ABC anchor Dan Harris led Sunday night's World News with Commerce-nominee Bill Richardson's unexpected withdrawal, but framed the story around worries over Richardson becoming a “distraction” from Barack Obama's agenda. George Stephanopoulos, however, assured him it will only “be a blip.” Harris recited how “Obama is facing trouble abroad, trouble at home, and now trouble in his own cabinet.” So, “this is another major challenge” for the besieged Obama, Harris empathized, “at a time when the economy is reeling and war is raging between the Israelis and Palestinian militants.”
Following a report from Jake Tapper, Harris went to George Stephanopoulos: “Obama's coming into office with a very ambitious agenda, and if you add together what's going on with Richardson right now with the Blagojevich scandal, is that going to be a distraction in the key early days?” Stephanopoulos assured him, given all the issues on Obama's agenda including “the panoply of national security challenges he's going to face when he takes office,” that “this is likely to be a blip.”
It will be if journalists decide to make it one.
From the January 4 World News on ABC:
DAN HARRIS: Good evening. President-elect Obama is arriving in Washington tonight, where he will be inaugurated in 16 days. Mr. Obama is facing trouble abroad, trouble at home, and now trouble in his own cabinet. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today abruptly withdrew his nomination to be Obama's Commerce Secretary because of a grand jury investigation into the awarding of a lucrative contract to a campaign donor. This is another major challenge for Obama, at a time when the economy is reeling and war is raging between the Israelis and Palestinian militants.....
HARRIS: By all accounts, Obama's coming into office with a very ambitious agenda, and if you add together what's going on with Richardson right now with the Blagojevich scandal, is that going to be a distraction in the key early days?
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I don't think so, Dan, for the reason you mentioned, because there's so many other challenges of such magnitude. President-elect Obama coming to the Hill tomorrow to talk about his economic plan, the largest one since the Great Depression; this ground war in Gaza; the panoply of national security challenges he's going to face when he takes office. I think that means that this is likely to be a blip, especially if they're able to come in with a replacement for Governor Richardson in the next week or so.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Heaven forbid the "Chosen
January 4, 2009 - 22:09 ET by rbosqueHeaven forbid the "Chosen One" should be bothered with such trivial matters.
(Barf.)
The big distraction will
January 5, 2009 - 06:43 ET by ThisnThatThe big distraction will occur when the special interest groups (like Congress or any other social engineering group) begins to demand a "Mexican" replacement. This position is now a set-aside, and only Mexican applicants will be accepted. Just like the Senate seat from Illinois -- only one color is acceptable. Or Hillary's Senate seat -- only women can apply.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
That's right...the
January 5, 2009 - 07:07 ET by motherbeltThat's right...the replacement will ahve to be a Hispanic!
Hey, maybe Henry Cisneros isn't busy right now...ooops...he has his own problems, doesn't he?
Remember what happened when HRC decided it had to be a woman for AG!!
Oh, and heaven forbid there should be a "distraction!" Well, this investigation didn't just spring up last night! What were Obama and his people thinking??
Well, the MSM will have to be working overtime to make sure this doesn't distract!! Let's see how fast they bury it!
Myself, I will be watching to see if they mention, in every story, WHY Richardson withdrew his name. You know if he were a Republican they would make sure they got "investigation" and "cloud" and "possible indictment" into every story!
Right, MB, not only would
January 5, 2009 - 07:20 ET by ThisnThatRight, MB, not only would they put "investigation" and "cloud" and "possible indictment" into every story, but there would be "ties to the administration" and "culture of corruption", along with many, many attempts to show the long, sordid history of past Republican scandals. And if they couldn't find information or data, then they would report rumors. And of course, the constant comments from Dem senators, congressmen, and govenors. We would get a statement from Shumer every single day, tsk-tsking the whole Republican party. This story would never go away.
Ouch! Boy, you've given me a headache now.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
With Bush
January 5, 2009 - 08:01 ET by 10ksnookerEvery distraction was turned into a media club. Odd how it works, when it's a Democrat.
What's the last for the date when the last dinosaur dies?
I would expect nothing less
January 4, 2009 - 22:11 ET by Captain RepusI would expect nothing less from the Obammy cheering section, expecially from Stephanipples
Cabinet shakeup?
January 4, 2009 - 22:12 ET by ThisnThatI love the "Cabinet Shakeup" headline on the picture. He doesn't even have a cabinet yet -- he's not president -- yet there's a cabinet shakeup already?
