Liberal lesbian Rachel Maddow — introduced here with her two most important traits — just went and scored herself her own MSNBC show, which was some time in the making. Officially, NBC says Rachel's debut on Sept. 8, or 09/08/08, is the "final leg of the political race this year."
Unofficially, though? On 09/08/08, a one Keith Olbermann will mark his nearly complete takeover of the network. Yes, Olbermann might as well hold Phil Griffin's title as MSNBC chief, since, according to knowledgeable sources and all outside appearances, he's making the calls.
Yesterday afternoon, it was Olbermann who made the official announcement about Maddow. Bizarre? Yes. Especially since he called it a "fully authorized leak" in his DailyKos posting. You'd be right in thinking these announcements usually break by a spokesman, in a newspaper's business section perhaps, and not on a liberal blog that talent writes for.
But it makes sense, given Olbermann's continued lobbying for Maddow. When he jokes, "She wanted to [call the show] Countdown With Keith Olbermann," he's barely humoring himself. And in his blog post, he all but takes credit for her getting her own hour.
Worth noting, too: Olbermann and Maddow share agents. He introduced her to his.
Incidentally, this also means Olbermann is taking credit for ousting Dan Abrams from his 9pm hour. It's no secret Olbermann hates Abrams, and vice versa. When Abrams was general manager of MSNBC, before returning to his primetime show, the two barely spoke, and Olbermann was confident enough in his chair to privately and, in barely blind form in public, bash Abrams.
When Maddow's show begins airing at 9pm, you're also going to see another tangible change at the network: With Olbermann repeating at 10pm, the entire 8pm-11pm programming block will be Olbermann-derived. What's more, he's been actively lobbying to have his own show repeat from 11pm-midnight, booting Jeff Zucker's "Doc Block" initiative. If it happens, Olbermann will effectively run 4 hours of the network's evening.
And if you're still not certain Olbermann sees Maddow as more than just an ally, but a means of controlling the network, just look to last night's show, where he had Maddow fess up that he was responsible for her getting a show. And Olbermann half-joked he would stay on the air until 9:02pm to help Maddow's ratings with his own stretched lead-in. Don't be surprised when this actually happens. And also? Don't be surprised when Olbermann begins lobbying for control over the 7pm hour, currently helmed by Chris Matthews, so he can fix up his own ratings lead-in. (He's made no secret that he's not happy with Matthew's performance in that department.)
The critics will be quick to point out that Maddow's addition to the network is just more evidence that MSNBC is veering to the left. And they'd be, ahem, right. (Maddow is also keeping her Air America radio show.)
Of course MSNBC is building its brand around its liberal politics, and Olbermann is the face of it. What's unnerving, though, is MSNBC's continued denial of this strategy. Instead, they're applying Fox News' open joke — that despite leaning conservative, they're still fair and balanced — to themselves. And whereas FNC seems to be in on the joke about its obvious bias, MSNBC isn't quite there yet.
The only question left to be answered, then, is what to make of Phil Griffin? Is he the lame duck many think he is, or the puppet master behind Olbermann's ascent? A straw poll suggests the former.
Editorial Director
Of course he runs the network. The question is what happens if the ratings begin to tank? Will he be the fall guy or will Griffin?
did joe scarborough write this? he hates rachel.
Will Rachel Maddow interview the same three people everynight and surround herself with "yes-men" (oops, sorry PC fanatics) yes-people.?Olbermann is such an intellectual coward it's amazing the entire network kisses his arse.
I used to like Keith O but he is no better then Hannity, O'Reily, or Beck. The only difference is they play for different teams.
So, now it's official, turn the TV off from 8 - 11 every single night so as not to have to listen to the nonsensical ramblings of the blowhard Olbermann or his dyke syncophant Maddow.
More time to read. Yeah!
The fact that every time Ms. Maddow fills in for KO the ratings are even higher than his being irrelevant!!!
Paul is obviously a big fan of Faux News where you're brainwashed on how to think. Dr. Maddow (yes, she has a doctorate) explains her positions clearly and intelligently, not screaming like a lunatic. As usual, the right-wingers always refer to name calling because there's no other way (in this case) to dispute Ms. Maddow's intelligence, insightfulness and clarity. Whatever the case with KO, whose show I also enjoy…way to go Rachel!
Why the hell is MSNBC giving a show to a woman who is incapable of not speaking out the side of her mouth?
I bet though that Maddow's show will actually have people on who she'll debate with instead of Olbermann and his hour of ass kissers.
Hey, No. 5 Paul: I believe you were trying to call Rachel Maddow a "dyke sycophant." If you're going to use big words, be sure you know how to spell them first. It's already clear that you're a homophobic asshole; why also advertise the fact that you're only semi-literate?
Her ratings will surpass Olbermann's in short order. Bet on it - then watch him try to destroy her.
I will not watch Rachel Maddow. She is irritating to listen to. I will miss Verdict and Dan Abrams.
CF:
When you say, "Faux News where you're brainwashed on how to think", what do you mean by that? By brainwashed, do you mean, Fox News is a place with biased views toward one party? If so, you need to open your eyes that MSNBC is no different…just to a different party.
