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Special Comment: Condi Goes Too Far

Posted: Monday, February 26, 2007 5:02 PM by Countdown

UPDATE...Full transcript and video here.

The following is a preview of Keith Olbermann's Special Comment tonight on the statements of Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Tune in to hear the whole thing... Countdown tonight 8pm ET


On the Sunday Morning Interview Show of Broken-Record, on Fox, Dr. Condoleezza Rice spoke a paragraph, which if it had been included in a remedial history paper at the weakest high school in the nation, would've gotten the writer an "F" - maybe an expulsion.

If Congress were now to revise the Iraq authorization, she said, out loud, with an adult present, quote:
"…It would be like saying that after Adolf Hitler was overthrown, we needed to change then, the resolution that allowed the United States to do that, so that we could deal with creating a stable environment in Europe after he was overthrown."
The Secretary's resume reads that she has a Masters' Degree and a Ph.D in Political Science. The interviewer should have demanded to see it, on the spot.

Dr. Rice spoke 42 words. She may have made more mistakes in them, than did the President in his State of the Union Address in 2003.

There is, obviously, no mistaking Saddam Hussein for a human being, but nor is there any mistaking him for Adolf Hitler.

Invoking the German dictator who subjugated Europe; who tried to annihilate the Jews; who sought to overtake the World -- is not just in the poorest of taste, but in its hyperbole, it insults not merely the victims of the Third Reich, but those in this country who fought it. And, defeated it.

Saddam Hussein… was not Adolf Hitler.

And George W. Bush is not Franklin D. Roosevelt, nor Dwight D. Eisenhower.

He isn't even George H.W. Bush, who fought in that war.

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Comments

Thank's for all the truth's you reveal on your show. I work at an airport and start my day very early in the am. I catch the show sometimes in it's entirity, only on my weekend. The question I have is. When in the hell are thre American people going to wake up from this nightmasre the Bush Administration is putting us through? I'm glad the party I'm affiliated with doesn't try to use the same logic these idiot's are trying to get away with.

S Bowie, Saco, Maine (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 5:31 PM)

"Creating a stable environment in Europe" required the enthusiastic participation of the Europeans. The Marshall Plan wasn't imposed, it was implemented with native cooperation. However, the Iraqis are not welcoming our further input. Stalin refused Marshall Plan aid for the Soviet bloc. We couldn't force help down their throat, and we can't force help down the throats of the Iraqis.

rob platt NY NY (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 5:39 PM)

Keith, you are simply the greatest news anchor on television! I love your comedic style, even in such a tragic situation. "said in with an adult present"...you're the best. I can't expect anything else from Condi; as afterall, she truly is "BLINDLY" loyal to the most arrogant and dishonest president this country has ever seen. We NEED THE GOOD LUCK YOU WISH US AT THE END OF EACH NIGHTY BROADCAST!! Thanks Keith, for exposing this administration's lies, and FOX NOISE!! KEEP IT UP!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 6:52 PM)

Condolying Rice is simply put, a hack for this sad excuse for a U.S. president as there ever was. She sold her soul to the moron in the White House. She, as well as the other disciples, believe saying it often makes it true. She wouldn't understand international diplomacy if it jumped up and hit her.

m.molloy. Wilmington. DE (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 7:04 PM)

How can this happen in our nation? We seem to have allowed the right wing lunes on radio and TV, to spread their racists, sexists, and fascist like ideology, to a majority of our nation. But what scares me the most, is that voices like Mr. Olbermann's, are a rearity, and unless something is done, our youth, will be educated by the likes of Bill (fairly unbalanced) O'reilly, and Rush Limbaugh. just typing their names feels dirty.

Paul S, Scotrun , PA (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 7:35 PM)

Another "KO" from KO! Incredible stuff, Keith. The mixture of indignation and snark in this one makes it a true classic. Thank you, again, for saying what needs to be said. Thanks for schooling the Secretary of State.

Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:02 PM)

Well done Keith! You say it how it is with style. This administration has fooled us from the beginning and hope that we will forget all of it and go along with their BS. Keep bringing us the news as it really is

Matt B. New York, NY (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:03 PM)

The progrming director needs to play repeats of countdown as much as hardball and scarbourough country . less LOCK UP IN .....(insert your city here) dun dun da dun!!!!! keep tellin the truth keith great article in rolling stone

D. Douglas (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:03 PM)

Dr. Rice was working on her master's degree in Music at the University of Denver, when her parents visited her. They went to her major (head of piano division) professor and asked him if she had a concert career in her future. He asked them - what else is she interested in? They responded - Political Science. His response, perhaps she should pursue this as a career and not piano.

Ann Molison, Fort Collins, CO (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:05 PM)

Keith, Bravo....you are my new hero!

Janet Moran Cincinnati Ohio (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:06 PM)

Mr. Olbermann for prez. He cares more about America than W. Great Sprecial Comment.

william lives (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:07 PM)

Keith, You are awsome. That was the best comment yet. When you said at the end she should be on the show "Are you smarter than a 5th grader" I was dying. Thank you for bring to light the idoits that they are.

Rich Pipkin (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:07 PM)

THANK YOU for your hard-hitting, well-reasoned comments on the outright lies of this Administration. I, like you, could not believe the idiotic comments made by Ms. Rice, simply to remain loyal to the petty tyrant who is currently besmirching the office of the President of the United States. It will take generations to repair the damage Mr. Bush and his cronies has done to our Constitution and our government. Please keep on pointing out the truth.

S. Dawson (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:08 PM)

You're comment tonight was great! But, I can't believe you ended your show without announcing the number of days since "Mission Accomplished" was declared. Keep it up, my good friend.

Mike Shaldjian, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:08 PM)

Keith, You are awsome. That was the best comment yet. When you said at the end she should be on the show "Are you smarter than a 5th grader" I was dying. Thank you for bring to light the idoits that they are.

Rich Pipkin, Cashmere, WA (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:08 PM)

Keith has excellent patriotic staff writers.

sarah mil (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:09 PM)

I can understand how you can say that Secretary Rice is cheery picking her analogies. The fact that we waited until Hitler declared war on us was correct. The fact that it was a mistake that we and the British avoided stopping Hitler after Munich in 1932,led to the lss of millions. What if we did not stop sadaam? We would be trading the 3000 now with 30,ooo tomorow? And what about Roosevelt going back to congress? Do you realize that you are Taft in this arguement, and Taft was wrong! Do not cherry pick your ideas. Maybe she has a fifth grade education, but you are a hack sports broadcaster. And stealing Ed Murrows closing line doesn't make you Ed Murrow, just Bill O'Reilly's shadow!

Dan DePasquale, Real Blue Collar Democrat! Dayton, Ohio (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:09 PM)

Mr. Olbermann is passionate about his commentary tonight. Too bad he alone has hold of the truth -- he alone masters logic, reason, and rhetoric. Too bad he doesn't. Clearly there are comparisons of kind and not only comparisons of degree. Hussein matches Hitler in Kind. Even the press has made this comparison again and again. Granted, it is not a comparison in degree. He should run his arguments by an expert in logic, another by an expert in rhetoric. He fails miserably at both. He truly is sincere -- but he is sincerely wrong.

Paul Lauer, Mankato, MN (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:09 PM)

Mr. Olbermann, you are right to criticize Ms. Rice’s comments; though you missed something. Her grammar is appalling. I am far from the best when it comes to grammar and spelling, but if her comments made me go cross eyed, then they were horrifically done. As for her statements, I have been arguing with anyone who will listen that we needed to keep the carpetbaggers out of Iraq and let the Iraqis rebuild. I know that post-Hitler Germany was far from peaceful, and that there were still pockets of resistance remaining among the Nazis. However, if one wants to see how to occupy, rebuild, and restore or create democracy in a nation, one has to study the actions of Truman, Eisenhower and Marshall after World War Two.

