Carol E. Lee of Politico had a short March 5 piece about President Obama's singular inability to give a speech, even short ones, without the crutch of a TelePrompter in front of him to prod him about what to say next. This isn't the only time the media has raised its eyebrow about the president's TelePrompters (I even covered it myself not long ago), so the story isn't a new one, but one little thing that Lee wrote reveals how the media goes out of its way to help Obama's image by keeping the devices out of Obama's photography.
His use of the teleprompter makes work tricky for the television crews and photographers trying to capture an image of the president announcing a new Cabinet secretary or housing plan without a pane of glass blocking his face.
In other words, the Old Media puts in a herculean effort to make sure The One still looks like he is speaking extemporaneously by working overtime to make sure those speech prompters are NOT in the picture.
Lee also explains how unusual the reliance on TelePrompters is, especially for a president that has a reputation as a great orator. Lee reveals that "no other president has used one so consistently and at so many events, large and small."
Now, here is a question for you. If, say, President George W. Bush had tried to roll out the TelePrompter at every tiny little gathering at which he spoke, and if the Old Media had realized how "unusual" this crutch was, would they have taken such great pains to be sure that the TelePrompters did not appear in the video footage or the still frame camera shots of the president? Or would one expect, rather, the Old Media to try and make Bush look bad by including those crutch speech helpers in every shot they'd take?
Yet, for The One, they try their hardest to keep the TelePrompters out of Obama's shots.
Double standard?
What do you think?
(Photo credit: Charlie Archambault/USN&WR)



















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Some words on his teleprompter
March 6, 2009 - 06:22 ET by TheHistorianHe said he was not (worried, paying attentions) to the "gyrations" of the stock market. Well, go to http://www.djaverage... and look at the "gyrations". I always thought there were ups and downs to gyrations. It appears that it has "gyrated" downward fairly steadily since Jan 21 when Obama took office.
Democrats have, I fear, elected an empty suit with a Teleprompter attachment. Either he is hoplessly stupid and naive, or he is taking this country down the sewer deliberately. Either way, the flushing noise you hear is the Obama adminstration managing your country.
Historically, he likes to compare himself to Kennedy. I partially agree; JFK was not much of a President. However, I think he is a lot more like a policy wonk, micromanaging buffoon we had in the late 70's. This is Jimmy Carter as a narcissist.
"What experience and history teach is
this - that people and governments never have learned anything from history,
or acted on principles deduced from it."
G. W. F. Hegel
Notice
March 6, 2009 - 08:56 ET by cvgbuckeyeI wonder why they always leave the center of the room empty whenever Chairman Obama speaks. If they would allow people to occupy the middle of the room, then he woudn't get whiplash from constantly speaking to the left, 1/2 second later back to the right, then 1/2 second later back to the left and then........................., I'm just sayin; did you ever notice?
Oh, you say they have people standing in the middle of the room also; oh; I see. Did anyone ever raise up the back of his suit coat and check for a wind-up key?
Hey Buckeye, how else ...
March 6, 2009 - 10:15 ET by SentryDanHey Buckeye, how else would "the one" be able to give his so called speech? I mean after all, the teleprompters are set off to the sides. He has to be able to look right and left otherwise there would be nothing by Uhhhhs and Ahhhhs and lots of pregnant pauses.
"the one" can't give a speech off-the-cuff. The man just can't think on his feet. I get the impression that he never had any speech training.
Remember folks, Freedom isn't Free. It was bought with the blood and sacrifice of the men and women who are serving and who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know.
Also remember folks, that the way to SUPPORT THE TROOPS is to support their mission. Anyone who says that they support the troops but don't support their mission is lying about supporting the troops. And if you want to know, yes I do have a dog in the fight, he is a United States Marine.
And are you Surprised?
March 6, 2009 - 06:28 ET by owr084Having the media "cover" for a president is nothing new. Look at how they avoided ever taking photos of roosevelt in a wheelchair or cruthes/braces. Most of the country did not even know he was crippled that badly.