Keeping Dan Abrams was MSNBC's last hope of any balance in viewpoints, during primetime at least.
I enjoy Olbermann, and I'll give Maddow a shot, but I'm not expecting to stick with her show.
What happens if the ratings dip? Does Olbermann get the blame?
Are you serious? MSNBC has no ratings…in any day part. The so-called "liberal niche strategy" has proven a stone-cold loser. There just aren't enough liberals who watch TV to provide any sizeable audience…apparently anywhere in the mainstream media anymore.
Let's see Keith's aunt and uncle, Matthews' wife and eight other relatives and, apparently, this new celeb's immediate family. That's it…oh, and they'll be losing Dan Abram's family as viewers so I guess it evens out.
Based on ratings, I can't figure out why MSNBC (and CNN for that matter) hasn't been turned into a parking lot or sold to a condominium developer.
Fox is killing this poor outfit and it's just because the market for liberal oriented issues TV is almost non-existent compared to the market of people successful enough, rich enough and savvy enough to want a more conservative orientation.
You think Murdoch didn't see that marketing reality going into the Fox News venture? He wins and GE loses…watch them, by the way, dump NBC sometime this coming year.
as a liberal i am scared that maddow will now have her own show
Someday, somehow, I hope O'Reilly drops by unannounced and (well use your imaginations).
Bullshyt. As i was watching the MSNBC analysis of the speech last night, i was thinking,"who is that guy sitting to the right of Chris Matthews." There is no way Rachel Maddow is a female. With that adams apple and her looks. Nice try MSNBC, but you are BUSTED!
good balance MSNBC, at least Fox news gives unbiased news, while they may have biased personalities but not biased anchors
Dear Rachel: Good luck. we have watched you grow on the Oberman Show, and wish you good success. I am a Ph.D in Psychology, and my hobby is politics. I am 70 years old, and if you have anything to say, I hope you will encourage Obama & team to leave her out of this, and let you and the others be the spokespersons. She lies, and they get away with it. They did this 8 years ago, and we must convince Obama, he needs to be even more specific and give reasons as to how, why and where he can help us with the economy. We must strike a balance and go after her, and she will hopefully make a huge gaff. I think the campaign is smart in going over her head. This is about serious matters, and I am 70 years old, but want our nation to beable to hold its head high, and be the leader again in the free world. If I can be of any help, my email is diphd@earthlink.net. I am a psychologist, and an author, and I find this disastrous that women would even think of following this kook. I am also a former debater. I am shagrinned that she even be considered with her education and background. I hope that the Obama & team will figure this out. They have run a stunning campaign, and seem to be honest and certainly not condescending. My telephone # is 818 790 1420. I was able to voice my opinions on a channel 4 show after she was elected. We can't have her, as she will infringe on all our rights as women, including keeping a baby thru incest or rape. Congrads on your landing this show, as you deserve it and are very in the know….Sincerely yours, Dr. Diane R. Isaacs, ph.d….Counseling Psychology…..
"Liberal lesbian Rachel Maddow…"
Geez, you're not close-minded, are you?
When someone starts a sentence with "It's no secret that…" it usually means "I'm pulling this out of my a$$."
Thanks for your contribution to society. Your parents must be proud.
I watched the Rachel Maddow Show last night and found her eyeshadow to be a little heavy. The darker color at the outer edge of her eyes made her eyes look bigger, but overall it was distracting. The eyeshadow basically disturbed me and caused me to re-focus away from Rachel's smirk-talking. I saw Keith Olbermann too, the only national "news" anchor who looks like this lunch-day from my high school cafeteria, I can't get over it, so anyway I did see Rachel and Keith talking but the eyeshadow, oy the eyeshadow - it thwarted me. Totally interfered with my viewing. Did they say anything new? I'm hoping the eyeshadow situation is corrected for tonight's show. That is all.
I hope they give Jon Stewart a show at MSNBC as well, because everyone knows irony is the best and most entertaining way to point out all of the misery this country has endured for the last 8 years under Republican control. Good luck to Keith & Rachel, you're doing a great service to this country!
Olbermann likes Maddow because Olbermann is gay too. What heterosexual man looks and acts like Keith Olbermann? Answer: No one. Olbermann is a flaming butt pirate! And Maddow looks like a tranny!
Rachel is wonderful. She is the most intelligent news source on TV and radio. Good job MSNBC.
Guess they got Rachel because her last job at the defunct Air America was such a hit.
Regardless how this election year ends, it is encouraging to see such diversity in politics and political commentary, surely evidence that our collective IQ is improving. My fear is that this progress may lag the critical break point of the US economy and our global standing.
Does Rachel Maddow have an Adams Apple?"?
Olbermanns a leftist douchebag, and Maddows a socialist hack…sounds like a perfect fit for an NBC product.
Dear Dr.Rachel Maddow,
I first watched you as a guest speaker, and I was very impressed on how knowledgeable you are. Congratulations on your new show! When I found out about your new show on MSNBC, I was very excited. I have watched your show religiously. You are outstanding and you bring the point home. You break it down, so it is easy to understand. Great Job! I hope to see much more of you.