Deseret News | MSNBC names Buttars 'worst person in world'

Reader comments
Scott D. Pierce: MSNBC names Buttars 'worst person in world'

150 comments | Read story

Is Olberman still on the air? | 7:50 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I can't believe this guys still on the air. And there's really people who listen to his ill informed opinions and take it as a news show? I stopped that about 4 years ago.

I've never seen stereotyping as bad as I've seen it on Olberman, and that's why I had to stop watching him.

The only good thing about that guy is it shows everyone the far left is not where we want to be.

Is MSNBC Still On the Air?? | 8:05 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Nobody around here listens to MSNBC and especially Keith Olbermann. The only way that Utahns would even know about it, is due to this report by the DesNews. Senator Buttars should take Olberman's comments as a Badge of Honor.

Senator Buttars was re-elected by his district because they know him and his voting record. They weren't confused by the propaganda put out against him.

ha ha | 8:48 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Olbermann is spot on with this one!
I want to say "I cant believe he was re-elected"
but unfortunatly I can. Thanks butters for being a nutcake.

Comments continue below

Jenny | 9:10 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Please everyone stop saying Merry Christmas and let's change the name all together. I'd rather not have the name of Christ said in the same sentence as "Storewide sales extravaganza!!!" Christmas isn't a Christian holiday, it's a holiday celebrating greed and over-consumption. Don't fool yourselves.

Scott | 9:14 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Merry Christmas Sen Buttars!! If Olberman knew me, he's hate me too! high five! To those that deny the very existence and purpose of Christmas; "have a nice day!".

I'm confused | 9:23 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I can't decide who I think is a bigger windbag . . . Olberman or Buttars. Maybe we should put them in a locked room and let them fight it out.

RE: Jenny | 9:54 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

In our house, family and business, Christmas is about family and it's about Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas to you, and shame on you for trying to make Christians feel guilty for celebrating their religion. Christmas is for Christians. We don't get mad if other people want to have fun along with us, but when you all try to change our holiday into something else, well shame on all of you.

If a business wants to celebrate any religious holiday, what business is it of the government's? Separation of church and state, remember. That doesn't just mean keep church out of government, it also means keep government out of church.

re: Dan | 9:59 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Buttars is awesome. Why should people be ashamed of celebrating any religious holiday. I deeply like this man for standing for such an obvious truth in a time when liberal nonsense is spewed at us nonstop by the media.

I too encourage everyone to put Merry Christmas on everything, including government buildings. Christmas is a Christian holiday, and all the liberals can't handle any diversity in beliefs. Liberals think everyone has to think exactly like them or they are "nuts." How close-minded and diversified is that. AS for as I'm concerned, all this anti-Christmas talk is nothing but hate speech geared towards Christians.

Appreciate the article | 11:10 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

It's not like I would know otherwise.

I feel sorry for the poor sap that had to watch Oberman, The View, and Baba Wawa's most fabulous people to get this stuff.

Mom | 12:30 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I don't need Buttars or anyone else for that matter, wasting taxpayers money on this issue. If I want too say Merry Christmas I will and anyone else that wants to say Happy Haunaka to me can do that to. No matter what some think we still are a nation that fought for freedom of speech and last I heard, that hasn't changed.

Clown | 12:42 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

It's nice to see the national media recognizing a top-notch clown.

Reason | 12:42 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Re: ï¿½TO Reason, 6:05 pmï¿½: No, Buttars is not promoting one religion over another ï¿½ not at all. He is simply telling employers that itï¿½s wrong to prohibit their employees from saying ï¿½Merry Christmas.ï¿½ You asked why he isnï¿½t including the holiday greetings for ALL religions. But the reason is simply that none of the holiday greetings for other religions are under assault ï¿½ only ï¿½Merry Christmas.ï¿½ If employers were banning the use of ï¿½Happy Hanukah,ï¿½ etc., I have no doubt that Buttars would include that in the resolution as well. For all we know, maybe it IS in there.