Things were different then.
March 6, 2009 - 08:21 ET by bws53Things were different then. Perhaps showing a world leader in a wheelchair may have projected a sense of weakness or inability.
Additionally, wasn't this per FDR's request? I don't know off hand but I thought that I had read that somewhere years ago.
FDR was a democrat, media in the tank then?
March 6, 2009 - 17:04 ET by upcountrywaterI remember as a kid in the 50's, my grandfather yelling at the tv, democraps!
Shovel ready ( some cussing YT clip)
Without the teleprompter BARRKY may launch into one of his ...
March 6, 2009 - 06:37 ET by Jayke... "black person" WANNABE tirades like the ones he quotes in "his" book Dreams. BUY YOUR OWN D*** FRIES, BARRKY! I'm going JOHN GALT on your govmint.
Caution: FOUL LANGUAGE FROM BARRKY'S OWN LIPS.
http://www.youtube.c...
Where was Rush Limbaugh’s
March 6, 2009 - 06:51 ET by Red JeepWhere was Rush Limbaugh’s teleprompter at the CPAC Convention where he spoke for over and hour? Rush speaks from the heart. BarryO speaks from a script.
WTH
March 6, 2009 - 07:06 ET by Tom BlumerExcellent. I caught this yesterday too, and you beat me to the punch. That sentence you cited slapped me in the face. I don't know who's more pathetic, Obama or the covering-for-him media.
I'm not sure if Politico's
March 6, 2009 - 07:27 ET by Warner Todd HustonI'm not sure if Politico's Lee really understood how much that sentence revealed!
Obama's career as a college professor
March 6, 2009 - 07:06 ET by ekslib(an Ivory Tower college professor) doesn't seem to have prepared him to handle the rigors of being America's Chief Executive.
What about this?
March 6, 2009 - 07:07 ET by richb313What about this, maybe he needs the teleprompter so the one pulling the strings can put words in his mouth. Maybe a look behind the curtain would reveal more than the MSM would like the country to know. Surely such an intelligent and photogenic President who is sooo much smarter than Bush would not need to have a teleprompter to REMIND HIM of what to say?
The Telemessiah!
March 6, 2009 - 07:31 ET by GeneralAlThis guy makes me puke! Even more so, the butt kissing press! President Bush butchered a few words as any of us are prone to do, but at least the were off the cuff words of his own. This Chicago home boy is such a lying phony, he makes Bill Clinton look like a Baptist Evangelist! This guy has managed to do as much damage in sixty days as compared to Bush's eight years. Furthermore, the damage didn't start until Comrade Harry and Comrade Nancy took charge. In 2010 there needs to be more than an election, there needs to be a revolution! After we kick the Communist out of power, THEY need to be brought to trial for crimes against the American taxpayer! Lets make sure we get Comrade Nikita Conyers, Comradette Barnice Frank, and Comrade Mikhail Chris Dodd! I am so sick of the worship of the Obamessiah aka the Teleobamasseiah, that the very mention of his name sends me into a fit! Small wonder the stock market dives every time this guy talks! Can you imagine where the MSM would be if this were still GWB?
Just Right
March 6, 2009 - 09:01 ET by cvgbuckeyegeneral Al: You encapsulized the WHOLE THING perfectly. If anyone should be hung for treason, it is this CROWD that you just mentioned. Right after them should hang the compliant MSM.
I'd pull the lever.
With all due respect and
March 6, 2009 - 07:49 ET by Jack BauerWith all due respect and deference, how did this self- confessed druggie get into Columbia? Did he have a teleprompter.
Now I wish I'd thought this first, but I heard it on the radio... Obama -- he puts the MESS into MESSIAH.
And man -- is his economy a mess or what?
How about that shot of him
March 6, 2009 - 07:53 ET by AlgerHissHow about that shot of him with a heater in his lips? You know there exists a couple that were taken in the past few months.
