Countdown for Friday, July 31, 2009
(Jul 31, 2009)
Runs 52:28
Watch the whole show here. |
'Cash for Clunkers' revving up the auto industry
(Jul 31, 2009)
Runs 6:52
Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis talks about whether the success of the "Cash for Clunkers" program will finally silence the stimulus critics who said the money wasn't working. |
An eyebrow-raising world record
(Jul 31, 2009)
Runs 2:36
A Washington D.C. resident is trying to groom his way into the Guinness Book of World Records with the longest individual eyebrow hair, measuring at just under seven inches long. |
Beer-plomacy
(Jul 31, 2009)
Runs 6:34
VH1's Christian Finnegan reflects on the political funnies of the week including the laughs some late-night hosts shared over President Barack Obama's "Beer Summit." |
Florida's python problem grows
(Jul 31, 2009)
Runs 2:31
NBC's Kerry Sanders reports on Florida's attempt to contain their growing python population. |
GOP buying into Birther conspiracy theory?
(Jul 31, 2009)
Runs 6:07
DailyKos.com's Markos Moulitsas joins Countdown guest host Richard Wolffe to discuss the implications of a new poll showing that 30 percent of Republicans are unsure of whether President Barack Obama was born in the U.S. and 28 percent believe he was born elsewhere. |
War over health care turns ugly
(Jul 31, 2009)
Runs 9:28
White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod joins Countdown guest host Richard Wolffe to discuss conservatives' strategy of disrupting Democratic town hall meetings during the August recess to derail the Democrats' health care agenda. |
What's the status of health care reform?
(Jul 31, 2009)
Runs 4:27
With August just one day away, MSNBC political analyst Eugene Robinson talks about the progress made on the heath care front and where it's likely to end up now that Congress is on vacation. |
Countdown for Thursday, July 30, 2009
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 49:51
Watch the whole show here. |
Citigroup clarification
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 0:13
In a conversation about the financial industry and TARP, Countdown guest Arianna Huffington said Citigroup is basically insolvent. Citigroup contacted Countdown on Thursday and said Huffington's comment is "100 percent wrong." |
Custody deal reached in Jackson case
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 2:53
A custody deal involving Michael Jackson's three children was reached on Thursday between Katherine Jackson and Debbie Rowe. Newschannel correspondent Jay Gray reports. |
Enablers still stoking 'Birthers' conversation
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 6:32
The "Birther" movement has produced a division within the Republican Party between the enablers and those who are realizing that the GOP needs to move away from this conspiracy theory as soon as possible. The Daily Kos' David Waldman discuss why the enablers are perpetuating the "Birther" movement. |
Peace talks over beers
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 6:27
The Chicago Tribune's Clarence Page joins Hardball guest host Richard Wolffe to talk about the success of the White House beer summit between President Barack Obama, Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates and Cambridge police Sgt. James Crowley. |
Peeking into Sarah Palin's future
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 7:16
Bloomberg News' Margaret Carlson discusses whether former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will keep herself in the political arena or pursue other interests. |
Turning health care into health scare
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 5:57
Have the Blue Dog Democrats fallen for a Republican ruse with their August time out? Newsweek's Howard Fineman discusses the GOP's scary stall tactics. |
Walsh on Limbaugh, race
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 5:19
Salon.com editor Joan Walsh discusses her battle with radio host Rush Limbaugh and why the race-obsessed right wing is doing itself in by taking such a hard line on President Barack Obama's response to the arrest of Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates. |
Why moms shouldn't ride dirt bikes
(Jul 30, 2009)
Runs 2:01
In a recent YouTube video a throttle-happy mother ignores a friend's warning and jumps the gun on a dirtbike, taking out a woman in a wheel chair in the process. |
Countdown for Wednesday, July 29, 2009
(Jul 29, 2009)
Runs 49:39
Watch the whole show here. |
Anticipating the 'Beer Summit'
(Jul 29, 2009)
Runs 9:53
The Washington Post's Eugene Robinson joins Countdown guest host Dr. Howard Dean to discuss the race debate and expectations of what will come from Thursday's "Beer Summit" at the White House. |
Compromising health care
(Jul 29, 2009)
Runs 11:31
Countdown guest host Howard Dean is joined by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio., to talk about whether the Senate is trying to take health care away from millions of American children in its attempt to cut a health care deal. |
Fixing the financial industry
(Jul 29, 2009)
Runs 6:26
The Huffington Post's Arianna Huffington discusses Congress' battle to make sure financial executives don't cash in on risky money moves. |
Hard times and Hollywood
(Jul 29, 2009)
Runs 2:36
NBC's Chris Jansing reports on how American consumption of popular culture reflects the state of the economy. |
Obamas join the Cape's elite
(Jul 29, 2009)
Runs 2:28
President Barack Obama and family joined a long list of notable vacationers whose summer home can be found on Martha's Vineyard. NBC's Amy Robach reports. |
Smearing the stimulus
(Jul 29, 2009)
Runs 5:34
MSNBC political analyst Laura Flanders talks about the GOP's continued criticism of the stimulus despite the Federal Reserve's report that most of its 12 regions have either stabilized economically or have seen a leveling off in the pace of the economic decline. |
Countdown for Tuesday, July 28, 2009
(Jul 28, 2009)
Runs 49:48
Watch the whole show here. |
'Birther' fanatics remain a GOP problem
(Jul 28, 2009)
Runs 6:43
While the Obama "birther" conspiracy theorists probably will never accept the facts, the House of Representatives voted on a resolution recognizing Hawaii as the birthplace of President Barack Obama. The Nation's Chris Hayes discusses how the resolution makes the GOP look foolish. |
Democrats weak despite numbers
(Jul 28, 2009)
Runs 6:36
Countdown guest host Howard Dean is joined by Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., to discuss why Democrats haven't taken a stronger bargaining position with the Republicans on health care reform and what will be left in the watered-down "compromise" bill now being negotiated by the Senate Finance Committee. |
Does Pete Rose deserve a second chance?
