ABC and CBS on Friday night delivered glowing assessments of President Barack Obama's first three days in office, with ABC's George Stephanopoulos declaring “this first week was disciplined and strategic” enabling “sweeping change.” Fill-in anchor Diane Sawyer pronounced: “Change the tone and change it at warp speed.” CBS's Bob Schieffer relayed how “I think he's off to a very good start” and marveled at how -- given “the severity of the problems” -- any “human” could “live up to the expectations,” yet Obama “has laid out an ambitious program” and by closing Guantanamo and deciding to “outlaw torture” he “has told the world that we will practice what we preach.”
Admiring how Obama's discipline is meant to demonstrate he's “moving on all fronts to bring change,” Stephanopoulos trumpeted how on day one and day two he's used executive orders to bring “sweeping change to open government,” “sweeping change in foreign policy” and “then day three, today, two promises kept.”
Referring to the “great crowd that stretched over a mile before” Obama as he made his inaugural address, Schieffer expressed awe:
With the severity of the problems he faced, no human, no matter how confident, it seems to me, could look out on that crowd and not wonder: “Can I live up to the expectations of all those people?” Yet, in the three days since then, he has laid out an ambitious program, promises of more transparency in government, new walls between the government and special interests by executive order. He will close Guantanamo prison and outlaw torture. He has told the world that we will practice what we preach.
From the Friday, January 23 World News on ABC:
DIANE SAWYER: It's early to be writing history already on the Obama presidency, but tell me about the first three days. What do you think the headline is?GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Change, which was the headline of the Obama campaign. And this first week was disciplined and strategic like that campaign, all designed to show that the President is moving on all fronts to bring change.
Look at day one: He brings in the White House staffers, calls in, signs those executive orders for sweeping change to open government, those ethics rules we just talked about.
Day two, sweeping change in foreign policy. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, new envoys for Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East, and, of course, those executive orders which completely did away with the legal foundation for President Bush's war on terror.
And then day three, today, two promises kept: Working on the economy, but, also, with bipartisan congressional leadership, the President showing that he wants to change the tone in Washington.
SAWYER: Change the tone and change it at warp speed. Alright George, our thanks to you.
From Friday's CBS Evening News:
KATIE COURIC: Bob Schieffer is our chief Washington correspondent and anchor of Face the Nation. And, Bob, it's been quite a week beginning with Tuesday.
BOB SCHIEFFER: It really has, Katie, you know the scene I will always remember was the look on Barack Obama's face when he came out on the Capitol steps and looked out on that great crowd that stretched over a mile before him. Wouldn't you just love to know what was going through his mind at that moment? He had to be awed by just the sight of that gathering.
And with the severity of the problems he faced, no human, no matter how confident, it seems to me, could look out on that crowd and not wonder: “Can I live up to the expectations of all those people?” Yet, in the three days since then, he has laid out an ambitious program, promises of more transparency in government, new walls between the government and special interests by executive order. He will close Guantanamo prison and outlaw torture. He has told the world that we will practice what we preach.
These are not insignificant things, nor is his plan for economic recovery. But it's going to take more than just talk to put all that there place. He'll have to reign in some Democrats. He'll have to give Republicans some of what they want and that won't be easy. But I think, Katie, the huge crowds that came to Washington have changed the tone here. If he can take advantage of that I think he has a real chance to get some of this done. I think he's off to a very good start.
COURIC: All right. Bob Schieffer, Bob, that you can thank you. And this Sunday on Face the Nation, Bob will have the first exclusive interview with Joe Biden since he became Vice President.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Oh, Gee...
January 23, 2009 - 22:32 ET by gopcongressThe love fest continues.
The bottom line:
For ALL GOP candidates running in 2010, do NOT ...repeat...do NOT succomb to an interview with the so-called mainstream media. There is NO SUCH ANIMAL as an objective, impartial media.