There's going to be an abundance of available wheels all around Washington pretty soon, as all the wheels come off Obama's and the Dems' carefully crafted fake Camelot II wagon, just like those fake pillars in Denver.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Yea, shakeup eh? I find
January 4, 2009 - 22:18 ET by GregEYea, shakeup eh? I find it amazing that the Hillary Clinton nomination is not in the least bit a shake-up. Any Republican appointing the spouse of a former Republican president to a cabinet office as big as Sec of State, all the while that former Republican president was running a global initiative fund, would be to the media like pit bulls on a steak. And nevermind the fact that it would have absolutely zero chance of passing thru a majority Democrat Senate comittee.
Hmm, a global initiative and a foreign affairs cabinet position. Move along folks, nothing to see here.
Hillary's pay to play...
January 4, 2009 - 22:37 ET by ScrapironHillary's pay to play scheme is much larger than Richardson's. Hillary provided tax money to a developer and the developer kicked back a large sum to Slick Willie. Nothing like hiding it in plain site to keep it in the family.
Still waiting for someone to provide the name of 'one' honest person Hussein O has ever been involved with in his personal and/or business life. So far every friend and associate is a freakin criminal/terrorists.
Old, Retired and glad of it.
Re: Hillary's nomination as
January 5, 2009 - 12:18 ET by celatorRe: Hillary's nomination as Sec State, (and potential shake ups). I have a friend who is fairly high up the food chain at State and who gave me a little tidbit yesterday.
My friend tells me that the BIG BUZZ in the corridors and by the watercoolers at State these days is that Hillary wants to name Chelsea as an Undersecretary of State (no congressional approval needed). No word on exactly what department or area she would take over (probably low level, as these things go).
The Clintons and others interested in Chesea's Senate position are watching the media and public reaction to Caroline Kennedy's possible nomination to the Senate to see if Chelsea could survive a similar dynastic nomination.
We'll see if my friend has it right.
Distraction? The boy knows
January 4, 2009 - 22:22 ET by GregEDistraction? The boy knows very little about very much, he hardly has anything to be distracted from. His "team" tells him every move to make. The only ones that could be distracted are those who's only jobs it is is to be his sidekicks and PR men........Axlerod and Emanuel. The others have positions the revolve around real topics. The only thing Obama himself can be distracted from is his teleprompter, and we all know his sentences get doubled in length with the "uhhs" and "ums" and repeated words when the teleprompter is out.
The only thing Obama
January 4, 2009 - 22:42 ET by JennalThe only thing Obama himself can be distracted from is his
teleprompter, and we all know his sentences get doubled in length with
the "uhhs" and "ums" and repeated words when the teleprompter is out.
How do you think Obama managed to go through three widely watched debates with Mccain, and never be exposed as this stumbling idiot? In fact, most reactions polls showed that people thought he was the smarter of the two. And the debates are credited with helping him win.
Since he didn't have a telepropmter at these debates, what do you see that most Americans don't see?
He did well. He prepped
January 4, 2009 - 22:53 ET by GregEHe did well. He prepped well.
From Obama, have you never heard the 'uhhs' of which I speak? It is usually described as his being "thoughtful."
Smarter of the two? Grain of salt because I've also heard Hillary is the smartest woman alive. LOL
PS. - I see you're a newcomer to NB. Welcome.
Well of course it will just
January 4, 2009 - 22:16 ET by bigtimerWell of course it will just be a 'blip' because the msm will make sure it's a fly by blipper...it's their job, that's what they do for anyone with a 'D' behind their name, especially the O...just ask Matthews, it's his job to protect/defend the O, to ensure his Presidency is a great one.
Bill/Hill troubles for her qualifications for her as Sec. of State will also be ignored, even though there is plenty of proof with conflict of interest for her to do as such world-wide with the $$$ Billy-Boy made on his speaking tours globally...the release of this information would be huge if this was a repub...no matter how you look at it.
Oh well...we must move on.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Outstanding Public Servant?
January 4, 2009 - 22:18 ET by legacyrepublicanObama says he is an outstanding public servant.
Coming from Chicago, for Obama, he must have seemed very clean and proper.
For a man of his little experience, how long before those in his administration realize they can do what they want and no one will notice until it is too late.
The foxes are coming into the chicken coop to roost.
Coming from Chicago, for
January 4, 2009 - 22:19 ET by GregEComing from Chicago, for Obama, he must have seemed very clean and proper.
It's all relative isn't it?
lr... LOL...I thought
January 4, 2009 - 22:22 ET by bigtimerlr...
LOL...I thought according to Biden it was clean and articulate.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Exactly. Biden called
January 4, 2009 - 22:23 ET by GregEExactly. Biden called the boy clean and got VP out of it. LOL
Richardson Got Off Easy...
