Between Maureen Dowd's column of this morning and Norah O'Donnell's questioning of an Obama spokesman this afternoon, it looks like Barack's halo is losing its glow in some MSM sectors. Obama spokesman Bill Burton was O'Donnell's guest just after 3 PM EDT, and she read to him from Dowd's column, which he jokingly professed not to have read.
NORAH O'DONNELL [reading Dowd]: "Ed Rendell compared Obama to the passive-aggressive Adlai Stevenson and told the Washington Post that Obama gives six-minute answers and "is not exactly the easiest guy in the world to identify with."
Boos from the pro-Obama crowd in Denver.
O'DONNELL: There is this sense that he is not the easiest guy to identify with: the Republicans say "celebrity." And already today I'm hearing from Republicans that Invesco Field Thursday night, he is going to be stepping out from some Greek-columned stage that we have pictures of [see screencap], and he, this god-like deity once again. How are you going to combat that criticism that the Republicans say, once again, Barack Obama, uh, is, um, trying to be god-like?
View video here.
BILL BURTON [chuckling]: Oh my gosh! That's just silly.
Norah joined in the laughter.
BURTON: We're not going to apologize for the fact that there's tremendous enthusiasm out there for changing our country, and Barack Obama's been running a campaign with a lot of energy and a lot of folks who really want to change the way things get done in Washington.
And that explains Obama's decision to portray himself as a Greek god just how?
O'DONNELL: Some of the criticism after the speech in Germany and a number of the people who were out there, and as one Republican said to me today, "what is he, Perseus trying to save the world?" I mean, what is with the set, the Greek columns?
BURTON: I don't know who Perseus is, but I hope he is somebody trying to bring fundamental change to Washington.
With the benefit of hindsight and Google I can say with assurance that among his exploits, Perseus slew Medusa, the woman so horrid that merely looking at her turned a man to stone. Hmm.
Far be it from me to sow dissension in the ranks of the Obama campaign, but my two cents say Burton comes across considerably more candid and affable than Communications Director Robert Gibb. Here's a NYT article about Burton with some background on Burton. Speaking of Obama aides, has anyone seen the lugubrious David Axelrod lately?
In any case, what does it say about the Dem candidate that his spokesman was unable to explain the Greek-columns or the bigger question as to why Obama seeks to present himself like a modern-day deity?
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Hmmm. That stage does Albert
August 27, 2008 - 16:23 ET by Chris NormanHmmm. That stage does Albert Speer proud...
McNotObama '08
Barry
August 27, 2008 - 16:48 ET by iveseenitallThe world is in a precarious condition. Yet I'll bet that in his acceptance speech Obama will say nothing of substance about world affairs, or anything else for that matter. This is because he knows nothing of substance about the issues. He'll talk in platitudes to his adoring followers and the sycophants in the press will lap it up. They fiddle while the world burns. This Obama guy could be even worse than Jimmy Carter, if that's possible. And he runs the risk of becoming a complete joke if he is not careful. He's 2 points down in the polls; he should be 20 points down. Sad.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
isia,What I find ironic
August 27, 2008 - 17:01 ET by Chris Normanisia,
What I find ironic and rather alarming, is that, from the same kind of people who are so quick to label Republicans "Nazis" and "fascists", we get this neo-Roman temple setting in a huge outdoor stadium that would be right at home in Germany circa 1936 and the campaign graphics we've seen in the last few months are definitely in the 1930's socialist/fascist style. Plus, the news yesterday that "artists" are creating over the top schlock "art" depicting Obama in heroic and romantic ways. Add to this, the almost religious fervor that greets this junior senator, and well, it's really, really creepy - and, if he wins - eerily worrisome.
McNotObama '08
The only thing that stage
August 27, 2008 - 17:03 ET by Clear thinkerThe only thing that stage will be missing is Swastikas everywhere.
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goal
Thank you. I was beginning
August 27, 2008 - 17:17 ET by Chris NormanThank you. I was beginning to worry I was the only one seeing this as a neo-fascist setting instead of dismissing it as silly over- design. With all the other stuff, this whole campaign and it's supporters have some scary elements.
McNotObama '08
Invesco Field
August 27, 2008 - 17:32 ET by well99The reason they are having it there is because Nuremberg Stadium was booked.
w99... LOL... "America
August 27, 2008 - 17:36 ET by bigtimerw99...
