About Keith Olbermann

Keith Olbermann, host of MSNBC's Countdown does not need any introductions. He has been highly critical of the Bush presidency and has ridiculed the President and his policies numerous times on his show. He has also attracted many people to tune into his show, boosting the ratings of the entire network. Well, the powers that be have rewarded him with a brand new extended contract and a raise. MSNB issued the following statement:

Olbermann will continue to host Countdown as part of the new agreement and will also “play a prominent role in MSNBC's coverage of all major news events,” according to the network. He will also continue to serve as co-host of NBC’s Football Night in America studio show.

The network tore up his February 2007 contract, reported to be worth up to $4 million a year (expiring in 2011), and wrote a new one. The new contract is valued at about $7.5 million a year through 2012, ensuring that he will be on the air through the next presidential election.

Congrats to Mr. Olbermann but.....I was surprised to learn that for all his Bush-bashing Keith Olbermann did not even bother to vote in the 2008 elections. He was interviewed on the ABC show The View where he made this eyebrow-raising admission......and was roundly criticized by the entire panel who called him "a bad role model". Olbermann defended himself calling his decision "A symbolic gesture":

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii-SEu8wyEY]

And Kudos to Keith Olbermann for his stand on California's Proposition 8 which rescinded the right for gay people in that state to marry:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7PLkai0Nl8]