Podcast Summary: Countdown with Keith Olbermann

Episode: THE LEFT WINS. SOURCES: KIMMEL COULD BE BACK ON ABC THIS MONTH
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Keith Olbermann (iHeartPodcasts)

Overview

This episode centers on the latest developments in the Jimmy Kimmel–ABC–FCC censorship saga and its unexpected political repercussions. Olbermann analyzes how the apparent attempt by right-wing forces, led by Trump and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, to push Jimmy Kimmel off the air resulted in blowback from across the political spectrum and may ultimately strengthen progressive causes. The show also features Olbermann’s classic “Worst Persons in the World” segment, personal anecdotes about surviving supposed career-ending controversies, and colorful media analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Backfires on the Right (03:04–18:35)

• Olbermann's Reporting & Sources:
  Multiple sources indicate ABC is likely to bring Jimmy Kimmel back on air soon—potentially within the month.

  “I am hearing from multiple sources that at least right now, ABC thinks Jimmy Kimmel will stay on the air and will return on the air in the same show as early as later this month, maybe even this week.” (03:22)

• Landmarks Indicating a Possible Kimmel Return:

  • Kimmel hasn’t been formally fired or commented on ABC.
  • ABC has gone silent since suspending him.
  • Planned right-wing programming (Charlie Kirk tribute) failed to materialize on TV, only appearing on YouTube.
  • Sinclair's demand for an apology/bribe from Kimmel disappeared.

• The Censorship Plot:
  Right-wing media groups and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr pressured ABC to suspend Kimmel as a reward for anti-left political actions, related to broadcasting license deals for Sinclair.

• Polling Shows Public Sympathy for Kimmel:

  • YouGov poll: 43% saw Kimmel’s monologue as acceptable, while only 36% found it unacceptable.
  • 50% disapproved of ABC’s suspension, 42% strongly.
  • 43% found Carr’s threats “unacceptable” (07:25).

• Olbermann's Analysis:
  Attempted censorship has backfired dramatically:

  • It has awakened liberals “to imagination” and stoked calls for retaliation against conservative outlets should power flip.
  • Even conservative voices (Ted Cruz, Ben Shapiro) are alarmed at the precedent set.

2. Unexpected Conservative Opposition to Government Censorship (11:45–15:45)

• Ted Cruz Criticism:

  "I think it is unbelievably dangerous for government to put itself in the position of saying, we're gonna decide what speech we like and what we don't and we're gonna threaten to take you off air." — Ted Cruz (11:45)

  He warns that while silencing Kimmel "might feel good right now," the same tool could turn on conservatives. Likens Carr’s threats to “Goodfellows” mob tactics.

• Other Right-Wing Figures:

  • Scott Adams: “I’m on Jimmy Kimmel’s side.”
  • Ben Shapiro: Warns against FCC censorship since it could target Fox affiliates in the future.
  • Eric Trump (ironically): Argues Kimmel was ousted for bad ratings, not politics.

3. Legal and Political Fallout for Trump and Carr (16:30–20:50)

• Legal Peril:
  Citing Ana Gomez, Democratic FCC Commissioner, Olbermann notes:

  “What the administration is doing violates the First Amendment...” (19:01)

  The current administration potentially faces lawsuits from Kimmel and could be blocked from further similar FCC actions.

• Democratic Opportunity:
  Olbermann calls on Democrats to pass resolutions affirming free speech and keeping the pressure on Carr:

  “Democrats need to hit the gas while it is still sitting there. Push on this...” (22:51)

  Suggests public investigations could further tie up right-wing business deals in court.

4. Broader Cultural Reverberations and the Right’s “Own Goal” (20:50–25:00)

• Revitalization of Late Night TV:
  Parallels drawn to past network controversies (e.g., Olbermann’s own MSNBC experience) suggest Kimmel’s return could boost ratings and relevance for himself, and competitors like Fallon and Myers.

• Canonization of Charlie Kirk:
  Olbermann dissects the conservative elevation of Kirk after his murder, highlighting bizarre attempts to mythologize Kirk and equate the event with martyrdom—sometimes with farcical results.

• Media, Politics, and Public Perception:
  Notes the lack of evidence linking Kirk’s murder to organized left-wing groups and how online narratives sidestep facts in favor of emotional appeals.

5. Olbermann’s Personal Reflections: “Career Endings” (41:12–78:37)

• Nancy Mace and Threats to End His Career:
  Olbermann humorously responds to Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s claim that attacking Kirk ends careers, recalling the dozens of times he’s been “canceled” since 1984.

• Anecdotes of Supposed “Career Endings”:
  Shares stories from his own career, rebuffing assertions of his demise following firings or controversial statements (e.g., Fox Sports, MSNBC, Boston TV).

  “If I had $10 million for every time somebody told me my career was over, my career is sort of over because I'm now of advanced years.” (66:05)

  Argues that success, persistence, and a willingness to take less money as needed have always seen him through.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Right-Wing Realizations:

  “It dawned on the right all of a sudden… that they have not only authorized the left… [to] shut down Fox and Murdoch and Sinclair… but the right has now made this almost mandatory.” (08:30)

• On Government Speech Control:

  “If the idea of free speech enrages you, the cornerstone of democratic self-government, then I regret to inform you that you are a fascist.” (14:32)

• On Charlie Kirk’s “Canonization”:

  “A spokesman for Kirk’s Turning Point indoctrination group… put out a statement transforming the lack of an exit wound into a miracle.” (33:57)

• On Surviving ‘Cancellations’:

  “All I can say is, madam, take a number. We’ll call you when we are ready.” (55:14)
  “The one thing about surviving repeated announcements that your career is over is to never really go back and criticize the people who were wrong about it, because they know they were wrong, and your success is the best answer.” (57:11)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|------------| | Main Kimmel-ABC-FCC story begins | 03:04 | | Polling/reaction to Kimmel's suspension | 07:25 | | Ted Cruz's condemnation of government threats | 11:45 | | Legal exposure for Carr & Trump | 16:30 | | Olbermann: Democrats' opportunity | 22:51 | | Right-wing martyrizing of Charlie Kirk | 30:00 | | Olbermann on Nancy Mace & “career enders” | 41:12 | | Personal anecdotes on surviving career threats | 55:14 |

Tone and Style

Olbermann maintains a sharp, sarcastic, and occasionally self-deprecating tone throughout, blending biting political commentary with behind-the-scenes media stories and cultural reflections. He oscillates between direct, urgent calls for political action and wry, personal humor, always maintaining a sense of urgency about protecting democratic principles.

Conclusion

This episode of Countdown is a wide-ranging but tightly argued exploration of the unintended consequences that arise when political censorship is attempted and backfires. The attempted silencing of Jimmy Kimmel quickly becomes a cautionary tale for conservatives and a rallying point for progressives. Interwoven throughout are Olbermann’s signature “worst persons” segment and personal reminiscences, making the show as entertaining as it is informative. The big takeaway: attempts at government-backed media censorship not only undermine the perpetrator’s goals but also spark unexpected, cross-aisle resistance.