OBAMA the untouchable?

[JerrySeinfeld]

It's touched upon in anoether topic, but this warrants it's own:

How many times do you see media bashing of right wing politicians, both in Canada and the USA?

But I've noticed a distrubing trend. It seems whenever a cartoon, or headline, or quote from a newspaper questions anything or makes fun of Barack Obama, he (and a chorus of left wing media) run to the podium to chastise the quote/cartoon/comment for being so "offensive".

First of all, when did any public official or candidate earn the "right not to be offended".

Example: Obama's wife was being criticized / analyzed in the wake of some public comments she made in a speech, particularly about how she had "never been proud to be american until recently" or something to that effect. And as well how "tough" it is rasing a family, complaining about how difficult it is to pay tuition bills of Ivy league schools on a $500,000 annual income.

When some pundits / pols started questioning some of her words, sentiments, Obama was given exposure on a prominent show (60 minutes?) stating "lay off my wife...that's offside" etc.

Another example is that of a recent cartoon in the New Yorker.

This is merely one of many examples. I suggest you watch the coverage of Obama with this post in mind.

Since when is this "rookie" senator of 4 years given such carte blanche to chastise people for reporting and criticizing what he or his wife say in public speeches? And even worse, since when do voters eat up this garbage so willingly?

I think Barack is a major beneficiary of "Evil Bush Syndrome" - a common condition whereby people blame every problem under the sun on GW Bush, irrationally so.

Some lefties are so desperate in their irrational fear of GW Bush, they'll eat up anything a junior senator from Illinios says just in the hopes that the Dems might actually win a presidential election.

Where is the balance? The rationality, people?

[August1991]

Since when is this "rookie" senator of 4 years given such carte blanche to chastise people for reporting and criticizing what he or his wife say in public speeches? And even worse, since when do voters eat up this garbage so willingly?

...

Where is the balance? The rationality, people?

Cry me a river, Jerry. Welcome to the real world and scratch your mosquito bites on both arms. Ronald Reagan was called the Teflon president. He was a movie star before becoming president.

But let's see how this one plays out before drawing any conclusions. When Barack Obama loses this election, then loses a bid for governor of Illinois in 2010 but then launches a successful presidential campaign in 2016, I might agree that he has the political ability of Richard Nixon.

Until then, I'll agree that no US President in my memory has had so small (and small as it is, so liberal) a track record as Barack Obama.

Maybe 2008 will go down in history as the first image, identity, internet election. (That's small-i internet.)

[bush_cheney2004]

...Until then, I'll agree that no US President in my memory has had so small (and small as it is, so liberal) a track record as Barack Obama.

Indeed...and remember, we crucified the "white" Jesus first time around!

[BubberMiley]

First of all, when did any public official or candidate earn the "right not to be offended".

When did any public official or candidate lose the right to be offended?

Your whole premise is based on a ridiculous notion: that just because people get offended by what you say, you are somehow silenced from saying it. People, like those at the New Yorker, have every right to print cartoons that others don't like. Those who don't like it have every right to bitch about it. That's how politics in this society works.

[gc1765]

Obama? Untouchable? Are you kidding me?

The media is so desperate to dig up the dirt on Obama that they have to manufacture scandals. They can't criticize Obama himself, so they criticize his pastor (who, by the way, is not running for President), they criticize him for stealing speeches from someone who gave him permission to use the speech, or for stealing speeches which are so similar that they contain THREE of the same words (the daily show has a good clip on this: clip

They make fun of his name (not sure I understand how a name which you didn't even choose can make you a bad person).

And as if that wasn't bad enough, now they are pretending that Obama is a Muslim (which by the way, I don't think would be a bad thing if it were true, but the people who criticize him for it are the people who would NEVER vote for a Muslim for President).

Meanwhile, REAL scandals by Clinton and McCain go almost unmentioned...

Obama untouchable? That's unbelievable...

[JerrySeinfeld]

Obama? Untouchable? Are you kidding me?

