In a new Newsweek feature called "The Ripple Effect," Evan Thomas confessed in the June 22 issue to being nailed by MRC and other media critics for comparing Obama to God on MSNBC – or so it seemed, he wrote:
I don't just put my foot in my mouth on television -- I do it at dinner parties, too -- but at least, in that case, it doesn't show up on YouTube. Appearing on Hardball With Chris Matthews on June 5, I compared President Obama with God.
Or at least that's how it seemed to some bloggers and talk-show hosts, who made me a poster child for the argument that the liberal press is hopelessly in love with Obama.
That’s how it seemed? (Thomas on Hardball back on June 5: "In a way Obama’s standing above the country, above – above the world, he’s sort of God.") Thomas’s attempts to place Obama above the fray – whether he’s in Heaven or merely three feet above the Washington wrestling ring – obviously and strenously tried to put Obama above partisanship (which he’s not, blaming Bush for most of our problems) and above political calculation (which’s he’s not, and if he were, they’d be concerned). In "The Perils of Punditry: How bloggers turned me into the poster child for the argument that the liberal press loves Obama," Thomas continued:
What I said was: "In a way, Obama's standing above the country, above -- above the world, a sort of god." I was not being literal. During a discussion about presidential rhetoric, I was comparing Ronald Reagan's patriotic appeals with Obama's attempt to transcend parochialism.
It is a source of some amusement to my colleagues that I've been singled out like this because, though I'm known as a blurter, my politics wobble between right of center and left of center. I have actually been a frequent critic of liberal bias in the press. As for the "god" comment, the night after the election I popped off on Charlie Rose that there was a "slightly creepy cult of personality" about Obama. That enraged Obama supporters.
I could complain about being "taken out of context" this time, but I scoff when politicians do that. I've never had much success in watching what I say, and I enjoy going on TV. So sooner or later, experience has taught me, I'll wind up writing another one of these things.
Thomas did not make the mental connection that he’s gone from identifying a "creepy cult of personality" to sounding like he’s deeply entranced in one. You don't have to believe Obama is "literally" God -- even suggesting he's God as a metaphor carries the tinny echo of a cult member.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
What I said was: "In a way,
June 17, 2009 - 17:04 ET by MidAmericaWhat I said was: "In a way, Obama's standing above the country, above -- above the world, a sort of god." I was not being literal.
I think he meant to say he was not being lucid.
lucid
Adjective
1. clear and easily understood
2. capable of clear thought, particularly between periods of insanity or delirium
I call Bull$h!t !
June 17, 2009 - 19:05 ET by motherbeltThomas is fudging.
He didn't say "A sort of god....he said "He's sort of God.....he's going to bring all sides together....
Big difference.
He compared him to God. Sort of God means "kind of like God." Not A god.
Nice try, Evan.
But you're not that smart.
And we're not that dumb.
And we have the video
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Exactly! He's Lying About What He Said!
June 18, 2009 - 09:13 ET by greggyEvan said.."He's sort of God.." NOT, "he's a sort of god" (small g, which would be sycophantic enough), which is what he now dishonestly claims. Stop lying Evan - you're digging the hole deeper.
"my politics wobble between
June 17, 2009 - 17:08 ET by d1carter"my politics wobble between right of center and left of center"
What a joke! This guy is a symbol of why the arrogant MSM died last year. Psuedo intellectualism is not "journalism".
Well, Thomas
June 17, 2009 - 17:16 ET by Delsadidn't follow his "God Like" comment with laughter or by saying something like, and Obama is NO GOD!
Thomas was telegraphing to us what he and so many other media types believe. They worship at his feet, unless he is bent over???
Yea, he didn't mean it.
If Thomas ever meets Obama
June 17, 2009 - 17:20 ET by gmaniac1If Thomas ever meets Obama personally, he will most certainly have to wipe his chin afterwards. This guy is something else and you know why he doesn't defend such a cult-like comment? Because obviosuly he can't.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
If indeed he was not being
June 17, 2009 - 17:25 ET by ForeverOnTheRightIf indeed he was not being literal, then he should have known that his words would back and bite him like this. I think he's trying to cover his arse in this. He more likely to have said what he said becuse it's what he believes, Obama is God or at least in comparison to the average joe.
I have started a personal
June 18, 2009 - 12:31 ET by PaarlI have started a personal campaign...whenever a member of the media enters the cult of personality realm I mail them a pair a knee pads with an attached card bearing the statment "For use doing your next interview with President Obama"...so far...the sets I have mailed to Brian Williams..evan thomas and katie couric have not been returned..
Paarl of Rhodesia
I am shopping for charles gibson !!
Yes, it's only the left that
June 18, 2009 - 14:06 ET by balboaYes, it's only the left that is crass...
