Between now and Election Day, we're sure to see—and chronicle at NB—plenty of MSM sycophancy for Barack Obama. But between the thrills going up assorted media legs, evidence is emerging that some in the media are beginning to assess the Dem candidate in a clearer light. Take for example, Gabriel Sherman's piece at the New Republic which as its title—End of the Affair—suggests, has as its thesis that at least for some of its members, the MSM's puppy-love stage might be coming to an end.
Today comes Howard Fineman's admission, hesitant as it might be, and mitigated by his suggestion that Obama came close to hitting an absolute home run with his European trip, that yes, well, after all, the guy is—how can I put this?—arrogant.
Newsweek's senior DC correspondent was a guest on this afternoon's Hardball, with Mike Barnicle sitting in for Chris Matthews. The jumping off point was Obama's cancellation of his plans to visit injured American troops in Germany.
View video here.
MIKE BARNICLE: So does this campaign behavior, and thus Barack Obama's behavior, is it in any way similar to Barack Obama's seemingly being unable to say about the surge "hey, you know, I made a mistake about the surge; it worked out much better than I thought it would, and let's move on." Why can't they do that?
HOWARD FINEMAN: Well I, having observed Obama and covered him for quite some time, I mean I've been up close to him a lot, not as much as some, but enough, to know that he, uh, he gets his back up when he's, uh, when he's, when he's cross-examined or criticized. He does. He, he, he has a --
BARNICLE: That's not, that's not a very positive thing to note about a candidate!
FINEMAN: No, he has a, he has a, he has a little bit of an arrogant streak in him. He does.
Obviously wasn't easy for Howard, but he did eventually get it out.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Yeah, but some of these
July 28, 2008 - 17:12 ET by Chris NormanYeah, but some of these criticisms are just to provide the media with a skimpy CYA. Too arrogant? That's hardly scathing. This is akin to the media saying Clinton could be too much of a wonk. It's Nerf ball criticism at best.
McNotObama '08
they toldja so
July 28, 2008 - 17:51 ET by TruthMongerat least this disproves the so-called MSM leftwing bias - HA:)!
It's the smallest fig leaf
July 28, 2008 - 17:56 ET by Chris NormanIt's the smallest fig leaf I've ever seen. :)
McNotObama '08
a momentary lapse of idiocy
July 28, 2008 - 17:13 ET by TruthMongera momentary lapse of idiocy which will quickly pass
...a little bit...? The guy
July 28, 2008 - 17:21 ET by bassndude...a little bit...? The guy has a streak an arrogant streak as wide as they get!
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Just wait till they dare
July 28, 2008 - 17:37 ET by ThisnThatJust wait till they dare publish a picture of him without a halo. You'll see what an arrogant ass he is then!
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
McCain and Obama both have the affliction.
July 28, 2008 - 19:31 ET by Daniel BakerMcCain at least has more excuse to be arrogant
John McCain 2008 Protect Traditional Marriage
Traditional Marriage is not "Divisive" Obama.
The jumping off point was
July 28, 2008 - 17:24 ET by Conservative in the ArtsThe jumping off point was Obama's cancellation of his plans to visit injured American troops in Germany.
So what happened to the scuttlebutt that McCain was behind it? Where's the follow-up from Andrea, the one that tried to pass this rumor?
Fineman's just trying to
July 28, 2008 - 17:25 ET by SchnikeysFineman's just trying to make his candidate look "cute", much like a mother who defends her bully son by saying "Oh, he's boisterous but he's harmless! Seriously!" There was nothing innocent or honest about his "confession".
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"It could be the answer to our age-old, philosophical question, 'Why are we here?' PLASTIC!"
Arrogance?
July 28, 2008 - 17:28 ET by JerI think the conservative columnist at townhall.com who knew Obama at Harvard would describe it as "self-confidence".
Jer
Not sure if that linked the
July 28, 2008 - 17:36 ET by JerNot sure if that linked the article. I'll try again.
Jer
Jer..It linked the first
July 28, 2008 - 17:52 ET by bigtimerJer..
It linked the first time for me.
Btw...I have never heard of this so-called conservative gal...and frankly I didn't care.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
bt, I've never heard of her
July 28, 2008 - 18:07 ET by Chris Normanbt,
I've never heard of her either. She may very well be a "proud conservative". However, I'm slightly suspicious of the conservative bonafides of anyone younger than 150 years who was the editor of the Harvard Law Review.
McNotObama '08
Howdy Chris... LOL... I
July 28, 2008 - 18:11 ET by bigtimerHowdy Chris...
LOL...
