The front page of Wednesday's New York Times featured a huge Associated Press photo of President Obama greeting troops on his surprise trip to Baghdad. The caption (from the print edition, emphasis in original):
In Unexpected Visit to Iraq, Obama Wins Troops' Cheers -- Military personnel at Camp Victory in Baghdad applauded President Obama on Tuesday when he said "It is time for us to transition to the Iraqis."
That teased a favorable story about Obama's visit on Page 11, which included another photo of Obama and the troops, with a more straightforward caption (again from the print):
President Obama spoke to American troops at Camp Victory, Iraq, on Tuesday. The president said that it was time for Iraqis "to take responsibility for their country and for their sovereignty."
Compare the photographic enthusiasm the Times showed over Obama's first trip as president to Iraq to the coolness with which the paper's photo-caption writers greeted President George W. Bush's dramatic first, secret visit to Iraq on Thanksgiving Day 2003, which occurred during intense wartime hostilities.
p>While even Bush-hostile reporter Elisabeth Bumiller admitted in her front-page story that the president was surrounded by "stunned, whooping soldiers," none of that enthusiasm made it into the photo captions from Bush's visit to Baghdad.
The caption accompanying a front-page photo of Bush carrying a turkey among troops was coolly descriptive:
President Bush with American troops yesterday at the mess hall at Baghdad International Airport.
And a photo caption that evidently appeared on the article's jump page was self-obsessed and petulant. According to the Times archive (the photo itself is not online), the text read:
President Bush posed for a photograph yesterday during his surprise visit to American troops at the airport in Baghdad, Iraq. Few journalists were told of the trip or allowed to cover it.
—Clay Waters is the director of Times Watch, an MRC project tracking the New York Times.
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Comments Policy
I know he's Commander in
April 8, 2009 - 16:45 ET by Chris NormanI know he's Commander in Chief, but I still find it distasteful that a man who opposed this war, who spoke out against it, and campaigned based on his opposition to it, now swoops in, congratulating everybody - Americans and Iraqis - for the successful results of it.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Not only
April 8, 2009 - 17:01 ET by klchadwickis he opposed to the war, but he seems to be satisfied with nothing but a "rock-star" welcome. I am sure that the soldiers were cheering for him, after all he is their Comander-In-Chief, but to belittle Bush's dedication and optimism toward troop morality and support is quite a nasty picture to paint.
I am making a generalization here, but generally speaking the soldiers tended to sway more for Bush and McCain than they ever did for Gore (even before he war), Kerry and Obama. Also, while I'm not a consipiracy theorist, how many soldiers were either refusing orders or questioning the veracity of their possible future orders while Bush was in command?
barry's a rock star all right
April 8, 2009 - 19:16 ET by UndercoverConservativehe's just a "front man" while someone else is doing all the work and making the big decisions in the background while BO is out of touch and gallavanting around while his masters strangle the country in their own lust for control.
We can't hate BO. He's not in charge, but the puppet. Who's he the "stalking horse" for? Who's making things happen while the supposed "President" is away from his desk, once again spending more time campaigning than doing the job he was "elected" for?
We find that entity, we find the entity we truly need to watch and watch out for.
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is like calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
"You spend your money anyway you want and respect other's rights to do the same&quo
UndercoverConservative - I agree that Barack Obama is a puppet.
April 8, 2009 - 22:39 ET by Rush FanNow I don't want to start a conspiracy theory, but we all know that President Obama is controlled by his two teleprompters. Now the question is, who is controlling the teleprompters?
I have a theory. What if George Soros or the Daily Kos' Markos Moulitsas or MSNBC's Keith Olbermann has infiltrated Barack Obama's teleprompters, just like the cyberspies may have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid?
Now I know it sounds strange, but could it be that the words President Obama is reading from his teleprompter and his actions since he was elected are words and actions Keith Olbermann is controlling? After all, prior to the election, Barack Obama sounded much more of a centrist than he is today. At times during the race for the White House, Barack Obama seemed further to the right than John McCain (I know that is not hard to do).
If my theory is correct, than we must take action immediately! What can we do? We can Impeach Obama's Teleprompter. If we are successful, perhaps President Obama will discard his teleprompters, regain control of his actions and become the centrist he seemed to be when he was a candidate.
Now I could be all wet about this theory, because I must admit I have been partying tonight, and have had much to much to drink. Cheers!