Jump on that crumb Bal
June 18, 2009 - 18:41 ET by ahusserAfter all the crud the left attributes to Conservatives from letterman's "jokes", to saying O'Reilly is abetting terrorism ad infinitum et al et crud this is all you can find to criticise. Must be tough out there in La La land.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
Oh, Tim, Tim Tim, your
June 17, 2009 - 19:23 ET by Chris NormanOh, Tim, Tim, Tim, your unsophisticated conservative sledge hammer analysis, as usual, doesn't take in the subtle nuances in the words of a liberal media figure. It's sooooo much more complicated than his words actually suggested, don't you know. It really takes another member of the thoughtful liberal media elite, like, say, Charlie Rose, to parse Thomas's words to get to the actual subtle and sophisticated meaning - if, indeed, there was a meaning.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Doi?? Quit while you're ahead, dope!
June 17, 2009 - 19:00 ET by SickofLibsOMG, he admits he "popped off on Charlie Rose", too??? Simply outrageous.
A stained blue dress is starting to look almost wholesome about now.
And the winner for Quote of the Year goes to........
June 18, 2009 - 00:19 ET by Barker"A stained blue dress is starting to look almost wholesome about now."
Congratulations!
The thing is
June 17, 2009 - 19:13 ET by danebramageThomas could complain about being taken out of context if he had said Obama is seen as standing above the fray, or is attempting to position himself above the fray, or something of that sort. But what he actually said was that Obama was, as a matter of fact, standing above the fray like a god or God.
in other words, if one who stands above the fray is a god, as Thomas' remark implies, then he is clearly saying that Obama is a god. Whether that's what he intended to say is another matter, but that's what his words say.
One Nation Under Obama
June 17, 2009 - 19:13 ET by AtTheWaterCoolerI've linked to your post from "You shall have no other gods before me." At least he has acknowledged that God is indead over the Nation.
Uh uh
June 17, 2009 - 19:16 ET by danebramage"Indead?" I'll assume that's a typo :)
Thomas has no more acknowledged that God is over the American nation than the Roman Republic did when it hailed the Caesars as gods. He is in fact asserting the opposite.
He's sort of god?
June 18, 2009 - 11:13 ET by sevenIs that why the false gods spend so much Baal out money.
It's very simple.
June 17, 2009 - 19:18 ET by metaphorsbwithuThese people say what they mean and mean what they say.
metaphorsbwithu
There is some comfort in
June 17, 2009 - 19:33 ET by ConservativeRexThere is some comfort in the fact that even the spawn of a rancid Communist would admit that a jug earred shyster is not a 'God'.
I wonder what gave Thomas the clue? It's past time that we just start laughing our butts off at these tools. Just point at them and laugh.
You're right, they deserve
June 17, 2009 - 19:40 ET by Chris NormanYou're right, they deserve nothing but contemptuous laughter, except for the fact that these jackasses had a huge hand in getting Obama and his crew in Congress elected.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Godless Liberals are spiritually empty
June 17, 2009 - 20:53 ET by OxyConThis is why they are so attracted to Obama. By objectifying and worshipping Obama, while placing him above all other men, they are filling their empty spiritual void.
This is something I noticed and commented about during the Democrat primaries when I began noticing the bizarre ways in which so many Liberals were behaving towards Obama and how he was relishing in all the adulation.
I really think that Obama and all his many worshippers view him as some sort of new age Christ.
Godless conservatives
June 17, 2009 - 21:06 ET by shawn228I would imagine there are a fair share of Godless conservatives as well.
He had my vote
Oh no. Godlessness is
June 17, 2009 - 21:09 ET by balboaOh no. Godlessness is reserved for the left, strictly. conservatives are practically puritanical.
Boy howdy boa... ...You
June 17, 2009 - 21:25 ET by bigtimerBoy howdy boa...
...You don't say!
Who knew?
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Good evening Bal and Shawn
June 17, 2009 - 21:34 ET by cocodrieFor two people who promote every conceivable unchristian behavior known to mankind you claim to know a lot about us religious folk
I'll keep my Jesus of Nazareth y'all keep your Jesus of Chicago.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Good evening cocodrie
June 17, 2009 - 21:50 ET by shawn228First of all, I don't promote anything, I am saying government should not get involved.
Second of all, I never claimed to know alot about you religious folk, I'm saying that there are many conservatives that are not religious. Its funny no matter how many times I bust you on putting words in my mouth, you still try to sneak one past me. God Bless you though :-)
He had my vote
So what
June 17, 2009 - 22:02 ET by general companyI'm saying that there are many conservatives that are not religious.
There are more on the left that dont?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
General Company
June 17, 2009 - 22:06 ET by shawn228Hmmm, and where did I say or imply that?