(Jul 28, 2009)
Runs 5:49
Countdown's Keith Olbermann discusses why it's time for baseball to issue a pardon and reinstate Pete Rose, who was banned for life twenty years ago when allegations surfaced that the former Cincinnati Reds star bet on baseball games. |
Fighting to keep the public option on the table
(Jul 28, 2009)
Runs 6:44
Former Director of Communications for CIGNA Wendell Potter joins Countdown guest host Howard Dean to talk about why Blue Dog Democrats and Republicans are standing in the way of a health care public option and how the health insurance industry exerts its influence on politicians. |
Kristol on health care is Daily Show punch line
(Jul 28, 2009)
Runs 2:47
Conservative pundit William Kristol visited The Daily Show Monday to explain to host Jon Stewart the truth about what Kristol calls the "absolute best health care." |
Sarah Palin, Alaska beat poet
(Jul 28, 2009)
Runs 2:35
Countdown guest host Dr. Howard Dean takes a look at William Shatner's interpretation of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's meandering speech. |
Why the public option works
(Jul 28, 2009)
Runs 6:51
Author of "Best Care Anywhere," Philip Longman, talks about GOP scare tactics attacking government-controlled health care, a system that has already proven effective for politicians, the elderly and military veterans. |
Countdown for Monday, July 27, 2009
(Jul 27, 2009)
Runs 51:26
Watch the whole show here. |
Constitution no obstacle for Cheney
(Jul 27, 2009)
Runs 6:38
Prof. Jonathan Turley talks about allegations that Dick Cheney sought to deploy U.S. troops in Buffalo, N.Y. to arrest the Lackawanna 6. |
Developing details in the arrest of Henry Gates Jr.
(Jul 27, 2009)
Runs 8:14
Author John Ridley joins Countdown guest host Lawrence O'Donnell to analyze the latest details in the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Gates Jr. and the political repercussions that have followed. |
Filipino inmates perform another Jackson tribute
(Jul 27, 2009)
Runs 1:59
Convicts in a Filipino prison may have too much time on their hands, performing another elaborately choreographed Michael Jackson dance routine complete with costumes and sequined gloves. |
GOP comfortable with 'Birther' low road
(Jul 27, 2009)
Runs 4:03
Countdown guest host Lawrence O'Donnell discusses new tape which suggests that some Republicans on Capitol Hill are sticking by the bogus skepticism about where President Barack Obama was born. |
Palin's tall tales
(Jul 27, 2009)
Runs 3:25
Political commentator and Alaska radio journalist Shannyn Moore talks about former Gov. Sarah Palin's odd love-hate relationship with the media and her history of 'Do as I say, not as I do' contradictions while serving as Alaska's governor. |
Sarah Palin goes, but not quietly
(Jul 27, 2009)
Runs 7:48
Newsweek's Jonathan Alter joins Countdown guest host Lawrence O'Donnell to discuss former Gov. Sarah Palin's feisty farewell speech. |
The rise and fall of Sarah Palin
(Jul 27, 2009)
Runs 5:41
Countdown looks back at Sarah Palin's brief stint at the center of U.S. politics. |
Giraffe sets baby record
(Jul 25, 2009)
Runs 2:02
Twenty-year-old Denissa the Giraffe has given birth to her 11th calf, the unofficial world record. |
Countdown for Friday, July 24, 2009
(Jul 24, 2009)
Runs 49:32
Watch the whole show here. |
Binghamton Mets mascot's self-inflicted injury
(Jul 24, 2009)
Runs 2:07
While celebrating a grand slam home run during a Binghamton Mets baseball game, team mascot "Bingo the Bee" tried to jump over the right field fence, but ended up stinging himself in a sensitive area. |
Choose your words… smartly
(Jul 24, 2009)
Runs 6:53
Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson talks about the 48-hour media frenzy over President Barack Obama's use of the word "stupidly" to describe how the Cambridge police handled the arrest of Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates. |
First Grandma discusses new home
(Jul 24, 2009)
Runs 2:17
Marian Robinson, President Barack Obama's mother-in-law, talks about life in the White House and her time with the First Family. NBC's Norah O'Donnell reports. |
Gibbs on the future of health care
(Jul 24, 2009)
Runs 9:47
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs discusses how President Barack Obama's health care reform plans will be affected now that Congress has decided not to pass a bill until after their August recess. |
Is it goodbye for Sarah Palin?
