doubt they are worried about their jobs when their masters stand ready to offer them big money positions on K Street if they aren't elected again.
Welcome back KO. You were greatly missed.

[tilsammans]

55. I love this: "I'm guessing you forgot to demand that about, say, Iraq."

Oh, yeah. Iraq.

:rant:

Go, Keith! Keep it comin'!

:kick:

[swilton]

56. Way to Go Keith!

Thanks for posting - K & R & Bookmarked!:kick:

[BonnieJW]

58. This was his best.

I've seen Keith's special comments for a few years now, and this was his best. Let's call it what it is: bribery. I refuse to call this money "campaign contributions" any longer. It's bribery and that's what I'm going to call it. Any legislator accepting bribes should no longer hold elected office.

[Auggie]

59. Big K & R : )

[NMMOM]

60. Oh Keith....

My Hero! :loveya:

[Reader Rabbit]

61. I'm glad that someone finally compared these guys to prostitutes.

"The prostitutes of the mind...are much more dangerous to the future of mankind than the prostitutes of the body."—Harry S Truman

[AwakeAtLast]

62. It was a thing of beauty to behold

If anyone thought he had gone soft once a Dem was elected president, well, here's the proof he hasn't!

:kick: & R!

[PinkyisBlue]

64. Thank you, thank you, thank you Keith.

Finally, someone standing up for the American people over the corporate interests.

I'm going to send an e-mail to MSNBC letting them know how GOOD Keith's special comment was. If only all the Democrats fought for us like Keith did.

[Major Hogwash]

65. One thing's for sure - they won't get re-elected next time if they vote against us.

It's no longer "business as usual" in Washington.

After 8 years of Bush's bullshit, we want change, and we want it NOW!!!

[mecherosegarden]

66. Thank you Keith. K&R

[pleah]

67. K&R The one night I miss watching and look what I missed!

K&R K&R K&R K&R

[progressoid]

68. So many corporate whores, so little time.

He only scratched the surface.

[florida08]

69. About this umm truce

Olbermann Mocks FNC; O'Reilly Silent
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/

After all the discussion and revelation over the past few days regarding the supposed truce, many expected something big tonight during the 8pmET hour from Keith Olbermann or Bill O'Reilly. It was a one-sided evening.

Earlier today, Olbermann posted on DailyKos (http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/generalities/bill_keith_olbermann_responds_on_dailykos_123307.asp) encouraging people to tune in tonight to see his reply. We also know that MSNBC pres Phil Griffin met with the "Countdown" staff this afternoon.

While O'Reilly went the entire length of "The O'Reilly Factor" without the slightest mention of the "cease-fire," Olbermann repeatedly teased a "Worst Persons" segment with shots of O'Reilly and Rupert Murdoch on "Countdown."

First, Olbermann accused the NY Times of "carrying water for Fox News and printing a story about a truce that never was." NY Times' Brian Stelter was named the nights "Worse" person for writing the article about the truce after Olbermann had denied it. He said:

"Mr. Stelter asked me at least twice last week if there was such a deal and I told him on and off the record there was not and I rather obviously would have to be a party to such a deal and I told him not only wasn't I, but I hadn't even been asked to be by my bosses. And he printed it anyway. I had even written to him this was merely a misinterpretation of an announcement I made on june 1 that because Bill O'Reilly at Fox News had abetted the assassination of Dr. Tiller, he had become too serious to joke about."
Then, as if to prove for certain there is no "truce," he brought back the "Bill-O the Clown"—and it's accompanying voice—for the silver medal.

Finally, Olbermann named Rupert Murdoch "Worst Person in the World," claiming he had "muzzled Bill-O" because of the problems for "Fox's parent corporation." He went on, mockingly:

"How dare you muzzle O'Reilly, Mr. Murdoch? How dare you, sir? This is the essence of corporate interference in the marketplace of ideas and it is shameful. Solidarity, brother Bill. Free yourself from your corporate shackles. Solidarity! Rupert Murdoch, who could never get away with that here, today's worst person in the world!"

Scary numbers folks

```````` 5p:``````6p:``````7p:````````8p:```````9p:``````10p:``````11p:

FNC````Beck:`````Baier:`````Shep:````O'Reilly:```Hannity:````Greta:````O'Reilly:
```````504`````` 409```````291````` ``544``````411``````` 338``````336

CNN````Blitzer:``` Blitzer:```Dobbs:`````Brown:``` King:`````Cooper:````Cooper:
```````160 ``````194```````131```````191``````192````````163``````203

MSNBC``Matthews:`EdShow:`Matthews:`Olbermann:``Special:``Special:``Special:
````````102``````` 145``````178``````` 244````` 197``````255`````` 331

[sonias]

70. Damn that was good!

Cross us all at your peril!

:woohoo: KO!


Sonia

[daggahead]

71. Keith has a way to get across ...

... through his special comments the frustration I have with most of the issues.