He had my vote
Imply what?
June 17, 2009 - 22:09 ET by general companyI used your words and my opinion. Am I not allowed to do that?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
lets rewind gc
June 17, 2009 - 22:17 ET by shawn228This is what the a poster said.
Godless Liberals are spiritually empty
Cocodrie said I claimed to know about religious folk, I explained I was only saying many conservatives are not religious, now your swinging it around again to say there are non religious leftie out there again.
I am not a moderator, as far as I am concerned you can abuse any opening on your body and still type on the keyboard and spread as many germs as you like, I am not your mother.Usually when a person says a comment like that I was not expecting a merry go round and thought it was a implication.
He had my vote
I can read
June 17, 2009 - 22:23 ET by general companyYou really do miss Jer dont you. My mother was a Saint, I would never confuse the two of you.
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Are you whinning again? Whaaaa
June 17, 2009 - 22:31 ET by general companyCocodrie said I claimed to know about religious folk, I explained I was
only saying many conservatives are not religious, now your swinging it
around again to say there are non religious leftie out there again.
I am not swinging anything, I gave the honest assesment that more lefties dont believe. Read, comprehend. Then say ugly things about me?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Lol GC
June 17, 2009 - 23:18 ET by shawn228You posted and replied to my post and obviously you are still simmering so you decided to post again about and accuse me of whining when I was stating facts.
I obviously hurt your feewings, so go ahead and have the last word, it will make you feel better about yourself and have a good sleep :-)
edit
and whatever it is, I'm sure there will never be a good enough come back from me to overcome it....no pressure or anything :-)
He had my vote
You cant hurt my feelings Shawn
June 18, 2009 - 07:41 ET by general companyI have none for you, thanks for trying though.
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
God bless you too Shawn
June 17, 2009 - 22:02 ET by cocodrieNo matter how many times you defend unchristian behavior you always deny defending it.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Lol cocodire
June 17, 2009 - 22:09 ET by shawn228As usual you never back up your claims with anything. Unlike you when we debate much like the one where you said Bush admitting we did not find wmd was a big fat lie, I proved you wrong and provided many links and references, but you just keep jammering on. Thats okay coco, whatever gets you though the day my friend.
He had my vote
Shawn
June 17, 2009 - 22:15 ET by cocodrieRead your own writings Shawn and you will find the back-up of my claims. You will also find that you play ring-around-the-rosie with the issues and Pikey-pickey-pickey with the words.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Well I actually do remember alot of my writings coco
June 17, 2009 - 22:25 ET by shawn228and I do not remember promoting anything, I'm saying government should not get involved in personal freedoms, If you can no be so lazy and provide a link or reference, perhaps you might have a valid point :-)
" You will also find that you play ring-around-the-rosie with the issues and Pikey-pickey-pickey with the words."
OIC
"For two people who promote every conceivable unchristian behavior known
to mankind you claim to know a lot about us religious folk"
So you did not say me along with someone else claim to know alot about you religious folk?. Gee Whiz cocodrie, perhaps you tell me how I misinterpreted you? ;-)
He had my vote
Pickey-pickey-pickey
June 17, 2009 - 22:36 ET by cocodrieI did not say you misinterpreted me, I said you deny your own writings and use circular arguments, "ring-around-the-rosie". You just proved it.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
actually cocodrie
June 17, 2009 - 23:01 ET by shawn228....I was just hoping you could maybe back up you accusations with some sort of reference. Not sure why your saying it is ring around the rosie, but hey if everyone on here could say things without backing them up, we would all be Ed Shultz or Nancy Pelosi right? :-)
He had my vote
What!
June 17, 2009 - 23:05 ET by well99"we would all be Ed Shultz or Nancy Pelosi right? :-) "
Thats it light sabers at 5 paces!
Ok well
June 17, 2009 - 23:21 ET by shawn228....maybe Keith Olbmermann :-)
Regarding our convo the other day, The Force Unleashed has a really good storyline. It takes place between Episode 3 and episode 1
He had my vote
shawn
June 18, 2009 - 01:26 ET by well99The graphics do look really good.I am a hard head so I will stick with my 286.Ever thought you would see the day when VCs would have this much memory.
http://www.newegg.com/product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+1068320729&Subcategory=48&description=&srchInDesc=&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA
He's saying you spin in
June 17, 2009 - 23:06 ET by bigtimerHe's saying you spin in circles shawn.
Simple enough.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
I know what it means bt :-)
June 17, 2009 - 23:16 ET by shawn228I am simply asking for him to back up his points with a reference once in while. I guess a person that rarely answers a question directly and thinks clever debating is using a signature line would not understand something as simple as that ;-P
He had my vote
That's what you get for
June 17, 2009 - 23:19 ET by bigtimerThat's what you get for guessing shawn.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
"Promote"?