If you DO have to talk to the media, ALWAYS CONSIDER the fact that they will always... ALWAYS...treat you as a hostile witness in the court of public opinion.
Instead, all candidates for office should only consider their local media outlets or national organizations that can be objective.
ABC's Stephanoulous is the
January 24, 2009 - 10:15 ET by kgABC's Stephanoulous is the new version of MSNBC's Matthews and will now give Matthews a run for his money.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
Yep
January 24, 2009 - 11:29 ET by Rukus"ABC's Stephanoulous is the new version of MSNBC's Matthews and will now give Matthews a run for his money."
Barry has two legs, Chrissy will be humping one fast and furious and Stephie will be humping the other at warp speed. Gonna be interesting who comes out on top.
Eeww! That last sentence was kinda icky!
Gary
"Mom's ROCK!!!" -Me
Oh yes, here comes the
January 23, 2009 - 22:34 ET by rbosqueOh yes, here comes the socialist agendas. And let's not forget his radical pro-gay agenda he's going to shove down our throats. I bet Marx and Lenin are grinning in hell.
George Stephanopoulos
January 23, 2009 - 22:39 ET by TN MomGeorge Stephanopoulos declaring “this first week was disciplined and strategic” enabling “sweeping change
Disciplined?
VP Biden made a snarky remark about Cheif Justice Roberts
Obama told WH press pool (on a tour) their offices "looks like the Middle East, people here and everywhere"
Obama tells GOP leaders at Stimulus mtg to "quit listening to Rush Limbaugh" if they want to get along
Obama outlaws Lobbyist in his admin, then says its ok for Ratheon lobbyist for Sec of Defense
Obama vows transparency to WH press pool then six hours later denies pool coverage of historic re-taking of Presidential Oath
I guess it depends on George Stephanoulous's definition of discipline is.
Gee TN Mom, thanks for doing my reply........
January 24, 2009 - 07:44 ET by old crofor me. Those are some of the examples I was thinking of when reading the article but you put them into much better wording than me. I'll add one - declaring the "new ethics" of his administration while nominating a "stinkin tax cheat" for Treasury Secretary. I posted earlier that in that video of Duh1 saying "hi" to the reporters I thought he compared their quarters to bin laden's cave - I wasn't sure then, still not. If not I will know later so it doesn't matter.
BOB SCHIEFFER: It really
January 23, 2009 - 23:21 ET by MidAmericaBOB SCHIEFFER: It really has, Katie, you know the scene I will always remember was the look on Barack Obama's face when he came out on the Capitol steps and looked out on that great crowd that stretched over a mile before him. Wouldn't you just love to know what was going through his mind at that moment? He had to be awed by just the sight of that gathering.
More of Bob's thoughts about obama...
Thoughts on the Führer
Often you must feel alone, all by yourself,
When you think of the mission you must fulfill.
Your deeds are far beyond what others do,
Yet you seek still greater goals.
We can never reach your heights,
All we can do is follow down your way,
And our banner with its symbol of the sun
Is under your leadership, under your guidance.
Each word you have given us,
Each look that you have sent our way,
Has cleansed us, led us
Given new light to our lives path.
Wow, I read some of the other......
January 24, 2009 - 07:49 ET by old cromouthings on that link and they sure are eerily similiar to the adoration of Duh1 we are hearing nowdays.
scary isn't it....
January 24, 2009 - 07:56 ET by MidAmericascary isn't it....
Sawyer says it's early to
January 23, 2009 - 23:21 ET by bigtimerSawyer says it's early to be writing history on this yet....
Oh puhleeeeeeeeeeeeeze......surely she jests.
Give me a f'n break...that is all they have been doing...since day one with the sock-puppet.
Oh my God.Just who are they trying to convince....?
January 23, 2009 - 23:23 ET by supercon"With the severity of the problems he faced, no human, no matter how
confident, it seems to me, could look out on that crowd and not wonder:
“Can I live up to the expectations of all those people?”
