Does Barack Obama have a thick enough skin to survive another nineteen months of constant media attention and scrutiny on the presidential campaign trail?
An article by the Washington Post’s Mary Ann Akers has to make one wonder (emphasis mine throughout):
Sources tell The Sleuth that the Obama camp has "frozen out" Fox News reporters and producers in the wake of the network's major screw-up in running with the erroneous Obama-the-jihadist story reported by Insight magazine.
Please tell us more, Sleuthy. As you might imagine given the subject matter, we're all ears:
"I'm still in the freezer," one Fox journalist said, noting that the people at Fox "suffering the most did nothing wrong." (It was "Fox and Friends" host Steve Doocy who aired the Insight magazine piece, which reported that operatives connected to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) found out that Obama, as a child, was educated at a Muslim madrassah in Indonesia.)
[...]
Since the madrassah incident, Obama has given interviews to ABC, CNN, CBS and NBC -- pretty much every other network except Fox. Sources close to Obama acknowledged that they're not thrilled to play ball with Fox journalists, but they stopped short of saying they are freezing the network out.
One source familiar with the dynamic between Fox and Obama, who asked not to be named, said Obama and his staff are in for a rude awakening if they think they can write off Fox News. If a candidate is serious about running for president, he or she is going to need a network like Fox to reach out to all those voters in the red and purple states, the source said.
Fascinating that someone at the Washington Post would put something like that in writing, wouldn’t you agree? After all, most in the media typically depict folks who watch FNC as being one ill-advised public display of anger away from commitment to an asylum.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
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Comments Policy
Thank goodness I'll have on
February 1, 2007 - 00:27 ET by Dee BunkThank goodness I'll have one place to go to escape from all the Obamamania
Let's hope it stays that wa
February 1, 2007 - 00:40 ET by terrigLet's hope it stays that way. I cannot take much more of Obamamania.
terrig - we need to relish
February 1, 2007 - 00:59 ET by Dee Bunkterrig - we need to relish every moment while it lasts. I think Bill O'Reily would cry if Obama snubbed him for too long. Remember how he favorably he treated Kerry just to get him on his show?
why not
February 1, 2007 - 02:10 ET by sanskritgWhy didn't Bush freeze out CBS after Rathergate?
Because President Bush keeps
February 1, 2007 - 03:06 ET by Conservative VoiceBecause President Bush keeps his friends at arms length, but his enemies he calls family members.
The big madrassa freeze
February 1, 2007 - 07:02 ET by SportPoliticsAnd the MSM has frozen out wether or not Obama was raised a Muslim. Madrassa or no madrassa, Obama's torture at the hands of his parent forcing the Koran down his throat is no concern of anyone's.
LOL - Man what am I missing here ?
I'm sorry, I'm not up to the PC code standards on this one.
Think Progress leftinvestigates Obama's Muslim roots
February 1, 2007 - 07:31 ET by SportPoliticsThink Progress left investigates Obama's Muslim roots
[ In his book Dreams Of My Father (p.142), Obama writes:
Typical whiny Libs won't play
February 1, 2007 - 01:56 ET by mattmTypical whiny Libs won't play ball unless the game is rigged.
Obama has the right to do t
February 1, 2007 - 02:17 ET by sarcasmoObama has the right to do this, just like anyone else across the political spectrum can boycott any media outlet across the political spectrum. Part of the right to free speech is the right to keep silent. He'll eventually talk to Fox because it's in his interest & theirs, but I've personally seen a (local) Fox News "journalist" with an agenda while pursuing a story, so I can't blame him. I don't think Obama's silence is "whining," either. He has plenty of weaknesses, IMO, but this isn't one of 'em. (And, speaking of deafening silence...)
JMR
Obama is using the Madrassa s
February 1, 2007 - 03:46 ET by chris_gillObama is using the Madrassa story to freeze Fox News out. It was a legitimate story, and what is the big deal. The other networks are either giving him a coronation or free PR. No one is asking tough questions like.... oh I don't know.......
1. What would you do to about Iran..... besides Engage (Liberal favorite foriegn policy position)?
2. What do you do to fix Iraq?
3. Tax Cuts or rescind them?
4. What is your position on government spending reform?
5. What is your domestic agenda?
The media has been pushing Obama on the masses for a year. Just like they coronated and tried to push Kerry and Edwards. If Obama can't take the heat of asking a legitimate question such has going to a Muslim school, he is not ready for prime time.
Hey Chris_Gill
February 1, 2007 - 06:56 ET by SportPoliticsHey Chris_Gill, how about, "Were you raised a Muslim, even though it wasn't a masrassa school ?"
Oh, nevermind, silly me, why would anyone want to know that. It doesn't make sense that I even thought about it, given the nature of the controversy.