June 17, 2009 - 22:06 ET by balboa"Promote"?
Get a dictionary Bal
June 17, 2009 - 22:11 ET by cocodrieGet a dictionary bal, and use it.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Sorry, coco, too busy
June 17, 2009 - 22:14 ET by balboaSorry, coco, too busy running off some gay marriage flyers for the big rally I'm apparently staging, somewhere...
Of course, that's after all the other "unchristian" promotions I have going on.
You get special rates
June 17, 2009 - 22:17 ET by general companyAt your local Kink-o's?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Only if I use the gay paper.
June 17, 2009 - 22:21 ET by balboaboa... Hmmm...sounds like
June 17, 2009 - 22:18 ET by bigtimerboa...
Hmmm...sounds like you are getting some kind of a 'guilt complex' here...better be careful, you may have been on NBs too long...it may be harmful to your well-being.
Beware: FDA may come out with a warning soon.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
balboa
June 17, 2009 - 22:19 ET by well99Wow you must be busy.How do you have time for the forum?Please refrain from throwing Christians to the lions.The Goode Family is trying to turn them into vegans.
Well, I have lots of
June 17, 2009 - 22:24 ET by balboaWell, I have lots of minions, you know, unchristians in training, that do a lot of the leg work for me.
balboa
June 17, 2009 - 22:28 ET by well99That has to be handy.I know Shawn is to busy playing on his P3 to do it.All non pc gamers are heathens so you can recruit from them.
Yeah, it's a shame because I
June 17, 2009 - 22:31 ET by balboaYeah, it's a shame because I know how addictive the non-Christian video game empires are. To think that the proud heritage that Pong fought so long for has been trashed by the absolutely vile Sim City...breaks my heart.
balboa
June 17, 2009 - 22:42 ET by well99Pong?Wow that has been awhile.You will have to talk to Mr Shy about Sim City.Not my type of pc game.Only Xbox,P3,Wii are heathen.The pc gamers are cool.
Just to help y'all out..
June 18, 2009 - 10:55 ET by Mark_for_SenateHow do we know Obama is not Jesus?
Jesus can assemble a cabinet.
Ba-dut dum..
To know and not do, is to not yet know
what i find to be truly stunning...
June 17, 2009 - 22:51 ET by i was just thinking... is that all of these people who are supposed to be so smart, so gifted with words, so brilliant, can't ever seem to say what they really mean.
Sotomayor, according to Obama, probably would have said what she said a different way. Can't wait to read her opinions. "What she really meant was..."
Our "gifted orator" of a President is always telling us that he was taken out of context, or that we misunderstood him... what he really meant to say was... For someone who we are told is such an excellent wordsmith, it seems odd that he always has to clarify his remarks.
What about Biden? He's always having to be explained. Wait. Oops. No one ever claimed he was brilliant.
Don't forget all these liberal journalists/commentators/late-night comedians who constantly have to backtrack and explain to us what they really meant.
Sounds like bunch of bull to me. As another poster wrote, they say what they mean, and they mean what they say.
Flipside
June 17, 2009 - 22:50 ET by BarkerIf Evan "The Wobbly Blurter" Thomas had said- "In a way Obama’s slithering beneath the country, beneath – beneath the world, he’s sort of Satan."- he'd most likely be out of a job by now.
It's not what Thomas said but how he said it.
June 17, 2009 - 23:52 ET by Ted ClarkeEverybody knows that Barry's enormous ego has the power to lift him skyward, to realms unreachable by mere mortal man. If Evan Thomas had packaged his Obama-is-God comment as a criticism of "The One" rather than a fawning tribute, then it would have been fine and dandy. But no. Thomas is clearly thrilled with Obama's post-American, transcendent superiority and is obviously delighted to see the pro-American, "parochial" approach of Ronald Reagan consigned to the dustheap of history.
Thomas, the media "prophet"
June 18, 2009 - 09:15 ET by east tennessee johnAs an editor of a failing member of the state run media, if he can't "edit" himself, how can he edit anyone else. He meant what he said. Isn't he the same assh**e who predicited he and his pals were worth 15 points to Kerry in 2004? What an insightful egomaniac.
He should be proud of what he said. He has...
June 18, 2009 - 09:19 ET by jawebster1outdone the infamous Chris Matthews "tingle up my leg" quote by referring to his hero as a God. It will be pretty hard for his fellow "journalists" to top that. (But they will try.) Jim Webster
"I was not being literal." Could have...
June 18, 2009 - 10:08 ET by jawebster1fooled me. Jim Webster
excuses.
June 18, 2009 - 11:17 ET by sevenThe false god tried to BAAL out car makers.