Olbermann named CNN hire Glenn Beck “Worst Person” for calling Cindy Sheehan “a pretty big prostitute”

Written by Rob Morlino

Published

Keith Olbermann named right-wing radio host Glenn Beck, recently hired by CNN, the “Worst Person in the World” for calling anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan “a pretty big prostitute.”

On the January 19 edition of MSNBC's Countdown, host Keith Olbermann named right-wing radio personality and recent CNN hire Glenn Beck the “Worst Person in the World” for calling anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan “a pretty big prostitute,” as noted by Media Matters for America. After bestowing the award, Olbermann advised CNN on its decision to give Beck his own show: “From personal experience, maybe you should bail on this right now. Two simple words: Michael Savage."

Beck mentioned Sheehan on his January 10 radio show, during what he called a “search for the biggest prostitute,” which, he said, sought to answer the question, “Who'll do anything for power or money?” The choices offered by Beck initially pitted former Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss against Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), and suspended Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens. Beck later added Sheehan to the discussion, calling her “a pretty big prostitute.” His producer Steve “Stu” Burguiere observed that “tragedy pimp” would be “the most accurate description.”

On January 17, Olbermann named CNN News Group executive vice president Ken Jautz the “Worst Person” for hiring Beck, noting Beck's statement regarding Hurricane Katrina survivors: “The only ones we're seeing on television are the scumbags. It is exactly like the 9-11 victims' families. There are about 10 of them that are spoiling it for everybody.”

From the January 19 edition of MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann:

OLBERMANN: But the winner: Glenn Beck, the radio talk show host to whom CNN just gave a show on Headline News, calling him “conversational, not confrontational.” On the radio, he had a mock contest to see which public figure was the, quote, “biggest prostitute.” Among the selections: Cindy Sheehan. Beck said, “That's a pretty big prostitute there.” Then his producer corrected him and said Sheehan should be called a, quote, “tragedy pimp.” Bring me back on camera for a second so I can talk to my friends at CNN directly -- the ones who gave me my first break in TV. Guys, about the Glenn Beck show? From personal experience, maybe you should bail on this right now. Two simple words: Michael Savage. Glenn Beck, today's worst person in the world.