Why I Find Big Ed's Demotion To Weekends Troubling

[Samantha]

75. Well, specifically, when Keith Olbermann left MSNBC, meaning literally that Friday night

People were upset. There had been no forewarning, so no one had time to prepare. There was no five minutes even set aside to say, "Thanks for the memories." And the rumors and accusations did fly (they still do). But once I learned Keith had chosen to leave, I was happy he was going to Current. I really thought they were going to build a great network. Despite all the rumors MSNBC had fired him, he later said Current had been in talks with him for months, and it took a long time for his lawyer to reach an agreement with MSNBC's legal team. The last "i" was dotted while he was on the air that Friday night, but he was given no opportunity to say goodby.

I think if Ed were going to leave because of his wife's illness, he would have done so when her life was at risk. I think someone at MSNBC, or NBC itself, did take advantage of his earlier request for flexibility during his wife's illness, they dragged it back onto the table, and asked him to do the weekend show.

He had to spout the Company line if he wanted to continue to work for MSNBC on the weekends. In these situations, one has to be diplomatic despite disappointment if one still wants ANY place at the table. And I think Ed did.

So of course, this is just my opinion, but towards the end of this thread, a lightening bolt hit me. Two words: Jay Leno. (see below)

I think there is a pattern in play here.

Sam