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



Countdown Wednesday: Socal is Burning

Posted: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under:

In The Line of Fire:  It is an awful calculus. The words of one resident of San Diego: "If your house did not burn down, it just means someone else's... did."  Our fifth story on the Countdown: The Southern California wildfires... raging for a fourth straight night... the destruction far from its end. State authorities and the F-B-I investigating arson as the cause of at least one of the fires. Calls for an investigation, no doubt imminent, with the re-discovery of two reports which warned last Spring the Bush administration was not adequately prepared to battle the inferno... or. in the carefully-crafted lingo of the White House... even to support those who would be battling the flames. We begin with the latest details on the conflagration.

The Terror Card:  The President actually asks which terrorist attack we think he shouldn't have stopped. And you wonder why we call his party the Terror-Publicans? Fox turns a four-year old rumor into evidence Al-Qaeda might have started the California wildfires...

ODDBALL: Shooting a moon, and horse that's a poodle.

Rudy Switch Hits:  If you're running for President of the United States, it can't be a good sign when your hometown newspaper calls you a traitor. But former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is being called that and more... now that he says he'll root for the New York Yankees' arch-enemies -- the Boston Red Sox -- when they go against the Colorado Rockies as the World Series starts tonight. And although there is baseball tradition to back him up... as a politician, he may yet want to rescind his announcement.  Just as former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney might want to take back a different kind of embarrassing remark. Romney twice saying "Barack Obama" when he apparently meant to say Osama bin Laden.

Juiced:  For O-J Simpson the athlete and performer it was always about increasing his statistics... More yards gained... More commercials made. Now -- in our number two story on the Countdown, Keeping Tabs -- he's still breaking his own records. As of tonight he's up to eleven separate felony counts in Las Vegas.

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD: Michelle Malkin, Glenn Beck, and Rick Santorum vie for tonight's top honor.

The Day in Pictures:  So many people evacuated that the number is actually unknown. Could be a million... could be half that. A billion dollars worth of damage in one county alone..And 18 fires still burning - one of them expected to burn until November we end the Countdown where we began, with the devastation in Southern California. Fires that raged uncontrollably until the Santa Ana winds started to die down a little bit today.

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Comments

#5 -- If Mr. Bush wants to show his concern, let him pick up a fire hose … or better yet, let him grab a pick ax and clear some brush.  Finally, something he can do that will use his intellectual talents appropriately.   And if #4 was true, then he could be fulfilling his fantasies of fighting terrorism with his bare hands.

Anomaly (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:02 PM)

#4 -- Hey Countdown – al Qaeda doesn’t cause night to fall.  That’s MY boss.  And I'm not talking about Cheney, either.

The Witch King of Angmar (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:03 PM)

#4 – Fibbin’ (Fair and Balanced Noise) – Well, okay, I’ll buy it.  Because, if al Qaeda set the California fires, then it looks like we’ve been fighting the wrong war all along, doesn’t it?  That doesn’t surprise me.  And if that’s true, then how do you explain the FBI ignoring the warning memo for 4 years?  Be careful what you wish for, Fibbinators.

By the way, did you see Mr. Bush’s eyes shift when he said “lawful techniques”?  Lawful only because he says they’re lawful.  

Anomaly (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:06 PM)

#3 – Rudy as Red Sox fan?  Why should New York – or anyone else -- be surprised if he turns out to be a crossdressing – I mean, turncoat – baseball fan?  

Anomaly (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:07 PM)

WPitW –

Glenn Beck – I told you he thought it was funny.  Ha. Ha. Ha.

Michelle Malkin -- Smellier than stinky tofu?  Ms. Malkin’s been hanging around Limberger too much.  It’s starting to rub off.  Did I say starting?  But wait.  She’s married? To a human being?  Is that even possible?

Anomaly (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:09 PM)

In this month of ghosts, goblins, vampires, and such, when Dana Perino looks in a mirror, does she see a reflection? I mean...seriously...does she??!! What she said about "prioritizing" was pretty stinkin' revolting. And, Lt. Gov. Garamendi, don't look for that reimbursement from the feds anytime soon.

I believe I've thought of the perfect song to symbolize the "relationship" between FAUX News and the Republicans - the Barbara Mandrell classic "If Lovin' You is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right." What say you all?

Back for more later...