Bridgette P. (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:14 PM)

Condi Rice, "educated" in Colorado and the prime example of lazy irrational thinking which is endemic in the "new American women" who are advanced through the glass ceiling by cynical corrupt white Republican men...Let us pray!

g wiess, colorado springs, co (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:15 PM)

WOW - you express situations so eloquently. I hate to miss your special comments. You are almost always correct. Great show - look forward to 8PM and Countdown

Joan Boling, Knoxville, TN (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:16 PM)

How can someone with so much education be so stupid (Condi Rice) Awesome show ...keep it up 4 more years!

Marcel B (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:16 PM)

Google the Bush crime family.

John Doe (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:20 PM)

I do not think we can survive the next 18 months with this administration, we lied, we have lost. I am a 62 year old male that has fought for this country and it is such a shame we allowed this to be. I pray we can recover the good will this country had after 9/11 and restore the respect America deserves. Our men and women are suffering needlessly, our country is great, please let us be better than we are now. Thank you for trying Mr. Oberman.

Geoffrey Edwards, 5009 Dalton Road, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:20 PM)

I don't know who's in charge of MSNBC, but whomever it is, PLEASE KEEP KEITH OLBERMANN'S commentaries coming!! He's one of the few news casters who has the heart and passion and intelligence to reveal to the world that not all Americans back the actions of this current administration!!

Rebecca Ward (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:22 PM)

Once again you've nailed the ball with the correct choice of club, combining intelligence, humor and disgust to highlight what a collection of dishonest morons - even PhD-level morons - we have been handed by the Moron in Chief. Keep up the good work ... which must be great fun when you get handed such blatant stupidity to work with!-] Thx.

Kennedy Brooks - Calistoga CA (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:23 PM)

love the passion during your evening commentary...Dubbya and his administration have indeed harmed the USofA'a standing in the world and Ms. Rice's 42 convoluted words do nothing but increase the incredulity of the administration A big fan of the show

Brock Gorrell, Rockport, Ontario, Canada (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:26 PM)

Dear Secretary Rice ,You are entitled to your own opinons, but not to your own facts.

Ray Rosas,La puente,Ca (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:28 PM)

The sad fact is that we, the unconscious(or at least comatose)American people, have allowed things to get this bad-- by dint of not wanting to think for ourselves. Bush is unarguably the worst president in history, and we elected him twice!!!! Whoever it was who said "we get the government we deserve" was spot-on accurate. Maybe, in a few years, when the economy's wrecked, the armed forces in tatters,and people are being "disappeared" south american style, Maybe then the "great unwashed" will wake up, but i'd take bets against it!

Mark Archibald (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:29 PM)

What is the excuse for comparison for all the liberal democrats, especially those in office, that have compared George W Bush to Hitler all these years he has been in office? Liberals and Democrats will never see eye to eye, ever. People watch of listen to what ever media vinue that agrees to their own veiw and nothing will ever change that. Thanks God taht I live in country that aloows me that freedom do chose what ever way I feel fit for me. Thanks to all of those that gave theirs lives before me to assure that.

Mike Bailey, Mobile Alabama (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:31 PM)

Ummm, wait a minute, did you just give Saddam Hussein credit? How many million Kurds did he kill with nerve gas? How many times did he state his intention to invade neighboring countries? Yes, I agree that comparing the Marshall Plan to US Martial Law is ridiculous, but these two dictators, Hussein and Hitler, had a lot of the same values.

Alex bach (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:38 PM)

You sound no different than Bill and Rush, just on the other side trying to be controversial to pump the ratings. Get real! Saddam was every bit as bad as Hitler; the only differene was ability- Germany was a world power. They both invaded their neighbors and gassed and tortured their own people. Killing tens or hundreds of thousands as opposed to millions makes him less of a monster?

David D, Baltimore Maryland (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:42 PM)

Thank God (can I say that on this site?) for the fact that there are other news organizations like Fox, and other than NBC, CBS, CNN, ABC and especially "P MSNBC" to gather my news from or I would be living with a dooms day attitude everyday of my life and worrying about breathing someone else's air and never questioning how the wealthy Hollywood leftist elitise get around to where thaey are going or question what water they drink and what air they breath. You know, Al Gore sure looks like he is taking up a lot of space. He is living in space that at least two other people could be living in not to mention the amount of oxygen he is using and not replenishing. And when he fladulates, thats a whole different story. At least when a cow fladulates I can get redd of that problem by eating the cow. Thats my contribution to saving the enviroment. The the livestock and stop the fladulates.

