The MSNBC lineup change represents a "definite promotion for Schultz"

[Cali_Democrat]

<snip>

Starting Monday, "The Ed Show" will be moved to the prime 8 PM slot. Lawrence O'Donnell's "The Last Word" will be moved to 10 PM, where it began before it was shifted to 8 PM following Keith Olbermann's departure from the network.

<snip>

The move represents a definite promotion for Schultz, who will now go head-to-head with Bill O'Reilly and Anderson Cooper in the marquee cable news hour. It is the second time that Schultz has moved up the totem pole on MSNBC's lineup. He originally held the 6 PM hour currently hosted by Al Sharpton.

O'Donnell has recently had to endure a bout of unfavorable news coverage about his ratings. His return to 10 PM also means that he loses a full day of programming, since MSNBC does not air news programming at 10 on Fridays.

Read More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/19/msnbc-lineup-changes-ed-show-last-word_n_1020130.html

[NewJeffCT]

1. good for Ed, too bad for Lawrence

I liked him, but I'm guessing he lost viewers when Olbermann came back on the air.

[terip64]

2. Works for me. I can't always take Ed, but I love Lawrence O'Donnell and have missed him...

because I watch Keith. Now I can watch Keith, Rachel and then Lawrence. Nice.

[Samantha]

8. That is the way I feel

I have admired Lawrence O'Donnell for a number of years. He has an institutional knowledge about the way Congress works that no one I know of on the air can compete with. That is why sometimes he offers a background on issues that no one else presents. He is also very passionate about issues that I am passionate about, and he is very empathetic with those of us in less fortunate circumstances.

Did you happen to see the commentary on the email he received from a friend who revealed the ordinary things she could no longer procure for herself, such as having her teeth cleaned or regular checkup? At the end of the reading, he was so emotionally shaken, he simply teared up and walked away without a word. The man has a moral compass.

But when you mention Keith Olbermann, he too is in a class by himself. Just look at his handling of the Wall Street protests. He covered them from its inception and literally shamed the MSM for ignoring this huge event. He dares to tread where no one else will go. He's extremely smart, writes extremely well and pulls no punches. He keeps his self-respect intact, even when it means possibly enduring a financial loss, because he realizes the worth of an individual is to do the right thing even when it is not the financially expedient thing.

How does one compare these two? Personally, they both have a place in our political conversations at this critical time and each serves a purpose. Not to take away from Ed Schultz, but he serves an entirely different function, as well as a necessary one. I like this new arrangement because like you now I can have my cake and eat it too. I will be able to watch Keith at 8 and Lawrence at 10. Well, I guess I can (in my opinion) have it all: Young Turks at 7, Keith at 8, Rachel at 9, Lawrence at 10? I wonder if Ed will be replayed at 11:00 pm.

Sam

[terip64]

9. I totally agree with everything you said! I haven't watched Young Turks, though.

You have inspired me to give the show a try. 7 just seems so early to turn the TV on but with winter heading our way maybe it won't seem as early, if that makes sense.

You are so right about not being able to compare Lawrence and Keith. They are so different but I love them both. Keith will always have a special place in my heart because he helped me to keep my sanity during the Ohio fiasco of 2004, but Lawrence has that inside track of Washington that helps me to put things in perspective politically. I can't watch Ed, but I agree that he has a very important role to play. I am an unemployed teacher with a master's degree so I appreciate what Ed is doing, but I can't get beyond the yelling. Rachel raised the bar for me in terms of class and patience with her guests. She is so civilized and yet so silly and fun to watch! I have to say that we have come a long way in our choices as to who to watch!! It is all good and I am really grateful that things have improved!

[tularetom]

3. Who cares - I watch Olbermann anyway

Never really warmed up to O'Donnell and Ed Schultz's show is conducted at a decibel level way too high for me.

[CTyankee]

4. I think msnbc reasons that Ed "feels" like the people who are demonstrating

in the OWS protests. They are cynical about it, of course, as always...but it's their calculation that Ed "fits the time."

Oh, well...

[Tarheel_Dem]

5. What qualifies this for GDP? Isn't this more of a GD kinda thing?

:shrug:

[Cali_Democrat]

7. Larry O'Donnell and Ed Schultz are constantly discussing Obama and presidential politics

That's why. Also, another poster here had a short post about it, but it had no link. I was just posting a more extensive and descriptive article.

Any other questions?

[wryter2000]

6. I hope Ed feels like working on Fridays

His radio show on Fridays is often a rehash because he's taken the day off. It'll be interesting to see if he's actually there on Friday evening.

[flpoljunkie]

10. Ed said last night he would move wherever MSNBC wanted him and felt lucky to have the job

Lawrence O'Donnell commutes from LA. I don't think he will mind not working on Friday nights. I wish he would remain in the earlier 8PM time slot. He's my favorite liberal host of them all--including Olbermann.

[themaguffin]

11. I prefer Lawrence to Ed or even Keith, but good overall to have all 3 voices around