ABOUT THE NEWS HOLE

It's the new award-winning blog* from the cast and crew of the award-winning television news hour** "Countdown with Keith Olbermann."

We heard about this whole "blogosphere" business from Tom DeLay, and came to the immediate realization that we too, "needed to become involved" in it.

So here it is. Covering the big news, the small news, medium-sized and irregular, The News Hole strives to bring everything you love or hate about Countdown to the internets.

Your feedback and hate mail is encouraged.

*Countdown's "Best of the Web Awards" 2007
**The News Hole's "Best of the TV Awards" 2006



New York, New York

Posted: Monday, October 22, 2007 1:38 PM by Countdown

The town so nice, they named it twice.  The second name is Manhattan.  Anyway...here we are in our new digs, and we have a big show tonight. 

We'll have all the latest saber rattling over Iran from the President and Mr. Cheney.  Plus all the drama of the G.O.P. debate (that was on another network) and the Values Voters convention.  Will the Dobson, Robertson folks find anyone they like?

Also...this article suggesting that former Bush Attorney General Alberto Gonzales could face criminal prosecution for his role in those US attorney firings.  Gonzales has hired a criminal defense attorney, so this could get interesting.

The latest from those devastating fires in CA, and we're working on some major Harry Potter news that you won't want to miss.

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Comments

Even if 'Fredo' is prosecuted (and I'll believe that when I see it), he'll end up being pardoned by '43'.

This Republican Administration sees itself above the law (witness Scooter), and homosexuals undeserving of equal protection under the law.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:36 PM)

I wish that JK Rowling hadn't said that about the late, lamented Dumbledore.  It'll just give the book burners another excuse to ban a book about the evil wizards.  Like they needed another excuse to banish books that they don't like.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:39 PM)

Welcome to the Big Apple. You need a Big Guest for your first show. I suggest Ray Hunt of Hunt Oil Company which is privatizing the Kurd's oil in direct defiance of the Iraqi government, the federation of Iraqi oil unions and bipeds round the globe. Good luck Keith and remember just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. happy hunting!!

doomed (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:47 PM)

Just a suggestion:  how about adding a feature to your show called "solutions".  We kinda all know what the problems are and who's causing them......you know "preaching to the choir" as it were..........

So how about some real, nuts and bolts fixes.  not just "don't listen to these guys", and "don't vote for this side"......real solutions.....

Konnie (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:48 PM)

"Also...this article suggesting that former Bush Attorney General Alberto Gonzales could face criminal prosecution for his role in those US attorney firings.  Gonzales has hired a criminal defense attorney, so this could get interesting."

This article has no factual basis to it, is not news.  This is the opinion of one of the US attorneys that was fired.  I don't approve of what Gonzales did, but isn't there more important real news out there to report on.  I would suggest that you wait until such criminal charges are filed, then we can discuss the case.  This is tabloid journalism at its best.  

Kevin of NJ (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:50 PM)

Congrats on the move, but how can you put up a new thread when you haven't updated the old ones in 2 days?

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:54 PM)

GOP candidates --- Extreme, not mainstream.

nuanced (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:55 PM)

Dubya is worried all those sick kids won't have any wars to fight, if and when they grow up, so he's thinking about adding Iran, and possibly Canada. I'd heard rumors that the GOP Candidates were going to do a "Spice Guys" take-off on the Spice Girls, and curious to see 'Fred Spice', I tuned in.  It turned out to be that, a rumor. As for Dobson and Robertson finding someone they like? Well, I guess Dumbledore is out, right? (I don't think they even like each other.) Maybe they could go out to Malibu and ask a couple of those burning bushes what they think. (Too late to ask Dubya, that Bush is obviously burned out.)

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:57 PM)

I can't wait to see the new digs!

I posted thoughts and best wishes to the bloggers here who may be affected by the fires.

Knowing the commutation "history" of GWB, even if (and this is a BIG IF) Fredo ends up in court, it doesn't mean he'll have to answer for anything he's done or not done or doesn't recall doing.

In the previous thread, I also posted a link that "Mr. SCHIP Veto" is asking for another $46 billion for Iraq. How much was that SCHIP going to cost?

