Truth and Consequences: Special Comments on the Bush Administration's War on American Values

by Keith Olbermann

Short, sharp, and oftentimes shocking, Keith Olbermann’s “Special Comments” have made his nightly MSNBC program, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, must-see viewing–and the fastest-growing news show on cable TV. In these segments, Olbermann calls out the perpetrators of mismanagement, brutality, cronyism, and the appalling lack of accountability at the highest levels of the Bush administration. In so doing, Olbermann goes where most of the mainstream media fear to tread–and his rapidly expanding audience eagerly follows.

In Truth and Consequences, Olbermann collects the best of his Special Comments, presented here with additional observations and other new material. Whether taking to task the likes of Vice President Dick Cheney and (the thankfully former) Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who compare critics of the Iraq War to Nazi appeasers, or giving his impassioned perspective on why torture is un-American and what it really means to support our troops, or grilling timid lawmakers who fail to rein in presidential overreach and abuses of executive power, Olbermann’s devastatingly blunt (and at times wickedly funny) commentary cuts to the core of the duplicity and cynicism of a government that has lost the ability to distinguish between leading our great nation and ruling it.

Naturally, Keith Olbermann’s candor and razor-sharp polemic have earned him many detractors and enemies. His antagonists in the media, such as Bill O’Reilly, have mocked him and accused him of rank intolerance. Yes, Keith Olbermann is intolerant–of hypocrisy, demagoguery, fear-mongering, and especially the equation of dissent with treason. In Truth and Consequences, he fights to reclaim for himself and all Americans the dignity of speaking one’s mind and acting on one’s conscience.

Praise for Keith Olbermann
“A truth-telling, Bush-bashing accidental liberal hero.”
–New York

“The most honest man in news . . . Olbermann clearly relishes his feuds and doesn’t seem to worry much about sparking new ones.”
–Rolling Stone

“Part Jon Stewart (the funny), Dennis Miller (the erudite and biting sub-references), [and] H. L. Mencken (the skewering of power and stupidity in equal doses) as well as crusading journalist . . . Olbermann has emerged as a kind of force of nature.”
–San Francisco Chronicle

“Intelligent, well-read, forceful and incisive.”
–Rocky Mountain News


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Journalism, Government, Biography

192 pages, Hardcover

First published December 26, 2007

About the author

Keith Olbermann is an American news anchor, commentator, and radio sportscaster. He currently hosts Countdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC, an hour-long nightly newscast of five selected stories with commentary by Olbermann and guests. Starting with the 2007 NFL season, Olbermann also serves as co-host of NBC's Football Night in America with Bob Costas.

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that I practically, as far as pundits go, adore Keith. His insights are right-on, his anger is genuine, and his use of language goes above and beyond the norm. He's intelligent, belligerant, and he cares. About US, about the state of the nation, and about screaming when the emporer isn't wearing a goddamn thing.

That being said, I've seen many of these Special Comments on the television or on the YouTube; something is lost when you just read it. I would recommend this book to those who haven't HEARD him and his impassioned pleas for us to wake up and -- LOOK! -- THE EMPORER IS FUCKING NAKED!

His monologues aren't the same without the voice to back it up, but I still whole-heartedly recommend this book for those who haven't been Olbermannized.

Sample snippet:

[spoken to President Bush]
"We have a long and painful history of ignoring the prophecy attributed to Benjamin Franklin that 'those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.'
But even within this history we have not before codified the poisoning of habeas corpus, that wellspring of protection from which all essential liberties flow.
You, sir, have now befouled that spring.
You, sir, have now given us chaos and called it order.
You, sir, have now imposed subjugation and called it freedom.
For the most vital, the most urgent, the most inescapable of reasons.
And -- again, Mr. Bush -- all of them wrong."

I highly recommend reading this book, but I more highly recommend going to YouTube and looking at Mister Keith Olbermann in the flesh; his words bite more when you can HEAR him, as opposed to reading him.

Still, though; Mr. Olbermann is a force to be reckoned with. He fills me with much joy when I hear his voice. Check it out!

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So yes, it was strange reading these essays knowing they are from the mind who co-anchored the best years of Sportscenter (and hey, Dan Patrick gets a special thanks), but I had read and/or seen some of these on his show or online previous to this, so it wasn't such a huge shock. Olberman doesn't do his "Special Comments" on any kind of regular basis, just when something really ticks him off enough in politics that he feels compelled to. So spread out over a year, these can really get your ire going, and you could easily feel where he's coming from. In book form, back to back, they become somewhat repetitive. Well written and valid, but repetitive all the same. Imagining a lot of these being delivered on his newscast, you can definitely get a sense of Olberman trying to channel Edward R. Murrow (which he happily acknowledges - and whom even thanks in the end).