I agree...as I read some of her words...I was thinking...yeah, yeah, yeah...blah blah blah...a real conservative my rear.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
So positive comments about
July 28, 2008 - 19:01 ET by JerSo positive comments about the personality/intellectual traits of a liberal auatomatically disqualify one from being a "real conservative"?
Jer
Jer... Yep...if it's the
July 28, 2008 - 19:07 ET by bigtimerJer...
Yep...if it's the sock puppet messiah they are pouring sweet nothings on... it does.
Not getting into a big debate with you either...never heard of this so-called conservative, and I really hope I don't again.
Simple as that.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
bt...
July 28, 2008 - 19:24 ET by JerI'm not particularly interested in a "big debate" either, bt. But it might prove instructive to click on "Author Biography" to learn about Ms. Liebau's conservative credentials.
Jer
Jer... I know you're
July 28, 2008 - 19:26 ET by bigtimerJer...
I know you're right...but frankly I just do not care.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
And I'm sure if we look hard
July 28, 2008 - 19:32 ET by Chris NormanAnd I'm sure if we look hard enough, we could find some second or third tier liberal commentator who has some complimentary words for McCain. I'm just not certain what the point would be in doing that.
McNotObama '08
Ms. Lawyer Princeton H
July 29, 2008 - 07:25 ET by KarmaMs.
Lawyer
Princeton
Harvard
Pacifica Radio
Three Names
resident of near Los Angeles
PBS
CNN
MSNBC
lived in Washington DC
terrier named "Winston"
Come on now, Jer. How many more items from her biography do I need to nit-pick before I throw her from my conservative bus?
Good points, Karma
July 29, 2008 - 16:35 ET by JerGood points, Karma :-) But, really, now...terrier named "Winston". You mean Churchill is no longer a conservative icon?
Jer
A biblical requirement for
July 28, 2008 - 17:50 ET by bradbenj5952A biblical requirement for a bishop: "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall..." See 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Probably should be applied to presidents. But isn't that why they must "have attained to the Age of thrity-five Years". Perhaps 35 year olds were made of different stuff in 1789!
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
This coming from Fineman is
July 28, 2008 - 17:56 ET by bigtimerThis coming from Fineman is a minor miracle...wait...a major miracle!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Arrogance is often a
July 28, 2008 - 19:13 ET by MidAmericaArrogance is often a cover for insecurity.
"Arrogance is often a cover
July 28, 2008 - 21:38 ET by"Arrogance is often a cover for insecurity" Yeah, and when applied to successful black people it's usually synonymous with the racist term "uppity." Don't think that there is not a very devious racial component to this increasingly prevalent "arrogance" charge.
Very good flashking
July 28, 2008 - 21:42 ET by Cool ArrowI also saw that (arrogance = uppity) talking point brought up on yesterday's Sunday morning talk shows.
Want a cracker?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Oh fk... Get a life...and
July 28, 2008 - 21:50 ET by bigtimerOh fk...
Get a life...and give me a f'n break...
I have used the word uppity if someone is uppity for decades and decades...never once did I ever think of this in the way you are putting it...
What a stretch...but then again...you are a troll, justa' trollin'...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I heard an expression the
July 28, 2008 - 22:42 ET byI heard an expression the other day that I think fits in here quite nicely. You be the judge though.
"Throw a rock into a pack of dogs and the one that yelps loudest is the one that got hit."
You're yelping awfully loud over there bigtimer.
fk... LOL...I haven't
July 28, 2008 - 22:47 ET by bigtimerfk...
LOL...I haven't made a growl yet...let alone a snarl...and btw...I never waste my time yelpin'...
You'll know it when I do.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
He can't help it bigtimer
July 28, 2008 - 22:51 ET by Cool ArrowHe heard that talking point (arrogance = uppity) on Chris Matthews' Sunday morning show yesterday and couldn't resist parroting it first chance he got.
I knew somebody would claim it as their own thought eventually.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
I don't watch those shows
July 28, 2008 - 22:54 ET byI don't watch those shows on sunday mornings so I couldn't possibly have lifted that talking point. Believe it or not I came up with it myself. Instead of sitting around watching t.v. I go to church.
You don't? Are you muslim or communist?
Riiiight Flash
July 28, 2008 - 23:02 ET by Cool ArrowI wasn't asking for an alibi. Like you don't know the show gets repeated on MSNBC later in the day.
It's ok to be a parrot. It's what you were born to do.
Have another cracker.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
flash is yelping pretty
July 29, 2008 - 12:38 ET by TruthMongerflash is yelping pretty loudly
flickerqueen, and which "church" would that be?
July 28, 2008 - 23:08 ET by R D HelmLOL-Too busy worshiping the porcelain god, perhaps?
