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Special Comment Tonight

Posted: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 5:34 PM by Countdown

Keith Olbermann will deliver a Special Comment tonight on the remarkable and disappointing fear-mongering of politician Rudy Giuliani. The following is a preview...(click here for video & transcript)


How dare you, Sir?

"How many casualties will we have?" - this is the language of Bin Laden. Yours, Mr. Giuliani, is the same chilling nonchalance of the madman, of the proselytizer who has moved even from some crude framework of politics and society, into a virtual Roman Colosseum of carnage, and a conceit over your own ability -- and worthiness -- to decide, who lives and who dies. Rather than a reasoned discussion -- rather than a political campaign advocating your own causes and extolling your own qualifications -- you have bypassed all the intermediate steps, and moved directly to trying to terrorize the electorate into viewing a vote for a Democrat, not as a reasonable alternative and an inalienable right... but as an act of suicide.

This is not the mere politicizing of Iraq, nor the vague mumbled epithets about Democratic 'softness' from a delusional Vice President. This is casualties on a partisan basis -- of the naked assertion that Mr. Giuliani's party knows all and will save those who have voted for it -- and to hell with everybody else. And that he, with no foreign policy experience whatsoever, is somehow the Messiah-of-the-moment.

Even to grant that that formula - whether posed by Republican or Democrat - is somehow not the most base, the most indefensible, the most Un-American electioneering in our history - even if it is somehow acceptable to assign "casualties" to one party and 'safety' to the other - even if we have become so profane in our thinking that it is part of our political vocabulary to view counter-terror as one party's property and the other's liability... on what imaginary track record does Mr. Giuliani base his boast?


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Comments

Giuliani's delusional. He's riding 9/11 like Slim Pickens on the bomb in Dr. Strangelove.

David, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 5:48 PM)

Who would have thought that anyone could stoop lower than Dick Cheney.

Scott in South Texas (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 5:53 PM)

Anyone surprised?

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 6:22 PM)

I am becoming frustrated with the "experts" who cannot seem to understand why McCain has no traction with independents and disillusioned others. Please. Let me explain, at least from my point of view. I am recently retired, after spending a career in law enforcement. I saw enough local politics to understand at least something about selling out. I was a lifelong Democrat at that point but not happy with my selections in 2000. Then, there was John McCain. I was familiar with him already because I am interested in politics and government anyway but I really began to pay attention to the "straight talk" of this man. I changed parties for pete's sake to vote for him in the Florida primary but by the time the FL primary rolled around, it was all over but the shoutin'. The Bush machine had laid McCain out in S.C. and other places and politics being what it is, it was Bush's game. In the 04 election, I saw McCain begin selling out. He continued it through the 2006 election, believing prior to that, I guess, that Bush's coattails would be there in '08. (Sen. McCain, they aren't there and haven't been for a LONG time.) It is over for McCain in my list because the LAST thing we want or need in '08 and beyond is more of ANYTHING that reeks of Bush and his associates. Please explain to me why the experts never speak of the obvious sellout of John McCain. It is so sad for the country and for him.

Deb in Panama City, Florida (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 6:34 PM)

Did he not get the memo that all thinking Americans are no longer falling for the fear mongering?

Ashen Shard, Chambersburg, PA (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 6:40 PM)

Rudy is definitely a Republican! When you don't like what your opponent is saying, you just flip the switch on the "attack first and worry about the facts later" machine. This guy's personal life is really rocky, but that doesn't seem to matter. Like I said...he's absolutely a Republican!

John in Denver (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 7:03 PM)

What Giuliani doesn't grasp is the fact that, if we had a Democratic President in 2001, 9/11 may have not happened. There was no lack of information that would most likely have been heeded by a Democrat. Even if uit had happened, there is no possibility that we'd have gone into Iraq. His claim of being strong leader is a sham.

Marsha Welch, Scottsdale, AZ (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 7:11 PM)

Mr. Giuliani, we have already had "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" AND "The Emperor's New Clothes". We really do not need any more fractured fairy tales.

Niels, down on "Bayou DeGradeabelle" in Post-Katrina MS (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 7:16 PM)

This is scary stuff. Did anyone read the article on MSNBCs' main page with quotes from him? If you didn't he actually said that if we vote democratic then we'll surely ahve another terrorist (9/11) attack. He says that the only way to stop it is vote republican. not just any republican, him. He went so far as to say that he'll find out about these attacks before they happen and stop them. His track record there is already tarnished. With all the back patting from all he did in NY during the attacks one would forget that it was big G that put the homeland security office in the world trade center and not spread it out over a number of places. so when the attacks happened they were all lost because the people that handled the plans for such were in the very building that was under attack and there was no other source of information. He didn't even know what to do without his team. Meaning he wasn't in on the meetings and no one else except the team knew what to do. I guess that was his plan too. But the way he talks now it seems as if he's hooked up with a terrorist. If he didn't he needs to let congress know where his secret information is coming from. Until he reveals his source of terrorist activity I'm going to have to believe that he's hooked up with the terrorist and if he's not elected then we'll have more attacks. Attacks that only he can stop because of his connections. After the VT shootings people have been arrested and questioned for saying less. People in Gitmo have done less. Arrest him until he comes clean. Then wire his home and phones. Follow him where he goes and give him an ankle bracelet. He is a threat to the security of the United States of America.

