The Two Sides of MSNBC

It's frustrating to hear that MSNBC has removed Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews from its upcoming election coverage. Actually, frustrating isn't the word. I'm pissed.

I know the two will still be on the screen giving their analysis. And I know they'll both still have their shows. But really? Really, David "Race for the White House" Gregory will be talking instead? The guy who interrupts people just as they're gearing up to say something important. The guy who doesn't pursue significant lines of questioning but would rather steer the conversation back his way because he's the host?

The move makes me want to hate MSNBC, but I can't because it still has Keith. So perhaps there's another, brighter, way to look at this. Had they not been removed, they would have been under a sharper scope come Election Day. Their hands might have been slapped. Their mouths might have been washed out with soap. They might have been strongly encouraged to offer a softer hand to the poor conservative guests with weak constitutions. And, sadly, they might have even become a bigger story closer to Election Day, thus diverting attention from the shocking patheticness that is McCalin.

Made-up scenario:

Reporter: Senator McCain, we have yet to hear any specifics on your health care, tax, education, or environment plans. Yet, you claim Senator Obama will do nothing to help the nation recover from the current financial hardship.

McCain: Well, what about Keith Olbermann. Didya hear what he said? How can he be allowed to continue doing such things and saying such scathing things about me, my wife, and my running mate? And besides, I was a POW.

Reporter: So sorry. So sorry.

Instead, Keith and Chris will be able to more freely, I'm assuming, provide the commentary that's been drawing viewers, such as myself. And it's the commentary page that's always more exciting anyway, right?

There's another reason I can't hate MSNBC: Rachel Maddow. Her new show starts tonight at 9 EST.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGW0sEapu7Y&hl=en&fs=1]

If you want to be smarter, you have to watch Rachel. And keep paying attention to Keith. I'll have to watch it online, so here's hoping MSNBC won't decide to do away with its video player to avoid hurting McCalin's feelings.

And here's hoping MSNBC won't be too hurt when its election-night ratings drop. Really. David Gregory.