(Jul 24, 2009)
Runs 5:54
With a new poll showing her popularity plummeting, Alaskans get ready to say goodbye to Gov. Sarah Palin, but what does the future hold for her? Political commentator Lawrence O'Donnell discusses. |
Obama turns tension to 'teaching moment'
(Jul 24, 2009)
Runs 10:57
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs joins Countdown guest host Richard Wolffe to discuss the backlash from President Barack Obama's Wednesday night comments on the arrest of Harvard Professor, Henry Gates Jr. |
Countdown for Thursday, July 23, 2009
(Jul 23, 2009)
Runs 50:02
Watch the whole show here. |
Cheney not above appeasing "birthers"
(Jul 23, 2009)
Runs 6:37
Author Charles Pierce talks about Liz Cheney's appearance on Larry King Live Tuesday night when she sided with "birther" conspiracy theorists who doubt President Barack Obama's citizenship. |
Gov. Schwarzenegger brandishes knife on YouTube
(Jul 23, 2009)
Runs 3:54
In a Twitter video posted to thank Californians for their ideas on how to fix California's budget crisis, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger places a giant knife on his desk. |
Obama's health care target audience
(Jul 23, 2009)
Runs 4:41
MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell discusses whether it's the American people or the Democrats on Capitol Hill that President Barack Obama needs to convince of the importance of his health care reform legislation. |
Obama's presser a source of distraction?
(Jul 23, 2009)
Runs 8:17
The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza weighs in on President Obama's prime-time health care press conference and why it may have only stirred up controversy over the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Gates Jr. rather than clarity over health care reform. |
Officials busted in N.J. raid
(Jul 23, 2009)
Runs 2:33
On Thursday, Federal Agents arrested three mayors, five rabbis and others for their participation in a money laundering and illegal organ transplant conspiracy. NBC's Pete Williams reports. |
Stimulus is Jindal's secret source
(Jul 23, 2009)
Runs 5:29
Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., has been traveling around his state presenting checks to industries in need of help, yet failed to tell people the money was coming from the stimulus package he once opposed. The Nation's Chris Hayes discusses. |
What plan? GOP just here to say no
(Jul 23, 2009)
-
I
Runs 7:37
Newsweek's Howard Fineman joins Countdown guest host David Shuster to talk about the lack of any health care proposals from Republicans despite their promise to present a plan of their own. |
Countdown for Tuesday, July 21, 2009
(Jul 21, 2009)
Runs 49:46
Watch the whole show here. |
'Birthers' movement – problem for GOP?
(Jul 21, 2009)
Runs 7:05
Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis discusses what problems the Republican Party will face if they continue to entertain conspiracy theories like those questioning President Barack Obama's citizenship. |
Cruel prank call can be fatal
(Jul 21, 2009)
Runs 2:32
A disturbing new type of prank call has law enforcement very concerned because of its high risk of injury or even death. NBC's Kerry Sanders explains. |
GOP stands behind plan of no action
(Jul 21, 2009)
Runs 5:28
MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell analyzes the Republicans' strategy of intervening in the health care battle despite their lack of political leverage to do so. |
Is the CIA guilty of fraud?
(Jul 21, 2009)
Runs 6:37
The New York Times' James Risen joins Countdown guest host David Shuster to explain new fraud charges against the CIA. |
Pothole or fishing hole?
(Jul 21, 2009)
Runs 2:22
A man in Rio de Janeiro delivers a subtle hint to road repair crews by placing mannequins in fishing gear beside the city's giant potholes. |
Republicans try to slow Obama down
(Jul 21, 2009)
-
III
Runs 7:48
Newsweek's Jonathan Alter and Countdown guest host David Shuster discuss the ongoing healthcare battle between President Barack Obama and Republicans who he says are more concerned with defeating his plan for health care reform than helping uninsured Americans. |
Steele pipes up on 'Joe the Plumber'
(Jul 21, 2009)
Runs 5:35
Comedian Michael Ian Black and Countdown guest host David Shuster discuss RNC Chairman Michael Steele's comments that "Joe the Plumber" helped the Republican Party get its groove back. |
Countdown for Monday, July 20, 2009
(Jul 20, 2009)
Runs 49:53
Watch the whole show here. |
A Martian spacewalk in the offing?
