Drudge and the NY Post would have you think that Keith Olbermann has been demoted, punished. That’s their spin. And you all seem to buying it.
But think about it for a minute. Calm down and look through the spin. I, for one, see Keith’s role change as a good thing for us. Follow me after the fold and see if you agree.
Just think about it for a second -- what do we like about Keith? His political opinions! And we like it even better when he actually gets to express them.
While in the role of anchor, however, most people expect him to remain neutral, keep his opinions to himself. Face it – we, too, expect anchors to keep their opinions to themselves when we are reasonably certain that their opinions don’t match ours.
But we're biased. So, while Keith anchors election coverage, we cheer him on and hope he steps out of his anchor role and dives into the thick of it. Remember how giddy everyone here got when he uttered those famous words, "Jesus, Joe, get a shovel"?
So what did MSNBC do about it? They gave us what we wanted! They made Keith a political analyst.
Keith hasn’t been demoted ... he’s been unmuzzled!
And what’s funny about it is that MSNBC got Drudge, the Post and the Republicans all to think that they got their way. It brings to mind the bromide "careful what you wish for."
Keith hasn’t gone anywhere. We still get to see him on election coverage (and, of course, on Countdown). Only now he’s free (well, actually, paid) to voice his political opinions!
So let’s stop the clamoring to have MSNBC to put Keith’s muzzle back on. Instead, sit back to enjoy the ride. I will.
Speaking of enjoying the ride – don’t forget the premier of the Rachel Maddow Show tonight!!