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:00 PM)

There are 456 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 441 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009 ???
There are 379 days until election day -- 11/4/2008

Evaluate all the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:00 PM)

News Hole, why would you put up a new thread when there has been NO update since Saturday?  This makes no sense and if not so pathetic, it's comical.  What type of organization do you run?

www.WE-THE-BLOGGERS-UNITE.com (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:11 PM)

A really nice picture -- historical and all that -- but unless Countdown's "new digs" are a really big bridge from Brooklyn, a dock warehouse, or a dirgible, then it's just a little too non-specific for us non-New Yorkers.  How will we ever find it for Steve's party?  

Maybe I'll rely on my date, Ben Kenobi.  He's good at that stuff.

Congratulations, Countdown.  Keep movin' up.

Anomaly (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:11 PM)

The More Things Change Department. It's starting to look like 'Newshole' is the blog equivalent of Dubya's Syntax.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:16 PM)

Will you have something on Hillary and the Chinese, I think has something to do with her dry cleaning ? Maybe MONEY LAUNDERING ??? Or how about Hillary's busboys and dishwashers in China Town ? Something to do with these poor minimun wage workers giving their tips to Hillary. She sure has a lock on the Chi-Com vote !  

Oh never mind , it is more important to discuss the gays and Harry Potter with Musto!  

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:22 PM)

The thought of anyone or everyone in the bush administration locked away is comforting.  But I don't see the point of a trial until bush is gone, he will just issue another pardon.

jen,il (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:26 PM)

And the new message from OBL -- funny how that and the extra 46 BILLION request coincides.
http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2007/10/report_white_house_to_request_nearly_200_billion_for_iraq_and_afghanistan.php

b (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:35 PM)

If you get a chance Keith, you might mention the October 27 Fall Out Against the War march. Coming to 10 US cities this weekend. New York is one of them so please consider it a Welcome to New York march for Countdown as well.  My wife and I are coming from Montana to participate. Hopefully we will disrupt the day for a lot of people in all 10 cities. Seems like the only way one gets any coverage.
www.oct27.org

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:35 PM)

How about a story on what the risks are of other nations filing a motion to have G. Bush arrested and put before a tribunal for war crimes?

A. Response, Greenville, SC (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:14 PM)

Burning Harry Potter books because Dumbledore is gay? Tsk tsk tsk. We here in IN have come up with another approach that's a real traffic stopper. Bob Knight may be gone, but the rage lives on.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007710220403

BN, Bloomington, IN (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:15 PM)

Kevin of NJ (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:50 PM)

Kevin Kevin Kevin.  We're starting the new week a little testy? Tabloid journalism?  I think this is a huge news story.  The news is that a fired US attorney is making those comments.  All news stories have to begin somewhere.  It's up to the reporters to follow-up and research the credibility of the claims.  But, right now, of course it's news.  If the prosecution never happens then you can question the source but the claim itself is news.  Sorry to disappoint you.  I hope it's true and I hope he's convicted In late january 2009.  Sorry Bush and cronies, too late to use your last get out of jail free card.

Mike, AL (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:20 PM)

Walker, Texas ranger has endorsed huckabee for President.  I'm taking that into consideration because I really liked him in Missing in Action.  
But I think I will endorse Brian Dennehy because he really pistol-whipped me in First Blood and I think he'll be good at fighting terrorism.  He's got the torture thing down too.

Rambo (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:25 PM)

I apparently was participating in fantasy baseball before it existed.  Possibly early dementia or being dropped on my head as a child-repeatedly-may be factors.  I apologize for misrepresenting Torre's career as including a stint as St.Louis' manager.  He was a player here and that I do remember.
 GO ROCKS!

S.Bolinger,St.Louis,MO (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:34 PM)

Burning Bush, Steve??   Are we talking after-life?Prophetic.  I like it.

Texashogfan (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:38 PM)

Off topic but a baseball theme, Rocky Mountain Guy and others cheering for the Rockies...are YOU responsible for this?!

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-rockies-seriestickets&prov=ap&type=lgns

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:43 PM)

I for one do NOT approve of Rowling's post-facto declaration that Dumbledore is gay.  I would have been all for it if there had been some indication of it in the books, or if Dumbledore himself had shared the revelation in the book.  But no, there wasn't a hint or ANYTHING to that in the books.  If you're going to have such a major character trait in the books, you CANNOT just announce such a thing after the book is published and out!

