

Countdown with Keith Olbermann
iHeartPodcasts
“Countdown With Keith Olbermann,” the landmark news and commentary program that reordered the world of cable news, returns as a daily podcast. Olbermann’s daily news-driven mix will include his trademark “Special Comment” political analysis, the tongue-in-cheek “Worst Persons In The World” segment, and his timeless readings from the works of the immortal James Thurber. The man who turned SportsCenter into a cultural phenomenon will broaden the content to include a daily sports segment, a daily call for help for a suffering dog, and a remarkable series of anecdotes covering a career that stretched from covering the 1980 Olympic Miracle on Ice a month after his 21st birthday, to anchoring the 2009 Presidential Inauguration and the 2009 Super Bowl pre-game show in a span of just twelve days, to rejoining ESPN as a “rookie” baseball play-by-play man at the age of 59.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2024 • 43min
GENERAL KELLY MUST HOLD A NEWS CONFERENCE ABOUT TRUMP - 10.24.24
A powerful call to action emerges as General Kelly is urged to hold a news conference addressing Trump's dangerous comparisons to Hitler. The podcast delves into the pressing need for military accountability in light of Trump's rhetoric, highlighting the risk of sliding into authoritarianism. Historical parallels are drawn, emphasizing the grave responsibility of leaders to uphold democracy. It also critiques the implications of such speech on political discourse and the complexities of support from evangelical communities, all while stressing the urgency for public condemnation.

Oct 23, 2024 • 46min
BUT TRUMP'S CULT WANTS HIM TO WANT HITLER'S GENERALS - 10.23.24 FINAL
Dive into the disturbing ideologies behind former President Trump's comments, as they reveal troubling support for authoritarianism among his followers. The podcast highlights the intersection of racism, military loyalty, and the alarming acceptance of historical figures like Hitler by some supporters. Humor lightens the mood with a transition from football antics to the serious matter of cybersecurity, before exploring how media mishaps intertwine with modern politics and the importance of voter preparedness as the 2024 election looms.

Oct 22, 2024 • 38min
LATE DECIDERS BREAKING 60-TO-36 FOR KAMALA - 10.22.24
SERIES 3 EPISODE 54: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: Ignore, for the moment, the horserace numbers in the national and even swing state polls and consider two "interior numbers." Emerson says those 20% or so of voters who hadn't decided for whom to vote until the last week or last month are breaking 60/36 for Harris. The implications for this are profound. With two percent still undecided (around 3,250,000 people) if the pattern holds, Harris could see a net gain of 648,000 votes (perhaps a net 28,000 in Pennsylvania alone). That kind of gain applied to her swing state leads from The Washington Post poll could secure victory. There's also some impressive work out of CNN's Harry Enten and his analysis of a small but important decline in the core of Trump's support: Non-College Whites in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Polls show he's down about 13% in that demographic and since in those states that demographic is a majority of likely voters, that's a world of hurt. And then there is the Associated Press polling on economic issues where Harris is ahead of Trump on everything but handling gas and grocery prices (and trailing him by only two points in that). Be of good cheer. PLUS TRUMP KEEPS SAYING STUPID THINGS: Assassination attempt survivor Trump has now endorsed the threatening of FEMA officials by armed gunmen in North Carolina, and has said we have to go back to 1798 (you know, when it was illegal to criticize the government but legal to own other human beings). I wonder how a pro-slavery position polls with late deciders?. B-Block (20:45) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Dr. Said Masih Noori certainly appears to be what he claims: a British doctor who wrote that he would like to "vanish" Jews. His fulsome apology didn't work, so he went back on the attack and just to ratchet it up a notch he endorsed the Trump-Musk campaign. New York Magazine asks 57 experts you've never heard of if Media can survive. Not if people like those running New York Magazine keep running the field. Hours after publication they fired Olivia Nuzzi. And National Review promotes Rich Lowry's non-insightful criticism of the WNBA basketball finals. All 83 words of it. Which, like anything else he writes about women, requires another reading of his 2008 masturbatory paean to Sarah Palin after the VP debate. C-Block (32:00) SPORTSBALLCENTER: We're on the eve of the World Series! Well, the eve of the eve OF the eve, because baseball can't get anything right. It's another legendary match-up between the legendary Yankees and legendary Dodgers who are, unfortunately, now legendary for being two of the most under-performing franchises in sports. But I can offer you an amazing fact you can stun your friends with, about how the starting pitching in THIS World Series is likely to be better than that in the 1955 Dodgers-Yankees clash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 21, 2024 • 26min
ARNOLD PALMER'S PUTTS; DONALD TRUMP'S NUTS - 10.21.24
The podcast dives into the chaotic remarks of a former president, showcasing the media's absurd coverage of these events. It critiques news organizations for failing to address deeper issues in the heat of sensationalism. The discussion also touches on the complex relationship between media and political figures, exposing the implications for democracy. Additionally, it explores external influences affecting Mike Tyson's career, highlighting the balance of personal responsibility in American society. A blend of humor and serious commentary keeps the conversation lively.

