The host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann was suspended Friday, after news broke that he had made unauthorized donations to political candidates. His contributions consisted of $2,400 apiece to Democratic Reps. Raúl Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and Democratic Senate candidate Jack Conway in Kentucky. MSNBC's rules prohibit on air hosts making political contributions. Now the network apparently feels Olbermann has done his time: MSNBC President Phil Griffin announced late Sunday that the host would be back on the air on Tuesday night. "After several days of deliberation and discussion, I have determined that suspending Keith through and including Monday night's program is an appropriate punishment for his violation of our policy," he said in a statement. In his own statement, Olbermann said, "I did not privately or publicly encourage anyone 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." [See where else Giffords gets her campaign money.]
What do you think? Is Olbermann getting off easy? Or was his punishment not even warranted? Take our poll and post your thoughts below.
Previously: Can Sen. Mitch McConnell and Obama Work Together?
- Check out our editorial cartoons on the 2010 campaigns.
- See which members of Congress get the most in campaign contributions from the TV, movies, and music industry.
- See a slide show of 10 celebrities who give big to Democrats.
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Trixeena Jones of CA 7:48PM November 16, 2010
Khaled of CA 1:06PM November 09, 2010
R.L. Schaefer of CA 11:53AM November 08, 2010