January 4, 2009 - 22:23 ET by CapeCodScottRemember Ron Brown...(Low Hanging New Years Fruit, I know)
www.ScottOnCapeCod.com
"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!
George, you silly little imp, you...
January 4, 2009 - 22:24 ET by BKeyserHas anyone else noticed that George Stephanopoulos' shoulders look amazingly like Obama's buttocks? I think he pops his head out about once a day to express his admiration and thanks for being able to reside so far up The One's a**. His commentary is drivel incarnate. I'm betting he's got a "Hope-n-Change" tatoo on his lower back...
On fretting about Richardson's distractions...
January 4, 2009 - 22:25 ET by Gary HallCertainly reminds me of ABC and the MSM fretting about 9/11 being a distraction from the Bush agenda... "oh my goodness, how's he going to be able to deliver us from this disaster Clinton left us, with all this on his plate?"
Mind you, not that they [MSM] didn't fret about the collapsing economy, Pakistan and India at the brink of nuclear war, millions dying in civil war and genocide in Africa (D.R. Congo, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, etc), N. Korea building nukes, Russia at war with Chechnya, Colombia rebels holding 100's of American hostage over Gore's oil buddy's business, etc. (~>/ gary
ROTFLOL may commence.
"Shaken, not Stirred"
January 4, 2009 - 22:26 ET by CapeCodScottHow long until we see that headline for the unflappable Agent Double-O Bama..from the MSM
www.ScottOnCapeCod.com
"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!
This
January 4, 2009 - 22:32 ET by GregEThis one?
http://bp1.blogger.c...
...or this one?
http://presidentofaw...
ROTF!
LOL
January 5, 2009 - 09:44 ET by CapeCodScottwww.ScottOnCapeCod.com
"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!
If Obama keeps getting
January 4, 2009 - 22:38 ET by Two DogsIf Obama keeps getting distracted, he might wake up and realize that he is the only one of his entire chosen administration that is not in jail. So, shall Hillary resign over her bribes to Bill's library? Stay tuned to find out if 100% of Democrats are criminals! So far, it looks likely.
I am certainly glad that Panty-Wearing Booty-Boy Stephie thinks that Obama's economic plan is the largest since the 1930s. How many pages is it exactly, 1,000,000? Why can't he just say that Obama's economic plan is the largest REDISTRIBUTION of wealth since the 1930s because that is what he means.
It's a contest now to see who can be the biggest TOOL in the newsroom.
Obviously, Richardson
January 4, 2009 - 22:44 ET by celatorObviously, Richardson wasn't properly vetted by the Obama team. This is just another example of the managerial sloppiness that characterizes the incoming president. We'll see lots more of this sort of incompetence as Obama steps from one mess into the next mess throughout his administration.
The next big mess may be the photo taken when Reid stands in the doorway of the Senate to block Burris from admission in the Senate. Oh yea, that will a caption contestant on NB.
Although
January 4, 2009 - 23:04 ET by littlemissmuffinAlthough BHO might step in many messes, he has that magical invisible shield which protects him from any and all scandals. He can step in messes here, there, and everywhere, but nothing will stick to his shoes. Remember, he cleared himself and his staff of any wrongdoing in the Blago scandal. He will continue to clear himself and his staff, and the MSM will have total faith in his judgment.
Remembering little Caylee Anthony (2005-2008). May justice be served.
He does seem to have a
January 5, 2009 - 12:26 ET by celatorHe does seem to have a special shield doesn't he? The big news, if it is ever revealed, is who is protecting him from even normal criticism--and why. It will all come out one day, but not soon enough.
Nah, Burris just needs to
January 5, 2009 - 12:24 ET by Scuba DudeNah, Burris just needs to enter the Senate flanked by a couple of tourists. The smell will drive Reid to take shelter in his office bubble.
Yes, that's true-- LOL.
January 5, 2009 - 12:27 ET by celatorYes, that's true-- LOL. Very good.
If anyone has noticed
January 4, 2009 - 23:21 ET by WorriedBill Richardson is one big blip.
The only reason the Blago and Richardson situations have come to light is because of AG/grand jury investigations. If it were Dems looking into them they wouldn't be a big deal. Business as usual.
BTW, has The One found time to comment on the Hamas/Israel situation yet? Maybe he hasn't found time to hook up with his munchkins Axelrod and Emmanual.
Speaking of agenda...here
January 4, 2009 - 23:48 ET by bigtimerSpeaking of agenda...here is another little precious item...that will be allowed again.
I just love the audicity of the left....things such as this makes steam come from one's ears if you pay attention to what has gone on with the Senate regarding this all for at least the last two years or more..
