He is doing what the entire media should do: hold those in power accountable (almost said 'our elected officials but I caught myself). Stewart and Colbert do it in jest, Olberman is the one with the guts to do it outright.
Olberman too preachy, Colbert not funny, the bride to pretty and the sky to high....Me thinks thou does protest too much.

Predictably, many comments have strayed far from the actual question of whether more time should be spent explaining *why* one's point of view is right. My congratulations to the few who had the focus to address the actual issue.

I would add another reason why this won't happen, desirable as it might be: most TV analysts are either liberals or religious right (as opposed to more traditional Democrats and Republicans.) These extremes are equally faith-based. They have no logical argument for their point of view. All you can expect from either side is either name calling or pointing out double standards and failures by their opponents.

"He argues that Olbermann's approach is too "didactic," and relies more on berating the president for what he's done rather than convince people his point of view is the correct one."

I believe that is the definition of whining.

"Preachy" infers a greater sense of competency than Olbermann is capable of. His character is one of shrill non-sense.

Keith who?

I'm just glad there's finally someone on the left yelling back!
I don't really see where it's the job of a TV newsman to offer solutions to the world's problems. That's what we elect officals for...
If those elected officals then tell us that everything is peachy while lining their pockets and giving themselves raises, well thank god there's someone out there telling us the truth.
Olbermann's job is to report the news. He's pointing out to his viewers the lies this administration constantly feeds the american people. Someone needs to be doing this.
Yes, his opinion pieces are heavy-handed, but they've got to be in able to heard over the constant shrill noise from the right-wing spin machines.
He's mad as hell, he's not going to take it anymore, and I for one, am sure glad to have him.

Olbermann and his fans love to praise him for "speaking truth to power". But I think he comes off like a crazy old geezer standing on the street corner yelling at cars.

His initial special comments were perceived as inspired "mad as hell and I'm not gotta take it anymore" moments. Doing it on a weekly basis, has turned it into nothing more than an obvious ratings ploy, removing any "bite" it once had.

Olbermann is making Edward R. Murrow proud and I for one am glad he gave up sportscasting.

Olberman's ratings are up dramatically since he has started his rants. Sure some might argue that he needs to complain less and provide more substance, but obviously he is filling a void and providing something people want to see.

For millions of Americans who are frustrated with the inept Administration running our country, it is refreshing to see ANYONE in the main stream media say anything objectionable to the Bush Administration.

They are inept, corrupt, and destroying the country. Thank God they only have 2 more years before we can start recovering.

too preachy? have you seen Lou DObbs recently?

i admit to being a 'blue stater', but Dobbs seems to be a bit off his rocker. Olberman is paid to be a bit off the wall (thats why hes not in the 6pmEST slot. (remember, Olberman is a SportsCenter Alum).