No human...?
I think she meant no "mere" human.We have to remember that Barack is on a higher plane than the rest of us.He can see things so clearly.He is more than a mortal.OK...so he couldn't buy his house without the help of a convicted felon and he bowls like a girl.That happens to a lot of deities.It doesn't make you human.
Because with a name like Obama... you know it has to be good.
Super
January 23, 2009 - 23:44 ET by choselife3x'He bowls like a girl'
You sir, are being ENTIRELY too kind to BARRKY.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Super, you forget.........
January 24, 2009 - 07:51 ET by old crohe's one of those light beings or whatever.
Here's your change
January 23, 2009 - 23:31 ET by Indiana JoeThe only "change" I see is how the press portrays the president.
The "Three Branches" are officially moot. The "Fourth Estate" is in control.
God help America.
"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..." - The Who
Joe... Amen to
January 23, 2009 - 23:34 ET by bigtimerJoe...
Amen to that....Amen.
Invisible
January 23, 2009 - 23:40 ET by nkviking75And this Sunday on Face the Nation, Bob will have the first exclusive interview with Joe Biden since he became Vice President.
If Obama wanted to keep Biden out of sight, Face the Nation is the perfect program for him.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
nk... LMAO.... isn't that
January 23, 2009 - 23:54 ET by bigtimernk...
LMAO.... isn't that the truth!
Was I the only one who
January 23, 2009 - 23:58 ET by thebutlerdiditWas I the only one who laughed when they read the statement that Obama would have to give the Republicans some of what they want? Why? Why would this be? Hello, Bob, he doesn't have to give the Republicans diddly. And I am sure he won't, unless it is to some Rino, and it fits his agenda. Bob is suffering from the onset of dementia.
Bringing the government in to run Wall Street is like saying, "Dad burned the dinner, let's get the dog to cook." PJ O'Rourke
tbdi... LOL... Ol' Bob
January 24, 2009 - 00:02 ET by bigtimertbdi...
LOL...
Ol' Bob has been suffering from that malaise for at least two decades or better now...
Same thoughts I had.........
January 24, 2009 - 07:53 ET by old croonly later the next morning.
Ghost Writers in the Sand
January 24, 2009 - 02:27 ET by BondPlainBondI read that at least one of Obama's books was most likely written by Bill Ayers.
I wonder if these libtards
January 24, 2009 - 03:36 ET by RR GOPI wonder if these libtards are thinking: "The chances of me being at ground zero II are, statistically, much less than me winning the lottery, so I'm not worried 'bout it."
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Killer In Chief
January 24, 2009 - 05:26 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsSweeping change? Yep. Sweeping those babies into their graves using taxpayers money. Amazing how it is so important to Obama to begin his administration with an act of mass murder of 'the least among us'.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
Ugh. I didn't know he had
January 24, 2009 - 07:58 ET by ThatDudeUgh. I didn't know he had already done this. Leave it to the media to not cover something that was such a core issue of the campaign. Also, tell me why he keeps trying to say that what he's doing is "new and revised"? Or in what way how anything he's done has been middle of the road and can be considered common ground to both sides of any given topic? Here's to our new President and his wave of policies that promote irresponsibility.
Symbolism over Substance, typical democrat.
January 24, 2009 - 06:27 ET by Red JeepIs Gitmo still open? Has the recession been cured? Do many Muslims still hate because we exist? What exactly did BO do other than talk and announce to the world we will be girlymen when it comes to interrogating terrorists?
Practice what we preach!!
January 24, 2009 - 07:42 ET by USA4freedomPractice what we preach!!
Ok, got it..
This is what I posted in the local paper.
Obama : I will have no lobbyist or lobbyist money in his administration!!!!!!