KO, Thom Hartmann, Bernie Sanders ... heroes ... they care about Americans.

[daggahead]

72. Anybody know the names of the lobbying firms for the insurance companies? n/t

[Kajsa]

74. Keith came back with a huge KABOOM!

Welcome back,Keith.
I sure missed you.

Without a doubt, this is one of his best.

I kept telling everyone who walked into
the livingroom while this was on last night,
" Listen to this!!"

He NAILED THEM.

Named names, took no prisoners.

[Flying Dream Blues]

76. K&R nt

[Titonwan]

77. In part, you can thank Glenn Greenwald

for shaming Keith into growing a pair. Thank god for constructive critcism.

[indimuse]

79. HUGE K*R

BRAVO!!

[SemperEadem]

80. that was a thing of beauty and a joy forever

Keith took them to the woodshed--real talk!

I'm so glad he's back from baseball-land.

[East Hills Dem]

81. Doug Tudor - The only REAL Democrat in Dist. 12 Race

Doug Tudor's recent post on dKos - http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/8/3/761504/-Healthcare-Up-Close-and-Personal - brought the point home, again, that he is the only true Democrat in this Congressional race. He told his very personal health care story in such a way that you couldn't doubt that Doug understands what Americans are pleading out for in health care reform. Doug's primary opponent has brought in 40% of her fundraising from the healthcare industry, via PACs and individual donations. On top of that, she has been ENDORSED by the Blue Dogs in Congress.

Spread the word about Doug, his 2010 race, and his commitment to Democratic ideals! You can learn more about him at http://www.teamtudor.org.

To donate, see the sig line below.

We can have true representation in Florida's District 12 ... or we can have the next Joe Lieberman.

[Blue_Tires]

82. 194th rec

[juno jones]

83. One click led to another and soon I was looking at the original on DK.

Here's another article on DK with some hard numbers about the rescission game that our esteemed health industry vampires like to play:

Taunter shreds health insurers' claims that rescission is rare
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/8/4/761688/-Taunter-shreds-health-insurers-claims-that-rescission-is-rare

Numbers are funny things, especially in the hands of a real statician.

[AikidoSoul]

84. Keith, I love you

because you have more integrity and guts than anyone in the MSM. Stay well my friend.

[Laurab]

85. K&R nt

[nolabear]

86. PREACH it, KO!

I hope these commentaries are watched in future years as an example of kicking ass, taking names and speaking truth to both power and pissants who want power.

[LiberalLovinLug]

87. This is what should run as a commercial in the Dog's states

Maybe pair it down to reflect each representative, but this is what I wanted to hear.

Its just too bad that mostly progressives will actually watch this.

And yeah, not only because Blue is my favorite color and I don't want it stained, but I'm calling them just plain Dogs from now on.

[ObamaKerryDem]

88. Well said, Keith! One of his best yet. :D K&R

[rhett o rick]

89. Love KO. BUT... he mentions that these Dog Democrats will lose their jobs if they don't come around.

I wish it were true. However, they will have the full support of the Democratic Party, and their friends in Congress. They will get tens of millions more than a primary challenger, if there should be a challenger. Of course those that dare to challenge an incumbent will feel the wrath of the Party powers. They will be risking their political careers bucking the Party. And what's worse, many Democrats will continue to vote for the Damn Dog Dems in a general election over a republican. As long as they can count on that, they can defeat any primary challenger.

If we are not willing to financially support a challenger by ourselves, outside the Party, there isn't a chance in hell. If we can't convince the Damn Dog Democrats that we will replace them, even with a republican, then we are lost.

[rhett o rick]

90. Rec 215 was unrec'd. Love KO but disappointed he campares Sen Thune to a prostitute.

Gives honest prostitutes a bad name. Call him what he is a Damn Dog Democrat.

[AsahinaKimi]

91. of the corporation, to the corporation, and for the corporation..

K.O. kicking some Blue Dog and Republican butt!! You GO, sir! THAT WAS A KNOCK OUT!!
:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

[Uncle Joe]

92. That was excellent!

Thanks for the thread, Hissyspit.:thumbsup:

[BrklynLiberal]

93. So glad I am not too late to rec...!!!!!!

[steelmania75]

94. K&R

[AllyCat]

95. K and R and bookmarking for later when I can watch it

I know it will be good so I'm rec'ing it now :)

[Hissyspit]

100. Be sure and watch the INTRO...

that was cut out of the YouTube in the OP. Very important:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x347642

[DutchLiberal]

96. The Congress will never serve the people until corporate donations are outlawed...

Because they're not merely 'donations'. They are bribes. These politicians are bribed. And it's legal within the current system. So there will be no health care reform and there will be no serving the people until these bribes will be abolished. But who's got to vote on that? Oh yes, the bribed ones themselves... :eyes:

[Stuart G]

101. Great Commentary.........nt.