The way that Rowling is revealing this information makes me think she's saying this now to generate controversy and sell more books.

Kevin, Lincoln, NE (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:44 PM)

Evaluate all the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 3:00 PM)

Your words should be printed, enlarged and framed in every home across America!!

THANK YOU & PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:48 PM)

I'm hoping Keith will have real guests on his show now that he's moved to Manhattan. Live in-person guests, liberal or conservative, that he can talk face-to-face to instead of showing pics and video sound bites that are typical of any 5 and 11 PM local news.

Full Moon (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:01 PM)

Krista, yes, yes I am.  Not really getting much done here at work today, but if I can get my grubby little mitts on pair-o-tix it will be worth it.  So nice to see Pam's back...yea!  Now back to getting Rockies ti...uh work, I mean back to work.      

Rocky Mountain Guy, Colorado (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:08 PM)

Keith, that Harry Potter "news". It's a gimack to up Chrsitmas sales.....don we now our gay apparel, tra la la, tra la la, la la lah

Similarly, the whole cleavage thing with Clinton is about her campaign sloagan "Hillary or bust".

MikeB - Eugene, OR (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:21 PM)

I think it is so, so funny that people are upset to hear that a character in the Harry Potter books is gay.

It's like these people are upset because they liked a gay person without knowing it. Perish the thought, poor dears! LOL.

GothamTomatoNYC (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:24 PM)

Update and please finda and post all missing comments.  

www.FIND-MISSING-COMMENTS.org (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:27 PM)

UPDATE, AGAIN, AND AGAIN AND AGAIN

AND AGAIN (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:27 PM)

I aaven'tseen keith's new set yet either but have seen the bright colorful MSNBC sets today while watching updates on the fire in CAlifornia. They beautiful bright sets lots of blues and reds.Gotta say it's a stark contrast to to the drab, colorless, stark isolation looking graphics shown on other blog.  Keith keith add a splash of color into your life. Wear the blue shirt and tie again for starters

As for Dumbledore being gay, I don'tcare if he is gay or not.BUT as a teacher of Creative Writing,  you can't toss in something after the fact like this.If he was gay there should have been references some hints in the seven books.There was absolutely nothing.I think JK Rowlings just wanted some limelight and can't let go or accept that the books are over.  

Glad to see tonight's show will have more hard hititng newslike Iraq,Cheney etc.

Now that your staff is all moved in, do we now get our newsletter back?

Kelly,Il (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:31 PM)

Carol (3:00 PM Post): Suggestions on any candidates that we should be evaluating or that derserve to be sincerely evaluated. I just don't see any that have the ability or charisma to bring this country back together. The only person I might support at this time can't run again, Bill Clinton. As far as the current field of candidates all I see is further problems down the road no matter who wins the primaries and/or the general election. The people do not really feel all that great or strongly support anyone at this time. That is not a good sign.  

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:34 PM)

Carol (Oct. 22nd 3:P.M. Post) Very Well said.
Pam Welcome back! Where have you been hiding?
Kevin in N.J. In asnother thread you asked about Mike Huckabee. Maybe this will help you out. He's a former Baptist Minister. He has lost a lot of weight in the past decade. He was one of three Republican candidates to openly express skepticism of evolution at a debate this past spring. The others were Tom Tancredo and Sam Brownback. He is currently the candidate of choice for the white evangelicals of the Republican Party.
All of which makes him definitely NOT my candidate.  

Bill Rocheter NY (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 5:59 PM)

Well said jen. Will the next occupant of the White House decide to pardon any of the Bushies or not?

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:00 PM)

Carol (Oct. 22nd 3:P.M. Post) Very Well said.
Pam Welcome back! Where have you been hiding?
Kevin in N.J. In asnother thread you asked about Mike Huckabee. Maybe this will help you out. He's a former Baptist Minister. He has lost a lot of weight in the past decade. He was one of three Republican candidates to openly express skepticism of evolution at a debate this past spring. The others were Tom Tancredo and Sam Brownback. He is currently the candidate of choice for the white evangelicals of the Republican Party.
All of which makes him definitely NOT my candidate.  