(Jul 20, 2009)
Runs 8:09
Countdown guest host David Shuster and Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer of the Franklin Institute Science Museum, talk about the goals for space exploration and whether Mars will be the next place a human will walk. |
Detainee treatment matters
(Jul 20, 2009)
Runs 6:40
Prof. Jonathan Turley discusses why the Taliban's capture of Army Private Bowe Bergdahl serves as the latest reminder that the way the U.S. government treats detainees matters. |
Health care: the GOP's side
(Jul 20, 2009)
Runs 5:04
Newsweek's Howard Fineman weighs in on a recent speech by RNC chair Michael Steele and the GOP's strategy for undermining the President's health care reform effort. |
Investigating the CIA
(Jul 20, 2009)
Runs 6:20
Harper's magazine contributing editor Scott Horton talks with Countdown guest host David Shuster about the ongoing political debate over whether the CIA is deserving of a House investigation for not briefing Congressional leaders on a plan to deploy hit squads to hunt al-Qaeda. |
Obama battles back on health care
(Jul 20, 2009)
Runs 7:22
MSNBC's Richard Wolffe joins Countdown guest host David Shuster to discuss President Barack Obama's response to criticism of his plan for health care reform. |
Paula Abdula voted off Idol?
(Jul 20, 2009)
Runs 2:24
With the new season just weeks away from taping, Paul Abdul still has no contract with "American Idol," and her manager is acting like nothing is in the works. NBC's Amy Robach reports. |
Queen keeps tabs on swans
(Jul 20, 2009)
Runs 2:27
Queen Elizabeth has observed the official counting of her swans, a ceremony dating back to the 12th century when the monarchy claimed all un-owned swans for itself to ensure that there would be enough swan meat for royal feasts and banquets. |
Countdown for Friday, July 17, 2009
(Jul 17, 2009)
Runs 54:18
Watch the whole show here. |
Another sex scandal on Capitol Hill
(Jul 17, 2009)
Runs 6:04
A Capitol Hill townhouse serving as a dormitory and meeting place for conservative Christian lawmakers has been linked to a third extramarital affair. The Washington Post's Eugene Robinson discusses. |
Brian Williams reflects on the loss of a legend
(Jul 17, 2009)
Runs 8:16
Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News anchor, reflects on the life and legacy of legendary CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite. |
Cronkite's lasting impact
(Jul 17, 2009)
Runs 7:05
Daniel Schorr, a former colleague of Walter Cronkite at CBS News, joins MSNBC's David Shuster to discuss the impact of Walter Cronkite on the news industry and the American psyche. |
Hugh Downs shares Cronkite memories
(Jul 17, 2009)
Runs 5:40
Former Today show host Huge Downs shares remembrances of legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite. |
Sanford's first class hypocrisy
(Jul 17, 2009)
Runs 6:04
Gov. Mark Sanford, who attacked officials for their hefty travel expenses, reportedly spent nearly half a million dollars of taxpayer money on high-end travel and hotel stays. Countdown guest host David Shuster and MSNBC political analyst Richard Wolffe discuss the South Carolina governor's first class hypocrisy. |
Walter Cronkite dead at age 92
(Jul 17, 2009)
Runs 3:06
MSNBC's David Shuster breaks the news of the passing of broadcast news legend Walter Cronkite. Margaret Carlson of The Week magazine joins for remembrance. |
Walter Cronkite: 1916-2009
(Jul 17, 2009)
Runs 6:13
Legendary titan of news broadcasting, Walter Cronkite has died at the age of 92. |
Countdown for Thursday, July 16, 2009
(Jul 16, 2009)
Runs 50:00
Watch the whole show here. |
Advisor put Bush above the law
(Jul 16, 2009)
Runs 7:17
Anti-war Radio host Scott Horton talks about former Bush Administration Justice Official John Yoo's defense of his part in spying on millions by claiming the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was "obsolete." |
GOP can't complain about Sotomayor
(Jul 16, 2009)
Runs 8:33
Four days of confirmation hearings have established that Republican senators cannot find anything wrong with Judge Sonia Sotomayor's 17-year career, making it likely she will be seated on the Supreme Court by September. MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell recaps the hearings. |
GOP loves to hate the stimulus plan
(Jul 16, 2009)
Runs 6:05
Republican politicians continue to criticize President Barack Obama's stimulus plan but are still willing and eager to accept money from the government. Newsweek's Howard Fineman discusses. |
Grannies play ball in Japan
(Jul 16, 2009)
Runs 2:05
The Osaka Silver Sisters baseball team, whose players average 75 years old, are touring Japan. A scandal forced the team to disband while the girls were in their 20s but they bounced back after a reunion in 2005. |
Obama gets tough with Republicans
(Jul 16, 2009)
-
I
Runs 4:12