Comedian or Joke | 1:01 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Butters provides proof that people from Utah are weird.

You can't make this stuff up. Is Butters serious or is he just working on his stand-up routine?

ABC.com | 1:11 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I also went to ABC.com and told them what I thought. I don't see how Avery (the Dallas Stars player) gets kicked off his team and ESPN (owned by ABC) prefaces his remarks with "some viewers may be offended" when all he says is "sloppy seconds" and Joy Baher can openly ridicule religous things and all she gets is laughs for it.

Seems like mocking religous things is a lot worse than saying "sloppy seconds" to me, but maybe I just don't understand what things are appropriate and what aren't. Merry Christmas!!!

RR | 4:32 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The view is just one reason why I want nothing to do with CA. I can't even get myself to even want to visit that state anymore. Glad I live like 10 states from it. I never really watch TV, and what everyone says are reasons why.

Ralph Woods | 5:15 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

When I read in comment sections that people have quit watching channels and shows that have personalities such as MSNBC's Olbermann and The View's Behar, I think of it as the same as someone who has kicked a bad drug habit. Why did you ever do it in the first place? Do some people jsut have the need to punish themselves?

Sam | 5:35 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I am a Christian so I have no problem in saying merry Christmas but to legislate it is wrong you would not want to force someone who does not celebrate Christmas to have to say it, so I say no to Gayle Ruzicka's ...I mean her puppet Chris buttars "the worst person in the world" according to Keith Olbermann and I agree with him.
with the economy in the shape it is in there are more important things the senator should be working on.

marcy ponds | 5:48 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Am not a Mormon but figure they do not need to be mocked unless Muslims are mocked too. The 'brave' ones who mock Mormons would never mock a Muslim...too afraid. Why are people with big mouths so cowardly..Olberman and Baher and Maher. Christians are the only safe people to bash. Cowards only pick on safe people.

Uncel Jed | 6:47 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Again, Utah proves ot be the hillbilly capital of the nation.

Bob2 | 7:04 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Still, Olbermans show probably did as much as anything to get Obama elected as any single newsperson in the country. Maybe Republicans feel he has too much power in the same way that Dems feel that Rush does. Both really get their bases fired up. All I know is when Olberman targets someone as a rednecked neo-con idiot, the moniker tends to stick and he doesn't let go.

BCS | 7:11 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

This might be the only award that Buttars ever deserved!

Grandmother | 7:34 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I have had interaction with Chris Buttars and don't care for him. He is very self-promotional and patriarchal in his views. He must live an insular life because he doesn't consider other points of view. It is embarrassing to have a public servant say some of the things he does. As a West Jordan resident, I have not voted for him. But the worst person in the world? That kind of judgment could only occur in our world of uber media 24/7.

But to Chris, I would say:

Many religions have holidays this time of the year. Why should we leave them out? We shouldn't! They have the right to celebrate their holidays as much as we do ours. "Happy Holidays" is not an insult to Christianity. It is a warm and kind expression to people to enjoy the holiday season.

I'm sure Chris thinks he's being strong in enforcing the Christian point of view. But he is not. His comments are devisive and decidely NOT Christian. They do not show Christian love.

Oberman a joke | 7:49 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Keith Oberman is one of the most partisan hacks in the business. He is the reason I refuse to listen to Dan Patrick and some of the other left wing nut jobs. Any politician getting on MSNBC's worst list must be doing a good job in my book!!!

LDSandproud | 8:03 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I thought the holiday in question is named "Christmas"! Christmas is a christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. How did all this get lost? No matter what you call it, Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas, it is still "Christmas"! I am smart enough to realize that not everyone is a Christian, however, Christmas is a Christian holiday. I respect other religions and their holidays. What I am hearing is alot of you who want to change this holiday. What's next, the 4th of July? I am amazed at those who are affended at someone saying, "Merry Christmas." And when is it inappropiate for a retailer is wish someone a "Merry Christmas?" If you are not Christian, that's okay. But do not try to change this holiday for those of us who are. If you cannot say "Merry Christmas", then you had not better every allow anyother religious group to celebrate either. But then maybe that is the greater plan. No religion! OOPS! Sounds like another form of government!