LOL...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
If this clown wins, they
August 27, 2008 - 17:38 ET by Chris NormanIf this clown wins, they can call the documentary "Triumph of the Media"... can you imagine if Bush/Cheney had surrounded themselves with these kind of campaign trappings?" Then again, the charge of police state fascism against Bush was always preposterous because he hardly is the imperial type...
McNotObama '08
Thats it
August 27, 2008 - 17:59 ET by well99Between the msm,google, and celebs the propaganda pushed on us reminds me of what I read about in history books.Most Americans do not like the media choosing who they vote for.It will come back on Obama.The media always talks about Pres.Bush approval ratings.The media approval rate is much lower than his.Why dont they focus on that.
hhmmmm.....
August 27, 2008 - 17:51 ET by MidAmericahhmmmm.....
plus......
That's what I'm talkin'
August 27, 2008 - 18:41 ET by Chris NormanThat's what I'm talkin' about. You take the swastika emblem off the collonade, replace it with the Obama eagle "seal", lose the uniforms, and what's the difference?
McNotObama '08
JFK gave his acceptance
August 27, 2008 - 19:03 ET by motherbeltJFK gave his acceptance speech at the Los Angeles Coliseum, but he didn't have them build a temple. See the video here and start at about 1:55 to see his entrance and the plane draped table where he spoke, with the bleachers at his back.
Part two, here, at about 1:00, shows how small the "stage" was, with chairs lined up, auditorium-style, in front of it.
When they talk about the "platform that can be raised" it makes me wonder if they will indeed raise it higher and higher while he speaks. In a way, I hope they do. Maybe that will wake some people up.
Chris...
August 27, 2008 - 19:38 ET by Clear thinkerExactly!
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goal
Chris
August 27, 2008 - 17:54 ET by iveseenitallRight, Chris. Barry is a demigod .... a factious, phony fool!
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Вожд
August 27, 2008 - 20:55 ET by UnsaneChris, my sentiments exactly. We may as well be calling Obama Вожд.
A few nights ago, I was thumbing through the editions I have of The Little Red Book. Yes, I bought some copies while in China. They open with 31 images of Mao from various stages of his life. Quite eerie.
This whole campaign reeks of a personality cult and when I don't think it can get much worse, it does.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Unsane.... I am getting
August 27, 2008 - 21:05 ET by bigtimerUnsane....
I am getting real sick of some people saying things like you are if we do not vote for McCain.
I know you think you are special and all that with the upper hand in all that you post..but you do not ever call someone a coward if they do not vote for McCain anymore than the BS that is trying to be heaped on those that don't vote for Obama as a racist.
I do not appreciate it at all.
I appreciate your service to this country...I am more than grateful..but it isn't up to you to call those that do not see things the same way you do a moral coward.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
The tagline stays
August 27, 2008 - 21:38 ET by Unsanebigtimer, read my tagline again. Nowhere does it state anything about voting for or supporting McCain.
While I respect your opinion and look forward to reading your posts, we will have to agree to disagree here.
And you may not like it, but the tagline stands. The sad fact is that we are at the precipice of selecting and out-and-out Socialist for President. Obama/Biden want to do NOTHING more than to steal from you, me, and all the other posters here for daring to succeed or be financially secure/independent. I am not going to abide that.
I STILL to this very day give my own parents crap for voting for Perot. I had to hear them whine and cry for eight years about how awful Clinton was, and every time they did, I reminded them how they screwed up. There are a lot of people here whining and crying about Obama, but if things don't go their way, they will all take their ball and go home. And they will be the same people who will be crying hysterically on 20 January 2009, even if they could have prevented it.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Unsane...
August 27, 2008 - 21:41 ET by Clear thinkerYou made a huge error in your post. Obama is not a Socialist, he's more of a Communist.
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goal
Unsane of course your
August 27, 2008 - 21:55 ET by bigtimerUnsane of course your tagline references to people who may not vote for McCain...and it must be nice to be so arrogant to know more than everyone else including your parents...I bet you enjoyed reminding your parents of what boobs they were every chance you got...you had to hear them whine and cry...how awful.