Newsweek's Jonathan Alter discusses President Barack Obama's response to Republicans who continually criticize his stimulus plan. |
Shocking Jackson video released
(Jul 16, 2009)
Runs 3:21
US Weekly has released shocking new video of Michael Jackson's 1984 Pepsi commercial accident. Some speculate the pain killers and plastic surgery for his recovery may have led to the addictions that plagued his life. NBC's Jeff Rosen reports. |
You Betcha! Fey is Emmy worthy
(Jul 16, 2009)
-
I
Runs 6:17
Countdown guest host David Shuster talks about Tina Fey's Emmy nomination for her role as everyone's favorite maverick vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, and looks back at Saturday Night Live's interpretation of the past political season. |
Countdown for Wednesday, July 15, 2009
(Jul 15, 2009)
Runs 49:42
Watch the whole show here. |
Birther gets himself fired
(Jul 15, 2009)
Runs 3:23
Maj. Stefan Frederick Cook of the U.S. Army Reserves tried to get out of being sent to Afghanistan by suing over the citizenship of President Obama. Cook was not actually at risk of being sent to Afghanistan but because of his law suit he's now lost his job. Watch in Worst Persons in the World. |
Cheating politicians at the mercy of women
(Jul 15, 2009)
Runs 6:17
Professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell talks about the political fate of Gov. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., being dependant lies in the hands of his wife. And the re-election effort by Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., may depend on the disposition of his mistress. |
GOP hung up on 'wise Latina'
(Jul 15, 2009)
Runs 10:59
MSNBC's Richard Wolffe recaps day three of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings including the Republicans' incessant questions about the Supreme Court Justice nominee's "wise Latina" remark. |
Hamas unhinged
(Jul 15, 2009)
Runs 1:52
Hamas spokesman Islam Shahwan told the Agence France Presse that he has definitive evidence that the Israeli Intelligence Services are distributing aphrodisiacs to young Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in order to "corrupt the young." |
Health care reform takes the next step
(Jul 15, 2009)
Runs 5:40
Countdown's Keith Olbermann MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell discuss why bipartisanship is not an option when it comes to health care reform. |
New details on Cheney's assassination program
(Jul 15, 2009)
Runs 7:23
More details have emerged about former Vice President Dick Cheney's secret CIA assassination program. The targets were not al-Qaida leaders but al-Qaida supporters. Former CIA agent Jack Rice discusses. |
Countdown for Tuesday, July 14, 2009
(Jul 14, 2009)
Runs 49:23
Watch the whole show here. |
'Wise Latina' takes on the Senate
(Jul 14, 2009)
Runs 12:46
On day two of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearing, she was asked to explain her "wise Latina" remarks. Newsweek's Howard Fineman discusses how Sotomayor was able to explain that she isn't the "reverse racist" some GOP Senators want to make her appear to be. |
Human/animal hybrids concern Congress
(Jul 14, 2009)
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I
Runs 4:53
Twenty one United States Senators are pushing to ban the creation of human hybrids. Comedian Christian Finnegan talks about why Congress is not focusing on more important matters. |
Liz Cheney, defending daddy
(Jul 14, 2009)
Runs 6:46
The Washington Post's Eugene Robinson discusses Liz Cheney's defense against allegations that her father, the former vice president, told the CIA to keep Congress in the dark about waterboarding and other counter-terrorism programs. |
Palin quits facts
(Jul 14, 2009)
Runs 5:24
The Nation's Chris Hayes discusses the errors in Gov. Sarah Palin's op-ed in The Washington Post. |
Remembering the fall of the Berlin Wall
(Jul 14, 2009)
Runs 1:26
A thousand mattress sized dominoes will be toppled to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. |
Soldier dodges duty with bogus birther claim
(Jul 14, 2009)
Runs 4:20
Maj. Stefan Frederick Cook and his attorney Orly Taitz are seeking a federal court order in Georgia to delay, and ultimately prevent Cook's upcoming deployment to Afghanistan based on his claim that President Barack Obama is not a natural-born citizen and is therefore "ineligible to serve as commander-in-chief of the U.S. Armed Forces." Watch in Worst Persons in the World. |
Texas BOE rewrites history
(Jul 14, 2009)
Runs 1:41
The Texas State Board of Education's conservative members have proposed revisions be made to social studies text books including adding Rev. Billy Graham as a "Transformational Leader of the 20th Century." |
Countdown for Monday, July 13, 2009
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 42:25
Watch the whole show here. |
Bush prosecution still possible?