From Obama’s own web site:
Quote: “One year from now, we have the chance to tell all those corporate lobbyists that the days of them setting the agenda in Washington are over. I have done more to take on lobbyists than any other candidate in this race - and I've won. I don't take a dime of their money, and ****when I am President, they won't find a job in my White House. Because real change isn't another four years of defending lobbyists who don't represent real Americans**** - it's standing with working Americans who have seen their jobs disappear and their wages decline and their hope for the future slip further and further away.That's the change we can offer in 2008.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/03/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_30.php
or the video if you like:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/17/campbell.brown.lobbyists/index.html
Day 2 in the White House...
Headline: LA Times
Raytheon lobbyist picked for deputy defense post.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-deputy-defense-secretary2-2009jan23,0,5061271.story
Jack Quinn: In 1995 Quinn was appointed White House Counsel, serving until 1996. Quinn left the Clinton administration to co-found Quinn Gillespie& Associates,. ******lobbyist!*****
Tom Daschle since leaving the U.S. Senate following an election loss in 2004, Daschle has been a highly paid adviser to health care clients at the law and lobbying firm Alston & Bird. *********** LOBBYIST!**********
What is he in charge of.. Secretary of Health and Human Services!!!!!
PS..(Tom Daschle’s wife) Linda Hall Daschle, is one of Washington’s top ****lobbyists****, working mostly on behalf of airline-related companies.
Ellen Moran, the executive director of EMILY's List, as White House director of communications. *******LOBBYIST*******
Three of Obama’s top fundraisers, who each have raised more than $50,000 for his campaign since January, were registered as ****lobbyists***** last year, according to reports filed with the Senate Office of Public Records
William Corr for deputy secretary of Department of Health and Human was until September 2008 a federal ****lobbyist**** with the campaign for tobacco free kids
Mona Sutphen, a former special assistant to Mr. Clinton's national-security adviser, Sandy Berger, was named deputy chief of staff. Ms.Sutphen had been a managing director of Stonebridge International LLC, an international consulting firm that advises multinational corporations.. ***Lobbyist****
Mark Gitenstein, transitionboard member worked on million-dollar lobbying contracts with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and promoted legislation for giant defense contractors Boeing and General Dynamics. Until this fall, he was registered to petition Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of AT&T, Merrill Lynch, KPMG, Ernst & Young and others. ****LOBBYIST*****
John Podesta, transitionco-chairman who lobbied for the Center for American Progress. ****LOBBYIST****
To make it even funnier JohnPodesta states: "the strictest and most far-reaching ethics rules of anytransition team in history."
How funny is that?
Then there is Moses Mercado one of Obama’s senior adviser worked for: the Carlyle Group, the Blackstone Group, Monsanto, Pfizer Inc., United Health Group, Sempra Energy and ConstellationEnergy.. hummm what do you think??? ***LOBBYIST***
Ron Klain: worked as a lobbyistat the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers, where he lobbied for clients including the failed mortgage giant Fannie Mae; an industry group seeking help with asbestos lawsuits; a drug maker under federal investigation. *****LOBBYIST****
Thomas Donilon: like Ron Klain, worked as a lobbyist at the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers, where he lobbied for clients including the failed mortgage giant Fannie Mae; an industry groupseeking help with asbestos lawsuits; a drug maker under federal investigation. *****LOBBYIST****
Tom Wheeler: Tom was President of the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) as well as Core-capital Partners. ****lobbyist****
Michael Warren: worked for Stonebridge International, ***Lobbyist***
Maria Echaveste Obama adviser on immigration issues, ,lobbied for the United Farm Workers. *****LOBBYIST***
Bart Chilton The former Agriculture Department official leading Obama's agricultural policy review, lobbied until last year as vice president of the National Farmers Union.****LOBBIST***
Thomas Perrelli, A formerJustice Department official advising Obama on the department, Thomas Perrelli, raised at least $500,000 for Obama. Perrelli is managing partner of a Washington law firm, Jenner & Block LLP. His firm's law clients have included the mortgage company Fannie Mae, General Motors. *****LOBBIST****
