CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, during a much hyped interview of Barack Obama on Thursday’s "The Situation Room," tried to dismiss facts about the Illinois Senator’s as mere opinions. First, the CNN host made a prediction about the upcoming general election campaign: "You know they're going to paint you -- the McCain camp, Republicans -- as a classic tax and spend liberal Democrat, that you are going to raise the taxes for the American people, and to spend money like there's no tomorrow when it comes to federal government programs. You ready to handle that kind of assault?"
In fact, the National Journal - not a conservative magazine - had labeled Obama the most liberal senator during 2007, so if the Republicans do launch "that kind of assault," it has a basis in Obama’s own record in the Senate.
Twelve minutes later, or about 26 minutes into the 4 pm Eastern hour of the CNN program, after discussing the Iraq war with the Democrat, Blitzer brought up the issue of Israel and its battle with Hamas: "This is going to be a huge difference -- the war in Iraq, the fallout between you and McCain. He also is going after you now today, the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence. He says you're not necessarily endorsing policies that would be good for Israel. He says this, for example. ‘I think it's very clear who Hamas wants to be the next President of the United States. I think that people should understand that I will be Hamas's worst nightmare. If Senator Obama is favored by Hamas, I think people can make judgments accordingly.’"
During the Israel portion of the interview, Blitzer failed to mention the fact that Ahmed Yousef, the chief political adviser to Ismail Haniyah, the senior political leader of Hamas, had communicated the terror group’s endorsement of Obama during an interview on WABC radio on April 13: "We like Mr. Obama and we hope he will win the election."
—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
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I heard this pathetic
May 8, 2008 - 18:09 ET by bigtimerI heard this pathetic interview today...I also tuned out...it was boring.
Period.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
I just hope the GOP ask's this question
May 8, 2008 - 18:12 ET by general company"You know they're going to paint you -- the McCain camp, Republicans -- as a classic tax and spend liberal Democrat, that you are going to raise the taxes for the American people, and to spend money like there's no tomorrow when it comes to federal government programs.
I actualy like this question, I am sure even without looking that Obama suggested he was ready for the assult, and did not even bother trying to defend his policies.
Dont worry, I understand Wolf's motives here
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
I Agree
May 8, 2008 - 18:15 ET by the curatorIts a great question. And perfectly legitimate debate points for the GOP to campaign against Obama on.
No problems here.
"I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation-building."
-George W. Bush, October 11, 2000
I see what you are saying,
May 8, 2008 - 18:40 ET by ThermistoclesI see what you are saying, but the question is framed with extreme prejudice. Republicans ( specifically McCain ) need to learn how to turn the tables on these guys and not allow themselves or the issues to be defined by the MSM or the Democrates. ( same diff, really ).
I don't know that McCain has the skill or quick wit to pull this off with the grace and humour of Regan, but this is how you would win the debate. You haven't a chance if you concede the point being assumed by the press. You really have to work twice as hard and be twice as smart as your opponent if the MSM is against you.
I Know Where You're Coming From
May 8, 2008 - 18:46 ET by the curatorThe question can be viewed as prejudicial.
But, I think Wolfe is purposely going for a simile.
And when you look at previous opposition campaigns (Swiftboating and MoveOn.org), I think "attack" isn't so bad to use.
Had, Wolfe asked McCain if he was ready for the "liberal attack," would people here be as upset or see the same predujice connotation?
"I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation-building."
-George W. Bush, October 11, 2000
Your qualified
May 8, 2008 - 22:17 ET by general companyHad, Wolfe asked McCain if he was ready for the "liberal attack," would people here be as upset or see the same predujice connotation?
Your as qualified to answer this as anyone,?
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
"Assault"? Yeah, right. The
May 8, 2008 - 18:18 ET by Chris Norman"Assault"? Yeah, right. The only people noticing anything resembling an "assault" will be the ones who are itching to yell "racism!" if McCain says, "I respectfully disagree with Senator Obama".
Which the msm is already
May 8, 2008 - 18:25 ET by bigtimerWhich the msm is already itching to do....
Of course if McCain wanted to he could use the reverse tactics on the msm with all the examples from them using the Hill/Obama show when it comes to examples of racism...plus the dem pols themselves.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Yeah, but the MSM still
May 8, 2008 - 18:41 ET by Chris NormanYeah, but the MSM still won't admit that it was the Gore campaign who first brought up Willie Horton back in '88. So, a fresh deck of race cards will be issued for this general election - like none of this primary stuff had ever happened...
Well..if McCain doesn't
May 8, 2008 - 18:43 ET by bigtimerWell..if McCain doesn't fight back..it will be his own fault...
Of course he can always apologize again, repeat the respectable campaign line again...sure it will work with the msm, they love the maverick...always have doncha' know.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
We'll be lucky if McCain
May 8, 2008 - 18:48 ET by motherbeltWe'll be lucky if McCain doesn't say that Obama would "make a fine President."
Didn't he already
May 9, 2008 - 11:38 ET by red_dragon311Didn't he already say that, ro somthing close to it?
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Thomas Jefferson
Unless he surprises us, I'm
May 8, 2008 - 18:50 ET by Chris NormanUnless he surprises us, I'm afraid McCain will offer up the most perfunctory of opposition. Still, the old guy did get this far, so who knows?
Speaking of McCain he is on
May 8, 2008 - 19:15 ET by bigtimerSpeaking of McCain he is on BOR right now getting interviewed....I am sure it will be repeated again on Fox for those who may miss it...I am already PO. with the oil co. questions instead of drilling here and being self-dependent.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
watching McCain
May 8, 2008 - 19:24 ET by candanceHe's not even trying to look as good as Hillary - no cozy setting, no confident demeanor, no sharp tongue. If he doesn't want anyone making an issue out of his age, he needs to act like he's still awake in interviews.
His answers are also disappointing.
Well, Bill will encourage
May 8, 2008 - 19:26 ET by Chris NormanWell, Bill will encourage the anti-oil company rhetoric in any politician willing to engage in it.
That's what frustrates about O'Reilly. He has the best topics and the best guests and then spoils it all by being on the show - know what I mean?
Chris...I think the Gore
May 9, 2008 - 02:00 ET by JerChris...I think the Gore campaign first brought up the "weekend furlough" issue, but did not identify Horton by name or race.
Jer
»→ But Jer
May 9, 2008 - 02:11 ET by Cool ArrowThe Bush campaign did not identify Horton as African-American either.
Horton's ethnic identity was "assumed" by voters when his picture appeared in the ad.
♣ a seal
Yeah, I suppose the
May 9, 2008 - 02:32 ET by JerYeah, I suppose the pic was indeed a significant key to solving the race identity puzzle.
Jer
»→ Jer
May 9, 2008 - 03:05 ET by Cool ArrowI'm not sold on the idea that Horton's race was important to the overall point.
Michael Dukakis was a wimp on crime, and it bit him in the butt.
♣ a seal
Cool...I agree that
May 9, 2008 - 03:28 ET by JerCool...I agree that Horton's race was not the only point, and was subordinate to the larger issue of furloughing convicted murderers.
But, I don't think his color was lost on those who embrace racial criminal stereotyping. Sadly, such stereotyping is not without a legitimate [statistical] foundation. But, nevertheless, it was exploitative.
Jer
»→ Jer
May 9, 2008 - 03:32 ET by Cool ArrowYou wouldn't go so far as to say OJ was guilty, would you.
I'd hate to think people allow their decisions to be influenced by race. (winking emoticon here)
♣ a seal
Cool...
May 9, 2008 - 03:41 ET by JerAre you kidding...OJ and I are still hunting for the "real" killers.
Seriously, there has never been a greater accumulation of evidence of guilt against any defendant in the history of American jurisprudence. However, the prosecution of the case was very badly handled. Still...a damn travesty he wasn't convicted.
Jer
"Sadly, such stereotyping
May 9, 2008 - 08:54 ET by mattm"Sadly, such stereotyping is not without a legitimate [statistical] foundation."
You refute yourself.
BTW - Al Gore was the first to invoke Willie Horton.
I refute myself? How,
May 9, 2008 - 09:03 ET by JerI refute myself? How, so?
Regarding Willie Horton, can you show me where my previous post on the matter is incorrect?
Jer
I'll have to take your word
May 9, 2008 - 10:36 ET by Chris NormanI'll have to take your word for that. However, my point still stands. The fact that the Gore campaign brought the issue up (Horton's name or not) was never mentioned at all, unless you dig up some obscure reference to it in the Pallahat Journal in an attempt to discredit my point. Nice try, though.
Your point stands on shaky
May 9, 2008 - 11:09 ET by JerYour point stands on shaky ground, if it stands at all. I have known for years that the furlough issue was raised by Gore, and have heard that fact repeated numerous times. So I would guess the sourcing was more substantial than an obscure reference.
I have also frequently heard that Gore first raised the Williie Horton/racial issue, and it is that claim which I believe to be incorrect.
Jer
If you heard it, it was from
May 9, 2008 - 12:41 ET by Chris NormanIf you heard it, it was from sites like this or, perhaps, FoxNews. If you look into it, you will find that many complained that the MSM never mentions that fact. The Dems complain - and the media dutifully reports - that Willie Horton was a mean ol' Lee Atwater trick. Nope, I daresay I watch as much news, if not more, as anyone and I don't ever recall the media, after mentioning Willie Horton, quickly adding that the Gore campaign originated the issue. This won't fly.
Chris...I recall a Reader's
May 9, 2008 - 12:50 ET by JerChris...I recall a Reader's Digest article about the Willie Horton/furlough controversy prior to the '88 election. I am pretty sure it disclosed that Gore had first mentioned and criticized Dukakis' policy. But, I can't say that with absolute certainty--it was twenty years ago.
Jer
Readers Digest? Good grief,
May 9, 2008 - 19:06 ET by Chris NormanReaders Digest? Good grief, Jer, back then it was as conservative of a publication as it could get. If that's indeed where you read it, you confirmed made my point.
Let me get this straight, Chris...
May 9, 2008 - 19:55 ET by JerLet me get this straight, Chris....That I read about it in the most widely read publication in the United States confirms your point that it would have only been mentioned in some "obscure reference". That's like McGovern claiming the presidency because he won one state.
Jer
"We like Mr. Obama and we
May 8, 2008 - 18:23 ET by suzycreamcheese"We like Mr. Obama and we hope he will win the election."
Yeah, this says it all. For this reason alone should left and right unite and elect McCain.
I can't wait to rip the
May 8, 2008 - 18:31 ET by FairlightI can't wait to rip the mask off this racist POS.
What awaits him is going to make the Swift Boat look like the Love Boat.
We're waiting for you, Berry.
I am so sick of this!!
May 8, 2008 - 18:46 ET by motherbeltI am so sick of this!! Every stupid question they ask takes for granted that Republicans are racist, or will "assault" the other candidate.
Why didn't he ask Obama "How do you plan to paint Sen. McCain as a remnant of the old days, someone whose time is past?"
Everyone knows that is what he is going to do.
"We like Mr. Obama and we
May 8, 2008 - 18:48 ET by Chris Norman"We like Mr. Obama and we hope he will win the election."
I'm confused. Did Yousef or Blitzer say this? :)
Don't knock it , Chris,
May 8, 2008 - 18:49 ET by motherbeltDon't knock it , Chris, when I first read it in the comment, I really did think Blitzer said it! LOL
(Hadn't read the entire post yet.)
mb, Well, just about
May 8, 2008 - 18:52 ET by Chris Normanmb,
Well, just about everyone in the MSM has done everything but come out and say it, so why not? :)
Yeah, Wolf, great question,
May 8, 2008 - 19:59 ET by jdhawkYeah, Wolf, great question, " You ready to handle that kind of assault?" Because, we in the drive media have all been down at the sporting goods store getting a gross each of wiffle balls to throw at you . . .
Wolf: Oh, my g**, now I know what slimeball means . . . I am getting thrill up my leg, too! <barf>
If one finds that type of
May 8, 2008 - 20:00 ET by JerIf one finds that type of question prejudicial ("you ready to handle that kind of assault"?), then I would expect similar critcism of O'Reilly's interview with McCain [and other Repuplicans such as President Bush and Condi Rice]. That form of inquiry is a staple of BOR's line of questioning. He repeatedly utilized the paradigm again in his just completed Part I interview with McCain.
Jer
Juan has repeatedly said he
May 8, 2008 - 20:16 ET by ConservativeRexJuan has repeatedly said he will not attack the democrat candidate. That's just great. Wolf is just another in a long line of liberal lamebrains who is chumming for a controversy. Don't worry, McCain will not give them any fodder for controversy. Much the pity.
Juan?
May 8, 2008 - 20:21 ET by the curatorWho is "Juan?"
Oh, I get it... "John."
Well, just because he doesn't attack Obama doesn't mean the GOP won't.
Just like if Obama doesn't attack McCain it doesn't mean the DNC won't.
We're talking about more here than just the candidates (MoveOn.org/Swiftboating)
"I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation-building."
-George W. Bush, October 11, 2000
Straight from the horse's, ah, bride.
May 8, 2008 - 20:24 ET by R D HelmI was goint to put this in the OT, but this might be better.
Mrs. McCain says that her husband will not resort to negative campaigning.
The really sad part is, I believe her.
What the American people are looking for is somebody who can solve their problems. - Barack Obama, April 27, 2008
So do I...
May 8, 2008 - 20:26 ET by the curatorOne of the reasons I really like the guy.
But, again - MoveOn.org... Swiftboat-type-conservative stuff. We're dealing with far more than the candidates.
(Incidentally, I believe Obama won't attack McCain either)
"I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation-building."
-George W. Bush, October 11, 2000
I think the word
May 8, 2008 - 21:42 ET by Delsa"assault" presupposes an assault?
Why would republicans assault the GREAT Obama? I mean I did not think republicans could touch him because he is a black man and is unassailable?
Never mind the untruth he is purfect?
"Assualt"?
Absolutly, crazy question asked by an ass kissing hard hitting journalist.
John Kerry has Obama's back
May 8, 2008 - 21:48 ET by CobraMan"You ready to handle that kind of assault?"
Obama should consult with Kerry about that. I hear that "three heart charlie" is good in a fight.
You nailed it
May 8, 2008 - 22:04 ET by DelsaNo assault. Our viet nam hero is on watch.
Obama is safer than I thought.
Darn. We sure can't touch him now.
You need to learn to read
May 8, 2008 - 23:11 ET by DelsaThe question had to do with an "assault" not an "attack"
and it was the "GOP" not "liberal".
the opposit of GOP is Jack Ass.
"You ready to handle that
May 9, 2008 - 06:21 ET by Killgrave"You ready to handle that kind of assault?"
This doesn't look like an interview question to me. It looks like "coaching". A good coach throws practice softballs while gently teaching strategy through the use of leading questions. The best way to teach is to have a student participate in the thought process, and not merely talk "at" them.
We're going to see plenty more of this if Obama gets the nod. They're going to do everything under the sun to prop this clown up.