What about the story was le
February 1, 2007 - 09:51 ET by balboaWhat about the story was legitimate?
A. He is running for Presiden
February 2, 2007 - 04:04 ET by Dan The Man 2A. He is running for President
B. We want to know his background
C. We need to know he is not a mauslim radical.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark. -- save my gun, shoot a liberal.
Joining cloaker device sarcasmo
February 1, 2007 - 06:28 ET by SportPoliticsI'm fully cloaked sarcasmo.
I still want to know the years Obama was raised as a Muslim, and I want his words in an interview as to what he believed then, and when or how he changed his mind. Am I still the only one who noticed that the whole madrassa hubbubb never wound up telling any of us out here wether or not Obama was raised Muslim ?
Yes, I've got the no religious test shall issue downpat.
Well, noone is going to prevent him from running if we actually find out the most important fact the whole MSM has deftly left completely out of the whole discusson,so don't grab your bag of PC tricks on me just yet.
Was or was not Obama raised in childhood as a Muslim ? The whole nation has banned this question. I've seen evidence he was at a few blogs.
Why wouldn't any of the MSM actually say yeah or nay in their big hard hitting pieces ? I guess their network of censorship is a lot more powerful than I have been giving it credit for being. They have the propaganda and lies and coverup attack pieces downpat. I mean it's a smooth running machine.
Hey, just like idiotic notion that "they're innocent till proven guilty in a courtof law" wacko jump down the average joe's opinion throat, this topic seems to have taken on the PC overblown silence the public's curiousity and the "you are forbidden from finding out" type stance, as I'm sure "freedom of religion " and "no religious test shall issue" is the silent duo of EXCUSES, foisted upon us all, and sadly,with meek sheeple republican consent and endorsement.
Now that's a real shame.
Cloaking shield still full power sarcasmo.
psst ! If we find out he was raised Muslim, that doesn't mean he's banned from office, or from running,does it ?
Likewise, if I say I think Teddy K is guilty as sin, that doesn't lock him up in jail without a trial, does it ?
I guess we've come to a point where censorship is forced down our throats and the newsers have their own "code of conduct" some morons inscribed on their skulls and convinced them is " ethical ", and very American.
Are you in the vortex here with me sarc ?
Well, I think he's legitima
February 1, 2007 - 07:28 ET by sarcasmoWell, I think he's legitimately annoyed because the school apparently wasn't a hate-filled madrassa -- more about those later -- but he's never commented AFAIK on religion issues, or on being a Christian now but a Moslem then or his conversion. I'm not sure it matters that much in Obama's case, by the time he answers the question, that answer will have been focus group tested to perfection anyway, no matter what he really believes. Politicians who talk a lot about religious matters don't seem all that spiritual to me, anyway, so I think Obama has a right NOT to talk about matters of belief very specifically, if that's what he chooses. I was a Methodist who went to Episcopal school as a kid, but I ended up being a deist. Anyway, another bipartisan scandal is that hate filled madrassas funded by our "friends" the Saudis flourished in silence through the '70s because the Saudis have seemingly bought every ambassador we've ever sent them, which has kept the spread of hate relatively quiet -- especially before 9/11. THIS is the kind of scandal to me that the "War On Christmas" (in a country where 90+% of us celebrate it) is to some of you.
JMR
JMR
wow thanks Sarc
February 1, 2007 - 08:11 ET by SportPoliticsNever thought I'd say this sarc, but that was a relief you responded. That cloak thing really sucks.
Appreciate your thoughts, but I think it matters so much to his candidacy, that they won't dare breach the silence. I understand their made for TV responses, but perhaps they have failed their artform in this case.
I'm still in amazement,I just went to CNN and scoured their madrassa article,and no answer there, I didn't miss anything.
I'm not asking him or anyone else to talk about religion, but having the standard decency to give the backround when you're ranting and raving a madrassa never had him, is like basic sentient thought level.
I'm supposed to believe they delved into this, sent someone to Jakarta, did a bunch of interviews, even to his schoolday buddy, hit the school in question, and never once asked anyone including Obama if he was raised Muslim at the time in question.
I mean come on, that's like the very FIRST normal reaction to the madrassa accusation. Oh, was he raised Muslim ? Ok it wasn't a madrassa, but it was a muslim school.
So, obviously they found out, the dem campaign of flappy ears knows, and here we have another massive secret agreement sarc, to never let the information pass their TV lips or internet or paper text. I guess it was sworn by blood oath, at this point.
I'm living in the twilight zone my friend. The masterful propaganda machine(msm) has won again. 99 of 100 people won't even think well, was he a muslim back then, after they read the media spin, and watch the TV media attacks on Insight and Steve Doocey and FoxNews.
We've got a powerful propaganda machine. It's bad man.
Fair & Balanced?