Also, Jason Bateman get a special thanks in the acknowledgements. I only mention this because I know others will find it interesting as well.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. Yes, I know the year is barely getting started. It is a simple book: a compilation of Mr. Olbermann's "Special Commentaries" from his show Countdown. Yet, they reveal a thoughtful man who is at times moving and is clearly passionate. They guy pulls no punches when it comes to making people in the administration accountable. The nice thing about the book, in addition to the commentaries, are the little introductions he adds, which place the commentaries in context and often reveal additional little stories or anecdotes as well. I read a reviewer here suggesting you should look these up on YouTube or a similar place just to hear him speak. I think that is good advice, but I also think people definitely need to read this book. I would wish people who are not just "the choir" would read it as well, maybe wake up. I cannot recommend it enough.

P.S. When did GoodReads add the day to the date read feature? I wish that would have been there sooner. Cool.

[Books Ring Mah Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keith,
I love you. Thank you for holding the president's feet to the fire... I apologize for the death threats you get from the sheeple too ignorant to see the many wrongdoings of the administration. I would give the audio version of this 5 stars or more, if read by you, as it would capture your passion, which I find delicious.

Jon Stewart,
I love you the most. Waiting for your call.
Still.

Readers of this review,
Go out and read this book! Some of the best of his "Special Comments" from his show are here, with added material on what set him off on a particular rant. For you George lovers, you will be pleased to see Olbermann does not just "pick" on the Republican Party. He takes plenty of jabs at the ineffectual government, particularly in the chapter "The Entire Government Has Failed Us on Iraq". Unfortunately, until more of our citizens "wake up" to the lies we are fed, and hold their elected representatives to a standard of honesty, decency, and a duty to protect our constitutional rights, we can only expect more of the same.

Yours,
Sarah-ski

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had seen a few Special Comments, but to be honest, Keith Olbermann was nowhere near my radar until the Special Comment in which he utterly schooled Bush and Cheney after the Libby pardon.

Reading this book made me oddly happy. Olbermann, while full of logic and anger, can be pretty amazingly snarky. You can hear his voice very clearly throughout the entire book.

I am sad he lost his ESPN mobile phone, because that thing sounded sweet.

[Gregory Eakins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is pretty much all of his TV show rants put into writing. There are really no surprises here if you have seen many of his rants on TV, and unfortunately, much of the emotion is lost in the writing.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had I actually read this back when it was published (2007), my interest would have been more focused. I don't mind going back and reading historical commentary, and I do like Keith Olbermann's writing and his perspective from his sports journalism career and his political insights. But in this instance, it's a case of been there, done that and got the t-shirt. (And that's my fault for waiting too long to read this, not Keith's.)

This is another in a series of books where conservatives and liberals pundits overwhelm you with their perspective. Too many views, too many perspectives, too many people that use their media access focus only on their world view without providing a balancing act that will solve our nation's problems. This book was written 12 years ago...the gap between liberal and conservative talking heads has become much worse.

Has anyone had the thought of writing a balanced book, providing commentary, contrast and solutions from both sides in an effort to negotiate a balance that both sides can adopt so the country can become better? Balanced reporting, free of biased commentary, that actually addresses solutions to our nation's problems and forces our politicians to collaborate?

Probably not in my lifetime, given the polarized politicians and the equally polarized press pundits.

[Christopher Heckman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up used, and a few administrations too late, so it's not relevant to today's news (although some of the things he suggests have eerily shown up in the Trump Administration). However, his writing is always entertaining.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

K.O. Power

First, I would like to point out that what you're getting in Truth and Consequences is basically the transcripts of Olbermann's Special Comments from his show, Countdown on MSNBC. The twenty-four Special Comments, from Sept. 2005 to Sept. 2007, constitute the bulk of the book. However, Olbermann opens each commentary with a brief introduction in which he provides some context and the impetus for creating the comment. For those of you who haven't had the privilege of experiencing a Keith Olbermann Special Comment, then this would be a 5 star rating. Nonetheless, as a Keith Olbermann fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought he articulated and bolstered his case very well, interjecting history and wit all while being critical.

The book is full of expertly placed jabs, if you will, which we've grown accustom to in the traditional K.O. style:

On the Bush attitude, "...depraved indifference to democracy..." (pg. 153)

In reference to the Bush Administration's total disregard of the evidence proving that there were no WMD in Irag or a al-Qaeda Iraq link, Keith channels George Orwell: "To enforce the lies of the present, it is necessary to erase the truths of the past." (pg. 39)

Referring to Bush and Cheney: "Which is the ventriloquist and which the dummy is irrelevant." (pg. 136)

Keith Olbermann truly has his fingers on the pulse of democratic America. He has provided a voice for many whose cries have either gone unheard or just blatantly ignored.

