# Obama and Olbermann > European integration faces a populist revolt in Ireland while American media enters a partisan fever dream ahead of the Obama-McCain showdown. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 35 - **Published:** 2008-06-14 - **Length:** 1h 31m - **Topics:** [Lisbon Treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [Keith Olbermann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-olbermann.md), [Tim Russert](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tim-russert.md), [Hamid Karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), [Guantanamo Bay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guantanamo-bay.md), Oil manipulation - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann ## About this episode Ireland voters have rejected the Lisbon Treaty by a 55% margin, effectively stalling the expansion of the European Union and its plans for a unified army and centralized taxation. Despite this democratic setback, leaders like Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel signal that the integration process will proceed, raising concerns about a bloodless coup by Brussels officials and central bankers. In the United States, the media landscape shifts as Keith Olbermann pivots from sports to aggressive political commentary at MSNBC, targeting the George W. Bush administration. Meanwhile, the sudden death of Meet the Press host Tim Russert sparks theories regarding his knowledge of the Valerie Plame affair. In the Middle East, Afghan President Hamid Karzai admits the Taliban cannot be defeated by 2010 due to their safe havens in Pakistan, while oil prices face suspected manipulation similar to the Enron energy crisis. From the foggy summers of San Francisco to the red-light districts of Amsterdam, the program captures the friction between global governance and local sovereignty. A host recounts a chance encounter with Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende at the Rotterdam Jet Center, while the U.S. Supreme Court issues a landmark ruling on the constitutional rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/transcript.md. ### 1. California Summer Weather, San Francisco Fog Anecdote (0:01–4:05) The hosts open the program discussing the local weather in Northern California and the United Kingdom. They reference the famous quote attributed to Mark Twain regarding the coldest winter being a summer in San Francisco, noting how tourists are often caught off guard by the July fog. A brief technical glitch occurs with a microphone fader before the conversation shifts to the damp reputation of British summers. Keywords: [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [weather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather.md), [mark twain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-twain.md), [fog](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fog.md), [napa valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/napa-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Ireland Rejects Lisbon Treaty, European Union Expansion (4:06–9:31) Ireland voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty by a margin of 55% to 45%, effectively stalling the formation of a more unified European entity. The document, which replaced the failed 2005 European Constitution, sought to establish common taxation, immigration policies, and a European army. Despite the "no" vote, leaders like Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel suggest the integration process will continue despite the legal setback. Keywords: [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md), [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [brussels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brussels.md), [referendum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/referendum.md), [angela merkel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/angela-merkel.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/2.md) ### 3. European Union Governance, Fascism and Currency Concerns (9:32–15:13) The discussion explores the historical context of attempts to unite Europe, comparing the current European Union structure to past efforts by Charlemagne and Napoleon. Concerns are raised regarding the lack of democratic elections for Brussels officials and the potential for a "bloodless coup" through central banking. One host recounts a personal anecdote about old British pound notes being rejected because they lacked the specific EU stamp required for modern circulation. Keywords: [fascism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fascism.md), charlemagne, napoleonic wars, [european central bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-central-bank.md), [euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euro.md), [currency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/currency.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/3.md) ### 4. European Football Championships, Media Distraction Tactics (15:14–17:50) The rejection of the EU treaty coincided with the European football championships, leading to claims that the sports media cycle is used to distract the public from complex political documents. While government ministers traveled to Switzerland for matches, the Irish referendum results were finalized. The hosts suggest that the complexity of the Lisbon Treaty was a deliberate attempt to prevent public understanding. Keywords: european football championships, [bbc world service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc-world-service.md), [media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media.md), [distraction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/distraction.md), [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Rotterdam Jet Center, Meeting Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende (17:51–22:41) A host shares a story about parking a Cessna 182 at the Rotterdam Jet Center and encountering the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frans Timmermans, and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. The encounter involved a ten-minute conversation about football while the Irish referendum results were being tallied. The segment concludes with a brief correction regarding the appearance of the Dutch and French football coaches. Keywords: [rotterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rotterdam.md), [jan peter balkenende](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jan-peter-balkenende.md), [frans timmermans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/frans-timmermans.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [cessna 182](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cessna-182.md), [football](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/football.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/5.md) ### 6. EU Diesel Tax, Potential for European Civil War (22:42–27:19) The conversation turns to the practical impacts of EU governance, such as a mandatory 3% tax increase on diesel to combat CO2 emissions starting July 1st. The hosts speculate that the lack of local control could eventually lead to a civil war if member states like Spain or Portugal resist the central authority. They note that non-member countries like Norway and Switzerland have avoided these complications by maintaining sovereignty. Keywords: diesel tax, [co2 emissions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/co2-emissions.md), [norway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norway.md), [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md), [civil war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-war.md), [sovereignty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereignty.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Keith Olbermann Career, MSNBC Bush Bashing Success (27:20–31:25) The hosts provide a background on Keith Olbermann, tracing his career from a wisecracking sports commentator at ESPN to a political firebrand at MSNBC. Olbermann's popularity surged after he pivoted to aggressive criticism of the George W. Bush administration, helping MSNBC compete with Fox News and CNN. His "Special Comments" are noted for their sharp, partisan tone against the Republican leadership. Keywords: [keith olbermann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-olbermann.md), [espn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/espn.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [george w. bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-w-bush.md), [disney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disney.md), [cable news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cable-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/7.md) ### 8. John McCain Today Show Interview, Keith Olbermann Rant (31:27–34:36) A recent Keith Olbermann rant focused on John McCain's appearance on the Today Show with Matt Lauer, where McCain discussed troop withdrawals from Iraq. The hosts argue that Olbermann took McCain's comments out of context to create a "gaffe" for ratings. They also discuss the potential conflict of interest for MSNBC, which is owned by General Electric, a major defense contractor. Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [matt lauer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/matt-lauer.md), [today show](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/today-show.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md), [general electric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-electric.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Media Bias, Barack Obama Campaign Coverage (34:37–38:35) The discussion shifts to perceived media bias in favor of Barack Obama, with the hosts noting that very few journalists identify as supporters of John McCain. They criticize the modern journalistic trend of hunting for "gaffes" and verbal contradictions rather than focusing on policy substance. The segment highlights how Obama's vague message of "change" makes him difficult to pin down compared to candidates like Hillary Clinton. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [media bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-bias.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [dan quayle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dan-quayle.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Political Conference Calls, Barack Obama Oratory Style (38:35–42:27) The hosts express frustration with the lack of transparency in daily political conference calls held by campaigns for selected reporters. They analyze Barack Obama's speaking style, comparing his deliberate pauses and cadence to legendary broadcasters Walter Cronkite and Paul Harvey. They argue that while this "old-fashioned" network news style is currently effective, it lacks substantive detail. Keywords: [conference calls](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conference-calls.md), [walter cronkite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/walter-cronkite.md), [paul harvey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-harvey.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), oration [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Listener Feedback, Hillary Clinton Vice President Theory (42:28–45:46) Following a brief Skype connection failure, the hosts address angry listener emails regarding their previous coverage of Barack Obama. They compare Obama's political brand to the "Macintosh" of politics, where supporters are intensely protective. A theory is proposed that John McCain should select Hillary Clinton as his vice-presidential running mate to disrupt the election. Keywords: [listener email](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/listener-email.md), [macintosh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/macintosh.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Hillary Clinton Campaign Failure, Management Criticism (45:47–48:34) The hosts analyze the collapse of Hillary Clinton's primary campaign, attributing it to early arrogance and poor management. They argue she relied on "sorority sisters" and friends rather than top-tier political consultants, allowing Barack Obama to seize the momentum. Obama's success is framed as a demonstration of superior management skills compared to Clinton's reliance on cronies. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [political consultants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-consultants.md), campaign management, [arrogance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arrogance.md), [primary election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/primary-election.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Tim Russert Death, Valerie Plame Conspiracy Theories (48:35–51:34) The sudden death of Meet the Press host Tim Russert at age 58 is discussed. While official reports cite a heart attack, the hosts entertain conspiracy theories related to Russert's knowledge of the Valerie Plame affair. They note physical signs of high blood pressure in recent photos of Russert but question why anyone would have a motive to silence the neutral commentator. Keywords: [tim russert](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tim-russert.md), [meet the press](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meet-the-press.md), [valerie plame](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/valerie-plame.md), [high blood pressure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-blood-pressure.md), [nbc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Marilyn Monroe Death, Personality Types and Suicide (51:35–53:43) A host mentions an upcoming interview with an author who has a new theory on the death of Marilyn Monroe. The theory suggests that certain personality types are prone to being driven to suicide by their partners. An anecdote is shared about a woman who reportedly left a gun and a note for her husband, leading to his self-inflicted death. Keywords: [marilyn monroe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marilyn-monroe.md), [suicide](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/suicide.md), [psychology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psychology.md), dissertation, book interview [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Red Light District Anecdote, Beauty Standards (53:43–56:47) The hosts discuss the evolution of beauty standards, comparing the natural look of Marilyn Monroe to modern "Photoshopped" celebrities. This leads to an anecdote about a host making a disparaging comment about a worker's appearance in Amsterdam's Red Light District. The worker reportedly heard the comment through the glass and confronted the host's group. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [red light district](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-light-district.md), beauty standards, [photoshop](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photoshop.md), natalie wood [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Iranian and Croatian Women, Viral Video Discussion (56:50–58:53) The conversation shifts to the appearance of women in different regions, specifically Croatia and Iran. One host claims that Croatian women often resemble Natalie Wood, while the other references a YouTube video sent by a pilot named Captain Chris showcasing the beauty of Iranian women. They briefly touch upon the political oppression of women in Iran by the mullahs. Keywords: [croatia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/croatia.