...And that is no shiite.
:-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
flashking
July 29, 2008 - 09:38 ET by bassndudeIts called TiVo. What are you? Still living in the dark ages?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Bass, go easy on fk, he just
July 29, 2008 - 12:43 ET by MassConservBass, go easy on fk, he just figured out how to get his Betamax machine to stop flashing 12:00.
CA... Ah-Ha! Thanks for
July 28, 2008 - 23:01 ET by bigtimerCA... Ah-Ha!
Thanks for letting me know...
Matthews show was preempted here for some sports show..or I would of known this too...
Thanks...I am snickering /laughing posting this.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I'll know it when you do
July 28, 2008 - 23:08 ET byI'll know it when you do what? "waste your time yelpin'?" I wasn't talking about a physical confrontation it was a metaphor ...
At any rate, you missed the point entirely. Or should I say you missed it "bigtime?"
fk.... \Grrrr... Listen
July 28, 2008 - 23:14 ET by bigtimerfk....
\Grrrr...
Listen you little twit...I wasn't even thinking physical...
How old are you...do you make it past counting on both hands...and maybe one foot, just giving you a break there..
You are good for laughter though...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
So fk... you throw rocks at
July 29, 2008 - 09:13 ET by Tim the EnchanterSo fk... you throw rocks at dogs? How nice.
"Yeah, and when applied to
July 28, 2008 - 21:57 ET by ckc1227"Yeah, and when applied to successful black people it's usually synonymous with the racist term "uppity."
Well, of course it is. What isn't racist when applied to blacks these days, successful or not?
In the time of the new messiah, there sprang forth an eleventh, unwritten commandment:
"Arrogance is often a cover
July 28, 2008 - 22:06 ET by MidAmerica"Arrogance is often a cover for insecurity" Yeah, and when applied to successful black people it's usually synonymous with the racist term "uppity."
That may be so... but I don't see obama as a successful black person. He been getting too much help from an awful lot of influential white people. You know, as in affirmative action. Nothing in his background qualifies him to be President.
flashinthepan
July 28, 2008 - 22:07 ET by RESTLESS 1You are the one who tossed the term "uppity" out there. Looks like we found our racist, and as usual, it is a democratic. I don't think of obama as arrogant because he is black; being an assho#! has nothing to do with color. You equated the terms. Perhaps you should look in the mirror.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Flash
July 28, 2008 - 22:13 ET by MrShy"Don't think that there is not a very devious racial component to this increasingly prevalent "arrogance" charge."
True. There are racial components to almost everything we do in our daily lives, and many of them quite deviant.
There was certainly a racial component to how I cooked my pasta tonight, no question. There was also a racial component in the way I put out the garbage earlier today. When I was out drinking with a few friends the other night, it was rife with racial components, many of them extremely deviant.
I give up trying to deny the racist in me.
* * * SOCKS THE CAT '08 * * *
For REAL Change
There could have been a
July 28, 2008 - 22:51 ET byThere could have been a racial component to all of the activities you describe. For example, while drinking with your buddies how many N-word jokes did you tell? or laugh at? And when you were cooking your pasta were you wearing your robe and hood?
That's a joke, of course.
fk... It may be fun to
July 28, 2008 - 23:03 ET by bigtimerfk...
It may be fun to take bets around here...just how long you last.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I'm not sure what I'm doing
July 28, 2008 - 23:14 ET byI'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I post a comment regarding what I consider to be a racist component to recent criticism of Obama, am attacked sometimes visciously (called a racist), and then defend myself.
I'm part of the conversation and acting reasonably. If I "don't last long" as you say, it will only prove that you're not interested in having a conversation with more than one view point. If so that's your business. I thought that we were having fun not making mortal enemies.
It used to be, back in the old days, that public debate was an enjoyable pastime that just happened to dovetail with one's civic duty not this blood sport that you want to participate in.
Flash
July 28, 2008 - 23:22 ET by RESTLESS 1The question is, why do you jump to the conclusion that calling obama "arrogant" is code speak for "uppity"? Calling criticism of obama "racist" is the last gasp for those who can't cite any accomplishments that make him presidential material.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
I'm tellin' ya Restless
July 28, 2008 - 23:30 ET by Cool ArrowHe heard it on Chris Matthews yesterday and couldn't wait to throw it out there.
Parrots are FLASHy
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
suffering soup spoons! How
July 28, 2008 - 23:38 ET bysuffering soup spoons! How many times can you say that? I did not see the Chris Mathews show yesterday or today and did not read a transcript of it. Do I need to send you a note from my mom?
