CBS, The Barack Obama Network

CBS, The Barack Obama Network

By Kyle Drennen (Bio | Archive)
January 19, 2009 - 18:28 ET

Show Promo, CBS In a 7:43AM commercial break during Monday’s CBS Early Show, the network aired a promo for a new episode of the show ‘Two And A Half Men,’ that used an Obama campaign slogan: "Can CBS show you the funny side of families?...Yes we can." The words appeared on screen in red, white, and blue, soon followed by a flash of the CBS logo in the same colors, looking very similar to Obama’s campaign logo.

At the end of the promo, the screen displayed the cast of the show in red and blue, similar to a famous Obama portrait, with the show title and time. The bottom of the screen declared: "Yes We Can Monday."

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This is not liberal media bias

January 19, 2009 - 18:51 ET by respectfulconservative

So they took "Yes we can," a popular catchphrase, and repurposed it. They borrowed the Obama poster aesthetic too. So what? Advertisers do this kind of borrowing all the time, but that doesn't mean they care about the original intent or meaning of the thing they borrow from.

In fact, such advertising dilutes and softens the meaning of the original texts it borrows from. Conservatives should thank CBS and others like them for doing their utmost to make Obamaisms seem meaningless as quickly as possible.

Two and a half men formerly advertised its three main characters as "The Good, the Bad and the Hungry." Does that mean that CBS is biased in favor of old spaghetti westerns with Clint Eastwood? Give me a break. They are both catchy pop culture phrases, nothing more.

The reason Mr. Drennen did not refer to this outright as bias in his post is because he would have looked ridiculous.

Yeah right rc.... ...and

January 19, 2009 - 18:53 ET by bigtimer

Yeah right rc....

...and there's ten feet of snow in Death Valley too.

Disrespectfulliberal

January 19, 2009 - 19:00 ET by choselife3x

Pulls his head out of his *** long enough to say something stupid and promptly returns to his favorite position.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

Respectful, I might believe

January 19, 2009 - 20:36 ET by Smartypants

Respectful, I might believe you if you can show me an example of where CBS used a Republican presidential candidate's theme in such a way. Perhaps there is no bias here; then again, this just might be indicative of overwhelming bias. Since CBS, like the other major networks, is pretty much in the tank for Obama, I'm going to assume the latter.

If you can show me the

January 19, 2009 - 20:48 ET by balboa

If you can show me the election of a Republican president that was this exciting, then we'll see.

Good evening Bal

January 19, 2009 - 21:00 ET by cocodrie

Exciting? I'm glad to see you can be so satisfied by an empty shell.

How excited will you be when American cities are burning and we are at the mercy of al Qaeda?

Jesus Loves You

Oh for crying out loud...

January 19, 2009 - 23:05 ET by balboa

Oh for crying out loud... overreact much?

→ bal

January 19, 2009 - 23:13 ET by Cool Arrow

You're right.

There is great celebration, and with good reason. And no, there's never been this much jubilation over an inauguration, per capita, except for probably George Washington.

I hope Obama is better than Jimmy Carter. The bar is set laughably low. I hope he changes his thinking on some issues, but his failure is our failure. I don't wish failure on America.

Onward to Damascus!

Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country - Muslim, Khalil Gibran

CA, I really hope he does a

January 19, 2009 - 23:20 ET by balboa

CA, I really hope he does a good job. Not because he's a democrat, but because we need a good leader right now, and if he fails, they probably won't elect another black man...ever. (OK, that's over the top.)

Plus, if he fails, the next president will be so conservative (how conservative will he be?), he'll be so conservative, even left-handedness will be outlawed.

→ Makes sense to me bal

January 19, 2009 - 23:24 ET by Cool Arrow

I'd be downright elated if he governed as well as Bill Clinton did for the first four years of his presidency. I thought he was limpwristed against terrorists, but he did a pretty good job, otherwise.

Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country - Muslim, Khalil Gibran

Balboa

January 19, 2009 - 23:19 ET by choselife3x

We would have thought that on September 10th, 2001. The unthinkable is unthinkable until it happens. I came across this video today. How long has it been since we've truly remembered the horror of September 11th?
http://m.youtube.com...

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

And?

January 19, 2009 - 23:21 ET by balboa

And?