The media is so desperate to dig up the dirt on Obama that they have to manufacture scandals. They can't criticize Obama himself, so they criticize his pastor (who, by the way, is not running for President), they criticize him for stealing speeches from someone who gave him permission to use the speech, or for stealing speeches which are so similar that they contain THREE of the same words (the daily show has a good clip on this: clip

They make fun of his name (not sure I understand how a name which you didn't even choose can make you a bad person).

And as if that wasn't bad enough, now they are pretending that Obama is a Muslim (which by the way, I don't think would be a bad thing if it were true, but the people who criticize him for it are the people who would NEVER vote for a Muslim for President).

Meanwhile, REAL scandals by Clinton and McCain go almost unmentioned...

Obama untouchable? That's unbelievable...

I see it way differently. The issue about his pastor of 20 years spewing racism bunk from the pulpit is a legitemate issue.

Whereas, when one small evangelical pastor who had endorsed McCain (NOT his pastor of 20 years) was quooted from a decade ago mentioning something about Israel, all of a sudden this was branded in the news as a similar "transgression" by McCain.

The two are barely comparible. Obama's long time church is a racist haven. That's news. An evangelical making a comment about jews (which was taken out of context and was actually PRO israel) isn't.

That's the media trying to cancel out the TRUE transgression by the questionable OBAMA.

[bush_cheney2004]

....That's the media trying to cancel out the TRUE transgression by the questionable OBAMA.

OK.....but either way...SO WHAT? Let the media do as it has always done....politics is a blood sport, and none is bloodier than a presidential campaign.

This media circus has only started.....wait till we get the relentless TV ad buys!

[gc1765]

I see it way differently. The issue about his pastor of 20 years spewing racism bunk from the pulpit is a legitemate issue.

Whereas, when one small evangelical pastor who had endorsed McCain (NOT his pastor of 20 years) was quooted from a decade ago mentioning something about Israel, all of a sudden this was branded in the news as a similar "transgression" by McCain.

The two are barely comparible. Obama's long time church is a racist haven. That's news. An evangelical making a comment about jews (which was taken out of context and was actually PRO israel) isn't.

That's the media trying to cancel out the TRUE transgression by the questionable OBAMA.

You're right, the two are barely comparable...as to how much attention these so-called scandals have gotten. The Reverend Wright thing has been constantly in the media. I can't watch CNN for half an hour without someone bringing it up. They are acting like it's the scandal of the century. On the other hand, the McCain "scandal" has come and gone. McCain has rejected the endorsement (as he should have) and that's that. No need to criticize him further when he has already spoken against those comments. Meanwhile, Obama has spoken out against the comments made by Reverend Wright, but that still doesn't satisfy many right-wingers like yourself.

[WIP]

Obama has certainly not been untouchable if you take a glance at the rightwing slime machines: FoxNews, Limbaugh and his neocon immitaters and all of the rightwing pundits on the rest of the MSM. Lately, the Obama campaign seems to have realized that they cannot take the base for granted either since he is paying a price in dropping poll numbers and worse - campaign donations - for rushing across the middle and trying to sound like a Republican on many domestic and foreign policy issues.

Today, it looks like he's realized that he better stop sounding like McCain on the issues that won him the Democratic nomination in the first place:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama says he's running for president to lead U.S. foreign policy in a new direction that isn't focused on Iraq.

As he prepares to travel to the war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama says the fight in Iraq is distracting the United States from all the other threats it faces.

Obama says the Iraq war "diminishes our security, our standing in the world, our military, our economy and the resources that we need to confront the challenges of the 21st century."

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gXhIn6D...GubXUAD91UC9V01

[Leafless]

When did any public official or candidate lose the right to be offended?

You should know the answer to this one Bubber.

A politician who is part of a group that is apparently socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.

This makes federal politics dysfunctional in the sense that is advantageous to be socially disadvantaged or discriminated upon.

[gc1765]

This makes federal politics dysfunctional in the sense that is advantageous to be socially disadvantaged or discriminated upon.

Which explains why so many of our Prime Ministers, and so many American Presidents are from socially disadvantaged groups...