[Scot · Rating 4 out of 5]

You caught him getting worked up once on MSNBC and got hooked, or someone forwarded you a rant on YouTube and you were mesmerized, glad to see someone speaking out for those holding the perspective he delineates. This is simply the written text of his televised Special Comments he gave periodically on his TV program Countdown Sept. 2005 through Sept. 2007.

If you love this guy, you'll appreciate having the written text, which gives the opportunity to reflect on his effective rhetorical strategies as he points out George Bush's (and the right wing propaganda machine infrastructure's) hypocrisy and machinations.

Too bad right wingers won't read this book. Ann Coulter just spews venom--at least for our side, Olbermann continually makes a case for free speech for all, while calling for the use of facts as evidence in making decisions, for compassion for the downtrodden, and for the protection of civil liberties and the U.S. Constitution. Don't read this cover to cover, it'll all blur--but for an Olbermann fan, it's nice to dip into, particularly if you wish to track the case against a particular outrage (of the many to select from) committed by the Bush administration.

[Tommy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I confess, I more or less skimmed through this, rather than giving it a conscious read. I like Olberman and am glad that he's out there to balance the hyperbolizing of the O'Reillys and Hannitys of the world.

However, while he nails Bush, Cheney, et al on numerous points, he tends to go too far with constant allusions to Fascism, Nazi Germany, etc which really diminishes his argument.

Are we in the final chapter of the worst presidency of the past 100 years? Probably so. Can the demerits of this administration speak for themselves? Yes. Do we need Olberman to point them out with wit and wisdom? Sure. Do we need the overstatements and, with them, the marginalization of readers who would love to hear a progressive voice, but have a distaste for the Michael Moore heavy hand approach? No. We need objective pragmatism that points out the failures and foibles without reaching for the "Fascist" label at every turn.

Methinks he doth protest justly...just with more fervency than is perhaps needed to coerce any fence sitters. As for preaching to the choir, we hear you, Keith. We hear you.

Note: I bet this book plays better than it reads - maybe the book on cd, or Keith's nightly show on MSNBC, are better bets...

[Alan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like another person said, I don't completely follow how far he goes with his rhetoric, but I'm usually with him about 90% of the way.



But he says something important in his introduction: " amid all the tumult and the threatening and name-calling, I have yet to see serious refutations of either the facts or the conclusions in these Comments."



I'll listen to a conservative commentator, if I believe he/she has a sober argument based on accurate information. But go to the Media Matters website. Sure they have a liberal bias, but they show that commentators like Bill O' Reilly and Sean Hannity will contradict themselves or quote out of context.



Olbermann, Bill Moyers, and Al Franken at least have a respect for responsible commentary or try to provide opinions based on logic.



And the Bush administration and the others Olbermann mentions really need to be held accountable for the subtle ways they twist the truth.



His Worst Person in the World book is good too. And I recommend Woodard's State of Denial for those who haven't read it.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Keith Olbermann. I like his politics, certainly, but what I really like is his style: he writes well, he writes with passion and conviction, and he has a vocabulary to die for.

I am, as with many of the political books I've read and reviewed, the choir he's preaching to, and that does affect my enjoyment of the book. (However, if Ann Coulter, for instance, could write with half of Olbermann's talent, I might despise her a little less. Maybe.)

It made for a quick read, largely because the entire book is all in one vein (namely, Bush is an idiot). I read it in one sitting, over about six hours - during which I also watched at least two episodes of television, so you can tell it's not the densest of books. Doesn't mean I didn't have to look up a few words, though. I said his vocabulary was awesome.

If you're feeling the need for some quick righteous anger, pick this one up. Whether you agree with him or not, he'll get you riled up. Plus, he's funny, too.

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with Olbermann's politics and his disgust for the Iraq War, the Bush presidency and the man, but I just don't think these essays add much to the discussion and are going to be of much value to anyone a year or two from now - other than to a historian who might need documentation on how bitterly many of us feel about the current Clown-in-Chief.

Olbermann's September 4 2007 call for Bush to resign is a good example of his style and unrealistic (and therefore, pointless)demands:

"Mr. Bush, our presence in Iraq must end. Even if it means your resignation. Even if it means your impeachment. Even if it means a different Republican [Dick Cheney? like that's an improvement!] to serve out your term. Even if it means a Democratic Congress and those true patriots among the Republicans standing up and dneying you another penny for Iraq, other than for the safety and the safe conduct home of our troops..."