DH | 8:13 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The news media are in general worthless. DO what I do. TURN THEM OFF! DON'T WATCH OR LISTEN TO THEM!That includes are local "personalities".

Merry Christmas to all | 8:13 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I just wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

KO | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Keith Olbermann is a buffoon. There's a reason MSNBC fired him and Chris Matthews from anchoring election coverage and relegated them to competing for the lowest rated of all cable news shows.

Pretty bad when you are the lowest rated program on the lowest rated network. He should have stuck with Sports Center where people actually liked him.

bob tanner | 8:24 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

i dont think anyone with buttars personality belongs in public office...in his entior life he has never been able for even one day to see the forest for the trees...i think the man is totally despicable...and i must say, trite but true...only in utah.

BB | 8:27 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I believe the comment on The View was from the Monday, December 1, 2008, edition. You can find Ms. Behar's comment in a clip on The View's website discussing the Plaxico Burress shooting.

Black | 8:32 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

MSNBC? Where do you find it? The View? Where is it? Who is Keith Olbermann? I love caves.

Shecky Idaho Mormon | 9:04 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Chris Butters is just another example of the notorius 'UTAH FEEL GOOD PATROL' overstepping their bounds. Just when folks begin to feel good about themselves the UTAH FEEL GOOD PATROL shows up and piles guilt upon the perpetrator. Here in Idaho we always worry when our State Legislature is in session, because sometimes they get a little goofy. Thank heaven we have Utah to take the heat off us. Thanks for making us look a little better. Our new state slogan is, "At least we're not from Panguitch."

grundle | 9:07 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Just a note to Senator Buttars -

You are getting a lot of flak these days and yet you continue to stand tall. Good on you! If you ran in my district I would be one of your most adamant supporters. Thank you for taking my call and discussing the storm around you. Thank you for being one of the few good men who have chosen not to do nothing while evil triumphs. Thank you for not bowing to the rabid few who would look for any reason to silence you! - Thank you!

Thank you to the residents of district 10 for seeing past the clamor and recognizing the warrior that Buttars is. I hope you are proud of him!

New Yorker | 9:08 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Is MSNBC still on the tube? Who watches it?

Free Speech vs Business Speech | 9:22 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

There is a difference between free speech and business speech. Business/store signage and messaging are business speech and that doesn't come with the same protections. Business speech doesn't come with a fairness clause.

Businesses can communicate to customers however they see fit. These messages are vetted through focus groups of customers, etc. and the businesses adjust to target their core customers. It's called MARKETING!

Kevin in the Terrace | 9:28 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Buttars repeatedly does bone headed things. I can't believe that the people in his district keep electing this guy! If Buttars is the "worst person" in politics, what does it say about the folks who voted for him. I guess that its better to have an ignoramous guy like Buttars in office than a Democrate, but thats what you get with a one party system. Don't get me wrong, I am an independent that leans republican. But when I look at a candidate, I look at his intelligence, his his ideas about good government, his previous actions, and his morals when I vote, not just party affiliation.

Bah Humbug | 9:34 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Buttars is worse than Bin Ladin, CEO's of our failed banks, various criminals etc. Give me a break.

Utah Patriot | 9:38 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Chris Buttars Rocks!!! I'm going to move to West Jordan just so I can vote for him the next go 'round;)

Hypocrisy | 9:40 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The Christian-Right is calling for a boycott of stores that don't promote/say "Merry Christmas" and to vote with their shopping dollars.

These are the same people that berated the Anti-Prop 8 folks for suggesting a boycott of companies that supported/donated towards the passage of Prop 8.