AND

January 20, 2009 - 09:13 ET by choselife3x

The next time an American building goes up in flames you can take your 'overreact much' comment and shove it up your obtuse DUMboaSS.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

bal...I dont' know how old you are, but...

January 19, 2009 - 21:40 ET by PrairieSky

the first time that I was able to vote was in '80 when Reagan ran for his first term, and that was plenty exciting. Reagan, despite his age, had an enormous following of younger people who were mobilized and working and volunteering for him. I know, because I was one of them. I was in college at the time, and it was a very exciting, heady time for his supporters...Republican and Democrat. Reagan had support not just from Republicans, but also from the Reagan Democrats.

Granted, the excitement surrounding Reagan didn't match the over-the-top hysteria that we are seeing for Obama, but I don't think that's a bad thing. This "Obama-love" is ridiculous in scope and a bit creepy in substance. Many have been caught up in almost a 'worship' of Obama, which is strange and disquieting. I've never seen anything like it, and I don't think that it is a particularly healthy expression...What is going to happen to all these people who have engaged in this Obama-worship if he doesn't meet their expectations? There is no way that Obama can be everything to everyone...He can't and won't be the answer to all the country's and all the people's troubles. That is my concern.

"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981

So true

January 19, 2009 - 21:56 ET by Blonde

I don't have a clue who would engender more "hysteria" than Obama.....maybe we need a real alien....perhaps Yoda?

The Obama ick-fest is just plain nuts.

I see this, though, as a cheap rip-off....an attempt to cash in.

How typical of CBS.

"An attempt to cash-in..."

January 19, 2009 - 22:11 ET by PrairieSky

You bet it is...And if you're CBS, what better way to make a buck than by exploiting your hero???

"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981

Prairie, I'll admit I was

January 19, 2009 - 23:08 ET by balboa

Prairie,

I'll admit I was pretty young when Reagan ran. But that was a completely different time when the media didn't go completely cuckoo like they do today, AND Reagan wasn't the first black man ever elected. He was the first Hollywood actor elected president, but...eh.

Bal

January 19, 2009 - 23:10 ET by Free Stinker

wasn't the first black man ever elected.

So,

the MSM is judging Obama based on the color of his skin, and not the content of his character?

No. But it's a historic,

January 19, 2009 - 23:12 ET by balboa

No. But it's a historic, exciting moment in our history. We've elected a black man to be president for the first time. Isn't that exciting?

If you're saying it's great

January 19, 2009 - 23:16 ET by Free Stinker

If you're saying it's great that he got elected, and the color of his skin made no difference to voters - I agree - that is exciting that people can judge each other on something besides the external.

→ It is exciting

January 19, 2009 - 23:17 ET by Cool Arrow

I'm excited that America has proven to itself and the world that racism in America, is over.

That's a good thing.

Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country - Muslim, Khalil Gibran

I would have been very excited

January 19, 2009 - 23:21 ET by choselife3x

About Alan Keyes.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

we've elected a black man

January 20, 2009 - 01:18 ET by candance

It's not that we've elected a brilliant leader who sold us all on his ideas. It's not that we've elected the best man for the job. It's the fact that we elected a black man.

I don't recall the left being very excited about Clarence Thomas or Condi Rice. But let's all pat ourselves on the back since a black Democrat won something.

I'm a typical white person.

bal..."...the first black man ever elected..."

January 20, 2009 - 00:36 ET by PrairieSky

Hey...I thought that Obama was supposed to be not just the first black president, but the first post-racial president. According to the left, his race is supposed to be irrelevant...If that is so, why are you making it a reason for why people are so enthralled with him?

Is it a historic event for the country? Sure. But, Obama's race in and of itself shouldn't be the primary reason for all the hysteria surrounding his election and inauguration.

The bottom line is this...This country didn't elect a black president last November...We elected a president. Period. And that is what so many seem to have lost sight of.

"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981

gee bal

January 20, 2009 - 01:15 ET by candance

To the 50+ million of us who voted for someone else, Obama is just another Democrat. And when the novelty of his skin color wears off, it won't be that exciting for much people afterward.

Just like 9/11 after a few months those who hate this country will go back to hating it and those who want us to lose the war will go back to screaming about it being lost.

I'm a typical white person.

rc...Are you serious???

January 19, 2009 - 21:19 ET by PrairieSky

"This is not liberal media bias..."

