Keith Olbermann has turned into a very eloquent political critic. Watch or read his special comment from July 3rd: video, transcript.

I used to think impeachment would hurt the Democrats more than help. I’m starting to think it’s necessary, even if that were to be true. Bush has set a very dangerous precedent for what is acceptable behaviour by a President and not impeaching him validates that behaviour.

I don’t take that point of view lightly. I’m not American but I did live there for several years and still follow the politics very closely, so I understand how tough an impeachment would be. But, when I think of how I would feel if my own Prime Minister had done even a quarter of what Bush has done, I end up at this conclusion.

Just think – it was “OK” to impeach Clinton for having an affair and trying to cover it up. Note an affair is not illegal. Bush has now been proven to have covered up the exposing of a CIA operative, which is very illegal. Also don’t forget that’s just the latest on the list. You don’t even need to remember all his other crimes.

One more way to think about it: you could just ride out the rest of his term and hope he doesn’t commit too many more crimes. But, by enabling and validating his behaviour, what do you think the next few Presidents will be like? What incentive will they have to follow the law, given there’s no accountability?