Meka, PA (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 7:16 PM)

Deb in Florida, I understand. I have followed politics since I was a child. The first vote I cast was for Bill Clinton. What we need to do is strike a balance between steadfastly refusing to change convictions and being so mutable that any and every idea that blows by a politician changes their mind. I am, at core, an Independent. I vote more on issues than on party affiliation. Unfortunately, most of the so called experts don't understand that neither McCain nor Romney are going to appeal to anyone because they have become too changable. It is possible to go from being a liberal to being a concervative in a couple of decades, but not a year or two. Both men are too opportunistic. McCain seems to have decided to hitch his wagon to Bush, which, in the end, is a mistake.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 7:20 PM)

He has a secret way of preventing the next terrorist attack but he won't share it with us unless he is elected. Can we torture it out of him?

Russell in Maryland (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 7:26 PM)

in reguards to mccain selling out it stems from the smear tactics of rove in the sc primary in 2000. insinuating that the child they adopted who happens to be black was his illigitamate offspring scared him. he knows that his wife who got in trouble for stealing percadan out of the red cross medical supplies before she got help was going to be the next thing rove and co. were going to use against him. this group of thieves in the white house will stop at nothing to destroy all who dare disagree with them. it's sad to see mccain turn into a bush mouthpiece. alas his chances in 2008 are slim to none. what a shame i used to respect him but its all changed since s.c. 2000. i will not rest until this administration is behind bars!

g. arce, tucson,az (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 7:56 PM)

Here in Oklahoma we had a governor, Frank Keating, that rode the OKC bombing like a hobby horse, for his political fortunes (much like Giuliani and the truly tragic 9/11) is trying to do. He, Giuliani, is a jerk and needs to be stopped now. He would be a terrible president, full of generalities and whimsies surrounded by thugs and yes men---just like Shrub. Bobbie Brackeen brackeen25@hotmail.com

Bobbie Brackeen, Shawnee, Oklahoma (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 8:01 PM)

I am amaized that the New York "MAYOR" got so far I think anyone who was a Mayor at the time of 9/11 would do the same and also I will not vote for him at all. He has no words that I see will help the American people

Shirley Dale (Clackamas, Oregon ) (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 8:09 PM)

Unfortunately, we do live in a world where there is a lot to fear. The head of the Union of Atomic Scientists (the keepers of the Doomsday Clock) only gave the world a 50/50 chance of surviving this century due to war, ecological collapse, disease, climate change, and terrorism as rampant as computer viruses. With this in mind, I feel that we CANNOT afford to only address one of these potential problems at a time. Preparations for any disaster are often good for any other type of disaster and living efficiently and SELF-SUFFICIENCY on a very local level are the most important keys TO ALL of them! The most cut-to-the-chase solution I can see is basically like what LA is trying to do to lower the horrific amount of traffic they have by creating high performance communities with work and recreational areas right where people live. Living right were we work and generating our own power at the home level helps to insulate us from region-wide disasters and other shortages. Lower need for travel and vehicles would save us at least $1,800 a year and would lower daycare costs, increase our free time and dramatically lower our impact on the environment like no alternative fuel or hybrid could even come close to.

Author Chris Eldridge, Harrisburg PA (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 8:51 PM)

Go Keith Go................

Sherri, Charleston WV (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 8:54 PM)

Hallelujah Keith...your Special Comment this evening was direct and right to the point. I would love to hear Mr. Giuliani's response.

Hailey Ruoff, Cortland, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:02 PM)

The only casualty I see is an ex-mayor at some broke down local back pattin' dinner doing everything but stomping on Ground Zero to score paltry pitiful applause.

Sherri, Charleston WV (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:03 PM)

YES!! Go Keith! Wonderful, perfect, articulate, critical analysis of NY's former mayor and his ridiculous assertions for getting votes. YES YES YES YES. Great job. You were brilliant.

Linda Lipps Petaluma CA (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:04 PM)

You always say exactly what we want to say! Keep up the outstanding Special Comments.