Tom Donilon, is helping Obama onforeign policy. Donilon worked as a registered lobbyist at Fannie Mae when the current mortgage crisis wasquietly brewing. Donilon was part of the team reporting more than $40 millionin lobbying activity during that period. ****LOBBYIST****
Michael Strautmanis Obama adviser, worked for trial lawyers on issues related to medical malpractice and health care liability, and asbestos issues. ****LOBBYIST****
Keith Harper, Handling some interior department issues, lobbied earlier this year for Native American tribes***** LOBBYIST****
Pamela Gilbert, is working for Products Safety Commission. recently lobbied for a consumer advocacy group, as well as Barr Laboratories, for an investor group, and for an antitrust enforcement group
****LOBBYIST****
Theodore Shaw, He has registeredas a lobbyist for the N.A.A.C.P. he is working for the Justice Department and civil rights area. *****LOBBYIST****
David J. Hayes, part of the12-member group overseeing the transition and co-head of the team handling the areas of energy and natural resources, is the chairman of the environmentalpractice at the law and lobbying firm Latham & Watkins. He was personally registered as a lobbyist with clients including San Diego Gas and Electric.****LOBBYIST****
Sally Katzen, another member of the supervisory group who is also on teams for the office of the president and government operations, was registered last year to lobby for the pharmaceutical company Amgen on Medicare reimbursements.
****LOBBYIST****
Louisa Terrell, another member of the top working group, is on leave from the public policy office of the Internet company Yahoo.****LOBBYIST****
Tom Wheeler, another of the 12, is on leave from a firm that invests in technology companies lobbied for the cable television and wireless industries.****LOBBYIST****
John L. White, a former Clinton official charged with overseeing the new Defense Department, is a partner in a firm that invests in defense contractors ****LOBBYIST****
Michael Warren, charged with overseeing Treasury, is chief operating officer of a firm that lobbies for clients including the U.S.-India Business Council. ****LOBBYIST****
Wendy R. Sherman, the other official charged with reviewing the State Department, once headed Fannie Mae’s charitable foundation.****LOBBYIST****
John O. Brennan, a former Central Intelligence Agency is working on the transition team, he is presidentand chief executive of the Analysis Corporation, an intelligence contractor
****LOBBYIST****
Lori Garver is on the NASA review board, is president of a strategic consulting company, Capital Space LLC, and previously worked for the aerospace company DFI International.
****LOBBYIST****
Mozelle Thompson, the transition official charged with reviewing the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sheruns a legal and policy consulting business for companies including Facebook.com.****LOBBYIST****
Mr. Lu, the transition’s executive director charged with policing potential conflicts of interests, may have his own appearance problems. His wife, Kathryn Thomson, is a lawyer who represents corporate clients dealing with federal environmental regulations, while his older brother, Curtis Lu, is a top lawyer for Fannie Mae. ****LOBBYIST****
Maybe the better articles I have seen on this:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/08/09/pacs_and_lobbyists_aided_obamas_rise/
Or
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/15/us/politics/15transition.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print
yes.. the New York Times..
If this was not so tragic it would be hilarious..
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
It's OK..........
January 24, 2009 - 07:57 ET by old croas Duh1 stated......"I won."
Outstanding. What an eye
January 24, 2009 - 09:52 ET by celatorOutstanding. What an eye opener. No lobbyists! HA!
This is what the Congressional R's ought to be pointing out vigorously. But they are leaderless, clueless at this point.
For liberal Democrats and the Old Media, everything is crisis, chaos, calamity and catastrophe. That justifies stealing your property and liberties.
PrezBo is a brazen liar
January 24, 2009 - 09:57 ET by R D HelmAnd it surprises me not at all that his propaganda army (the Mindless Sheep Media) is doing all that it can to cover up those lies.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.
Even Mara
January 24, 2009 - 11:47 ET by StarAZMara Liasson of NPR has always struck me as pretty professional on those little "Fox contributors all" panels--but she is getting apologetic for him...