---------------------------------------------------------
“Some of you people in the media, I'm serious, you tell me why he has to succeed regardless. You tell me what it is about Barack Obama that makes it imperative his policies, regardless what they are, succeed. You tell me. And then let me ask you some questions. Did Obama and the Democrats hope Bush succeeded? Do they hope Republicans succeed? Does Obama hope I succeed or does he want people to stop listening to me? You people in the media, answer these questions for me.” ~ Rush Limbaugh
Re Puppet
April 8, 2009 - 23:24 ET by slickwillie2001Yep, interesting. The moonbats obsessed over Karl Rove as 'Bush's Brain', yet in the case of the Bamster we know he's controlled by a brain somewhere, but don't know who it is. Not Marksalitkos, he's too dim a bulb, as is Olbermann. Perhaps Soros, though he doesn't strike me as a micromanager. Maybe he pulls the strings through someone else. Maybe Plouffe or Favreau or Axelrod; maybe some Chicago Machine pol. He's definitely a front man.
I've seen his type before in corporate-world. One day you meet a new CEO or President or whatever, of your company or another one and every word out of his mouth is jibberish, and you are left shaking your head wondering how this bozo ever got to where he is. Often part of the solution is that he kept moving through positions, ever advancing, not staying in one position long enough that what he did had time to fail, or for anyone to call BS on him. Sometimes he had a very powerful mentor that pushed him along.
That's what the Bamster did, he maintained that kind of pace, quickly building a resume with impressive sounding titles and no real accomplishments. His primary qualification for any new job was simply holding the previous job.
Now he has no new job to quickly move to, and he has to deliver. Woe is us.
he wasn't congratulating them on success against terroris,
April 8, 2009 - 19:10 ET by UndercoverConservative"Congratulations on surviving even after all the roadblocks and sabotage I and my party have thrown in front of you!"
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is like calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
"You spend your money anyway you want and respect other's rights to do the same&quo
Yeah, "Congratualtions Baby
April 9, 2009 - 05:52 ET by BDYeah, "Congratualtions Baby Killer...."
Pure publicity for the media to show the ignorant americans who
April 8, 2009 - 16:50 ET by pahuberstill watch the 5:30 evening news.
Content Free Minds
April 8, 2009 - 16:53 ET by allanfThe Democrats have done very well in the last three years assuming that most American's historical knowledge does not go back further than twenty or thirty minutes. The lack of sophistication of younger people is especially disappointing.
And
April 8, 2009 - 17:26 ET by Defector01Assuming they completely forget everything and anything that the media has been saying for the past few years under Bush as well as the reaction of the troops throughout his time.
I have only ever made one prayer to God, a very short one: O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God granted it - Voltaire
That is called strategic cropping of the photos.
April 9, 2009 - 08:00 ET by kg"DumbAssity of Dope"
NY TImes
April 8, 2009 - 16:51 ET by jwm45All The Spin We Choose To Print
(and their commercials suck)
Photo-Op
April 8, 2009 - 16:58 ET by OhmingI have yet to meet a single enlisted person, or retired military to speak favorably of the Prez, I must live in a cave. But I can see why the troops would be so happy to see him after his recent visit to France, but bypassing the Military cemetary. They are probobly jubilant over his bowing to a Muslim Suadi Prince while they are fighting muslims. Or maybe they're estatic over the withdrawn propsal to wiggle out of future veteran disability benefits.
These soldiers in the picture must have been ACORN enlistees.
Why do you denigrate our
April 8, 2009 - 17:31 ET by goldbarWhy do you denigrate our soldiers? Do you think you are better than them?
Goldbar asks BO this inciteful, deep question. But he knows he
April 8, 2009 - 17:46 ET by BO STINKSwill never get a rational response. Good goin Goldy!
The great Socio/Economic Experiments of the 20th cent. (communism, socialism, fascism) only killed a few hundred million. Let's give 'em another try! - me
Goldbar: Please perform
April 9, 2009 - 05:56 ET by BDGoldbar:
Please perform actual analysis of the photo provided of Obama's visit.
In the old days we used to study photos of the politburo during the May Day revolutionary parades to determine composition of the rostrum and project the future trends in that group. Use those techniques and tell me what you see.
Ohming add me to your list of retired military...
April 8, 2009 - 17:36 ET by ConservativeFLwho has nothing favorable to say about Odumbo. He is gutting our military capability, i.e. missile defense, Naval vessels, etc. while our enemies are spending unprecedented amounts of money to bolster their military. We have North Korea launching ICBMs and Obama is going to the U.N. looking for that incompetent bunch to issue another resolution, wow that should help.
The fact is that he has no military experience and no idea what the military does or how it functions. He seems to have nothing but distain for our military and I don't trust him to protect us. His utter refusal to visit The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France is beyond the pale.
"Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15." Ronald Reagan
add me too
April 8, 2009 - 17:49 ET by katainkentalso in addition to concurring with ConservativeFL's sentiments : we're deliriously happy to see he'd like us to to pay for our own health care.
How about the other soldiers?
