A REPORTER MUST STAND UP TO TRUMP. NOW, NOW, NOW! - 12.11.25

Dec 11, 2025

A passionate call to arms for journalists to confront Trump's threats dominates the discussion. Analyzing Trump's mental decline, he draws attention to the dangers of his delusional rhetoric. The tactics Trump uses to control media narratives are dissected, alongside a plea for reporters to adopt a fearless approach. Humorous critiques on absurd political suggestions and glaring hypocrisies add levity. Mischief from history makes its way in, proving that confrontation can lead to significant change.

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ADVICE

Answer Trump Directly With Reality

When a powerful figure attacks you, answer directly with reality rather than shrinking back or being polite.
Demand your question be answered and call out harmful behavior calmly and clearly to expose it.

INSIGHT

Threats Signal Psychological And Systemic Risk

Olbermann links Trump's threats to broader psychological decline and stochastic terrorism that risks provoking violence.
He warns media manipulation attempts aim to silence critics and reshape news ownership and programming.

INSIGHT

Media Control As A New Escalation

Olbermann highlights Trump's attempts to influence media ownership and programming as a novel escalation.
He sees this as a strategic effort to silence critique by controlling platforms.

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SEASON 4 EPISODE 39: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN

A-Block (2:30) SPECIAL COMMENT: As Trump threatens the New York Times with sedition and treason charges and tells finance clowns and his government goons that he gets to choose who gets to be on CNN and what they get to say, we are at the tipping point.

The first news reporter who stands up to his insults and calls him out to his face in public will get fired - and within 48 hours get a new job paying twice as much or more, and will become a national hero.

America is crying out for somebody to take the risk that isn’t really a risk and tell him to shut the hell up and to EFF off and to SHOVE his A++++ economy and his threats and stochastic calls for destruction and violence. It is time. NOW NOW NOW.

The tragedy here of course is that it is accepted, inside the news business, without a second thought, that there is nothing reporters – even bad ones – can do about this without risking their careers and lives. Bull. The first one who gets told “You are the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place. Let me just tell you -- you are an obnoxious -- a terrible reporter” and replies “So what? What does that have to do with my question? Nothing. And, with all due respect SIR, the majority of this nation considers you a failure as a president. And what does THAT have to do with your answer? The one you DIDN’T just give? NOTHING. The majority of this nation thinks you are vindictive, stupid, hypocritical, hateful, destructive, soul-less, and quite probably losing your sanity. I’M a terrible reporter? You’re the worst government leader in the history of the western hemisphere.”

B-Block (32:00) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Sean Duffy wants you to wear a suit to the airport and...work out in it before you get on the plane? Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale calls for public hangings and says without irony or self-satire "If I'm in charge later..." OK, you first. And Missouri congresswoman Ann Wagner, in the middle of redistricting gerrymandering, turns out to not know the name of the third largest city in the state capitol district and thinks that city is in California.

C-Block (42:00) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: Somebody asked me how I felt about Chris Matthews being back on MSNBCNOWWHATEVER with Joe Scarborough and I actually said I felt sorry for Scarborough. Then I told them the saga of Chris, co-anchoring a funeral with me, drooling over Jennifer Granholm. On the air. So I'll tell you.

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