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), persian women, [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), captain chris [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Afghanistan War Strategy, President Hamid Karzai Interview (58:54–1:03:20) A host recounts asking Afghan President Hamid Karzai how he plans to defeat the Taliban. Karzai reportedly admitted that the Taliban cannot be defeated by the 2010 deadline because their core leadership resides in Pakistan. The discussion covers the complex geopolitical history of the region, including the Cold War alliances between the US, Pakistan, India, and the Soviet Union. Keywords: [hamid karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [geopolitics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geopolitics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Oil Price Manipulation, Enron Energy Crisis Parallel (1:03:21–1:08:21) The hosts discuss the current spike in oil prices, comparing it to the "rigged" California energy crisis involving Enron. They reference the documentary "The Smartest Guys in the Room," produced by Mark Cuban, which exposed how energy traders intentionally caused blackouts to drive up prices. They suggest that similar manipulation is currently happening in the oil commodities market in London and Dubai. Keywords: [oil prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-prices.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md), [mark cuban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-cuban.md), [energy crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-crisis.md), [commodities](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commodities.md), [gray davis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gray-davis.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Media Impact, Podcasting vs. Traditional Radio (1:08:21–1:10:17) The hosts reflect on the influence of their podcast compared to traditional "mass media." Despite having a significant audience, they feel they have less institutional impact than a low-rated radio station in the Netherlands. They discuss the "red pill" nature of their show in opening listeners' minds to alternative viewpoints while expressing frustration at the slow pace of societal change. Keywords: [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), mass media, [tipping point](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tipping-point.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [audience engagement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audience-engagement.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Scott McClellan Memoir, White House Press Secretary Criticism (1:10:18–1:13:33) The hosts critique the new memoir by former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. They claim the book's scandalous content was manufactured at the request of publishers to increase sales. They describe McClellan as a "robot" in interviews and argue that the book is a "smoke screen" that distracts from more substantive investigative work regarding the Bush administration. Keywords: scott mcclellan, [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [book publishing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/book-publishing.md), [jon stewart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jon-stewart.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/20.md) ### 21. George W. Bush UK Visit, Lisbon Treaty Isolation (1:13:33–1:16:48) President George W. Bush is scheduled to visit the United Kingdom as part of a farewell tour, prompting plans for large demonstrations. Meanwhile, news breaks that Germany and France are moving to isolate Ireland within the EU to resuscitate the Lisbon Treaty. The hosts compare the EU's refusal to accept the "no" vote to a gambler demanding "two out of three" after losing a bet. Keywords: [george w. bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-w-bush.md), farewell tour, [the guardian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-guardian.md), [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Supreme Court Guantanamo Bay Ruling, Sovereignty Issues (1:16:49–1:19:59) The U.S. Supreme Court issued a significant ruling regarding the rights of prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The court determined that the government cannot move prisoners offshore to evade the U.S. Constitution. The hosts discuss the legal complexities of maintaining a military base on Cuban territory and the partisan split among the justices regarding the ruling. Keywords: [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), [guantanamo bay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guantanamo-bay.md), [cuba](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cuba.md), [habeas corpus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/habeas-corpus.md), [military base](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-base.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/22.md) ### 23. UK Anti-Terrorism Laws, Incarceration Without Process (1:20:00–1:24:26) A new law in the United Kingdom extends the period the government can hold terror suspects without charge from 28 days to 42 days. The hosts express concern that such laws could be used for political motivation to silence critics. One host jokes about being a "monkey wrench" in the system, while the other suggests they are merely an "annoyance" that the government finds laughable. Keywords: 42 days, [anti-terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-terrorism.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [due process](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/due-process.md), [civil liberties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-liberties.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Public Passivity, Professional Sports and Olympics Smog (1:24:26–1:28:20) The hosts discuss the general passivity of the public and predict a decline in interest in professional sports among younger generations. They specifically target the upcoming Beijing Olympics, predicting low viewership due to the extreme smog in China. They describe the environmental conditions in Beijing as a "smoke storm" that will make broadcasting the events difficult. Keywords: [beijing olympics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beijing-olympics.md), [smog](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smog.md), professional sports, generation y, passivity [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Show Outro, AMD Meeting, Fourth of July Plans (1:28:23–1:31:07) The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their plans for the upcoming week. One host mentions an upcoming meeting with AMD and cleaning his office, while the other prepares for a Fourth of July parade involving a deli promotion. They sign off from their respective locations in the United Kingdom and Northern California. Keywords: [amd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amd.md), [fourth of july](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fourth-of-july.md), parade, [curry manor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/curry-manor.md), [northern california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/northern-california.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann/chapter/25.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/36-yahoo-microsoft-britney-spears.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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