[August1991]

Obama? Untouchable? Are you kidding me?

The media is so desperate to dig up the dirt on Obama that they have to manufacture scandals.

....

I disagree with you gc1765 and agree with Jerry. Obama has had a free ride from the Eastern MSM. Columbia gave him late admittance and then he went on to Harvard Law. Obama is a product of limousine liberal thinking. Of course they'll give him a free pass.

In addition, the late night (white) comedians just don't know how to make fun of him. In some circles, he's an icon - like Rene Levesque among some circles in Quebec.

As to Jerry's OP, politics is like that. Some politicians (ie. Reagan, Trudeau) have an easier time of it. They're untouchable. Other politicians (ie. Nixon, Harper) have to slog away. To be sexist, I put this down partly to the female vote. The reaction of women to Trudeau or Reagan is just different from their reaction to Harper or Nixon. Dunno.

Which explains why so many of our Prime Ministers, and so many American Presidents are from socially disadvantaged groups...

To name a few, one can hardly describe Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Richard Nixon, Stephen Harper, Brian Mulroney, Jean Chretien or Joe Clark as coming from a privileged background. Ronald Reagan graduated from Eureka College. Nixon from Whittier College. Jimmy Carter was from Plains, Georgia.

Nixon and Clinton are exceptional because they both came from exceptionally poor and simple backgrounds. They were both smart, and ambitious.

Nixon used to say that he believed in the American Dream because it came true in his own life.

Edited July 16, 2008 by August1991

[gc1765]

To name a few, one can hardly describe Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Richard Nixon, Stephen Harper, Brian Mulroney, Jean Chretien or Joe Clark as coming from a privileged background. Ronald Reagan graduated from Eureka College. Nixon from Whittier College. Jimmy Carter was from Plains, Georgia.

At worst, I'd describe them as upper-middle class. Certainly not "disadvantaged" by any means. IIRC, some of those names you mentioned were quite rich before entering politics...

[gc1765]

Obama has had a free ride from the Eastern MSM.

Then why is the slightest "scandal" by Obama always blown out of proportion...even if it is completely untrue.

In addition, the late night (white) comedians just don't know how to make fun of him. In some circles, he's an icon - like Rene Levesque among some circles in Quebec.

Hard to make fun of him on late night tv? Perhaps. It's been a while since I've watched late night tv, so it's hard to say. But hard to criticize him in the MSM? No way. Not when you consider all of the examples I gave in my previous post.

[August1991]

At worst, I'd describe them as upper-middle class. Certainly not "disadvantaged" by any means. IIRC, some of those names you mentioned were quite rich before entering politics...

I'll help you gc1765.

They were all white men.

Hard to make fun of him on late night tv? Perhaps. It's been a while since I've watched late night tv, so it's hard to say.

Me too.

Let's google: Leno Obama Joke and see what happens.

If that doesn't work, we can try: Letterman Obama White House

[gc1765]

Let's google: Leno Obama Joke and see what happens.

Leno + Obama + joke = 246,000 hits

Leno + McCain + joke = 187,000 hits

and McCain has been in the spotlight a lot longer than Obama...

Edited July 16, 2008 by gc1765

[Argus]

It's

Since when is this "rookie" senator of 4 years given such carte blanche to chastise people for reporting and criticizing what he or his wife say in public speeches? And even worse, since when do voters eat up this garbage so willingly?

Where is the balance? The rationality, people?

Edited July 17, 2008 by Argus

[DogOnPorch]

Leno + Obama + joke = 246,000 hits

Leno + McCain + joke = 187,000 hits

and McCain has been in the spotlight a lot longer than Obama...

McCain is a heck of a lot funnier than Obama. O'Brian was doing "Secrets" with him for quite some time before his announcing running for President. See this thread for details...

-------------------------------------------

McCain looks like the kinda guy you see hosing down his driveway.

---David Letterman

[BubberMiley]

McCain is a heck of a lot funnier than Obama.

Did you hear the one he told about Chelsea Clinton when she was 18 years old?