J. E. in Arkansas (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:07 PM)

Keith's commentary tonight on Rudy G. was right on.....I fear for our country's future if this is the calibre of "leader" we have to choose from...stay tuned

Karen Berry (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:10 PM)

Terrorism's aim is to create fear in the populace for a particular purpose. As Republicans use the fear of terrorism to promote their cause they fall into the trap set by Bin Ladin and his ilk to permanently change the fabric of the United States. We should be smart and cautious, never fearful. If we stop being afraid, the terrorists lose their ammunition. As was said, there is in fact "nothing to fear but fear itself." Thanks, Keith. Dave

Dave Elchoness, Niwot, CO (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:15 PM)

Thank God for Countdfown and Keith. It's s relief to know someone hss the nerve to confront right wing idiocy.

Barrie Bracken, Daytona Beach, FL (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:16 PM)

Thank you Keith for showing your fangs on Rudy's obvious seperative comment about Democrats. I hope that Democrats take your lead and not allow this terrorist tougher debate to become an issue.

Carlo Jensen, Post Falls, Idaho (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:18 PM)

Please remind Americans over and over again that this freedom we share is for ALL parties. You are a genious and a brillant commentator. Your words and delivery liken to the orators of generations gone by. I applaud and thank you for your knowledge, truth, and passion. J. Triolo

JoMarie Triolo (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:22 PM)

Thank you Mr Olbermann, right on! And Thank you MSNBC for having the balls in letting him talk the truth, it's quite refreshing!

Patricia Ball (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:25 PM)

You are a genious

JoMarie Triolo (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:30 PM)

thank you, Keith - for your wisdom and eloguence. I can always count on you to voice my opinion, in a much more provocative way. The hubris of Guiliani is matched only by that of Bush's and Cheney's. They're all fear mongers with personality disorders.

Kerry Mahoney (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:35 PM)

Wonderful show and COMMENTARY tonighT!!! Thanks Keith

no name, KY (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:08 PM)

Author Chris: I won't comment on Rudy as I have already done so on another blog or McCain who we all agree is shamefully finished. But I agree with your comments about the fears of atomic destruction. Somewhere, someone, is going to push the botton, and most likely it is going to happen if not in our lifetime it will in our children's lifetime. The elimination of these weapons of mass destruction is our only chance of avoiding this catastrophe. It is perhaps the most single critical challenge we face in the next century. All the other fears as global warming, the environment, regional conflicts, the economy and other important issues are small stuff in comparison. I don't have the answer. I hope someone, or some group of people will find it. Otherwise, there is no sense in worrying about the other issues.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:16 PM)

Nixon had a plan to get us out of Vietnam. Look what his plan did - simnply an escalation of the war to neighboring countries. Guillani is a politcal hack of the lowest vintage. Republicans will say anything and sell their miserable souls to the devil for a taste of power.

willard, burnsville,nc (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:22 PM)

Keep it up Keith, we need you to express on the air what many of us are thinking. Rudy is a jerk!

Beth, Richmond, VA (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:45 PM)

You always seem to voice the exact thoughts I have about the republician politicions. What we really have to fear is, one of them getting back in the White House.

Phyllis, New Port Richey, Florida (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:53 PM)

What is really SCARY is that there are American's out there that will beleive him and vote for him....

Donna Bustillos (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:58 PM)

Keep telling it like it is Keith...Your are so right on.....

Doris Albert, California (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:59 PM)

As a fellow journalist, it makes me proud to see someone as intelligent and well-spoken as Keith Olbermann make the case for logic and sense.

The Newsman, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:39 PM)

Amen to Keith! My husband and I were literally cheering his commentary tonight. It never ceases to amaze us how this administration and now RUDY will blatantly lie to the american public. Every day there is something new and it is sad because there ARE people who believe them. My only hope is that there will be more of us that don't just blindly follow. People who question the administration and refuse to be sheep!! Again AMEN Keith. You are awesome and we never miss a show :)

Nicole Witt, Morrison, Tennessee (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:15 AM)

Keith, Right on! Your comments are always so insightful and eloquent with the right touch of moral outrage in exposing hypocracy, shallowness and fraud. Your comments tonight on Rudy Gulliani were right on. Keep it up! Our country needs more. The values and ideals we all hold dear depend on people like you who will expose the real truth and tell it like it is. Marilyn in CT

Marilyn Ondrasik (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:15 AM)

Thank you so much for this commentary Keith,once again these sorry Fear Mongers are trying to work the electorate like Rove did,especially Ohio in 2004.So the big bad boogieman under Rudy's bed are going to come get us cause we are all afraid.Dude what we are afraid of is another 4 years of a Republican liar and there you go again.Damn what the hell is wrong with you.You think that the Democratic Party doesn't want to protect this country.It does fool! It just wants to defend it from real enemies and not some paranoid fear enemies made up to win elections.Are you and Rove and Company on the Juice or something?Yeah you know what I mean the fear juice?

Bobby C Sacramento, CA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:47 AM)

I love me some Rudy Giuliani. And I believe he'd answer you, in his true New Yorker style that we love (a la another beloved NYC'er Al Baldwin in Glengarry Glen Ross- modified to fit): 'F--- you. That's my answer! THAT...is my answer.' Good day.