Rochester, Minnesota: A Fem_Leftist City!
Here's what happens when
March 6, 2009 - 08:23 ET by FirmwormHere's what happens when The 'Idiot' doesn't have his visual aid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B97zqrJSao
Double Standard yes...Covering, probably not
March 6, 2009 - 08:46 ET by jbeeebI applaud pointing this story out, but as a former TV news reporter/photographer I am pretty certain that the attempt to avoide the prompters is not trying to hide the fact the Obama uses them. The reality is that any good photographer is going to look to avoid things because who wants to look at the back of a prompter, they are there to cover Obama. The only time that you would be looking to include them in the picture is if you can find some cinematic reason to do it, and I am pretty sure that there aren't many.
Cover Obama
March 6, 2009 - 10:32 ET by CobraManYea, they're covering Obama alright, covering his a$$.
It's hilarious that the Media doesn't any objections to showing microphones when televising the President's image (hay, America, people are listening to Obama! See the microphones?) but they don't want to "obstruct" the President's image with a glass teleprompter. That doesn't make any sense, unless they don't want people to know he's not actually speaking, he's reciting.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
Teleprompter History
March 6, 2009 - 08:56 ET by genethemachineGeez! I remember when the media didn't miss a chance to show Pres. Reagan's teleprompters and even show the text of the speech scrolling as he spoke. I guess it's not newsworthy when the annointed one does it.
Timing is everything
March 6, 2009 - 09:32 ET by jbeeebFirst, the type of prompter that Reagan used was new at the time and it was news in its own right. How do I know this? I was part of the development of some of the early computer-based prompter systems like Reagans. In the 80s. When Reagan was President.
I know my comment doesn't fit into the "woe is us because coverage is unfair", but it is the truth. I am as conservative as the next guy, but sometimes we lose focus on the important things when we get wrapped up on whether a teleprompter is in the picture or not. Lets talk about something important like Rush's appearance.
No no no no... the point is
March 6, 2009 - 09:48 ET by Jack BauerNo no no no... the point is not whether or not politicians use a teleprompter. THEY ALL DO. So what?
The point is how the politico's IMAGE is manipulated by the media depending on the political stripe of the person.
The media decided very early that George Bush was a doofus. So any gaff was magnified to his detriment. Obama is cast as "smart" so every effort is made to make it look as if he spouts this stuff off the top of his head. And his many gaffs are just ignored.
Now I suppose you are going to tell us you are another of these "conservatives" who are magically more concerned about Rush Limbaugh (who spoke for 90 minutes last week without teleprompter and one documented misspeak) than the President -- who is working as fast as possible to destroy the savings of Americans -- along with the US economy.
And who -- can't even make a two minute announcement without a Teleprompter.
Teleprompter History
March 6, 2009 - 11:02 ET by genethemachineOh....I get it. The media was just educating us on this wonderous new technology. They were not trying to suggest that Pres. Reagan had no ideas of his own and could only read a script.
I am glad you cleared that up for me.
jbeeeb, you're missing the point.
March 6, 2009 - 11:56 ET by CobraManjbeeeb, you're missing the point. The point is that not only are the speeches scripted, but the media coverage of those speeches are scripted as well. This is all a carefully choreographed performance by Obama, done to give the appearance that Obama is a "gifted" orator when he's nothing of the kind.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
jbeeeb, Thank you for posting , a bit of data from yesteryear..
March 6, 2009 - 17:33 ET by upcountrywaterIf you just stuck to the technology of the day, rs 232 connectors, 286 processers etc. You could have skated on by....
NB can be a bit of a no mercy zone..
Shovel ready ( some cussing YT clip)
Palin Teleprompter
March 6, 2009 - 09:25 ET by capavI remember when Sarah Palin gave her convention speech and there was some question about a TelePrompter problem. Keith Olbermann was asking a reporter about it and said "what was the problem with the TelePrompter?", and then added "beside having to use one?" Let's hear your opinion Keith. Yeah, right.