February 1, 2007 - 07:03 ET by Roman PraetorianI wonder if Obama could stand up to the onslaught of bias and constant distortion of facts from the left and the media that President Bush has experienced during his tenure in office. Obama better develop a thick skin or the voters will see him as weak.
Regardless, he better learn that the media and voters expect results and not excuses. Of course, excuses and acusations are the norm for the left, not solutions. If Obama, Hillary, and the Democrats think they can act in the best interest of all Americans, tell us what they propose as solutions. Don't be afraid to tell the voters about their forward plan. The left cannot put a Democrat in the White House by making excuses. The voters want solutions! I am tired of the left's excuses and blame game.
Hey sarc,I read your post fro
February 1, 2007 - 11:23 ET by Indiana JoeHey sarc,
I read your post from the link. But your post above that one caught my eye, the one about the original 2nd Amendment. Missed that thread yesterday. I had a thought on it, and posted to it. If you care to, take a look, see what you think. Had a history question about it too, if you'd care to enlighten me. If so, just do it on that thread, I'll check back. Or even pm, if you'd prefer.
Thanks,
IJ
I agree he has the right to d
February 1, 2007 - 12:26 ET by mattmI agree he has the right to do this, and he may have a legitimate beef with FOX, but when he "freezes out" FOX, and limits his media contacts to the networks that have been kissing his feet, my original post stands: Whiny libs won't play ball unless the game is rigged.
This is why Hitlery will cherry pick her media contacts and limit them to what they can ask and what they can't ask. Has she ever gone on FOX in an uncontrolled situation? I don't remember it.
Libs can't win on an even playing field. The end result of all their policies has been failure: Welfare, appeasment, tax and spend etc. The only way they can persuade the public to adopt their views is to tilt the playing field in their favor. Hence, the Leftist bias of the news and entertainment media and the educational system. In a fair fight, they'd get K.O.ed!
Clearly Obama is in way over
February 1, 2007 - 03:43 ET by FairlightClearly Obama is in way over his head at this point. He is no position to set rules. Even Al Sharpton knows that you can't expect to run for president and not go on America's favorite news channel.
This galling inexperience has just made the inevitible interview that much harder. Maybe his next smart move should be to hire Jenny Backus as chief political advisor.
Obama
February 1, 2007 - 04:16 ET by Gordon SchumwayRemember that Obama, the half-caucasian senator from Illinois, like Mario Cuomo before him, is famous for making one speech. Like Mario Cuomo, he will eventually fade into obscurity.
Gordo
Melmac
The guy is on tape threatenin
February 1, 2007 - 04:36 ET by Jack BauerThe guy is on tape threatening MoDowd-Slimes because she mentioned his BIG EARS... he's very sensitive about them since he was teased "unmercifully" (his word) at school.
That's true!!
You tell me, is this guy in any way serious?
After the Shrillary Street Media shills have finished with him, the only place you'll see Big Ear's face is on milk cartons...
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN-CHILD? LAST SEEN BEING BUNDLED INTO AN SUV WITH A HILLARY '08 BUMPER STICKER
Take a look at the history of
February 1, 2007 - 07:07 ET by Eric TurnerTake a look at the history of dem politicans and pundits with FOX - they get mad and the rest of the MSM gets happy and so do the leftists. His refusal to deal with FOX sets him up for really good PR.
Hypothetically speaking in the future he gives an interview to FOX; they ask "tough" questions; he gets mad; he walks off the set; everyone loves him; says FOX deserved it; what were they thinking?; blah, blah, blah; Bing, Bam, Boom we got our first "muslim-non-muslim" socialist Black president.
"This is nothing. If
February 1, 2007 - 07:27 ET by motherbelt"This is nothing. If he can't take this, wait until they ask him about his smoking!!! I was hoping he'd go on O'Reilly's show with a cigarette in his hand LOL.
Of course, now that Obama's doing it, smoking isn't the career-killer that it used to be...they will deftly ignore it, I'm sure. It doesn't matter at all to me if a politician smokes, but it will surely show up the hypocrisy of the drive-by media. One lefty (it was a woman, I wish I could remember her name) actually said it was sexy...you know, like having fire in his hand. It will be funny watching them twist themselves into contortions to accept this greatest of all sins by the Obama.
I'm resisting the urge to lau
February 1, 2007 - 08:32 ET by AtheistRepublicanI'm resisting the urge to laugh, the man can't handle criticism well can he? He will never survive a presidential election. Though I'm sure this will make getting the nomination easier for him, liberals are probably eating it up. Fox News should shun him right on back, so when he finally realizes he needs them he's gonna have to do some apoligizing.
Would a "clean black" do this?
February 1, 2007 - 08:57 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasAh come on now, a "clean black" would never behave this way!
If you claim to be a conservative, please don't disgrace yourself and conservatism by thinking and arguing like a liberal. Go Rudy!
