The insanity of Olberman's suspension

Keith Olberman has been suspended from anchoring his op/ed show "Countdown." After network President Phil Griffin "became aware" that Olberman had donated money to Democrat candidates this election cycle, and "[m]indful of NBC News policy and standards," Griffin "suspended [Olberman] indefinitely without pay."

At first blush, this is all to the good: Olberman is vile, a poison to public discourse, and so there's a certain satisfaction seeing him get slapped. Alas, on closer inspection, it's Griffin who's the jerk in this story. Just what are those policies and standards that Olberman violated? "Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions."

Is this a joke? How could anything jeopardize the "standing as an impartial journalist" of Keith Olberman, who is one of the most viciously partisan hacks ever to defile a television studio? Olberman is paid to be partial, and now he's being suspended for endangering an impartial reputation that he's never had? You might as well fire Elmo for being red.

Bill Kristol sums it up: "First, he donated money to candidates he liked. He didn’t take money, or favors, in a way that influenced his reporting. Second, he’s not a reporter. It’s an opinion show. If Olbermann wants to put his money where his mouth is, more power to him." For Griffin's story to stick, you'd have to believe that he has no idea what kind of show "Countdown" is, despite being President of the network on which it airs.

Phil: Unsuspend Keith, and fire him for the right reasons (viz. being a talentless, uncouth jackass).