You have got to be joking.

"The reason Mr. Drennen did not refer to this outright as bias in his post is because he would have looked ridiculous."

As for your opinion about why Kyle didn't call this outright bias...It is obvious to anyone with a brain stem that it clearly is an example of liberal media bias...And what is ridiculous is the fact that you are either unwilling or unable to see that. You might want to put down that Kool-Aid, and read Mr. Drennen's post again...

"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981

Repurposed Catchphrase

January 19, 2009 - 22:18 ET by Rusty Weiss

Thanks rc, that was a much needed laugh.

The argument that this was simply a repurposed catchphrase and not media bias is quite ridiculous in and of itself.

I can truly see, had McCain been the one inaugurated this week, CBS running a series of 'Country First Monday' ads.

Absurd...

Rusty Weiss

I'm off the wagon

January 19, 2009 - 18:46 ET by ThisnThat

Thanks for the update, Kyle. I've simply stopped watching TV. One can only take so much brainwashing in a lifetime, and I reached my limit a long, long time ago. I'm now officially off the wagon, and don't expect to go back.

___________________________________

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber

A New Slogan...Imagine That...

January 19, 2009 - 18:51 ET by CapeCodScott

1963: "The Stars' Address is CBS"
1965: "Hey, Look Us Over!"
1966: "You'll See Stars!"
1967: "Get In the Winner's Circle"
1968: "The Look of a Winner!"
1969: "The Best Television on Television"

1970s

1970: "The Man Can't Bust Our Network" (Operation 100)
1970: "The Revolutionaries are on CBS"
1971: "Where the Good Times Are"
1972: "Have We Got a Fall For You!"
1973: "The Best is Right Here on CBS" aka "CBS is Easy on the Eyes"
1974: "See the Best...CBS"
1975: "Catch the Brightest Stars on CBS"
1976: "The Hot Ones"
1977: "There's Something in the Air"
1978: "The 32 Days of Fabulous February!" (sweeps)
1978: "Turn Us On, We'll Turn You On"
1979: "We're Coming On" (February)
1979: "We're Looking Good!" (Used by ATV-10 Melbourne in 1981)

1980s

1980: "Looking to the 80's" (February)
1980: "Looking Good Together"
1981: "Reach for the Stars"
1982: "Great Moments"
1983: "February Looks Great On CBS"
1983-1986: "We've Got the Touch" (done by Kenny Rogers in 1985)
1984: "The February Touch"
1986: "Share the Spirit of CBS"
1987: "CBSpirit"
1988: "CBS: Television You Can Feel" aka "You Can Feel It on CBS"
1989-1990: "Get Ready for CBS" (1990 version based on a song by The Temptations, 1990 video adapted for Ten's 1991 video "That's Entertainment")

1990s

1991: "The Look of America is CBS"
1992: "This is CBS"
1993: "It's All Right Here"
1993: "Can't Stop at the Top"
1994: "Everyday People" aka "CBS People"
1995: "You're on CBS"
1996: "Welcome Home (to a CBS Night)"
1997: "The Address is CBS...Welcome Home" (an update on "Welcome Home")
1999: "The Address is CBS" (an update on "The Address is CBS...Welcome Home")

2000s

2000-2005: "It's All Here" (an update on "The Address is CBS")
2005: "America's Most Watched Network"
2005: "Everybody's Watching CBS"
2006-present: "We Are CBS"

From Wikipedia

Yes They Can...Again Aand Again and Again

www.ScottOnCapeCod.com

"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!

Excellent, Scott

January 19, 2009 - 19:08 ET by Blonde

Thanks for some interesting reading.

CBS...YES....I CAN TURN IT OFF!

Has been

January 19, 2009 - 19:17 ET by general company

"America's Most Watched Network"

I dont think they had a choice about changing this one!

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

I just poured a 2 Liter Pepsi into my TV while tuned to CBS.

January 19, 2009 - 18:54 ET by R D Helm

That should pretty much take care of that BS. :-)

-Dave

“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.

Dave.... LOL. You

January 19, 2009 - 19:01 ET by bigtimer

Dave....

LOL.

You didn't have any JD in that mix did ya?

Nah...I know you wouldn't waste that on something like CBS.

bt, LOL

January 19, 2009 - 19:09 ET by R D Helm

Hey, I live in Atlanta, the land of Coca Cola.

