Today, we will learn the fate of Keith Olbermann. As rumors fly about his future career, New York Times may have the scoop... He may be going to Current TV.
Here's a piece from their article:
Neither Mr. Olbermann, his representatives, or executives from Current TV would comment on the move, but they did not deny that the channel, which counts former Vice President Al Gore as one of its founders, will become at least one partner in Mr. Olbermann’s future media plans.
One of the people with knowledge of the plans said Mr. Olbermann would have an equity stake in Current TV. The people insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized by their employers to comment in advance of the official announcement.
Also, NYT said that he could be joining the network to boost their ratings. Who knows really, but later today, the truth will be revealed.
Days after Obama's Tax Cuts Framework was released, folks had a field day declaring their anger towards him.
Now as the dust settled, more folks are understanding it. In fact, according to a Gallup poll, 66% of American people agree with the 2 major parts of tax plan
Two major elements included in the tax agreement reached Monday between President Barack Obama and Republican leaders in Congress meet with broad public support. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) favor extending the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for all Americans for two years, and an identical number support extending unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed.
According to Gallup polling conducted Dec. 3-6, the slight majority of Democrats, as well as most independents and Republicans, would vote for a two-year extension of the tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003.
This differs slightly from a November Gallup poll giving Americans three options for extending the Bush tax cuts. That poll found 40% in favor of extending the tax cuts for all Americans, 44% in favor of extending them with limits on tax breaks for the wealthy, and 13% in favor of letting the tax breaks expire altogether. Nevertheless, the results of the new question suggest that, while the compromise position on taxes may not be their ideal, most Americans would support congressional passage of it.
In terms of extending unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, more rank-and-file Republicans say they would vote against this than for it; however, the vast majority of independents and Democrats are in favor.
This is some interesting info, because the way Keith Olbermann and others spouted out on Monday, you would think everybody hated this. Well, I think we were hearing 1st reactions, but to the millions who are unemployed, this was very helpful. Plus, there could be more changes that should help more people. So let's see how this goes, it seems to be changing everyday.
I love Keith Olbermann. Keith Olbermann has been instrumental in the Progressive cause and he has gone where many Liberals have been fearful of going. His criticism of the President on the tax cut deal was simply wrong and his tonality much too harsh. I blame the President for extremely poor messaging. I blame Keith Olbermann for being a purist to the detriment of the country.
Stating that the President gave away the house simply for 13 months of unemployment is patently false. As Ezra Klein stated 130 of the 900 billion went to the middle class via Progressive policies like reduction in the FICA taxes every middle class person pays, 13 months of unemployment compensation, tax credits for small businesses, tuition credits, and much more. While it is true that the portion going to the wealthy may be considered is a transfer of wealth to the rich, what should be more disconcerting is that we did this entire bill with borrowed money. It is naïve to believe that Republicans care about what the middle class believe. On January 1st Republican would have been willing to let the middle class suffer and starve until the rich were compensated.
If we want successful and more pure policies, we should stop maiming each other in the Progressive movement and work to convince a larger base of Americans that supply side (trickle down) economics does not and never worked. Because of the construct of our Senate, Republicans will never need a majority to protect the rich. That is a bet they will always win unless we educate the masses in the long term, while in the short term we govern like adults.
We must keep the pressure on the President but we must also be realistic. While most of us activists in the Progressive movement have jobs, we must remember that while we fight some of those we are fighting for will be hurt irreparably if we do not fight intelligently. I am positive that is what President Barack Obama is attempting to do.
I see both sides. Keith had some good points, but he seemed naive about how compromises work. When you look at the bigger picture, we are saving many millions from losing their UE benefits. Now, we many be upset, but the folks who are receiving the benefits are happy about this.
To be real, no one truly came out on top. This was a Pyrrhic victory, a victory that has its good and bad sides. At this point, we can't harp on this forever. We have to see how this plays out.
