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Hannity, Olbermann: On Different Planets

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 27, 2008 12:29 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama has suggested voters are “seeing two different realities, a Sean Hannity reality and a Keith Olbermann reality”—and he’s right, Howard Kurtz writes in the Washington Post. "Adored by fans and derided by critics," Fox's Hannity is an unapologetic John McCain booster, while Olbermann uses his MSNBC pulpit to promote Obama.

The two shows “reflect the increasing polarization of the media world, where columnists, strategists, bloggers and radio talkers have built thriving careers catering to those who already agree with them,” Kurtz writes. Olbermann rarely books a conservative guest; Hannity “runs roughshod” over his nominally liberal co-host, Alan Colmes. Viewers “know what they’re getting,” and the two "provide a case study in the power of ideological punditry," Kurtz writes.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Keith Olbermann of MSNBC poses at the Ronald Reagan Library on Thursday, May 3, 2007 in Simi Valley, Calif., where he was host for MSNBC's coverage of the first debate among Republican presidential candidates... (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

This video image provided by the Fox News Channel shows Sean Hannity interviewing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Fox News Channel)

In this July 22, 2006 file photo, Keith Olbermann, host of the MSNBC show "Countdown With Keith Olbermann" talks about his show in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, file)

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COMMENTS

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freethemall

Apr 11, 2009 5:33 AM CDT

I am an EX-regular viewer of Keith Olbermann. I especially enjoyed his "special comments" commentary, until such time as, so to speak, "my own ox was gored". I'm referencing his following the crowed and piling on Hillary Clinton during the last presidential primary season. His "special comment" in which he accused Hillary Clinton of staying in the race in hopes of Barack Obama being assassinated, was unconscionable. I haven't watched his show since, and I switched from MSNBC to CNN

Guest

Nov 3, 2008 2:11 AM CST

I wouldn't waste my time watching Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. They should be ban from T. V. In fact I wouldn't watch Fox. There is to many channels to watch someone talking down their guests, or more like screaming down their guest. Both of them go pass ideology.

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