Oct 18, 2024 • 41min
TRUMP TRYING TO FORCE KAMALA OUT? HOW BAD ARE HIS POLLS? - 10.18.24
The discussion dives into Trump's bizarre demands regarding Kamala Harris and implications of internal polling suggesting he's in trouble. Insights on Trump's mental state reflect a leader frantically trying to regain control. Election dynamics are dissected, revealing contradictions in polling data and pressures he faces. Commentary on media's evolving role, including Jim Mattis’s insights and controversies surrounding right-wing narratives, intensifies the analysis. A whimsical turn explores fables, humor, and the timelessness of morality in storytelling.

Oct 17, 2024 • 48min
KAMALA HARRIS KICKS BRET BAIER'S ASS - 10.17.24
Kamala Harris showcased her debate skills, deftly handling interruptions and critiquing the moderation by Bret Baier. The discussion highlights media distortions and how polling shows Harris gaining traction, especially among Hispanic voters. A humorous take on her Fox News interview underscores the implications of her performance for future media dynamics. The commentary extends to media sensationalism, with anecdotes that illustrate the challenges of navigating biased journalism, alongside a preview of the 2024 presidential election.

Oct 16, 2024 • 54min
HAS TRUMP FALLEN INTO A DISSOCIATIVE FUGUE STATE? - 10.16.24
Dive into the unsettling behavior of Donald Trump during public appearances, likening it to a dissociative fugue state. Explore how his recent actions resonate with cult leaders who manipulate emotions through music. Delve into the challenges media face in accurately covering such figures amidst rising political extremism. Reflect on the absurdity of contemporary politics and the fragility of democracy while sharing personal anecdotes. The discussion also highlights the connections between music, mental health, and the upcoming presidential election.

Oct 15, 2024 • 60min
KAMALA GOES ON FOX? PROVES TRUMP IS A P**** A** B**** - 10.15.24
Kamala Harris’s upcoming interview on Fox has everyone buzzing, revealing the fragility of Trump’s ego. His furious reaction to her appearance underscores a chaotic political landscape. The dialogue delves into media ethics and wild fundraising events. Sports blunders add humor, featuring misidentified teams and nostalgic tales from Yankee Stadium. As the 2024 election looms, the podcast critiques the intertwining worlds of politics, sports, and media, showcasing how tightly they bind us together.

Oct 14, 2024 • 21min
TRUMP WILL INVOKE "ALIEN ENEMIES ACT" TO EXPEL HISPANICS - 10.14.24
The podcast dives deep into Trump's alarming plan to invoke the Alien Enemies Act, sparking fears of racial profiling and mass deportations, particularly targeting Hispanic communities. Historical parallels with the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII illuminate the dangers of such policies. The discussion highlights shifts in political dynamics and voter sentiments within the Latino community, raising critical questions about civil liberties and media accountability in the face of escalating racial rhetoric.

Oct 11, 2024 • 47min
TRUMP EXPLICITLY THREATENS FREEDOM OF THE PRESS - 10.11.24
Larry David, the beloved actor and comedian known for his iconic roles in "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," shares a humorous anecdote about hearing the podcast's theme music at a Yankees game. The discussion turns serious as they confront Trump’s explicit threats to press freedom, emphasizing the chilling implications for democracy. They delve into Trump's incoherent speech that highlights inaccuracies and cognitive decline while critiquing media portrayal of extremist rhetoric and its normalization in political discourse.