I don't know how old you are, but I have a feeling you are young somewhat yet...it is nice that you are so wise...you also have a lot of audicity to think you know it all.
So we will just have to agree to disagree here...
Btw...I never imagined or suggested or asked that your tagline be gone....I just think it takes a lot of arrogance.
Just me though.
Your parents weren't the only ones who were hoping for a real third party and a change....not everyone understood the work of what goes on behind the scenes politically, nor will we ever in the future....even you I would imagine...although I am sure you would feel different.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
My liberal Queen
August 27, 2008 - 16:52 ET by the strugglerI definitely got it for Norah
In any case, what does it
August 27, 2008 - 17:00 ET by motherbeltIn any case, what does it say about the Dem candidate that his
spokesman was unable to explain the Greek-columns or the bigger
question as to why Obama seeks to present himself like a modern-day
deity?
Um....that there was no answer he could give with a straight face?
And "that's just silly"? Why? If not, then what's with the Temple look?
BURTON: We're not going to apologize for the fact that there's tremendous enthusiasm out there for changing our country, and Barack Obama's been running a campaign with a lot of energy and a lot of folks who really want to change the way things get done in Washington.
How about replacing the bold part with And we're just capitalizing on it ?
....and here is another
August 27, 2008 - 17:02 ET by bigtimer....and here is another view of the Obamamessiah's stage setting...
This man really is in Living in La-La-Land.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
and then there's his
August 27, 2008 - 17:06 ET by soosanand then there's his premature presidential seal....
Will he be borne in like
August 27, 2008 - 19:04 ET by motherbeltWill he be borne in like Cleopatra, in a chair carried by acolytes?
Oh, shoot, I don't want to give them ideas!
bt, contrast that with the modest JFK setup that I've linked to, above.
Nice set
August 27, 2008 - 17:12 ET by the strugglerWhere does Brittney Spears come out?
What a joke!
August 27, 2008 - 17:12 ET by cbinzo68Is this guy for real?? Is he going to come on stage in a toga or maybe a little hitler mustache?
I can hear it now.....
"First me must round up all the non-believers. Then seperate the whites and make them live in a 12 block x 12 block area. Right, Michelle?That's what we have to do, right?"
And Rev. Wright sitting in the wings like Brutus.....
What a f'ing tool this guy is!!
Nero?
August 27, 2008 - 17:33 ET by Copperhead RidgeIt doesn't matter that the pundits and press thinks its fine for The Obama to appear in a Greek or Roman looking temple. What matter is what the American people and the voters think about it. I keep thinking it's Roman and Obama is Nero.
That stage could very easily be a temple to The Obama's ego, arrogance, and hubris.
It's breathtaking to me that considering the road young Barry's gone down in recent months, that someone in his campaign or the party didn't nix the columns and cornice.
They keep saying that John McCain is out of touch with America, but they better take a look at their own candidate.
I've never seen anything like it.
Good grief...
August 27, 2008 - 17:37 ET by 3strikes"Between Maureen Dowd's column of this morning and Norah O'Donnell's questioning of an Obama spokesman this afternoon, it looks like Barack's halo is losing its glow in some MSM sectors."
No...
No...
No...
When it comes to the Democratic Presumptive nominee, asking questions about his God complex is the most hard hitting that we are going to get by the drive-by media.
We Conservatives keep wishing that the MSM will snap out of their stupor and actually start asking real questions about this guy, but that will never happen.
Just think about all of the different things that we know about Obama and Michelle now. It is a long list that ranges from issues like taxes, patriotism, personal judgement, abortion, education, ect... All of which shows Obama to be further to the left of the vast majority of the Country. How many of these issues were discovered by the MSM?
That's right... just as with the John Edwards affair, the MSM ignored it in most cases, and had to be pulled kicking and screaming into confronting it when the story had finally gotten too big for them to ignore.
Barry's Godlike ego is a superficial story, but one that the MSM can use to "question and speculate" about. This gives them cover fire, to allow their apologists to claim obectivity, while never really digging into Obama's past.
3strikes, I think you make a
August 27, 2008 - 17:46 ET by Mark Finkelstein3strikes, I think you make a very interesting point. But while I agree it would be good for the MSM to go after Obama on substance, these more superficial critiques can have important symbolic value and perhaps ultimately persuade more voters than would exposing his, say, position on taxes.
That...
August 27, 2008 - 18:04 ET by 3strikesI don't disagree with. But personally, I think that the media are trying to maintain their claim of objectivity, while using what they feel will do as little damage as possible to Obama.
I think that this little "hit piece" will be buried under a mountain of additional fawning pieces, and only dragged out when Conservatives have the gall to call the MSM on their bias.
It was the same with Obama's "tour of duty," there were a few angry pieces done on foreign policy ignorance, or seating arrangements on Obama's plane or some such. But those articles were quickly washed over by more leg tinglies and Obamessiah rapture.
Just enough in the nexus to allow the MSM proof of their hard hitting objectivity.
They won't do ANYTHING that they think might lose the election for Obama. In fact, the MSM might actually think that showing Obama's God complex will actually help him with us "bitter religion and gun clingers."
That wasn't a "tour of
August 27, 2008 - 18:43 ET by motherbeltThat wasn't a "tour of duty." It was an educational field trip.
And I agree with Mark. People in Obama's audiences aren't crying and sighing because of his grasp of foreign or economic policy. They don't care if he is knowledgeable. The reason he is so popular is because of his "presence," his charisma. So that's where he is vulnerable. It needs to be shown that his whole campaign is little more than a "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show."
My comment about Obama's
August 27, 2008 - 19:01 ET by 3strikes"tour of duty" was meant as sarcasm. A tweak on a term, that one of the news outlets had said at the time. As a former sailor, it irked me to no end.
I am not disagreeing that the majority of Americans are smart enough to shy away from Christ incarnate wannabes. My disagreement is with one of Mark's first lines in his article. That, "it looks like Barack's halo is losing its glow in some MSM sectors."
This was the same thing that was said when a few negative articles were written during Obama's overseas trip. Unfortunately, it is only wishful thinking. The MSM is in the tank for Obama, just as they are in the tank for any leftist that comes along. That is until that leftist is deemed a liability to the cause and also expendable (i.e. John and Elizabeth Edwards, Bill and Hillary).
I have an idea, let's have
August 27, 2008 - 17:42 ET by bradbenj5952I have an idea, let's have an unofficial NewsBusters "Change Pool". How many times during Obama's acceptance speech will he use the word "change"?
I say - 23
I realize that someone will have to watch the speech and count them so that we can determine a winner. Uunfortunately, I cannot. Wednesday nights are clip toe-nails, weed garden, wash dishes, feed cat, shampoo rug, and trim the hedges night...I'll be far too busy to waste, er, spend any time watching Obama bloviate, er, speak.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
I say 323 times.
August 27, 2008 - 21:26 ET by well99Unless the speech is longer then 10 minutes.Then past my counting ability.
What would be the over and
August 27, 2008 - 21:35 ET by general companyWhat would be the over and under for "hope"
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
The original design called
August 27, 2008 - 17:52 ET by zhombreThe original design called for the door to roll away from a tomb like structure on the third day of the convention and Obama to emerge to give his acceptance speech while the multitudes shared loaves and fishes and formerly blind, such as Jim Leach of Ohio, were healed and embraced.
This long shot of the SOBama stage
August 27, 2008 - 18:17 ET by Delsalooks like the White House which is in the middle of DC
most street in DC go out from the White house and the white house is in the center. Sort of like the spokes in a giant wagon wheel. Then there are streets connecting the spokes making circle after circle going away from the center.
So what are they building? Some GRAND statement no doubt.
Bet they have shipped in ALL Union members form all over the United States to fill the Stadium1
This guy and the people propping him up scare the hell out of me.
real estate in florida? get in touch
“educated brain-trusts”
August 27, 2008 - 18:22 ET by needle“I don't know who Perseus is, but I hope he is somebody trying to bring fundamental change to Washington.”
And these “educated brain-trusts” rag on about how dumb Bush is.
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
It is all Greek to them
August 27, 2008 - 19:52 ET by well99Those brain trusts are like Al Capones Vault.Empty.
So is he going to come
August 27, 2008 - 19:17 ET by soulpileSo is he going to come flying in from above, arms outstretched to greet the masses and grant his blessings upon them? What music will play? Handel's Messiah?
This whole thing is making me sick.