April 8, 2009 - 17:05 ET by slickwillie2001During the Bamster's first trip to Europe, I didn't see any mention of a visit to a US military graveyard in France or anywhere else. Did I miss it, or did the Bamster just not have time to work it in? Even Billy Clinton made an appearance. Isn't this a tradition?
PS Wasn't President George W. Bush's first visit to Iraq the one where the liberal media suggested he was carrying a fake turkey?
This is like walking up to
April 8, 2009 - 17:23 ET by EdhenryThis is like walking up to a completed 5 layer cake placed neatly out in the reception, handing it to the bride and saying "see what i brought you"
(meanwhile, cook is slumped over in the back of the kitchen, exhasted from all the real work)
You mean this fake
April 8, 2009 - 17:30 ET by goldbarYou mean this fake turkey:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3294501.stm
You must have used the wrong
April 8, 2009 - 17:43 ET by ckc1227You must have used the wrong link, as the one you provided confirms that it was in fact a real turkey.
No. The link was to a
April 8, 2009 - 18:00 ET by goldbarNo. The link was to a photo-op.
ok
April 8, 2009 - 18:03 ET by katainkentcan you explain your point?
He had to carry around a
April 8, 2009 - 18:08 ET by goldbarHe had to carry around a staged turkey so the cameras could photograph him "serving the troops". In reality, the turkey was a prop and was not to be eaten. It was for a Bush photo-op only.
are you serious?
April 8, 2009 - 18:43 ET by katainkentOf course its a photo op but so what? There are a lot of things Bush did that I don't like but I don't believe for a minute he didn't care about those that have served this country.
But the MSM "press" derrided him anyway. For anything they could, anytime they could. What does Obama get? Nothing but constant fanfare for 'tone', excellent grades for little to no accomplishment, and very empty (but lofty) praise.
hate Bush all you want but
April 8, 2009 - 19:19 ET by UndercoverConservativeremember that even in a National Guard capacity, he served a thousand times more than BO ever did.
And Bush Sr. served a hell of a lot more than BO's father did.
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is like calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
"You spend your money anyway you want and respect other's rights to do the same"
A man ought know his limitations
April 8, 2009 - 17:30 ET by Robert S LaRuersl775
This man has apologized to all the people in the World for the existence of the USA he should bow and apologize to the troops and admit he was wrong and put them in jeopardy and he will personally pledge to them to change his ways and support them in every possible way possible. But no he wants to soak in their glory and accept the victory for them. How much respect does that command?
Hey Media
April 8, 2009 - 17:37 ET by Jack Herman"President Bush posed for a photograph yesterday during his surprise visit to American troops at the airport in Baghdad, Iraq. Few journalists were told of the trip or allowed to cover it. "
Bush was there in support of the troops not a photo op.
Barry was there simply for the photo op.
So that's why the troops
April 8, 2009 - 17:39 ET by goldbarSo that's why the troops were cheering so loudly.
Where's the video of this
April 8, 2009 - 17:43 ET by MANstreammediaWhere's the video of this loud cheering?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
April 8, 2009 - 18:05 ET by goldbarhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IPdgkXpQx4
Weak Goldbar..... how about this one
April 8, 2009 - 18:21 ET by justathotIf you want to post a video of the troops greeting the COC, check out this one of W and O.
Semper Fi.
BOOYAH!!!
April 8, 2009 - 18:26 ET by BO STINKSGee, I wonder which Prez they respect more - h-m-m-m-m? God bless our magnificent military!!!
The great Socio/Economic Experiments of the 20th cent. (communism, socialism, fascism) only killed a few hundred million. Let's give 'em another try! - me
Thank you just
April 8, 2009 - 18:30 ET by RukusI am SO keeping that one! Awesome video! Says it all! Thank you for that!
Gary
"Things can only bother you if you let them bother you" -My Dad
My pleasure, Ruk
April 8, 2009 - 18:37 ET by justathotKeep it in your arsenal!
jat... That video was a
April 8, 2009 - 18:40 ET by bigtimerjat...
That video was a keeper for me a bit back now...someone posted it here...(I think it was on NBs) anyway, I have passed that great vid on to others as well...
One of the best...
It says it all...
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
This rocks....... Passing
April 8, 2009 - 18:56 ET by jgarciaThis rocks....... Passing this link around..... thanks!
oh goodness
April 8, 2009 - 18:21 ET by katainkentthis is not the video I would have used to sell your point.
~Seriously
April 8, 2009 - 18:29 ET by choselife3xOh dear, was that a 'boo' I just heard at the end?! Smart troops.
That high-pitched scream you hear is the troll under my heel.
Boo.
April 8, 2009 - 18:33 ET by RukusYep, that was a boo. Our troops ROCK!!! My two oldest are troops. Navy and Marine! I'm so proud!