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incisive, articulate, and angry. Keith Olbermann is one of the best writers and speakers - one of the best communicators - in the world today, and this chronological collection of his on-air editorials addressing the actions of President Bush and his administration should be required reading for every citizen. In the book's beginning Olbermann describes an encounter with a couple of baseball fans who recognized him and at first greeted him in a friendly way, then, once they remembered that "He's a liberal!" chose to ignore him and go on their way. That's the only response that Bush supporters can come up with to these critiques - to ignore them, because they can't refute them. His facts are solid, his reasoning is clear and impeccable, and he makes his points crisply and vividly. I wish he would run for office so we could vote for him; he would be the equal of Winston Churchill and FDR as an inspirational leader.

[Emily Ann Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I adore Olbermann for his fluency in history and his complete dedication to smoke out hypocrisy among the ranks of the administration.

I particularly like that with regards to Iraq he actually blamed ALL the government and took the Democrats to task for failure on their promise to hold the Republican administration accountable.

Of course this reprints the infamous July 3, 2007 "Special Comment" where he turned 'sir' into a four-letter word. However, there were others included with which I was less familiar, including "A Textbook Definition of Cowardice" and "On Lying" - which discussed a letter sent to him that had fake anthrax in it.

The added context and prefaces to the reprinted special comments made it a little bit more than just a compendium.

[Dale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always enjoy Keith Olbermann's 'Special Comments'. It is refreshing to hear a television commentator with an identifiable sense of decency and of outrage at the lies and corruption of the present administration.

Sadly, Truth and Consequences, a collection of those special comments, with brief introductions to each, makes for not very compelling reading. If you haven't seen most of the commentaries on TV or on YouTube, then there are probably a few of these special comments that you will be interested in reading. But for the most part, polemic does not fare well on the printed page. Expressions of outrage work better when spoken than when read.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really love Keith Olbermann. I have been watching Countdown nightly for the last four years. It's the only reason we have cable. I know he has put his big old foot in his mouth on more than one occasion, but I do not need my heroes to be cut from marble. Goofy and fallible is okay with me. He was saying this stuff long before anyone else on the TeeVee dared to, and I will never forget that.
Four stars instead of five purely because reading these just doesn't compare to seeing them in their original, spoken form.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a mad crush on Keith Olbermann, but it doesn't stop me from saying that he uses his anger and disgust at this administration to make pointed, thoughtful, blustery commentaries about everything from Guiliani's 9/11 speak to Gonzalez's devastation of the Justice Dept and all the blunders by Bush and Cheney in between. There are also a few slams to the Dems. I love his off-the-cuff delivery and his passion. Makes me want to stand up and cheer. You can watch them online or watch his show, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, too.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could only read one Comment per day, so deep are their impact. But truly, the words really come alive when Mr. Olbermann reads them himself - his facial expression and the timbre of his voice completes the package.

The conception of these comments was a work of genius; Mr. Olbermann should be lauded for being the first mainstream journalist to cry out that the emperor wasn't wearing any clothes when the rest of the media was in Bush's pocket.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you watched Countdown than you have heard it all before, but it was thought provoking to just be forced to reflect back on the political atmosphere of that time. The thesis is that the bush administration used the 'war on terror' as a political tool to maintain their own power and the power of the republican party by scaring and even 'terrorizing' the american people. The book is by no means a scholarly analysis of the topic, but its fun and interesting and well written.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great series of essay from Keith Olbermann's "Special Comments" section of his television show. They are refutations to the stupid, evil, sly, snide, horrible and utterly ridiculous actions, comments, statements and machinations of the Bush administration. Liberals will enjoy it; Conservatives will condemn it. But the truth contained within it will win out.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Keith Olbermann! I read this book and it was a compilation of his special comments along with a description of what prompted each comment. I thought it was a quick yet excellent read if you are into politics or current events.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith Olbermann could be the conscience of America. I love his biting wit and his no holds barred attitude. He gets to the heart of issues and rips hypocrites apart with surgical precision. He makes me proud to be an American and I hope he comes out with many more books.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been as outraged at this Bush administration as I have, then you must read this book. You should also have been watching Countdown! No one writes or delivers a measured, educated rant like Keith Olbermann.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously, if anyone has SOMETHING to recommend for the purpose of legitimately refuting the accusations he makes in this book, message me or something, because I'd love to read it.

Minus one star for the slightly repetitive format of the book, and for being a bit obnoxiously sarcastic at times.

[Robie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Keith Olbermann. He is so honest and almost seems to want to start a fight. I'm glad someone is pointing out with such clarity the faults of the Bush adminstration because so many are still disillusioned. I hope he gets impeached!

[Tattered Cover Book Store]

Olbermann's special comments are sharp and biting with just enough passion and emotion to stir his listener's/reader's blood. A very smart man--a very good writer. Someone to pay attention to.

Jackie

[Jacob Jones-Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a real affection for liberal blowhards. This book is simple, if you have ever seen one of Olbermann's special comments and thought 'Right on!' then give it a try. If you don't like Olbermann then don't bother.

[Eugenia]

If I only had cable...