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:11 PM)

#1 – Good to see Countdown up and out of the chair.  Do more of that.  And for some reason, that new set makes Countdown’s eyes look bluer.  Who knew?  Very intellectually stimulating.  Who needs Clive, George, or Ewan, anyway?

Very moving images and a great way to close the show.  What a great series of shows to inaugurate your new digs.  Keep it up.

Anomaly (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:14 PM)

Best Person -- Cat shaving?  Be still, my heart.  But how dumb is the guy who tried to cut the power cord on the clippers?  

That could have been an adventure in Wonderland all by itself.  

Red Queen (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:16 PM)

Larry CHarleston, SC (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 12:12 PM)

Hello Larry, it’s Rana again.  I guess you didn’t hear me very well the first time I wrote to you several months ago.  

Speaking of failures, every particle that permeates your body is a failure Larry.  You are a pompous, unenlightened, ignorant person.  Your ill-bred and bigoted yapper is one of the leading  reasons so many around the world view Americans as arrogant.  

Also Larry, if you were to come within speaking distance of a Jordanian, I am certain you would run faster than Marion Jones on steroids.

You may feel it safe to say the things you do about Jordanians here Larry, which is why you do it. You would not be so brave as to say it to my face or any other person whose origin is in part, or in full, Jordanian.

Being the ignoramus you are, I'll state what I did months ago to you Larry.  You know nothing of Jordan, you know nothing period.  I also hope your computer explodes one day so I never have to read your sewage again. And speaking of sewage, why don’t you take a dive into the closest septic tank.

(I’m sorry Mom, I can’t allow him to insult Jordanians. He may not be worth my time, but defending my heritage is)


Rana, Purchase, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:22 PM)

The Canadian mooners reminded me of one of my favorite ditties from silly song man, Heywood Banks: "Press your buns against the window, and I'll know you are home..."

THE JUICE IS GETTIN' SQUEEZED! [insert groans and rim-shot here]

As far as WPITW, it sounds like Michelle has been hanging around Larry's Chinese dishwasher! And, I thought the bi-weekly Santorum joke was going to lead to a Senator Craig joke, but where Keith took it was good, too.

Final thoughts soon...

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:26 PM)

Yikes!  I just left a comment on yesterday's thread.  Great show.  I particularly loved the appearance of Rick "Man-on-Dog" Santorum on WPITW.  

There was a story in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about political prosecutions in the Attorney General's office;  3 prominent Pittsburgh Democrats have been investigated or indicted by Santorum protege, US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanon. Yesterday, former AG Richard Thornburg essentially accused her of politicizing prosecutions because she hasn't investigated ANY Republicans, including Santorum, who had to give back over $60,000 in money from a local school district for falsely claiming that his kids live in that district, thus requiring the district to pay his kids cyber school bills.  

The attack on the Democratic party in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh metro region) is an attempt to break Democratic one-party rule in the city.  That might actually be good for Pittsburgh, if the Republican party would clean up its act and agenda nationally, because one-party rule here by Dems isn't good either. An enterprising reporter might find a pattern within a pattern:  not only a pattern of investigating and prosecuting Dems, but a pattern of investigating and prosecuting Dems in areas where they need to build the party to compete in big states.  


Linda, Pittsburgh (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:29 PM)

RU shur those ar my diareas?. i diDNT no U coud do tht w emales  

& leve o Jae aloNNE

TearsForSpears.org (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:56 PM)

I thought the final story about the horrific fires in southern California was beautifully produced and presented. There can be no more powerful testament to not only the horror but to the bravery, compassion, and the spirit of those most directly affected by the fires and to those who are putting their lives at risk reporting on and fighting the fires than simply using the pictures and the words of the people involved. I hope lives and property can be restored and rebuilt as soon as possible and that peace can come to families who've lost loved ones.

On that note, I bid you all a good evening.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:58 PM)

Dear Mr. Olbermann, News Hole Moderator & Countdown Producers:

I have posted a comment twice today to a blogger who has repeatedly attacked my heritage.  It has not been posted.  I believe when someone attacks people based on their Arab origin, or based on any origin, you must give me, or others attacked the right to respond.

Thank you for this forum, please allow my response/comment to be placed on this blog.

Rana, Purchase, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 10:00 PM)

Keith,,, your new digs are great,,,and that nifty hair cut makes the back of your head look like a cuddly teddy bear,,,but would rather see your face than have your turn around to look 'at the weather'...and your director is cutting off the last minute of your show when it airs the second time... so your toss the waded paper TM is being cut... I WANT IT BACK. You have beautiful hands! SO THERE....