Our troops are AWESOME!
Barry is stupid!
Gary
"Things can only bother you if you let them bother you" -My Dad
Gary, you are too kind........
April 8, 2009 - 18:50 ET by justathotBarry is stupid! LOL!
Give your sons a big hug from this appreciative American mom. My youngest would like to enlist in the Marines, but I have mixed feelings since Obama was elected. However, that video never ceases to give me goose bumps. Your pride for your boys is well deserved! God bless them!
I am glad my son and husband
April 8, 2009 - 19:10 ET by jgarciaI am glad my son and husband are in good company with your sons! Semper Fi…….
I am glad my son and husband
April 8, 2009 - 19:10 ET by jgarciaI am glad my son and husband are in good company with your sons! Semper Fi…….
Thanks for the
April 8, 2009 - 18:50 ET by jgarciaThanks for the video....... Interesting how they never show the whole audience and its very odd to hear him say “God bless them and God bless the United States” while he lowering the military budget that supplies, their pay, GI bill, health care, long term career plans in the Military (meaning unemployment line for them), new life saving technology and replacement of gear while overseas.
Our Military members will always show respect to any President until he/she crosses the line of breaking our Constitution that they are sworn to protect!
I'm a Veteran. I work
April 8, 2009 - 19:50 ET by RR GOPI'm a Veteran. I work with several Veterans. My dad's a Veteran. I communicate with many Veterans online.
I have yet to hear any of them, whether they served in peacetime or war, say anything favorable about Present Hussein.
Still scratching my head over this.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
Feeding off of Bush's Success
April 8, 2009 - 20:14 ET by SaseboSailorThe most repulsive aspect of this hypocrite's actions is that is that he is feeding off of and enjoying Bush's success in Iraq - which he opposed, denounced and ridiculed.
I stated on here many weeks
April 8, 2009 - 21:11 ET by SeftonI stated on here many weeks ago that this would happen. And it's not over yet. Before the end of his term, the MSM will have given Obama full credit for the "success in Iraq".
And like many on here, it's infuriating to me that this man has the gall to take any credit for anything regarding Iraq, given his earlier positions in trying to counteract everything Bush and our soldiers were trying to do there.
Obama: "It is time for us to transition to the Iraqis."
Um, you mean like we've been doing the last 2 years with the successful handover of nearly every Iraq province? Can you say 'Yet another strawman statement' from this president?
Go back to Europe you apologetic, weak, fake.
If only the surge had
April 8, 2009 - 20:19 ET by BuffNBoneIf only the surge had worked, the President would have been able to have flown into Baghdad any time he pleased.
Obama stands head and shoulders above the troops because he is standing on their backs taking credit for something he had nothing to do with.
quot;Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"
Another example
April 8, 2009 - 20:22 ET by brerolThe example of the NYT and zillions of more like it are why I am convinced the msm tilts to the left.
Grudgingly, I have got to
April 8, 2009 - 23:12 ET by RMRGrudgingly, I have got to give some credit to the NYT. They are going down, but at least they are going down with their faux liberal boots on - Faux: No true liberal will ever be engaged in union busting.
For this they deserve another socialist European trophy. Uh, sorry, Nobel.
Way to go New York Times!
Having served....
April 9, 2009 - 00:40 ET by chaosmongerIt is exciting for servicemen & women to meet the Commander in Chief, no matter who it is. But Bush did get a bigger reception than Obama did. What is missed is the event a month or so ago with the Marines and you could have heard a pin drop when Obama came into the room if it weren't for the band playing.
I left my duty station in Japan a month or so before Bill Clinton came and visited Yokosuka Naval Base. Friends from my division got to shake his hand and they were not Clinton fans. I asked them how cool was it and they agreed it was cool to meet the president and he was the most tired looking m-f'r out there. So even though they didn't vote for him, they still thought it was cool to meet him.
The military does traditionally favor the right, but there are lefties in the military as well. The military would NEVER put a group out there that were hostile to the president. These are photo ops for the military as well. Obama probably learned from the last military get together with the Marines and made sure a more favorable reception was waiting for him.
Just my view based off of my past experiences.
Obama bashed the Iraq War
April 9, 2009 - 22:33 ET by TN MomObama bashed the Iraq War from Great Britain to Turkey. He further insulted the troops by telling them that now was the time to start transferring sovereignty to the Iraqis.
Lost on Obama and the mainstream media was the fact that 13 of 18 provinces were already completely under Iraqi control and the other 5 are close behind.
(via gateway pundit)
NYT fails to mention that President TelePrompter refused repeated invites by French Pres Sarkozy to visit Normandy; TOTUS didn't want to upset Germany.