A Network in Conflict: The Identity Crisis of MSNBC

As the prospect of war looms ever-closer, MSNBC, the struggling cable news outlet continues to shoot itself in the proverbial foot trying desperately to gain some respect.

Last summer, the trumpets pealed mightily when the network signed on liberal media giant Phil Donahue as the anchor of a completely re-tooled evening lineup. I cheered right along with them. Although I disagree with Mr. Donahue more often than not, he's arguably one of the left's most eloquent advocates, and it also meant that Alan Keyes would "make sense" no more on the networks nightly lineup.

When "Donahue" launched to less-than-stellar ratings, the network suits were quoted as saying that they would stick with the program because "this is a marathon, not a sprint." Six months later, "Donahue" is history. But have no fear