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 5:57
Reports claim that Attorney General Eric Holder is considering the appointment of a special prosecutor to look at whether Bush-era detainees were illegally tortured. Prof. Jonathan Turley discusses what the details of an investigation should entail. |
Bush quit al-Qaida hunt
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 7:18
The Wall Street Journal reports that discussion of plans to kill al-Qaida leaders tapered off within six months after 9/11 and President Bush and Vice President Cheney did not support a proposal to send teams of CIA and Special Forces to hunt the terrorist group. Author and investigative journalist Jane Mayer discusses. |
It'll hurt less if you curse
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 1:52
A researcher in England has found that those who swear when pain is inflicted upon them are able to handle it much better than those who don't. |
Pastor prays for Obama's death
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 3:43
Pastor Wiley Drake, the leader of the Buena Park Southern Baptist Church in California, confirmed that he does pray for the death of President Barack Obama and has also prayed for the deaths of former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush as well as Pastor Rick Warren. Watch in Worst Persons in the World. |
Spin and subterfuge
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 5:41
Newsweek's Jonathan Alter joins Countdown's Keith Olbermann to break down the spin and subterfuge being employed by Cheney supporters to deflect attention from new revelations about Cheney's misdeeds while in office. |
Squirrel trapped in yogurt
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 1:25
In Greenville, South Carolina, an NBC camera crew captured on tape a squirrel attempting to get a yogurt cup off its head. |
The Palin Chronicles
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 5:12
The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza talks about Gov. Sarah Palin's comments to the Washington Times that she's considering starting her own political party. |
Will GOP keep Sotomayor hearings civil?
(Jul 13, 2009)
Runs 7:36
MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell recaps day one of Judge Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings including GOP attacks and interruptions by protestors. |
Countdown for Friday, July 10, 2009
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 53:12
Watch the whole show here. |
Bush behind secret surveillance
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 7:54
MSNBC political analyst Richard Wolffe discusses the new revelations that the infamous pressuring of John Ashcroft in his hospital bed was orchestrated by President Bush, not Vice President Cheney. |
Bush caught again
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 5:04
A new internal government report reveals that former President George Bush played a direct role instructing Alberto Gonzales and Andrew Card to go to former Attorney General John Ashcroft's hospital bed and urge him to personally approve warrantless wiretapping on Americans. The New York Times' John Risen talks about the major headlines from the report. |
Can Bush be prosecuted for surveillance reports?
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 6:03
Prof. Jonathan Turley discusses the legal implications for former President George Bush if he tried to force his attorney general, John Ashcroft, to authorize domestic spying. |
Ensign contributing to GOP downfall
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 8:25
Bloomberg News' Margaret Carlson weighs in on the recent developments in the Ensign affair saga and how he's contributing to the GOP's downfall. |
Man skips out on tattoo payment
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 1:22
An unidentified man got a tattoo at a parlor in Denton, Texas, was handed a bill for $200, presented his credit card and when it was denied, he ran out of the tattoo parlor. The tattoo read, "Only God can judge me." |
Putting the fox in charge of the hen house
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 2:05
Worst Person in the World, Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas, is reportedly contemplating appointing Republican State Rep. Cynthia Dunbar as the chair of the state board of education. Dunbar thinks public eduction is unconstitutional and public schools should be abolished. |
Senator John Ensign Puppet Theater
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 1:36
The Countdown Players use their finely crafted puppets to reenact the passion and drama of the dissolution of Senator John Ensign's affair with Cynthia Hampton. |
Shaffer smacks himself in the face
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 1:35
On Thursday's Late Show with David Letterman, somewhere between the Bruno Top Ten List and an interview with Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Shaffer smacked himself in the face. |
Was money Palin's real motivation?
(Jul 10, 2009)
Runs 5:10
Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis talks about Levi Johnston's claims that Sarah Palin resigned from office to pursue other monetary opportunities such as a reality television show and a book. |
Countdown for Thursday, July 9, 2009
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 48:55
Watch the whole show here. |
'Pullin' a Palin' defined
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 3:55
Countdown attempts to define the newest addition to the Urban Dictionary – "Pullin' a Palin." |
Can Congress and the CIA reestablish trust?
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 9:24
Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., joins Countdown to discuss how Congress should deal with the news that the CIA hid information from them for the past eight years. |
Congress informed enough to vote?
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 4:33
Newsweek's Howard Fineman talks about the damaging effects the eight-year deception by the CIA will have on the government. |
Coulter's column turns ugly
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 3:58
Worst Person in the World, Ann Coulter, ill-advisedly chooses physical appearance as the grounds on which to attack her political enemies. |
Does Rove even remember Bush?