J Kristen (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 10:02 PM)

Recently, the White House, anxious to find an excuse to get out of Iraq and move on to Iran, declared victory over al Qaeda in Iraq.  Reviewing the transcript of Mr. Bush’s October 17 press conference, I found this victory declaration:

“Yeah, we've hurt them bad in Iraq.  We've hurt them bad elsewhere. If you're the number three person in al Qaeda, you've had some rough goes -- you've either been captured or killed.  And we're keeping the pressure on them, all the time.”

But victory evidently did not mean the end of fearmongering.  In the same paragraph of the transcript, I found the following:

“Al Qaeda is still dangerous. They're dangerous in Iraq, they're dangerous elsewhere. Al Qaeda is not going to go away anytime soon. That's why it's important for us to be finding out what their intentions are, and what are their plans, so we can respond to them….  And they still want to do us harm … and they're still active.”

Now I have just one question -- Does Mr. Bush know what he’s talking about?  Or does he know what he’s talking about?  And just in case you think that’s two different questions, I refer you to my old friend the Duchess:

“Ah, well!  It means much the same thing,” said the Duchess, digging her sharp little chin into Alice’s shoulder as she added, “and the moral of THAT is – ‘Take care of the sense, and the sounds will take care of themselves.’”

Red Queen (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 10:05 PM)

Thank you, Lt. Governor, John Garamendi!  Your address to President Bush made us proud in Northern California!

Carol Conners, Loleta, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 10:08 PM)

#1. Cavemen figured out how to make fire and considered it a 'Miracle Over Nature' when they did. We send men to the Moon but can't figure out how to stop Nature from getting even. #2. Maybe if he came out of retirment to play for the Dolphins? #3. Wait till Rudy goes to Colorado. Mitt could say "New York Red Sox", that would at least make the Northeast forget his current gaffes. #4. How about the 'Florida Attack' that got him "Elected"? #5. Blame the Clintons, Dubya, Blame the Clintons.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 10:55 PM)

I guess my constant referral to Jacobins, and Marat, inspired Olbermann. But one thing he neglected in his analogy.

Jacobins were violent socialist atheist who outlawed religion of any kind, but that of the State. Outlawed private property, and mandated a ten day work week with new names for the day of the week, with the hope that the common man wouldn't keep track of when the sabbath was.

By law, everyone had to refer to everyone as "Citizen", no Mr., Miss., nor Mrs. as everyone was an "equal" with some Citizens being more equal then others. And all forms of morality were done away with, as they were all based on "outdated superstitions" with a new Morality was to be based on "Scientific Understanding".

The rule of the Jacobins came to an end after Robespierre had sent all of his allies to the guillotine, and claimed that he meant to send even more of the ruling Citizens under the blade.

Robespierre was thus arrested, and executed with the last of his supporters.

Now who in today's American Politics are Anti-Religion, Pro-Scocalist, want nothing to do with "Outdated Morality", and are violently so? They would be the Modern Jacobins.

David Molinero (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 11:09 PM)

Thank you for a full hour's worth of Countdown.  Another twit free evening.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 11:36 PM)

I am extremely upset that the news media keep comparing the relief efforts for the wildfires to that of hurricane Katrina.  They're two different beasts, and to assert otherwise, is insulting and    deminishes the heartfelt charity of thousands of volunteers.  On more that one occassion, statements have been made to the effect of "Wow! Things are so much better organized in San Diego than they were at the Houston Astrodome."  No one came right out and said "Those idiots in Texas didn't know what they were doing", but might as well have.  To even compare the two disasters is totally irresponible and shows nothing but bad judgement.  To imply that the help provided to Katrina suvivors was somehow inferior is completely disrespectful to all that is good in human service and sacrifice.  Perhaps the reporters in California should ponder this:  be thankful that thousands of lives haven't been lost in the fires;  be happy that the majority of families are still together and not separated, left to wonder if a loved one is dead or alive; be glad that no one is being shipped to the far reaches of the country, living in unfamiliar places, not knowing what the next day may bring; and finally, consider that all human suffering is basically tha same to those who experience it.  

Scott West, Galveston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 11:40 PM)

News Hole, after the horrible moderating on the blog today, why don't you make up for it with an update tonight. New bloggers are even complaining, one who commented on the poor moderation just blogged today for the first time and noticed it.