Mike Bailey, Mobile, AL (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:44 PM)

Thanks, Keith, your show has really grown on me, though I wish your producer would drop some of the sensational stuff. We have so much more to give attention to. I understand. Condoleeza. "Typewriter Mouth" Rice should pack it in. I've watched the Presidency since Kennedy. Shame on us for this one and the guy that lives at the Naval Observatory, too. And the whole world watches these Sophomores-in-Chief." Where is a parliamentary system when we need it? It will take us years to restore the precious goodwill we once had. For one thing, we have always gone reluctantly to war, even WWII. How will we ever stop the abuse of the War Powers Act? David Milliken, Merriam KS

David Milliken, Merriam KS (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:49 PM)

Outstanding commentary tonight on Dr. Rice's analogy with Hitler. Also, your Jan. commentary on Bush's surge was quite on the mark - logical, thoughful, and stirring.

Jim Wilder, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:00 PM)

Keith -- Pleeeeeaaaasssssseeeee!!! I would give anything to see you debate Condoleeza and the Motley Fool - Sean Hannity. Never have I been as awestruck as listenting to your commentaries.

Dennis L, Ft. Worth, Tx (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:01 PM)

Mr. Olbermann, Thanks for the special comments. I look forward to each and everyone. As far as this administration goes, it will take a massive loss of life on our forces in Iraq or a public prosecution of one of these people for their incompetence and cronyism to put an end to this mess they have created. Unfortunately I feel it will be the former and not the latter. Even Ronald Reagan new better than to sit american forces in the middle of an area where they could not protect their own flanks (Lebanon). The mess I refer to is also much larger than Iraq, it has spread even into my beloved armed forces. All the folks who are for this foolishness should show real support by volunteering if able or supporting the nessary tax increase to pay for it.

Steven Madere, MSgt (Ret), USAF (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:02 PM)

As both a former journalist and a current high school history teacher, I understand more than most the need to remain objective when presenting information to others. And when our nation's leaders ask us to take their words as truth, to accept that their take on any situation is not to be doubted, it is our duty to examine their "truth" through the lens of objectivity. Keith, you were absolutely on the money with tonight's comment. Making comparisons with Saddam Hussein's regime with Hitler's Germany is an inappropriate and historically inaccurate comparison. A better comparison might be to examine the erosions of civil liberties in 1930s Nazi Germany with similar disappearances in today's America. Don't you miss the good old days of habeas corpus?

Regina Cooper, Festus, MO (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:04 PM)

Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve - George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950) We are living these words. I remain deeply pessimistic of our future. The apparent complete lack of intellectual curiosity and political questioning amoung the great unwashed that constitute the majority of those who continue to support this president and his policies I believe will condemn this country to that which we hope to avoid, moral irrelevance, political impotence and a future that would make a fine ending for a Rod Serling short story. Submitted for your approval.

Erik Gregorie, Athens Pa (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:06 PM)

I think "Countdown" is the only truly courageous (honest) news program on t.v., and I wonder sometimes in fear, is Keith safe? This administration hand-picks their audiences, showing extreme cowardice in facing, let alone responding to, any voices of opposition. All their talk about democracy and patriotism and love for this country and support for our troops (that is, until they come home and/or happen to be gay)and how they own the flag--all this talk cannot mask their obvious distaste for anything but the symbolism alone. Except for a few brave souls like Chuck Hagle, I sum up this adminstration and Republicans at their worst--their greed, their hypocrisy, arrogance, intolerance, self-rightousness, dishonesty and cowardice--with a line from a movie with Michael Douglas, The American President....which I may not quote exactly,but close..."How can you sit back and listen to men who claim to love America but obviously can't stand Americans?" When will Americans wise up to this simple fact: they don't like us!

Katherine Herrick, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:25 PM)

Mr. Olbermann, you are a voice in the wilderness. Tonights comment about the disingenuous Rice, was pure gold.