PrezBo's first three days in office have been the best....
January 24, 2009 - 09:49 ET by R D Helm...three days AQ and our enemies have had since 9/11/01.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.
"PrezBo's first three days
January 24, 2009 - 10:51 ET by ckc1227"PrezBo's first three days in office have been the best three days AQ and our enemies have had since 9/11/01"
Yeah, but don't worry, Obama is a centrist. Didn't you get the memo?
Ugh
January 24, 2009 - 10:19 ET by Jinx McHueOlbermann and that lesbian chick who looks like Wesley Crusher were predictably over the top, but I had some small hope that the "legacy media" would try to practice some restraint. Sadly, that was not to be. They are as sickening as the cable crowd. Makes me glad I gave up watching TV regularly.
Take That You Fetus!!!
January 24, 2009 - 12:05 ET by flyingmonkeySoft on terrorism but tough on unborn babies!!! Oh Barack, you stud you!!!
flyingmonkey, you're brilliant!
January 24, 2009 - 12:18 ET by cocodrieWe send all the terrorists at Gitmo to abortion clinics and give them the same gentle treatment we provide unborn babies.
That will rejuvenate the abortion industry and get rid of those gentle souls at Gitmo.
Jesus Loves You
So now we are ending
January 24, 2009 - 12:27 ET by MidAmericaSo now we are ending the WOT (War on Terror) and starting the WOF (War on Fetuses)
and the new GITMO will be embryonic stem cell laboratories.
MidAmerica - I stole your quote
January 24, 2009 - 12:57 ET by Dee Bunkand put it on twitter - hope you don't mind. I added Global so it's GWOT and GWOF.
I'm limited to 140 char there so I attributed to MidAm @ NB.
Naw, steal away. I have
January 24, 2009 - 13:06 ET by MidAmericaNaw, steal away. I have no rights. I'm a conservative white male Christian. and I live outside any metro area. I am so ashamed.
You got that right! No stimulus for you White Boy!
January 24, 2009 - 13:59 ET by Dee BunkYou should be ashamed that you rely on yourself. You should rely on a government that promises to give you nothing. ; )
I stole your quote too flyingmonkey
January 24, 2009 - 13:03 ET by Dee Bunkbut yours was shorter so I could put your full screen name.
"We will practice what we
January 24, 2009 - 14:43 ET by GregE"We will practice what we preach............well uhhh, except on ethics regarding lobbyists, tax evasion Treasury nominees, Sec of State selections whose husband collects money from foreign nations/organizations............yea we'll be practicing what we preach....next question please...."
Schhieffer is a Moron
January 24, 2009 - 15:17 ET by GoodieHey Ole dude Schieffer, remember this name: Abu Sufyan al-Azdi al-Shahri, he will be the next TIME MAGAZINE PERSON OF THE YEAR for 2009. But first he needs to get a couple of NUKES from Iran to get his game back.
O's last day 1-20-2013
Every time I see a Boy
January 24, 2009 - 17:48 ET by RR GOPEvery time I see a Boy George story over here, usually it comes up new at ABC News' Political Radar blog, and/or Political Punch so I'll be on my way over there shortly to have it out with the libtards. They're worse than what I've even seen on Dkos believe it or not.
Seriously, if you can, drop by and help us out. During the elections their mods would routinely make mine and other Conservatives' posts disappear and I'm sure they (posts) were well within their rules.
This site is great, but mostly preaching to the choir here. I prefer to go to a half-way neutral site (one where I won't get banned automatically for not being a Marxist) and support other Conservatives and let the Socialists know what we think of them. And, try to use some logic and other stuff they don't get.
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
executive order
January 25, 2009 - 16:03 ET by ledgerhedgerSo he is closing Guantanamo somehow right?
I think he should put out an executive order on world peace next. He does not know how to do that either.