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 12:09 AM)

I don't want to hate anyone... so help me, I am getting very close, though...

The skies above me are pitch black.  I live up in the hills not too far from the Arrowhead fires - and, it is freaky!!

This administration and all the 'cohorts' need to be put on the "firelines" - then, let them say CA's National Guard and their equipment is busy in Iraq!!
@#$%^&*(O)_+ #%&*()&*()_+$#%&*()_

Do ya think my position is clear enough?

Because I try to maintain some sense of silly humor in the midst of real concern and anger, even fear, I walked outside earlier this evening, and said to my neighbors - "The sky is falling."  The skies are so darkened by smoke, up here, it actually looks like the ceiling is coming down!
Now, that is freaky.

KO reports that much of the land burned, is actually Federal land.  Do you suppose they really care?

I cry as I think of all those innocents being killed, or harmed, by the blazes!  And, what of the poor "critters" who used to have a home, as well?

The p.Resident has no fawking shame!!!  go have a 'shot of tequila' or, beer, or whatever you drink... it'll surely all go away, then.

Ro Meistre, So. CA (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 12:36 AM)

The only good thing about the current state of moderation on this blog is that I get a chance to read all of the posts I missed yesterday.  Here is one that didn't get enough attention, from Nighthawk, New Jersey:

5 - The first responders are incredible heroes, but before the fires fade into the rush of the next big story, responsible media should giving more air time to the folks that are talking about the problems that come from failure to implement well known fire defenses and new building codes that can reduce the impact of wildfires and the risk to the fire fighters.  And for all those Katrina buffs, wildfires are localized disasters within functioning communities - communication, transportation, power, water and shelter are still working nearby, and in this case, most of the victims are neither poor nor minority.                  

Nigthhawk makes a great point here that runs all the way back to the beginning of an administration that has made a political tool out of incompetence.  One of the best books on the 9/11 attack is "102 Minutes," by two NY Times reporters, Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn.  The book's project is to examine the 102 minutes between the first jet hitting the WTC and that building falling (after the collapse of its twin).  The story of events inside the towers necessarily takes us into questions of building design and building codes. The codes were actually changed after the Towers were begun, but builders were permitted to use the new code.  

Now, this makes a difference on 9/11 because the WTC towers did not have a interior masonry fire tower or stair cases that were widely spaced (as the Empire State Building does).  Has anyone heard ANY discussion of building codes, post 9/11?  

Then consider Katrina.  Didn't everyone in this country think that Katrina would spur not only the construction of CAT 5 levees but also enactment of the coastal restoration proposals (Coastal 2050, for example) to allow the coast to provide a natural defense against hurricanes?  

Linda, Pittsburgh (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 12:43 AM)

Wow! What a 'show' tonight, KO!!!
I didn't even mind the stupidity of Britany Spears, and OJ ... verrry intrestingk!

The 'gotcha' moment about Michele Malkin was great! Do you suppose she even realizes her own position with the repukikans?  Anti-anti-anti... most everything, specifically asian and filipino.

RE: The "fires" - Thanks Keith.  At least someone out there gives a shhhhhhaT!

Ro Meistre, So. CA (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 12:58 AM)

Awesome show as expected.  You are our modern day Edward Murrow.

Chris Polk, Franklin, Tennessee (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 1:14 AM)

UPDATE BLOG. PRISON SOON.

OJ (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 1:16 AM)

Anomaly. A note about yesterdays GOP Tautological Trauma with 'Gay Homosexuals'. It is apparent that they (along with Eric Cartman) are suffing from a Boolean Unsatisfiablity Problem, which can only logically infer that from now on, all of them will have (what the Scientologists call an "Engram") hot flashes, whenever they are within seven to fifteen miles (depending on altitudes)of an Airport Restroom. This will not apply to the "Log Cabin" variety of Republican, though some might suffer from a Boolean Satifiability Problem, which has nothing to do with altitudes, or Logic for that matter, but rather, timing.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 1:24 AM)

Dear Mr. Olbermann,

My husband and I have made watching your show a habit and enjoy your wit and
wisdom.  We e-mailed Rachel Maddow at Air America with the following request and
would like you to consider passing along our suggestion for a "SOS for the USA"
campaign.  It's very simple and an idea we got from the Republicans who
criticized Obama and called him not patriotic because he did not wear a little
flag pin

Yes, we all should wear the flag pin to represent the many abuses too numerous
to count  done to this country, our Constitution, our people, and the world by
the Bush Administration and the right-wing wacko Republicans.  However, the flag
pin should be worn upside down; a universal symbol of distress and a nation in
crisis.  