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:01 PM)

If any of you saw the fire that devastated Oakland some years back, Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mts is quickly becoming another Oakland. This is a pristine area, with beautiful homes, and of course the lake. About 1500 homes of which approx 70 have already been destroyed. That's only what they can see from the air. They think it's many more. This is one, they think, was set by an arsonist. The aerial views are horrible. Like a war zone. One of my customers is trying to get home to get his wife and kids out of the area. I hope he makes it. God bless him.
 

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:06 PM)

So in other words, you think $4,000,000 donated to a worthwhile cause is a bad thing.  I applaud the charity, and you criticize me.  Your point is missing
Kevin of NJ (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 2:15 PM)

My point is bring them home, Kevin.  I don't think I can make it much plainer than that.  People who continue to blindly support this ill-conceived and godforsaken war ought to be happy to volunteer their time and energy to do something in the field that might bring them home faster.  I think George Bush ought to go, too.  Then he could really live in his fantasy world, instead of just living vicariously through the occasional, and staged, appearance on the deck of an aircraft carrier or in a mess hall on a holiday.  

And I don't believe in funding troops with bakesales, especially where the true purpose of the bakesale is preening by partisan politicians.  I believe in funding troops appropriately and picking wars more carefully.  

Anomaly (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:08 PM)

already back to no updates where's my post

kelly, Ill (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:35 PM)

Today's moderating is really horrible, it's a shame.

DISGUSTED (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:37 PM)

UPDATE NOW

UPDATE.UPDATE.UPDATE.UPDATE.UPDATE. (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:37 PM)

PLEASE BRING BACK LAST WEEK'S BLOG MODERATOR. THIS SUCKS

www.bring back last week's moderator.com (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:39 PM)

Please tell us WHY you have not updated this blog.

Thank you (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:50 PM)

I would like to think that a Republican (None of those now running) would have a chance of being elected President. If Hillary becomes the Democratic Candidate then I will need someone else to vote for!

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 6:50 PM)

News Hole - Why not just put up a few more new threads? Then maybe we'll get an update?

www.update.com (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 7:10 PM)

O J's fired.

www.NO-UPDATES-FROM-O J.com (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 7:11 PM)

So ... they may finally get around to prosecuting Alberto Gonzales for conspiracy to politicize the Justice Department.  Who wouldn’t look forward to that?

Just remembering his testimony before Congress still makes me laugh.  It  reminds me of the time the Mad Hatter testified at the trial to find out who stole the tarts.

“… The Hatter went on, looking anxiously around to see if [the Dormouse] would deny it, too; but the Dormouse denied nothing being fast asleep….
‘But what did the Dormouse say?’ one of the jury asked.
‘That I can’t remember,’ said the Hatter.
‘You MUST remember,’ remarked the King, ‘or I’ll have you executed.’
The miserable Hatter dropped his teacup and bread and butter, and went down on one knee.  ‘I’m a poor man, your Majesty,’ he began.
‘You’re a VERY poor SPEAKER,’ said the King.”

Let’s hope the prosecutors have better luck with the Hatter than Congress did.

Red Queen (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 7:33 PM)

Bush looked horrific asking for this war funding. It's complicated he said. That lying, murdering, kurd oil privatizing maggot said it's complicated. Since the privatization, the Brits had to leave first, the oil deal was signed, the Shia and Sunni walked out of the Parliament, no one really knows what the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions is doing because we can't get the news, the Kurdish Rebels are killing Turks who have invaded Kurdville to get their share of the oil revenue Hunt Oil is now developing and has set this chaos in further panic. The US is NOT killing the Kurdish Rebels because they are protecting the oil rigs Ray Bubba Hunt be fetchin up for Jesus and banking TAX FREE in the Caymans from the Big Oil boat Blood for Oil. Stay tuned, it's going to heat up so pay up America and buckle up. Happy hunting hunter-gaterhers!!

doomed (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 8:33 PM)

Dear KEITH OLBERMANN
Thank you for not including the obnoxiously snarky and conspicously arrogant Dana Milbank on your show tonight (10/22/07).
Sicerely,George Green

george e green, New York, NY 10024 (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 8:50 PM)



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