http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_goreHarvard
(snip)
Though he was an avid reader who fell in love with scientific and mathematical theories,<22> he did not do well in science classes in college, and avoided taking math.<21> His grades during his first two years put him in the lower one-fifth of the class. During his sophomore year, he reportedly spent much of his time watching television, shooting pool, and occasionally smoking marijuana.<21><22> In his junior and senior years, he became more involved with his studies, earning As and Bs.<21> In his senior year, he took a class with oceanographer and global warming theorist Roger Revelle, who sparked Gore's interest in global warming and other environmental issues.<22><29>
Gore earned an A on his bachelor of arts thesis, "The Impact of Television on the Conduct of the Presidency, 1947-1969", and graduated with honors in June 1969.<21><30>(snip)
Gore also began to work the night shift for The Tennessean as an investigative reporter in 1971.<42> His investigations of corruption among members of Nashville's Metro Council resulted in the arrest and prosecution of two councilmen for separate offenses.<37> As to being a sports caster, I don't view that as being a strike against knowing general politics or recognizing journalistic integrity when you see it anymore than being a patent clerk prohibits one from becoming a great physicist.
I believe Gore's experience and knowledge in the two bolded areas, that I posted above enhanced his ability to recognize Keith Olbermann's great talent, passion for politics and respect for journalistic integrity in spite of Keith having been a "sportscaster."