Sheldon Ceresnie, Oak Park, Mi. (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:29 PM)

Ph.D. in Political Science - $140,000 Pair of new shoes - $1,200 Getting schooled by a sports guy on political history - PRICELESS!

Bluesplayer, Minneapolis (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 11:34 PM)

I am so impressed with Keith getting into the heart of things that whenever he has his special comments I forward them to my mother-in-law in Paris. She, too is hugely impressed with him and what he says. He is my hero because he says what all the rest of the cowards and hypocrytes refuses to say or admit plus his ratings continue to soar! People like Keith are what make America great. Commentators like Bill O. convolute facts to his own huge ego. Rush L, a convicted narcotic prescription abuser, plus a well known lover of young SE Asian girls, illegal in America to have sex with, each days reads his Republican Talking Points, the compassionate, conservative, supposedly religious. This man, this man!! represents a big part of Americans. These two men both use personal attacks against people to further their causes, they twist fact. One of these men likes sex with very young girls, the other with his employees. Keith Olbermann does not have a questional personal life or past. He seems like a wholesome American guy. Afraid for his country and not afraid to speak out. Keep talking Keith!!

Aly Hibbaccelli, Portland Or (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 11:50 PM)

Keith Right on How can Condoleeza Rice compare Saddam Hussien with Adolf Hitler ? Hitler wanted to annihalate Jews with poison gas Hussien wanted to annihalate Kurds with poison gas. Hitler wanted to control Europe Hussien wanted to control the Middle East clearly a difference . Hitler had the Gestopo Hussien had a Republican Guard . Hitler killed Millions Hussien only a few hundred Thousand again not in the same league . George W Bush is no Franklin D Roosevelt And you Keith are no Bill O'Reilly

Bill B Schaumburg Il. (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 12:45 AM)

Ms Rice has always struck me as being way too smart for the job she has, and should have had a better future than being a lapdog for the Bush Administration. Now I am sure sure she is simply way too smart for any job, and Lapdog is a promotion. It appears she is clueless and simply trying to survive. I have renounced my blind belief in "The Republican Party" due to the (lack of) performance of the Bush Presidency, and this incompetence is almost the final straw for me to renounce my conservative leanings entirely (born in 1950's). Countdown is #1 in my book

George McDonald, Leavenworth (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 1:10 AM)

Is there not anyone in this administration that is NOT an embarrassment to our country? Oh wait, it's the Bush administration. Nevermind.

Oregonian37 (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:11 AM)

The "Special Comment" of last night's show warns his viewers about the defective policies Ms. Rice was endorsing; I trust our 2008 candidates will offer thoughtful alternatives to this scenario.

Michael Loehr, Wichita, KS (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:21 AM)

Keith--keep it up -- you say exactly what needs to be said -- where is the rest of the country (Dems and Inds) where are the voices and protests to these lies that keep our country on the verge of not being our country anymore? We the People don't have a clue. But we do know all about Smith, Spears and the Oscars!!! I want my country back and the mass murder of American GI's and Iraqis STOPPED. I want a government intent on getting out of the Iraqi Civil War and getting to the business of finding and destroying terrorists. I want a government that has respect and power in the world. And I want a govenrment that know what the hell it is doing!!! (Of course, they know what they are doing--couldn't care less about America--just the oil and bottomline. Why all the lies--follow the money.) Thanks, Keith, keep hammering at their lies.

Kay Stack (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 6:58 AM)

What bothers me the most, is that 51% of the American people CHOSE a candidate morally corrupt, and ethically bankrupt, not once but 2x. Personally, I find that more than a bit discomforting. It takes a man with a huge set of peach pits to not only say what he thinks, but to say it outloud, in public. That man has earned my respect in trumpcards. Thank you Mr Olberman.

Debby Smith (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 7:02 AM)

Keith another slam dunk, I have wanted to take Condi to task for quite some time. By far you are the best on TV, another 4 years is not enough. Keep up the fantastic work we need journalist like you.

s. eure (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 8:14 AM)



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