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Recess Appointments
January 5, 2009 - 05:36 ET by kdoliverThis is the kind of act that bothers me the most about the MSM. This will be downplayed and the public will not even know of the change. Then the Republicans will start to question it and the MSM will present it in such a way as to make it look like complaining. When the dims did it, it was to keep Bush/Cheney from taking control of the government. Just sad.
http://thelazytriath...
OK, it's 7:10 AM and already
January 5, 2009 - 07:13 ET by motherbeltOK, it's 7:10 AM and already I can't read any more without my duct tape!!!
I was very depressed over
January 5, 2009 - 00:14 ET by Captain RepusI was very depressed over the election results, but I am now beginning to see a long period of entertainment down the road. The audacity of dopes is gonna pay off like a slot machine as the empty suit starts unraveling.
Before he is even inaugurated, 'the one' is involved in more scandals and incompetent moves than Willie the molester got his wick caught in for half of his first term.
Watching Harry the moron on MTP this morning just typifies the level of simple-minded idiots the electorate has put into unchecked positions of power in our national government. Between him, Pelosi, Plugs and 'The Suit', our country is going to look like a Warner Bros cartoon for the next 4 years.
New Material For Rush...
January 5, 2009 - 02:53 ET by AgentAmericanFour years of new material for Rush Limbaugh.
2010: A GOP Hill
A distraction??????
January 5, 2009 - 01:09 ET by BEGRUNTWhat.....from the other indictments coming??????????????
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
We Haven't Seen This Much Corruption
January 5, 2009 - 01:20 ET by Asian Conout of Chicago since the days of Al Capone and "Bugs" Moran. Those guys got nothing on O and his crew. All we need now is a Thompson submachine gun for each and every one of Obama's cabinet picks.
As far as George Obamanopolous goes, he's got his head so far up O's ass it must smell like straight sh*# down at ABC studios!
"For The First Time In My Life, I Am No Longer Proud Of My Country Because It Seems Like, Socialism Has Made A Comeback"
The media has a point. How
January 5, 2009 - 02:46 ET by mostlymoderateThe media has a point. How is Obama going to "look good" in the eyes of the American people if he actually has to "do" something. The media has not had enough time to whitewash or spin this latest Richardson controversy to his majesty's favor! It is an OUTRAGE that anything un-calculated happen in the World while Obama is in office. Perhaps the media could find it in their heart to stop reporting ANYTHING except for positive stories while Obama is in office. Don't forget: HOPE!!
Dog gone it anyway
January 5, 2009 - 03:46 ET by mountainman08Dog gone it anyway,
We were getting ready to throw a big (good ridance) I mean going away party for Richardson. This means he stay's in New Mexico...............
This is what happens when a
January 5, 2009 - 06:38 ET by Jack BauerThis is what happens when a Monarchical Cult takes over with a King at its head.
To the followers of the divine cult, everything that can be construed as a legitimate oppoition to the leader, can be discounted as mere grubby politics.
Therefore politics as usual become a "distraction" to the great leaders "leadership," which is the only right and proper way to "solve" things.
Disgusting, huh?
Honest Obama, Experienced Chicago Decision-maker
January 5, 2009 - 06:45 ET by Mencken-LiteBe grateful for Honest Obama I'm different from all the rest with his executive experience making decisions. Journalists supported Obama because he makes news without trying. No more naughty George Bush. Obama brings change -- real scandals and silence on the Israeli invasion. Is he voting present as he did in the Illinois Legislature? Are we worthy of his great speaking ability with no substance?
Mencken-Lite
enoughroomvideo.blogspot.com
Obama's Loyalty
January 5, 2009 - 07:09 ET by kiwikithas yet to show. No worry about his showing it for his administration a la President Bush. Anyone who doesn't support his reputation as Mesiah (infinitely intelligent) immediately is tossed under the 'big' bus!
It's a good thing Diogenes
January 5, 2009 - 07:38 ET by flyingmonkeyIt's a good thing Diogenes wasn't a Democratic President-elect.
HEY MAINSLEAZE MEDIA...
January 5, 2009 - 08:27 ET by BobAnthonyYou think Richardson's pay-for-play is a blip...
YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET!
Then again the media DOES NOT SEE ANYTHING AS THEY ARE BLINDED BY OBAMA'S SO CALLED BLACKNESS--HE'S AN ARAB!
The Constitution is NOT a conspiracy theory and the founding fathers are NOT conspiracy theorists!
sigh
January 5, 2009 - 10:20 ET by candanceTwo corruption scandals in less than three months and he hasn't even had his coronation yet. Gonna be a long four years.
I'm a typical white person.
Don't worry--people have a short attn span
January 5, 2009 - 11:09 ET by StarAZThose dratted facts and events--so distracting.