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 1:20
When complaining about the stimulus in an editorial for The Wall Street Journal, former Bush aide Karl Rove wrote, "… This fits a pattern. The administration consistently pledges unrealistic results that it later distances itself from." Countdown's Keith Olbermann marvels at Rove's short memory. |
GOP attempts to revive Sotomayor attacks
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 5:49
With support growing for Supreme Court Justice nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Republicans have yet to come up with anything with which to attack her. The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza discusses the GOP's time crunch to find a reason to block Sotomayor's confirmation. |
Palin's story crumbles
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 6:36
Bloomberg News' Margaret Carlson discusses some newly uncovered falsehoods in the multiple and contradicting reasons Sarah Palin has been giving for her resignation as governor of Alaska. |
The bulls go marching
(Jul 9, 2009)
Runs 1:35
Countdown recaps days one through three of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. |
Countdown for Wednesday, July 8, 2009
(Jul 8, 2009)
Runs 49:44
Watch the whole show here. |
CIA deceived Congress?
(Jul 8, 2009)
Runs 4:24
Former CIA agent, Jack Rice talks with MSNBC's Keith Olbermann about new Congressional testimony that CIA briefers deceived Congress. |
House Dems versus the CIA
(Jul 8, 2009)
Runs 7:03
NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports the latest on the feud between House Democrats loyal to Speaker Pelosi and CIA Director Leon Panetta. |
Palin takes a pounding in the polls
(Jul 8, 2009)
Runs 6:03
According to recent polls, three in ten Americans saw their opinion of Sarah Palin change after her resignation. Newsweek's Howard Fineman discusses the decrease in her popularity. |
Palin, font of comedy
(Jul 8, 2009)
Runs 6:10
Comedian Christian Finnegan talks about how much longer late night host David Letterman can continue to use Sarah Palin in punch lines. |
Pants-less man pulled over
(Jul 8, 2009)
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II
Runs 1:05
Police who pulled over a Delaware man for drunk driving found he was not wearing pants. |
Rove under oath
(Jul 8, 2009)
Runs 6:12
Former Bush aide Karl Rove testified under oath about the politically motivated dismissals of nine U.S. Attorneys in 2006. The Nation's Chris Hayes discusses the proceedings. |
State senator's time-warped thinking
(Jul 8, 2009)
Runs 3:28
State Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Ariz., claimed at a hearing into possible uranium mining in the state that the earth is 6,000 years old. Watch in Worst Persons in the World as Allen embarrasses herself. |
What ever happened to those 70s sitcom stars?
(Jul 8, 2009)
Runs 2:36
Former sitcom stars Joyce Dewitt from Three's Company and Eddie Mekka of Laverne and Shirley fame have been charged separately with driving while intoxicated. |
Countdown for Tuesday, July 7, 2009
(Jul 7, 2009)
-
I
Runs 48:58
Watch the whole show here. |
Finally, Senator Franken
(Jul 7, 2009)
Runs 6:36
Former DNC chairman Howard Dean talks about Al Franken's induction into the Senate and why Republicans are upset about it. |
Fmr. CIA analyst wants U.S. attacked?
(Jul 7, 2009)
Runs 4:53
Countdown's Keith Olbermann names former CIA bin Laden analyst Mark Scheuer Worst Person in the World for saying, "The only chance we have as a country right now is for Osama bin Laden to deploy and detonate a major weapon in the United States." |
GOP censures Sanford
(Jul 7, 2009)
Runs 5:26
On Monday, the GOP Executive Committee of South Carolina voted to censure Gov. Mark Sanford for his recent behavior. Bloomberg News' Margaret Carlson discusses why he wasn't forced to resign. |
Palin versus the press
(Jul 7, 2009)
Runs 5:01
The Washington Post's Eugene Robinson discusses former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's love/hate relationship with the media including her feud with late night host David Letterman. |
Palin's paling prospects
(Jul 7, 2009)
Runs 8:11
MSNBC's Richard Wolffe talks about why Sarah Palin's political future no longer looks so promising. |
Punchline: Palin
(Jul 7, 2009)
Runs 3:45
Countdown recaps late night host David Letterman's humorous one-liners about Sarah Palin's resignation as governor of Alaska. |
Son sells nude pics of mom
(Jul 7, 2009)
Runs 1:15
In New Zealand, a boy was angry at his mother for making him clean the garage so he sold naked pictures of her that he found while cleaning. Her only objection was that he didn't sell the glamour shots of her wearing only her underwear instead. |
Speaker puts lawmakers to sleep
(Jul 7, 2009)
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I
Runs 2:21
In Bhopal, India, the newest speaker of the lower house of Parliament seemed to put lawmakers to asleep with his speech. |
Countdown for Monday, July 6, 2009
(Jul 6, 2009)
Runs 49:59
Watch the whole show here. |
Jackson joins the ranks of ghostly apparitions
(Jul 6, 2009)
Runs 1:38
Owners of a birch tree in California claim to recognize the face of Michael Jackson in the tree's bark. |