Please use your influence to start the ball rolling for this "SOS for the USA"
campaign by being the first TV celebrity to wear the upside down flag.  We need
you to spread the word far and wide by asking others to join in the campaign
till the last of the Bushies are out of office and our land is no longer held
captive by the corrupt and the greedy.  

Thank you,
Riki and Steve Renfro

Riki Renfro, Vail, AZ (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:18 AM)

Good morning everybody..hope today is a better day, and better news coming about the fire situation.

#5..Santiago Canyon fire started in 3 different points of origin. That is certain, according to the FBI doing the investigation. There is a $70,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of individual or individuals responsible. I am puzzed though about the 5 people dead reported on Countdown. I believe it is only 1, the others may have been reported as connected with the fire because a vehicle crash occured in the fire area. FBI profile of arsonist: male..having a dominant mother..no father figure. Anger at society, sexually challenged. They get off setting fires and like watching what they did.

#4..Terror-publicans! Excellent! and you've given me the only reason that counts for not continuing to watch Fox and Friends.



Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:21 AM)

Why did Keith (and the on-screen graphic) call Michelle Malkin "Molkin"? Is that a typo that made its way onto the teleprompter and out of Keith's mouth, or is it a joke I'm missing?

db, Anderson, SC (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:25 AM)

Page 2..

Dana Perino continues to get on my nerves..she sucks!

#3..Ted Kennedy's slip of the tongue regarding Barack Obama I'll chalk up to his having a "senior moment", but what was Romney's excuse?

WPitW..I thought Michelle Malkin was history. Get her and Coultergeist a muzzle. That's what they do to dogs that won't behave.

Thank you Countdown for returning the old graphics for WPitW. Much better!

and to all my fellow Californians, good luck wherever you are. I hope one day soon this nightmare will be over.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:29 AM)

Mary Wednesday 5:19 PM..I don't think there is a specific fund earmarked for health problems that may arise as a result of victims exposure in the fire areas..however, go to this website  

http://ktla.trb.com/news/?track=nav

this is one of the oldest stations in town and they have information regarding contributions. Click "news" in the upper left corner. Then on the right of the screen under "Fire Relief 2007" click and it will take you to the contribution site. There is a phone number. You might call and ask if there is a fund as you mentioned. Check out this wonderful website. This station has been in existence for 60 years. This is the one Keith used to work for as a sportscaster..way back in the good old days.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:59 AM)

Huffington Post Thursday..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/the-lies-of-john-mccain-a_b_69651.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-harris/white-house-pretends-that_b_69757.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gov-bill-richardson/where-is-the-national-gua_b_69735.html

Happy Reading!



Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 4:37 AM)

Bill-O 's  rant about ignoring medals by the press
is a joke . Our Beloved country that says they supports troops & give's out 1 stinkin medal?  1 ?  Bill-O
Should be givin a medal for the worst person in Fixed
News.

scott

Screamin Scott Randall (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 5:11 AM)

Hi Keith ,I wanted to take just a moment and   honestly thank you from the bottom of my heart for your nightly expression of love of country and reverence for our beloved Constitution . More than ever, America needs you and folks such as yourself that have a soapbox big enough to be noticed, armed with  intelligences and a rich vocabulary that most of us regular folks just don't poses. Thank you for choosing to use your gift for such a noble purpose .Please continue to wield  truth like mallet's on a bass drum sounding off to rally America in preparation for war at the ballet box to save our Constitution from the criminals that occupy the Whitehorse and cowards in Congress that cling to apathy as if it were a virtue . We have the ability to exile them all.  Then maybe America can began to respect herself once again.   God Bless

Alan McKinney New Orleans La. (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 7:01 AM)

Hi. Off topic from last night, but this issue could get the 'ol blood boiling for some of us. Check out this story about GWB's Cuba speech. I especially had good chuckles over the irony of his "tropical gulag" and "giving oxygen to a criminal regime" comments:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/25/bush.cuba/index.html

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 7:44 AM)

Get off it Olbermann. All levels of government ... local, state and federal are working well and in unison to battle the wildfires in southern California and help those who are, unfortunately, displaced and in need of shelter, healthcare, etc.
This is the anti-Katrina. Don't even try to politicize the situation.