Pepsi is only good here for, well.....give me a few minutes, and I'll think of something.

And no, I wouldn't dare mix Pepsi with JD, cause I think there is a very strict law against that here in Georgia, and I'm pretty sure you get the death penalty for it in Kentucky. :-)

-Dave

“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.

You, sir, are correct. It

January 19, 2009 - 21:16 ET by thebutlerdidit

You, sir, are correct. It is a death penalty offense in Kentucky, and should be here in JawJa. Pepsi? Yikes! Does anyone admit to drinking that swill in this state? But I am glad to see that CBS didn't find Ronald Reagan's landslide victory to be that exciting. I guess because he was just an old white man. I seem to remember him totally whuppin' ass, and it was quite exciting! I'm personally more excited about my next gyno visit than I am tomorrow's event.

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

Good evening BD and butler

January 19, 2009 - 21:30 ET by cocodrie

I'm with both of you. Not only is that a capital offense but it is a mortal sin to mix good scotch or bourbon with anything but ice. Even ice is debateable.

President Reagan was a three time loser

1- He was white

2- He was conservative

3- He was Christian.

No way an left-wing extremist will ever approve of him

Jesus Loves You

coco you are so right...especially

January 19, 2009 - 21:36 ET by porpoiseboy

single blend scotch.

"Here comes the orator! With his flood of words, and his drop of reason" Ben Franklin

Ecclesiastes 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left

Good evening Porpoise

January 19, 2009 - 21:53 ET by cocodrie

A coon-ass and his scotch, inseparable friends.

Jesus Loves You

Respectful, you're joking

January 19, 2009 - 18:55 ET by JBlair

Respectful, you're joking right?

Look at the logo; its as close as they could have gotten to Obama's without actually infringing on the trademark.

This matters because this is a network that is not supposed to have an opinion and advocate a point of view, and yet here they are, capitalizing on the image and campaign slogan of a candidate that they openly supported throughout the entire election cycle.

My first reaction to this was...

January 19, 2009 - 19:21 ET by Army Brat

Aaaggh!

There is no limit...none whatsoever in the pursuit of cashing in on Obambi.

His shelf life is extremely limited and I thnk alot of those cashing in now know that. He will grow stale in no time.

The time to cash in on his Presidency has been before he actually started doing the job, and will be, for a short time, after he takes the job.

Judging, as we all must in order to survive, from what I have seen of the Ones actions so far...I think we're in for a hell of a ride.

Not unlike the one you get from your elderly insane Grandfather when you're five, who thinks it's fun to pull out in front of a semi to watch the tires smoke, then laughs all the way home.

You tell everyone what happened and no one believes you...'cause yer five. Then they hire hm to drive a bus.

I'm just waitin' for the news that the bus hit something.

Happy Trails...

Very soon---

January 19, 2009 - 19:12 ET by misterbill

Very soon-- it will be , "Si se puede!"

Bye, bye Miss American pie,

took my Chevy to the levee

where I was told, "Honky die!"

Them good ol' folks

made me drink whiskey and lye

Singin' this'll be the day that you die!!

misterbill, ROFL!

January 19, 2009 - 19:53 ET by R D Helm

-Dave

“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.

Same here misterb.... LOL

January 19, 2009 - 20:10 ET by bigtimer

Same here misterb....

LOL funny!

CBS the end is near

January 19, 2009 - 19:28 ET by Goodie

Watched the game yesterday, and I hate it when CBS covers, Nance and Sims do a good job, however the constant promo of their shows I have never watch was to much. Even Nance was tired of promo ever 5 minutes and then he had to lead in for the halftime show with Couric....I switched to DVR it is less stressful for me to watch.

Bernie is correct it is a freakshow.

O's last day 1-20-13

Unintended meaning

January 19, 2009 - 21:11 ET by nkviking75

"Can CBS show you the funny side of families?...Yes we can."

If it was a radio commercial, I'd have thought CBS was the Bob the Builder network.

Welcome to the era of unity, you racist!

Obama Network?

January 19, 2009 - 22:42 ET by blazermaniac

I didn't know about CBS being the only Obama network. So are, NBC, ABC, CNN, PMSNBC, MTV, ESPN and many others. He bought them all during his campaign.