Obama - Fox
February 1, 2007 - 08:59 ET by aeroI think Fox should just stop asking Obama. They're the leader in the biz, and they can afford it. He'll either eventually come begging, or they'll just ignore each other for the rest of the race. I think it would be interesting to have a major(?) candidate being completely ignored by the cable news leader. I'm curious to know who it would hurt more--Obama for the lack of coverage, Fox for being the only one not talking to him, or the voters for never getting to hear Obama answer an actual challenging question.
This episode is showing Republicans and some moderates that Obama is thin-skinned and arrogant ("punishing" Fox by not deigning to speak to them). But I think Eric's right that Dems and left-leaning moderates are interpreting it as being courageous and noble for standing up to the Fox monster. So it's probably helping him with the base, but it's not winning him any purple or red support.
The Dems
February 1, 2007 - 10:10 ET by iveseenitallThe Dems and the MSM took the gloves off long ago. Legitimate debate on issues which concern the future of this nation and the world is over in America. I'm afraid it's now "if you can't beat 'em, join em." Dig up all the "dirt" you can (true or not) and fling it. Some of it will stick. Gentlemen don't win elections anymore. The Clintons proved that winning is all that counts in politics today. Sad but true.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
Hmmm. The more I think about
February 1, 2007 - 10:24 ET by aeroHmmm. The more I think about this, the more I wonder if Obama is using his "outrage" as an excuse to avoid Fox's tougher interviews for as long as possible. I mean, the more height and momentum he can get here at the beginning with the help of fawning, softball interviews with other networks, the better for him, right? Fox is the most likely one to ask him truly tough questions that might begin to reveal his inexperience and vapidity, thereby slowing his ascent. It behooves him to avoid that if he can. He's trying to make a great first impression on voters who don't know anything about him, after all. Fox isn't going to just hand him that on a silver platter like the others will. Then, when he finally does talk to Fox, people will get the impression that is just being a bully to him by pressing him on real issues. Win-win for Obama.
So maybe it's not about his thin skin (though he does have one--like about his ears). Maybe it's really a political strategy that's actually based on his fear of Fox.
And on a somewhat unrelated b
February 1, 2007 - 10:56 ET by Eric TurnerAnd on a somewhat unrelated but kinda connected issue (was that convoluted enough for you?)
Some of the big states are going to move their primaries to take place before New Hampshire and Iowa's caucuses (I may have this confused). Anyway, the point being, if the large states (California first and then perhaps Florida and some of the other large states) begin doing this, I see it benefiting the dems more then the republicans. Furthermore, I see this as a veiled attack on the electoral college. The dems are constantly seeking ways to take the "fly-over" part of the country out of the election process and what better way then to hold primaries prior to the the smaller states doing it and thereby set the tone for the rest of the nation?
Here's an article (local paper link) by E.J. Dionne Jr. from the WaPo describing what I'm talking about. Is it me or near the end does he seem somewhat disappointed by the losses of Gore and Kerry and disappointed by the loss of McCain to Bush, etc..?
That's correct Eric Turner
February 2, 2007 - 05:58 ET by SportPoliticsThat's correct Eric Turner. It's a whiney liberal freak again with pathetic logic.
~" California and the big states have a big say in the election, but it's high time they chose the candidates,too." < the liberal thinking how fair he is~
He looks like Barney Franks boyfriend. He probably is.
chickenshift has the 2nd best comment - a great solution:
[ I believe that the states pick a individual then we have a run off similiar to MS AMERICA, All the canidates must show up,, represent,, tell their lies on stage etc.. Then we pick the one we like best. Not a couple out of 370 million people. Good idea ,, I think.
Posted by: chickenshift on Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:19 am]
Obama Madrassah story a ruse to hide Black separatist ideology
February 1, 2007 - 10:46 ET by pearlA little secret... The Obama Madrassah story is a ruse to hide his Black separatist ideology.
According to the website of his church which is Unashamedly Black, their "congregation" must follow a “Black Value System” which includes as follows:
you missed a line...
February 1, 2007 - 11:27 ET by dmntd1Well, not a line in your quote, but you may not have surfed their site enough to realize their 'magazine' is sponsored, in part, by US Cellular, State Farm Insurance, Nationwide Insurance along with a few smaller, assumedly local, places of business.
They also have a section reading thusly:
Along with the segregation prevalent in the House and Senate (i.e. Black Congressional Congress), even my local police force formed their own black union (Black Guardians) and they're essentially holding the city hostage under discrimination charges. So much for desegregation.... maybe the Jacksons and Sharptons of the world actually prefer it?
What I can't figure out is
February 1, 2007 - 13:50 ET by steviep831What I can't figure out is how Obama Osama is still in the presidential race after the startling revelation that he attended a Catholic school. [\sarcasm]