Full Moon (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 7:57 AM)

You should have Dana in the studio more often.  You two were out of control!!!!  What a riot! You two had me in stiches.  So much so, I had to rewind the DVR and watch it again!!!

Thanks for the laugh.  I needed it.

Gigi, Hudson, MA (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 8:29 AM)

Rudy and Romney - Let's see... two huge, "flip-floppers."  This is the term that the republicans pounded John Kerry with when he was running yet these two guys have done so much flipping and flopping they look like 2 trout out of water (and their campaigns smell about as bad too).  I'm also so tired of hearing Rudy talk about the fact that he "ran a large city" so that makes him the most qualified candidate to become President.  Sorry Rudy, old boy, but we have a current President who was governor of the 2nd largest state and look how well he has done running the country.   Instead of relying on their so-called "experience" let's look at their integrity, honesty, and intelligence and if those are the qualifications, Rudy is at the bottom of the list of qualified candidates.  

Fed up in Washington State (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 9:07 AM)

From everything I've read, Schwarzenegger has performed admirably, and shown true leadership in his state's crisis.  Our president could learn a lesson from this.  My prayers go out to all those affected by the fires.

Lisa, Fort Worth TX (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 9:10 AM)

Keith - Three days and a full hour of news, with no Musto's or tabloid treats - YEAH! I do hope you've turned the corner & decided that the new set deserves the best -
You make me proud, Buddy!
Thanx!

Laura, St. Louis, Mo (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 9:47 AM)

Leave it to a liberal like you Keith to try and politicize a natural disaster like a fire. It won't work with this fire, because can see all the good things that are being done. I know you won't give up, though. Nice try. You'll have to wait for more bad news. Your problem with this disaster was you guys couldn't rely on an incompetent mayor and governor to push your agenda.

SSgt Chuck Walker, Fort George G. Meade, MD (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 9:52 AM)

I would cry "update" but you have yet to "date."

j Doe, Seattle WA (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 10:14 AM)

Great show!

1) Thanks for going back to the Worst Person photo effect.  The Polaroid photo look just enhances the badness of these folks (especially the Malkin and O'Reilly photos).
2) The end segment where they just showed images from the wildfires was especially powerful.  This was much better than the usual final segment and should be a continuing feature.
3)  "The quick check on the weather" was funny.  Keith appears to be getting more comfortable with the new set.

Bill, Louisville, KY (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 10:16 AM)

I will be voting for whoever gets the democratic nomination because this country cannot take four more years of religious authoritarians, neo-con chicken hawks, reckless spending, run-away debt, belligerence, intolerance and incivility. We cannot afford to be lied into another elective invasion and the judicial system cannot and should not be moved any further to the right. And finally, the possibility of a theocracy should the Republican party win, scares me to death. In the real world, we cannot afford politicians who insist that religion trumps science, but I agree that morals and ethics should influence everyone.  

There are 453 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 438 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009
There are 376 days until election day -- 11/4/2008

THE PRIMARIES HAVEN'T BEEN HELD YET FOLKS -- Evaluate ALL the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 10:28 AM)

Check this out!! Could this be the beginnings of a Democratic spine? Or, maybe, they're just starting to learn the "dirty tricks" of the counterparts across the aisle? Who knows, but I think this is hilarious!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/25/schip.vote/index.html

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 11:15 AM)

Please don't use us in the political war with the Bush administration. I like your show and am glad you aren't afraid to speak out, but in this case, you don't really  know what you are talking about. Our local and state government have done a superb job in fighting the San Diego fires and taking care of it's citizens. The feds really don't make a big difference here. More troops and equipment wouldn't have changed anything. Instead of being critical, let's give local government and it's citizens credit for a disaster handled well.

Vicky Boss, Oceanside, CA (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 11:46 AM)

Unnamed sources claim that the Investigators on the scene have found Osama Bin Ladin's expired South Yemen Drivers License, in a Ravine near Phil Spector's house.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 11:57 AM)

1) The framers of the Constitution were mostly clergymen.

2) Too bad about Blanco (LA). She should have done her job.

3) If Blanco would've changed her name to Nagin,  she'd still have a job. Unbelievably.

4) George Carlin lives in a dream. Get a credible guest.

5) Bob Dylan song quoted on TV about the CA wildfires. "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows." (Subterranean Homesick Blues)

Full Moon (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 11:58 AM)



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