Helen Thomas and Chip Reid Slam White House Control of Media

By John Stephenson (Bio | Archive)
July 1, 2009 - 20:39 ET
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After watching this video of the press fighting back against the White House's fake townhalls and pre-screened questions, one almost feels pity for poor Robert Gibbs failing at his job. Mitchell Blatt's post covers the topic well and includes a transcript of the exchange, but CNS News got a little more from Helen Thomas:

“Nixon didn’t try to do that,” Thomas said. “They couldn’t control (the media). They didn’t try. “What the hell do they think we are, puppets?” Thomas said. “They’re supposed to stay out of our business. They are our public servants. We pay them.” Thomas said she was especially concerned about the arrangement between the Obama Administration and a writer from the liberal Huffington Post Web site. The writer was invited by the White House to President Obama’s press conference last week on the understanding that he would ask Obama a question about Iran from among questions that had been sent to him by people in Iran. “When you call the reporter the night before you know damn well what they are going to ask to control you,” Thomas said. “I’m not saying there has never been managed news before, but this is carried to fare-thee-well–for the town halls, for the press conferences,” she said. “It’s blatant. They don’t give a damn if you know it or not. They ought to be hanging their heads in shame.”

Here is a small roundup of reactions: Stop the ACLU: Ace:

Although both objected to the process, neither remembered to ask about the fact that Obama would know the questions ahead of time. Thus giving a false appearance that he was prepared to answer any question put to him, when in fact he'd already worked out the answers for the questions he chose to ask himself.

Allahpundit:

Frankly, with ABC holding infomercials for Obama in prime time, it seems almost petty to get exercised about a phony town hall. Exit question: How seriously should we take concerns that Obama’s not facing enough tough questions when voiced by a woman known to wonder why the White House considers Iran a threat?

It is fun to watch Gibbs completey fail at his job.

—John Stephenson is editor of Stop The ACLU.


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I Appreciate Sarcasm

July 1, 2009 - 20:44 ET by HoosierEm

I appreciate sarcasm when it's done well and effectively.  The way Robert Gibbs does it is condescending and ineffective and it makes him look like an ass and he only uses it to avoid answering the questions.  

He's a total failure.  


Agreed.  I do not recall a

July 1, 2009 - 21:23 ET by G. May

Agreed.  I do not recall a WH Press Secretary flailing about in such a shockingly dismal, unprofessional, and unintelligent exchange...ever. 

And Bush bashers had the gall to criticize Bush's intellect and articulation?  Where are they now?

Hoosier...You betcha! I grew...

July 1, 2009 - 22:19 ET by PrairieSky

to dislike Gibbs during the campaign...He was "O's" communications director, and I thought he was snotty and condescending then, but now he has really become insufferable...  

"The problem is not that people are taxed too little...the problem is that government spends too much." ~President Ronald Reagan

→ Your comment, John

July 1, 2009 - 20:51 ET by Cool Arrow

It is fun to watch Gibbs completey fail at his job.

But it hurts to watch the President succeed so absolutely at his job.

Another disenfranchise Obama voter

July 1, 2009 - 20:54 ET by general company

Bless you Helen, hope you keep it up.

I also hope they dont fire Gibbs, 

 

My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

Is it just me or was it

July 1, 2009 - 20:53 ET by Pewah

Is it just me or was it TOTALLY surreal watching Reid and Thomas aggressively question how O's gang manipulates outcomes by screening and stacking?

This is priceless

July 1, 2009 - 20:55 ET by lsudolemite

Matthews needs to redirect Helen to the memo stating it's their job to make sure Obama succeeds.  Since you set the objective, you can't complain about the way it's accomplished.  "By any means necessary", right??

Puppets? No....

July 1, 2009 - 20:59 ET by niner-four-whiskey

Helen? Is that you? 

Puppets? No, they don't think you're puppets. They think of you as useful idiots.

Helen Thomas and your fellow travelers of the press GOT this guy elected by giving him a FREE PASS from the primaries on. Even Hilary's supporters recognized the absolutely greased rail ride Obama got from the press.

So now, you're not "useful" anymore. He just thinks you're idiots.

Thanks for doing your job journalists. You'll be getting the payback you asked for while cheering throughout this administration's coronation.

 

Typical white liberals. They

July 1, 2009 - 21:12 ET by nadadhimmi

Typical white liberals. They boosted Obama when they thought he was pushing their socialist agenda: he was and is. However, when he started to revel in making them to appear as the ass kissers and fools  they are, they took umbrage because they value their own IMAGE above any political views they have. Liberals are incapable of putting anything above their own well being and advantage.

Yes, the champagne

July 1, 2009 - 21:26 ET by G. May

Yes, the champagne socialists.  Socialism is good enough for everyone else...but them.

C'mon

July 1, 2009 - 21:15 ET by client8

It's obvious that these shills have finally found the capacity to feel embarrassed for their shameless abrogation of their duties as news reporters. Gibbs is a bumbling fool, no doubt. But if he were GWB's press secretary they would have torn him to shreds a long time ago.

While I do applaud their

July 1, 2009 - 21:20 ET by ParalegalGoddess

While I do applaud their efforts, its too little too late for me. I can imagine that CBS has lost rights to an exclusive interview with his majesty Obama thanks to the conduct of one Chippy. Harry Reid may restore their stature with some fawning over Blackie O and Obooba but I think Chip is going to "missing" in the near term.

Oh and why is it that when the liberal spin machine is suddenly faced with tough questions, they get the case of the giggles? HOW UNPROFESSIONAL.

Helen misses having Bush in the White House

July 1, 2009 - 21:39 ET by averageschmoe

Helen loved being front and center bashing Bush daily and having her liberal friends be her buddy after every press conference. Now she is just another puppet sitting in the front row. She is not needed any more and she does not like it. I am sure her liberal friends in the media now are making fun of her behind her back after she helped put Obama in the White House. She has lost all credibility as a journalist. Way to go Helen!