Yes, Flash
July 29, 2008 - 00:14 ET by Cool ArrowGiver her a holler. She's right up those basement steps, isn't she?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
flickerqueen, any comment that is less than a 150%...
July 28, 2008 - 23:31 ET by R D Helm...glowing endorsement of Barry-O is going to be immediately pounced upon buy the socialist left (of which you are a dues-paying member in-good-standing) as being "racist"in origin.
Never mind that you could not define that term correctly with three dictionaries, verbal as well as written, directions and a fifteen minute head-start.
Hate to tell you, as it is painfully clear that your entire scholastic career took place within the confines of government schools (sucks to be you) but people who happen to not agree with people-of-color are not racists.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
I'm not sure why you need
July 28, 2008 - 23:33 ET byI'm not sure why you need to attack my academic credentials. I have a GED like the rest of you. Lighten up; we're all victims of public education.
The solution to the problems facing our schools is not attacking me.
flickerqueen, you're right. We all are victims of gov. schools.
July 29, 2008 - 00:11 ET by R D HelmAs it is the government-schooled idiot leftists that have supported anti-exploration and anti-drilling laws (and a laundry list of other idiotic ideas, like no nuclear power, no coal, no natural gas, as well as a 35% corporate tax rate, which has driven countless American jobs overseas) that have pretty much put us in the economic crapper we now find ourselves in.
Like I said, should the American sheeple be stupid enough to put an empty suit Marxist like Barry-O in office, then be sure and let us know, next summer, when you are paying $6.50/gal, how that works out for you.
Assuming you still have a job, that is.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
Furthermore, according to
July 28, 2008 - 23:30 ET byFurthermore, according to you and your buddies I'm a 15 yr old alcoholic, retarded tropical bird who is also a democratic racist. These kinds of personal attacks are a problem on threads like this.
You are delusional besides
July 28, 2008 - 23:34 ET by bigtimerYou are delusional besides being an intentional trouble-making troll...who has been kicked off before...me thinks...
...if not there is always a first time.
Keep working on it though..it is fun to watch.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Hey bigtimer, let's call a
July 28, 2008 - 23:46 ET byHey bigtimer, let's call a truce; I've gotta go to sleep. I've got an early morning conference call with Bill Gates and Elvis concerning the existence of flying saucers. But I was wondering if you can name my delusions first.
fk... Sure... Go to the
July 28, 2008 - 23:56 ET by bigtimerfk...
Sure...
Go to the nearest mirror...open eyes and look at what is staring back at you...
Problem solved.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
bt,
July 29, 2008 - 00:02 ET by R D Helm...trouble-making troll...who has been kicked off before..
LOL-I am thinking the same thing, but I cannot quite put my finger on it.
Any ideas as to who this freedom-hating idiot is?
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD...yeah I do...but all in
July 29, 2008 - 00:07 ET by bigtimerRD...yeah I do...but all in all it matters not...
These trolls are a dime a dozen...and it isn't even Sept. yet...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
bt,
July 29, 2008 - 00:12 ET by R D Helm...and it isn't even Sept. yet...
LOL-Can't wait.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
Hey RD catch ya later...got
July 29, 2008 - 00:15 ET by bigtimerHey RD catch ya later...got a movie I'm going to catch...I think...
Later...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Flash: "...I'm a 15 yr
July 28, 2008 - 23:39 ET by RESTLESS 1Flash:
"...I'm a 15 yr old alcoholic, retarded tropical bird who is also a democratic racist.- See folks, he admits it. ;>)
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
See bt
July 28, 2008 - 23:21 ET by Cool ArrowWhen Flash thinks of race, there's only one color.
It's arrogant, I know. But he can't help but think compartmentally when it comes to people who look different than him.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Say it ain't so, O !
July 28, 2008 - 19:15 ET by GalvanicFINEMAN: No, he has a, he has a, he has a little bit of an arrogant streak in him. He does.
Oh, my. Imagine that.
Hey, isn't arrogance the trait ascribed to Pres. Bush by the MSM, Pelosi, Reid, et al --- the trait that led America to become an international pariah? Ow-ee.
That’ll be the day…
July 28, 2008 - 19:17 ET by needleAny bets that Gabriel Sherman and Howard Fineman will be endorsing and voting for McCain?
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
Ho Hum…
July 28, 2008 - 19:26 ET by needleNow I would have sat up I my seat if Howard Fineman had said: No, he has a, he has a, he has a little bit of an uppity streak in him. He does.
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
Hey Howard
July 28, 2008 - 23:35 ET by DelsaYa think?????
Actually, in Obama's case
July 28, 2008 - 23:54 ET by Delsaarrogance is a cover for not having a big shoe size.
In other words, a cover for having small feet.