Katerina, NY, NY (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:54 AM)

You go Keith - freaking brilliant. America's newsman. Never saw anything like you before. Now if you only gave both sides you would be incredible. Looking at your entire site , not one mention of a dem. David Broder in his column this morning said Harry Reid should step down. WHY NO MENTION ? Yesterday Dow Jones over 13000. Why no mention ? Al Gore and global warming - no fear mongering here. Elect Republicans and black churches will burn - no fear mongering here. You do exactly what you accuse Fox of doing. Simply shows that either you are not honest or not intelligent. My prognosis is probably both. I love these people on here praising the new God of Journalism, because as we have seen repeatedly in the drive by media , honesty nor intelligence is required.

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:18 PM)

Good job Mr. Olbermann. Your commentary was excellent. I could not turn my head from the TV during your special commentary. It was riveting! It was as good as your commentary on appeasers. I never thought a former sportscaster would make such a good anchor. Good luck and I hope the best for you.

Greg, Huntsville, Alabama (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:14 PM)

Gee whiz Larry: You are going down hill today quickly. Are you ok. I am a little worried about you. You seem to have extreme moods. One day you are somewhat level headed and give decent opinions, even though they may be different than others, but the next day you are ranting and raving and not so level headed. Is there anything I can do for you Larry. I'm not kidding, I'm serious. Do you need to just talk with someone one on one off of these blogs? I can give you a call.

C A, Tuiscaloosa, Al (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:09 PM)

A mayor with few friends and affiliations, Suddenly, two buildings are demolished when struck by commercial jet liners, and the emergency groups respond just as they had been trained, but Rudi gets the TV exposure and suddenly, he is a hero. Fast forward to 2007. Rudi realizing that competition within the party, is going to be tough and the odds of any Republican being elected are slim, reverts to the fear tactic which made him popular and gave George Bush a war authorization. Both will be out of a job in 2008 inspite of their wives public appeal. Long live think citizens, regardless of party affiliation.

Donald Taylor, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:31 PM)

LOL Hey CA , nah I'm ok. Just a little nervous because the magnificient 8 are in SC today for the big debate. They already told us to keep our expectations low , mine can't be much lower ! I just don't have that orgasmic feeling like most have today, but I'm sure when the magnificient 8 are done tonight I'l be euphoric. The world's problems will be solved and Keith and Brian Williams will be left to clean up the orgasmic mess !

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:28 PM)

Hey CA , I can't seem to get through to Pam, please relay the message that she would be more respected if her response to every question wasn't the same. Moron, idiot, liar, satan, The Hague, and on and on.There has to be something that pleases her , maybe a quick trip to SC to participate in the orgasmic lovefest with the magnificient 8

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:31 PM)

Larry, may I ask you a question? Seriously! No opinion from you, just a fact! Who exactly said that 'black churches will burn if a Republican is elect?' I've looked and looked, and although there are many sites that quote it, nobody actually has a name to go with the quote. I'm just wondering if I was out of the country-we moved back to the States in Feb 2003. It doesn't have to be you Larry, I'm sure somebody on here would know the history to that statement. On another note however, why, if a Democrat actually did say that, would it be okay for Rudy Guiliani to accuse Democrats of allowing another attack? I don't get it! If Guiliani really is best for this country, why can't he rise above that hateful and incredibily ignornant accusation. I know why, because he has nothing substantial to say. Those poor coattails from 9/11 need some major cleaning-way too many people riding them and instilling fear for the past 5 1/2 years!

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:14 PM)

It was the firs time that I heared of you Mr. Keith Olbermann, I'm not an US citizen, but the course of your (America's) history affects deeply the world i live in. I want to thank you for that clear, lucid speech. I want to live in a world of joy, respect and with this speech I can see that you are doing a good work, not just in order to criticize an determinate group of rules, but waht you are doing is defending a world of freedom, justice and peace. thanks

Joao Azevedo, Braga (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:24 PM)

I grew up watching you on Sports Center with Dan Patrick. Those were the good ole' days. I have to say that I am a Republican, and I don't agree with everything that this administration has done over the years, but as a "journalist" you are suppose to write and comment on the facts. I am almost positive that a Democrat has never said anything foolishly right?? Yet you never comment on any of those. The problem today in my opinion are people like you that are on TV no giving the facts, but giving your interputation of the facts. While I know you are not the only one guilty of this, you just seem to be one of the most arrogant about your postions versus others. It is easy to cast judgement when the shoe has never been on the other foot. I hope and pray that we never have another terrorist attack like that of Sept. 11th, but if we would and a Democrat is in power, please be as critical of them as you are of every statement that you don't agree with that a Republican makes!!

Stephen Turner, Rolla MO (Sent Friday, April 27, 2007 5:54 PM)



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