We just sent out an emergency petition to our Progressive Change Campaign Committee members demanding that MSNBC reinstate Keith Olbermann and put him back on the air.
It reads:
"Keith Olbermann made your network a success. If you want your viewers to keep tuning in to MSNBC, put Keith back on TV now!"
Go sign!
Update [2010-11-5 17:6:21 by juls]: We're up to 10,00020,000 signers and counting!
Update [2010-11-5 17:49:2 by juls]: Wow! 40,000 and growing. And the rec list!
Update [2010-11-5 18:51:43 by juls]: An incredible 60,000 signers! The petition is now available at www.SaveOlbermann.com.
Update [2010-11-5 20:45:28 by juls]: HOLY COW!! 100,000 signers. Keep it going!
Here's the email:
BREAKING: MSNBC has suspended star anchor Keith Olbermann following the news that he donated to three Democratic candidates this election cycle.
Sign our emergency petition to MSNBC. Tell them to put Olbermann back on the air NOW!
Then, pass this to your progressive friends.
Media are writing about this breaking story right now, and our growing petition will display the public outrage. Sign here.
NBC policy does not prohibit employees from donating to political candidates. But MSNBC president Phil Griffin is miffed that Keith didn't get "prior approval" first. Seriously. His feelings are hurt.
Meanwhile, Republicans Joe Scarborough and Pat Buchanan also gave political contributions -- but are not suspended. It must only be ok for MSNBC employees to give to Republicans, not Democrats.
The Democratic Party sadly saw this week what happens when you alienate your base. Tell MSNBC that if they want to keep their viewers, they must put Keith back on the air NOW!
Then tell your friends. Thanks for being a bold progressive.
-- Julia Rosen, PCCC
P.S. It's worth noting that Olbermann donated to 2 PCCC-endorsed candidates: House Progressive Caucus Chair Raul Grijalva (who was just declared the winner, after lots of PCCC help!) and Jack Conway in Kentucky (who sends his immense thanks to PCCC members). Good for Keith.
(full disclosure: I'm the very proud Senior Online Campaign Director for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee)