Blaming media for their campaign woes didn't work for Bill and Hillary Clinton during the primaries.
Will it work for Barack Obama now that the general election is finally under way, or will it look rather unseemly for a candidate that has received kinder treatment from the press than any in history to start pointing fingers at them when he missteps?
After all, it wasn't media members that seemingly revised their Iraq strategy on Thursday.
But you couldn't tell from comments the presumptive Democrat presidential nominee made on the stump Saturday according to the Associated Press (emphasis added):
Earlier in the day as he flew from Montana to Missouri, Obama told reporters he was surprised at how the media has "finely calibrated" his recent words on Iraq, and reaffirmed his commitment to ending the war if elected. [...]
And Obama was perplexed that his statement on Iraq was dissected as it was.
"I was a little puzzled by the frenzy that I set off by what I thought was a pretty innocuous statement," he said. "I am absolutely committed to ending the war."
What? You're one election away from being the most powerful man in the world, and you find it puzzling that folks are analyzing your every word?
On the other hand, you really can't blame Obama for being surprised. After all, for well over a year, absolutely nothing he said or did was even remotely questioned or examined. It therefore must be shocking for him to suddenly be experiencing any scrutiny whatsoever.
Alas, this is what happens when press members abdicate their responsibility as impartial journalists and become shameless advocates for the candidates they support.
Even so, Obama should learn from what happened to the Clintons during the primaries and be very careful with his media criticisms, as reporters clearly don't like it when they are the hunted.
It will be interesting to see whether this was just a moment, or the beginning of a new strategy to work the umpires.
Stay tuned.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
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The Teflon won't last until
July 6, 2008 - 11:58 ET by zhombreThe Teflon won't last until November 4.
Agree
July 6, 2008 - 12:04 ET by 10ksnookerComrade Obama will be shredded by November.
His word is no good, his signature is no good and his character is no good. All he knows is to deceive.
So tell me once again why 'Bambi' won't provide a proper birth certificate to prove he is eligible to be President? This makes no sense.
Uh
July 6, 2008 - 12:41 ET by JoelCTLook, I am as strident as anyone in stopping this Communist from getting to power. But spreading lies doesn't help our cause. One simple Google search revealed his birth certificate.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/birthcert
Another Google, and I see the Kos freaks outed his cert on June 12th.
http://images.dailykos.com/images/user/3/BO_Birth_Certificate.jpg
Obviously
July 6, 2008 - 12:57 ET by Big WallyYou haven't been following the story on this document.
Story?
July 6, 2008 - 13:35 ET by JoelCTI see "State Of Hawaii" and "Certification Of Live Birth" and "Hawaii U.S.A."
What "story" is there that overrides those three facts on an official Department Of Health document?
In the last couple of days,
July 6, 2008 - 17:10 ET by celatorIn the last couple of days, I've read articles--one by a document forensic expert-- that that the Daily Kos "birth certificate" was doctored. Not sure where I read it. We'll see if that's the case.
----
July 6, 2008 - 13:37 ET by dahliatraversYes, you are correct to point out that they eventually released his birth certificate. There are more than enough fact-based problems with Obama's candidacy - the staggering cost of his proposed initiatives, Supreme Court nominees, etc - without allowing misinformation to circulate.
But it was stupid of him and his campaign not to release his birth certificate promptly when questions arose. By waiting, they created a non-existent issue and a non-story, to the point that 10ksnooker and many others were left with the impression that maybe there was a nefarious reason behind their hesitation to do so.
Or perhaps dahlia the idea
July 6, 2008 - 16:46 ET by QueenMumOr perhaps dahlia the idea was to "create" a non-issue in order to discredit the opposition. By holding back on the birth certificate, Obama gives the doubters time to develop some conspiracy theories; then Obama and Co. have the opportunity to point out that the opposition is becoming desperate in their attempts to discredit him, thereby providing some level of immunization against legitimate questions about Obama's past - such as his associations in the City of Chicago and the Illinois legislature.
Just more political sleight-of-hand. Now you see it; now you don't.
proof??
July 6, 2008 - 16:41 ET by charlietexasI know when I need a question answered I go to the DailyKo's.......then I google up GOD and Obama shows up......
OH sorry, that only happens when I smoke crack.........oooppps
I think he keeps a Rol-a-dex
July 6, 2008 - 12:23 ET by the strugglerI think he keeps a Rol-a-dex of people he can blame.
Straight from the Obamessiah's website
July 6, 2008 - 12:28 ET by OldSailor88It's kind of hard to blame this on the media, however convenient. These words come straight from his website. He hasn't even been smart enough to change it yet.
Postatem obscuri lateris nescitis
I don't think he will change
July 6, 2008 - 12:56 ET by RickTaLifeI don't think he will change it. The Obama team is pretty quick about altering "inconveniences" on the campaign website. To be honest, with how well, and fast, things are going in Iraq at this point, he may very well be able to keep that promise to some degree by the time he were to take office (god forbid ;-) ).
I thought of that
July 6, 2008 - 14:51 ET by motherbeltI thought of that Rick...Bush's policies might just end up being so successful that Obama actually can start drawing down forces if he's elected. Of course, then, just like Clinton taking full credit for an economy that began recovering under Bush 41, Obama would take full credit for all Bush 43's work (that he did accompanied by a chorus of naysaying and ridicule) for the success.
And OS....re the website: nothing frustrates and infuriates liberals like quoting them accurately.
He'll probably say "That's not the website that I knew...." or claim that there is "nuance" that's not being discerned.
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
Yeah, I've given that
July 6, 2008 - 20:14 ET by RickTaLifeYeah, I've given that thought as well. If things were to continue doing so well that he could pull out on such a schedule (although, we would have to remain vigilant about establishing US bases there, something to push on our representatives should he be elected), he may try to take credit for it all. But do you think he could really get away with such a brazen lie? Not that he hasn't gotten away with several whoppers so far, but I would think the evidence to the contrary there would be startling. I mean, he's run on opposing the very surge that has caused all this progress (funny how a "progressive" can be so averse to actual progress isn't it?), and it's not like he could say that he started this war.
But then again, Pelosi did try to credit the success in Iraq to Iran, so I suppose anything is possible.
Either way, we should be proud of Iraq....a stable, democratic, and most importanly, Pro-Western Iraq would do much to drive down oil prices, help protect isreal (I'd hope), give us legitimacy in a hostile region, and serve as a catalyst for democratic change for the rest of the Middle East.
I love this! He's turning
July 6, 2008 - 12:51 ET by RickTaLifeI love this! He's turning into a Clinton! lol!
National Review had a great article in the latest issue explaining how he may very well be the first black Clinton. hehe.
He's adjusting his mainstream media base...
July 6, 2008 - 12:56 ET by CasualThe reporting spin on his confusing war stance wasn't 100% positive - fell to only 99%.
His disciples will fan out and snuff this 1% that dared stray from the messiahs ownership of liberal - excuse me - ALL media.
Obama is not to blame!!
July 6, 2008 - 13:25 ET by jefflebowskiIt was a vast leftwing MSM conspiracy! Obama is just like my ex-wife, neither has ever done or said anything wrong!
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
If Obama can't deal with a (slightly) hostile media,
July 6, 2008 - 13:46 ET by SGriffishow's he going to handle his presidential debates, if he ever gets around to agreeing to one. So far, McCain has invited Obama to join him in his townhall meetings but Obama has refused.
If Obama can't deal with a (slightly) hostile media,
July 6, 2008 - 13:47 ET by SGriffishow's he going to handle his presidential debates, if he ever gets around to agreeing to one. So far, McCain has invited Obama to join him in his townhall meetings but Obama has refused.
How Can they Be So Unfair To Him?
July 6, 2008 - 15:11 ET by Tyler DurbinMaybe he’s right about the media turning on him. I didn’t see a halo above his head in this press photo.
"Virtue is more to be feared than vice, because its excesses are not subject to the regulation of conscience."
Linus
July 6, 2008 - 15:22 ET by uncle_buckNoel,
I was going to ask about your statement that Obama "has received kinder treatment from the press than any in history". Not being a media expert, I wondered whether this blanket statement covered say George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, US Grant, FDR, Eisenhower, JFK, Reagan, and Clinton - or even - gasp - John McCain.
But then you clarified - "After all, for well over a year, absolutely nothing he said or did was even remotely questioned or examined." I stand corrected. Great piece of unbiased journalism!
BTW - I am an undecided independent from Ohio. I have both McCain and Obama bumper stickers proudly displayed on my car.
Uncle Buck
P.S. - it would have been too easy to point out the pot calling the kettle black with your delicious statement "Alas, this is what happens when press members abdicate their
responsibility as impartial journalists and become shameless advocates
for the candidates they support."
Will you be splitting both
July 6, 2008 - 18:39 ET by Roger the ShrubberWill you be splitting both your votes between McCain and Obama?
At least you got one part of your post correct: you are no media expert.
Obama is
July 6, 2008 - 15:50 ET by bigtimerObama is perplexed....
Hahahaaa....
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Right. Here's Obama with
July 6, 2008 - 17:13 ET by celatorRight. Here's Obama with his feet firmly planted in midair again. "Oh! I'm melting. HELP!"
IS THIS WHAT AMERICA WANTS
July 6, 2008 - 16:37 ET by charlietexasIS THIS WHAT AMERICA WANTS FOR A PRESIDENT?? A CRY BABY??? WHERE IS HIS BACK BONE?? NOT THAT I CARE, THIS GUY SCARES ME.
MOM
It did not work for the clint
July 6, 2008 - 17:11 ET by docbon's because they have used it for 16years...with them it is always someone elses fault...
No story here!!!!
Everyone take a number
July 6, 2008 - 23:25 ET by Founding_FatherHow many of the MSM will run stories in the 3 days "restating" what Obama meant by his Iraq comments?
I can see it now... "Obama words taken out of context. Here's what he really meant."
Would 100 be too low a number?? I don't think so....
He thinks he is already President!
July 7, 2008 - 11:22 ET by bioteachedIn the Reuters piece about this, here is an interesting excerpt . . .
""I'm surprised at how finely calibrated every single word was measured. I wasn't saying anything I hadn't said before, that I didn't say a year ago or when I was a United States senator," said Obama, who is still a senator from Illinois." Reuters
I thought it was interesting that he said, ". . . when I WAS a United States senator." He must have received a memo that the rest of us have missed. I thought we still had an election in November 2008, but I guess not.
He's perplexed because he
July 7, 2008 - 11:47 ET by Chris NormanHe's perplexed because he thought he could count on the media covering for him - instead of just covering him.