Olbermann on Prop 8: 'It's About the Human Heart'

By Countdown

November 11, 2008

» More

Keith Olbermann expressed his disappointment over the passage of Proposition 8 with an emotional six-minute Special Comment Monday, calling the vote "horrible" and identifying the issue as a "question of love." Proposition 8 rescinded the right of same-sex couples to marry in California, a right which was granted in May by the California Supreme Court after a 4-3 vote deemed a previous statute, Proposition 22, a violation of the equal protection clause of the state's constitution.

Olbermann reminded viewers of the history of marriage in the United States and the struggle, violence, and racism that sometimes accompanied the institution--marriages between slaves were not recognized, and as late as 1967, sixteen states had laws forbidding unions between black and white citizens. "The parents of the President-Elect of the United States couldn't have married in nearly one third of the states of the country their son grew up to lead," Olbermann said. "What is this, to you?" the host continued. "Nobody is asking you to embrace their expression of love. But don't you, as human beings, have to embrace...that love?"

-Erica Landau

Check out more great Nation videos on our YouTube channel.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Blogs

» The Notion

The Just Say No Democrats | Conservative Democrats voting against healthcare reform represent constituents most in need of insurance.
Ari Berman
10 Comments
Posted at 1:09 PM ET

» Act Now!

The Wall Comes Down | It was twenty years ago today. Watch it live.
Peter Rothberg
17 Comments
Posted at 10:44 ET

» The Beat

Six Smart Progressive Complaints About House Health Bill | Women's groups, patient advocates, unions, anti-corporate congressmen explain what's wrong with "reform" measure as it now stands.
John Nichols
131 Comments
Posted at 10:23 ET

» The Dreyfuss Report

The Deal with Iran | The alarmists, and Bibi, should shut up. There's plenty of time to make the deal with Iran work.
Robert Dreyfuss
18 Comments

» Editor's Cut

Around The Nation | Obama, one year on. Plus: Jeremy Scahill takes your questions, and a new video series from The Nation.
Katrina vanden Heuvel
49 Comments

» Altercation

Slacker Thursday | Dying laptops, recapping the election, the Dow, and the Yankees with the World Series.
Eric Alterman