The sad thing is that you don't even see the hypocrisy is your actions. Pretty sad.

bob carlisle | 9:48 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

i am from idaho too. Shecky Idaho Mormon has no pride in this beautiful state and how it is ran, thats sad. i personally think this will help buttars alot. because most conservatives would agree that its opposit day when olberman speaks. whatever he says is wrong or miss informed. he should stick to sports. he is no good at anything else besides petty over used sports phrases. and even then he is no dan patrick

HA HA HA HA HA !!!!!!! | 10:09 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Come on. Do you really think the folks here in Utah give a hoot about the liberal propaganda network MSNBC??? Olbermann is an idiot - probably one of the worst in the business and has zero respect. His own little network demoted him 4 months ago because the guy was an embarrassment. The bottom line is, most people across the Nation watch FOX NEWS with CNN coming in second. I don't even know where MSNBC ranks - somewhere way down the line. MSNBC is NOT serious jounalism. Just another insignificant shrinking business run by liberals.

Don Quixote | 10:11 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The Ladies of the View show their true level of intelligence and acceptance. Joy Bay-har (as in donkey)once again spews her brand of hatred and understanding. Personally I think that Senator Buttars should get our State Legislature to pass a bill that is binding banning the View from being broadcast here in the state of Utah. Having lived and worked in numerous states I would much rather live here in Utah than in any other place. Do we have some strange characteristics-yes. However they are no stranger than the ones I seen and experienced in say the state of Washington. Look up a recent news story concerning a display in their state capital. In the mean time I want to wish one and all, including the ignorant ladies of the View a Merry and Happy Christmas.

Go Buttars !!!! | 10:14 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Chris Buttars MUST be doing something right to garner such a complement from the likes of the sleazy MSNBC! Honestly, I would take this as a clear sign that what Chris Said was RIGHT ON THE OLD MONEY!!! MSNBC and Olbermann are road kill anyway!!!

L.B. | 10:20 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Regarding the issue about "The View." Those gals who have been hosting the show are no different than school-yard bullies. (Not to mention, most poeple who write on discussion boards. But alas, that's another topic.) Attacking difference of opinion and attacking groups because they are different in how they worship is the same behavior that exhibits itself on the school yard with taunting and teasing.

Herb Gravy | 10:47 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Olbermann is by far #1 in this category. At "best", Mr. Buttars would be a DISTANT second!

Think again | 10:52 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The stupid ones are all those who voted for Buttars. How many times does Buttars have to prove his stupidity before the voters wake up?

Dutchman | 11:11 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The federal holiday on Dec 25th by law is called Christmas to honor a religious person. Martin Luther King day honors another religious person. Stop mocking either holiday and call them what they officially are. Chris Buttars is correct and MSNBC is full of dopes from the far left.

Lefty | 11:15 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I really like Keith Oberman and Rachel M., I love left leaning news and actually I have been training myself to write left handed and eat left handed. Buttars is a fool and I predict this year during the Leg session he will put his right foot in his mouth again. The View is a stupid show and Behar is dopey broad, B. Walters is so past her prime she must really have something on the ABC execs to keep her around, have you ever noticed the fuzzy lens and back away shots when ever she is on camera?
Bill O'really should go back to entertainment tonight or what ever that show was, he takes himself far to seriously and considers himself to be an intellectual. The man screams and yells at people who disagree with him, go listen to the Fresh Air interview with T. Gross on NPR, he should be ashamed of himself. Okay, I am off to work on my new ring CTL and practice my witchcraft. Ha ha people life is too mysterious stopping taking yourself so serious! Happy Holidays to all or Happy Christmas as my British Muslim neighbors says.

Olberman's a joke | 11:24 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I have never watched more than two minutes of MSNBC but the one lead-in I saw had Olberman summarizing Mitt Romney's address on his religion as "Mitt Romney states the president must be a Christian".

He either didn't listen to the speech or, more likely, loves to torment Christians or Mormons.

Happy to see the ratings of MSNBC reflect the quality of their talent.

I Love Chris Buttars | 11:34 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

He is the true face of Utah Politics. Up there for all the world to see.

AZTexas | 11:43 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

If you hadn't mentioned it in the article, no one would have known. No one watches MSNBC.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.