King pops 'King of Pop' bubble
(Jul 6, 2009)
Runs 1:49
Long Island Congressman Peter King has drawn the ire of Michael Jackson fans for his harsh words about the dead pop star. |
Making sense of Sarah
(Jul 6, 2009)
Runs 10:15
Vanity Fair's Todd Purdum tries to help Countdown's Keith Olbermann make sense of the series of communications from Sarah Palin regarding her resignation from the governorship of Alaska. |
Palin the petulant
(Jul 6, 2009)
Runs 6:46
Blogger Shannyn Moore calls Sarah Palin "a coward and a bully" for threatening her critics with lawsuits. Moore joins Countdown's Keith Olbermann. |
Teabaggers diminishing the holocaust
(Jul 6, 2009)
Runs 3:05
Countdown's Keith Olbermann gives the Worst Person in the World designation to the backers of the Tea Party at Jacksonville Landing in Florida for their casual use of Nazi comparisons. |
The bad news elephants
(Jul 6, 2009)
Runs 5:29
MSNBC Political Analyst Richard Wolffe talks with Countdown's Keith Olbermann about the bad news coming from all quarters of the Republican Party lately. |
Countdown for Thursday, July 2, 2009
(Jul 2, 2009)
Runs 49:58
Watch the whole show here. |
Circular reasoning saves Cheney
(Jul 2, 2009)
Runs 7:42
The Department of Justice will not look further into the FBI's investigation of Dick Cheney's role in the outing of Valerie Plame as a CIA agent because it doesn't want to discourage officials from being forthcoming in future investigations, which, following the logic, would also discourage cooperation so they probably shouldn't happen either. Newsweek investigative journalist Michael Isikoff explains. |
Davis saluted by Colbert
(Jul 2, 2009)
Runs 1:54
Repeat Worst Person in the World, Missouri State Representative Cynthia Davis earned a tip of the hat from Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert for her calousness toward hungry American children. |
New Jackson videos suggest return to stardom
(Jul 2, 2009)
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I
Runs 5:58
Sharon Waxman, editor-in-chief of TheWrap.com assess newly released video from concert promoter AEG showing Michael Jackson rehearsing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for his upcoming tour. |
Smart car doesn't account for driver
(Jul 2, 2009)
Runs 2:49
Even the smartest car requires a competent handler - a lesson learned the hard way on a recent Danish morning show. |
Turmoil for Jackson children
(Jul 2, 2009)
Runs 5:21
Legal analyst Ann Bremner talks with Countdown guest host David Shuster about how Debbie Rowe's new demands for custody of Michael Jackson's children complicates an already chaotic legal situation. |
Was Jackson prepared for comeback?
(Jul 2, 2009)
Runs 7:35
Gerald Posner, investigative journalist for The Daily Beast, joins Countdown guest host David Shuster to share his belief that Jackson wanted a shorter tour schedule. |
You've got Palin
(Jul 2, 2009)
Runs 6:57
Newsweek's Richard Wolffe describes for Countdown guest host David Shuster to the newly revealed tensions within the Sarah Palin campaign during the 2008 election season. |
Countdown for Wednesday, July 1, 2009
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 49:46
Watch the whole show here. |
God says no to 'Joe the Plumber'
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 1:45
While being interviewed by World Net Daily, "Joe the Plumber" was asked about whether he had future plans to run for public office. "The Plumber" replied, "I hope not. You know, I talked to God about that and he was like, 'No.'" |
GOP hopeless for 2012
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 6:43
Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis talks about how the recent behavior of two potential GOP presidential prospects – Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, and Gov. Mark Sanford, R-S.C.,-- may lead to an ideological split within the Republican Party. |
King of Pop reigns again
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 5:28
Countdown guest host David Shuster and music journalist Toure discuss Michael Jackson's post-mortem popularity. |
New Jackson 'Final panic' death theory
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 6:46
A Jackson insider claims the pop star's death was a horrible accident. Author Sharon Waxman discusses the newest conspiracy theory. |
Passing health care reform
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 8:59
With Republicans threatening to block a vote on fixing health care, the Democrats now have the numbers to steamroll past a filibuster, but will they? Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., discusses. |
Pig parade held in Philippines
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 1:27
In Balayan, Philippines, costumed townsfolk paraded roasted pigs through the streets, ending the festivities by dousing each other in water. |
Pop star as parent
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 2:41
NBC's Mike Taibbi shares a private look into the world of Michael Jackson, the father. |
Putting Michael Jackson's affairs in order
(Jul 1, 2009)
Runs 5:53
Andrew Blankstein of the L.A. Times talks about the questions surrounding Michael Jackson's death, will and burial. |