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?" he asked guests at a Senate Republican fundraiser. "Because her father is Janet Reno."

[Guest American Woman]

McCain is a heck of a lot funnier than Obama.

Did you hear the one he told about Chelsea Clinton when she was 18 years old?

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?" he asked guests at a Senate Republican fundraiser. "Because her father is Janet Reno."

Thanks for reminding me about that. That was absolutely disgusting. Puts McCain in the same category as Rush Limbaugh, IMO.

[Topaz]

I'm wondering what is with McCain telling the public of Obama's timetable of landing in Iraq knowing full well its not to be announce when politicians are due to land for security reasons. Also, with Obama are the 3 nightly newscaster, Brian, Katy and Charlie , all would be endanger. I would think that the "terrorists" fighting in Iraq would want Obama as President because of his views of bring the troops home and leaving Iraq. On the other hand, the White House, would be the one to be against leaving, kinda wonder who are the terrorists?

[Moonlight Graham]

Jerry,

The media takes its share of cracks at Obama. Ie: Reverend Wright, his "elitist" comments, his inexperience in foreign policy, his scuttle with the Chancellor of Germany over his upcoming speech there, his so-called out-of-place comments on policy to Iraq's President, his policy "flip-flopping" etc.

I could name plently more. Remove the visor.

[peter_puck]

It's touched upon in anoether topic, but this warrants it's own:

How many times do you see media bashing of right wing politicians, both in Canada and the USA?

But I've noticed a distrubing trend. It seems whenever a cartoon, or headline, or quote from a newspaper questions anything or makes fun of Barack Obama, he (and a chorus of left wing media) run to the podium to chastise the quote/cartoon/comment for being so "offensive".

First of all, when did any public official or candidate earn the "right not to be offended".

Example: Obama's wife was being criticized / analyzed in the wake of some public comments she made in a speech, particularly about how she had "never been proud to be american until recently" or something to that effect. And as well how "tough" it is rasing a family, complaining about how difficult it is to pay tuition bills of Ivy league schools on a $500,000 annual income.

When some pundits / pols started questioning some of her words, sentiments, Obama was given exposure on a prominent show (60 minutes?) stating "lay off my wife...that's offside" etc.

Another example is that of a recent cartoon in the New Yorker.

This is merely one of many examples. I suggest you watch the coverage of Obama with this post in mind.

Since when is this "rookie" senator of 4 years given such carte blanche to chastise people for reporting and criticizing what he or his wife say in public speeches? And even worse, since when do voters eat up this garbage so willingly?

I think Barack is a major beneficiary of "Evil Bush Syndrome" - a common condition whereby people blame every problem under the sun on GW Bush, irrationally so.

Some lefties are so desperate in their irrational fear of GW Bush, they'll eat up anything a junior senator from Illinios says just in the hopes that the Dems might actually win a presidential election.

Where is the balance? The rationality, people?

There is a massive slobbering attack dog called right wing media in the US (Rush, Fox, etc). They have failed to lay a glove on him. They end up attacking his former pastor (pretty weannie as that old guy would say on Cheers.)

All they can do is run around calling his Osama and starting internet rumours. If the right wing press cannot find dirt (or even make up good dirt) how do you expect the main stream media to do so?

While he may be the "junior senator" from Illinois, he probably knows alot more about foreign policy than Bush.

I would also question the idea of "bashing right wing politicians". Regan was known as the "teflon president". Earlier in his term Bush was a telfon president too (until the massive weight of bull sht manged to change the molecular structure of teflon).

The media has not brought up McCain's connection to the "Keating Five" scandal - and there is a lot more meat to that than to Whitewater. They have not brought up Cindy McCain's history with drugs. I suspect if Obama or his wife had those problems, they would be front page news.

(It is amazing how there was so much attention to Clinton smoking pot, while it was okay Bush would not answer the question if he took cocaine.)

[M.Dancer]

There is a massive slobbering attack dog called right wing media in the US (Rush, Fox, etc).

I find this amusing because of another thread current about the left wing media....

Truth is, it isn't the media that is right or left....only the consumers