"It's hard to stay objective with this guy"

[origin1286]

WILLIAMS: I interviewed Lee Cowan, our reporter who covers Obama, while we were out yesterday and posted the interview on the web. Lee says it's hard to stay objective covering this guy. Courageous for Lee to say, to be honest. The e-mail flood started out we caught you guys, we never did trust you. That kind of thing. I think it is a very interesting dynamic. I saw middle-aged women just throw their arms around Barack Obama, kiss him hard on the cheek and say, you know, I'm with you, good luck. And i think he feels it, too.

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/television/journo_love_for_obama_74502.asp

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It really does explain the media bias. Obama is so charismatic and this movement is so unprecedented, it is hard not to get swept up in it. The only way to avoid being swept up in it is to take the strong anti-position (which is why Edwards and Clinton supporters "don't see" what the hype is about).

Journalists go into it with the intent to remain neutral but they get swept up in the emotion of the crowds and the beautiful oration.

Yeah, it's their job to stay objective, but asking them to defy human nature is tough.

And by human nature I mean getting swept up in the emotion of a crowd. I'm sure you've all felt it. When an entire stadium is singing the national anthem around you, you can't help but sing along.

Does it make it fair to Hillary or Edwards? Nope. He is playing the media better than any candidate in history. I don't think it's entirely intentional. He is just such a great motivational speaker and the media bias is a consequence of that. They LIKE him.

[gateley]

1. I heard a seasoned commentator on Air America yesterday speaking almost

in awe about the effect that Obama has on the masses -- said he'd never seen anything like it. It sounded as though he might have come under O's spell, too.

[DURHAM D]

2. I guess he has never gone to a rock concert. n/t

[gateley]

3. Or a Moonies convention... nt

[CoffeeCat]

4. But this is a good thing...

Respecting a human being and really liking them--and feeling very good
in their presence---are all wonderful things.

Can you imagine how international leaders will feel when they sit down
and speak with Obama?

Can you imagine how his good will, likability and grace will help Obama
sit down with leaders who may be our enemy? War might be avoided. Differences
might be resolved. Compromises might be made. Peace might be brokered.

Can you imagine this graceful man who inspires people to be their best--might
work with Congress to make progress on the economy, the Iraq war, education
and health care?

Can you imagine how this powerful, yet compassionate, strong man can work with
special interests and corporations---setting it straight? Telling them that
they have a place at the table, but they don't get to dictate policies for
the American people?

Don't discount the power of a human being who is diplomatic, uplifting, intelligent
and inspiring.

People sense that he is decent to the core--a person they can trust.

I say....this gift is long over due.

[Critters2]

5. Can you imagine how the Repugs will eat him alive?

Oops, I meant to say

[CoffeeCat]

6. With all due respect...

...Many Republicans, in particular, the ones who are very upset with George Bush--like Obama.

Obama has the support of many Independents and some Republicans--and the vast majority of Democrats.

Furthermore, has it sunk in yet that in Iowa (and it's looking this way in NH too) that Democrats
increased their voting 100 percent, from 2004. That's a whopping 100 percent. Somewhere, in some
boardroom, the Republican mucky mucks are crying and staring at Dem voting data--realizing that they're
so totally fucked. They couldn't steal the vote this year, if they tried.

That 100 percent increase in Dem voter turnout was fueled by Obama, my friend.

All of this is unprecedented. We're witnessing history.

I hope Edwards is his running mate.

[Critters2]

8. I don't want to make nice with the Repugs.

I want them held accountable for what they've done. Obama is an accomodationist, which is why undecided REpugs like him. Centrists have lost us too many elections. It's time to nominate a Progressive.

[CoffeeCat]

9. You know what...I agree with you..

I really do.

This was my struggle in Iowa, all the way up until a few days
before the caucus.

I'm Progressive. My views are more in line with Edwards' positions.

In fact, one of my most passionate beliefs--is that the corporations must
get out of public policy. I side with Edwards on his method of taking
a sledgehammer to the corporate strangeldhold.

As you said, Obama is more accommodating. He shares Edwards' belief that
corporations are too powerful. Obama wants to negotiate and lessen their
influence. Given Obama's communication skills, I believe that he will
be able to firmly tell the corporations that their hey day is over.

Some Republicans like him. Not Bush Republicans. Republicans who can't
stand Bush are looking for a candidate who is willing to listen to them
and represent them as well. I'd call that diplomatic.

I'd also say that Obama is not a "centrist". Politically he's pretty liberal.
He's anti-war, he's pro choice, he's very progressive on restoring the Constitution
and our civil rights taken away by the Bush thugs. His healthcare policy is
far from "centrist" and it would cover everyone.

Obama is liberal on many policies. However, he can win the GE. That is for sure.

What state are you in? I know you support Edwards and I think that's great. I do too!
However, watch as this train rolls into your town. Republicans that you respect and
Independents who are your neighbors will go to the polls and vote overwhelmingly
for Obama. I saw this in Iowa, and it is very powerful. This election is his to win.

That's one reason I threw my support to him. He appeals to a broad range, and he's got many Progressive stances.

My view is...it has to be a Dem win this time. If not, our country is lost.

[KennedyGuy]

7. Don't worry..the media fawning will stop soon enough

though I seriously doubt that Tweety will ever stop having Obamagasms...

[Thrill]

10. This why the Hilary and Repuke attacks will fall flat

The People won't stand for it

[2hip]

11. "Cult psychology" immediately comes to mind

Sorry but I want a CIC that's more than just "a great motivational speaker". But that's just me.




Edwards '08 tees!