Speeches
March 6, 2009 - 10:57 ET by KC MulvilleI just wanted to point something out.
I know people resist hearing this, because he's so confident in himself that he carries himself as a brilliant guy, and the media raves about his intelligence ... but if you look at the words that come out of his own mouth, he's a lightweight. Stop assuming he's brilliant, and he suddenly reveals himself to be full of empty air.
So I offer a challenge. Show me anything that Obama has said that proves he's a brilliant guy. Offer a quote, or a theory he developed, or an analysis he offered, that showed his superior intelligence.
I assure you ... if you don't already presume he's a genius, he offers no real evidence of being one.
How about hacking the teleprompters?
March 6, 2009 - 11:26 ET by gopcongressHow about if we hack the teleprompters with speeches about tax cuts and other conservative issues? It would be funny to see Barack try to weasel around that one. I remember seeing some skits about doctoring the TP.
(NOTE TO SECRET SERVICE: This was just a joke. Relax.)
______________________
Moderate... Democrat... Liberal... Progressive... Socialist... Communist—The progression is clear as day.
Would he notice?
March 6, 2009 - 11:34 ET by KC MulvilleGreat idea. Maybe we could also implant hypnotic suggestions. Halfway through a speech, we could send him a message to scratch his nose, and then squawk like a parrot.
It wouldn't help the country, but at least it would be entertaining.
Probably Would Work
March 6, 2009 - 14:46 ET by stratmanBeen Done - Ron Burgandy
***Language Alert***
This guy can't recite the
March 6, 2009 - 11:46 ET by EugeniaThis guy can't recite the alphabet without his prompters. Pathetic.
Still an empty suit
March 6, 2009 - 12:06 ET by boomerconHe was an ill-experienced empty suit. Proof: a) he cannot put a complete sentence together (other than "present") without a teleprompter crutch; b) he hasn't submitted one item to congress, not the budget (it's last year's, not mine); not a health care bill (I want it...but Nancy can write it); and not the stimulus (origin: Nancy).
Empty suit now, and empty suit in 2012. Remember Jimmy!! Repubs were in the dumps after Nixon's tricks, but 4 short years later, the nation flipped the Dems like a cheap pancake!
Maybe Obama is a big dummy like his father.
March 6, 2009 - 15:03 ET by Joe BlogsYeah, what's up with a politician who apparently flunked out of Toastmasters?
In the bedroom
March 6, 2009 - 15:57 ET by jed58When having relations with Michelle, doesn't the teleprompter get in the way?
Teleprompter is a Bat Shield.
March 6, 2009 - 18:26 ET by Joe BlogsIf a racist in the television audience shoots their TV, the teleprompter will deflect the bullet.
Brain Droppings
March 6, 2009 - 19:18 ET by Joe BlogsFrom the teleprompter its a short step to the hologram.
With so much experience talking behind plexiglass Obama will be ready for a job in 2012 at Harold's Chicken shack near his home in Hyde Park. Mmm, mmm, crispy fried chicken with soggy french fries.Algggghh...
I wonder if Obama will go broke in his old age like Redd Foxx.Or will his presidential pension be exempt from court judgements against him like O.J.s NFL pension.
Of course it is total
March 6, 2009 - 18:46 ET by bigtimerOf course it is total hypocrisy, double standard and all that jazz...
We all know what they would have done to Pres. Bush if he or any other repub needed to use the teleprompter as a crutch constantly...
Then again, he is nothing but an empty-suit sock-puppet...he would have sunk lower than he already has now and going to be in the near future without it.
That back and forth movement by his bobbling head has already drove me crazy...
Oh well, it is what it is, and the msm will defend it to the end.
I cringe when I hear
March 6, 2009 - 20:22 ET by RR GOPI cringe when I hear conservatives 'concede' that Obama is a great speaker.
I'm like, "What!?"
The guy's terrible, and barely passable even with a telemprompter.
If I thought he was a great orator, I'd admit as much.
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.