Is Obama's media affair ending?

[question everything]

Is Obama's media affair ending?

by Jitendra Joshi

Barack Obama, the wunderkind of US politics, has long basked in adulatory press coverage for his historic White House bid -- but a media backlash appears to be building. Hillary Clinton, Obama's bitter rival for the Democrats' presidential nomination, has long complained that the young Illinois senator is getting a free ride from journalists in thrall to his promise of change.

(snip)

Some Obama supporters fret already that his campaign has the trappings of a messianic cult, as thousands upon thousands pack auditoriums to bask in his uplifting oratory. "Obamaphilia has gotten creepy," Los Angeles Times columnist Joel Stein wrote. "The best we Obamaphiles can do is to refrain from embarrassing ourselves."

(snip)

The candidate himself denies that he has received an easy ride, noting that for much of last year the coverage was not so excitable when he was focused on nuts-and-bolts stump issues... Obama has kept the press at arm's length, giving fewer on-the-record briefings than Clinton, the once "inevitable" nominee who has become more accessible as her campaign has faltered. Still, Obama brings to mind the original "Teflon president," Ronald Reagan, to whom scandal failed to stick and whose talent for communication lives on in the Illinois senator. The Clinton campaign has struggled to whip up media interest in Obama's financial links to a Chicago businessman, Antoin Rezko, who is due to go on trial for fraud next month.

(snip)

However, Obama is now under broader fire as his chances of winning the Democratic nomination have surged with victories in 11 contests running. In an article headlined "The Obama Delusion," Washington Post columnist Robert Samuelson said the senator "seems to have hypnotized much of the media and the public with his eloquence and the symbolism of his life story." "The result is a mass delusion that Obama is forthrightly engaging the nation's major problems when, so far, he isn't."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080221/ts_alt_afp/usvoteobamamedia

[saracat]

1. I hope they rip him apart. he has yet to be vetted. Lets see how well he handles

being gutted with the politcal fish knife! And by " rip apart" I mean thouougly investigate. Sorry my description botherd some. Surely our other candidates were all "ripped apart by the press? Why should Obama be different?

[DJ13]

4. "I hope they rip him apart."

You and the Republicans are of the same mind.

Doesnt that scare you just a little?

It should.

[saracat]

16. Obama and the Republicans are of the same mind. They are both

corrupt, support vouchers , are against universal healthcare , defend corporations and support anti gay ministers! Doesn't that scare you at all?

[cali]

74. codswallop.

what a bunch of hooey. And for someone supporting Hilly, calling Obama corrupt is a laugh. The hillbots continue being desperate. It's just sad. And hilly is supported and has kind words for her anti-gay minister from Boston. He is no more against universal healthcare than she is. He does not support vouchers. And he's not the one that business loves- that's your Hilly. He's more liberal/progressive than Hilly or Edwards. And he doesn't have blood on his hands the way they do. Voting to fund the troops is not the same as voting to give bushy a blank check, and that's exactly what Pat Leahy called it on the eve of the IWR vote. That scares me.

[saracat]

87. I would guess you have never read Obama's book "Dreams of My Father" ?

Now there is some scary stuff! But hey whatever Cali"Believe". I do not choose to.

[cali]

92. Sorry, I don't believe

I research, analyze and factor in different elements to make a decision on whom to support. I don't do the adulation thing that you did with Edwards. It's not my style at all.

[saracat]

98. No adulation here. I supported Edwards on the issues. And so far no one matches him.

[Recursion]

101. I loved that book

I'm really surprised you consider it a negative about him. What part of the book troubled you?

ON EDIT: also, it's "from my father" not "of my father"

[MADem]

19. If they rip him apart and he withstands the scrutiny, more power to him.

If not, no buyer's remorse allowed.

[saracat]

21. That was my point.

[MADem]

34. I know it was, Sara, but the "Quick To Offend" crew was determined to take offense.

When they're in that mode, there's nothing to be done about it. They're fighting and struggling like a rabid dog trapped in a pillowcase....!

[saracat]

42. Thanks. As I posted elsewher.They really "don't " care about

anything Obama really believes or what he may have done.That is what is frightening.They don't care.I have seen them deny Obamas own words. Right on DU , they have stated Obama didn't even "know " Resko!

[MADem]

49. I know. It's the "Who are you going to believe, a Disciple, or your own lying eyes?"

Since they did a fair bit of business with public housing when he was in the state legislature, the candidate received a boatload of cash from the fellah, the guy lived in the house across the street from the one he bought, AND he bought land from the guy's wife, it does strain credulity a bit, even without pics like the one above.

[Madam Mossfern]

51. Then you should have written

I hope they try to rip him apart. Your OP appeared that you are waiting with baited breath to see his demise.

[Skip Intro]

55. The repukes will do their best to rip him apart. Do you doubt that?

[FrenchieCat]

5. Seeing your real character is pure poetry.....

NOT!

Obama has been vetted fine.

You just can't accept that it is Hillary carrying baggage.

[Yurem2008]

10. Obama will continue to be the media darling

[saracat]

18. You just refuse to recognize Baracks baggage.nevermind.The GOP will.

[elixir]

26. He is virtually untouched by the media. The Rezko affair would have sunk any other candidate.

[movonne]

31. The Monica affair did not sink Clinton...the Whitewater did not

sink Clinton and the hundred other scandals...is the Reiko affair any worse...

[TwilightGardener]

45. Rezko--America yawns. Must suck to see it not hurt him so far, huh?

[FrenchieCat]

50. Why do you say that, and yet refuse to look at your own candidate's

new dirt?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2856579

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4473288

[elixir]

93. Rezko is an ongoing criminal trail naming Obama. Your links are not of this calaber.

[jillan]

6. oooh - so descriptive!

:)

[Thrill]

9. Thats actually damn sad you feel that way

Considering everything he is doing for this party. Bringing in a ton of new Democrats.

Sad

[MADem]

32. What "new Democrats?" Do you mean ones like these?

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/01/14/obama-nevada-flyer-you-can-be-a-democrat-for-one-day/

Change you can believe in....for a DAY!!! Do some dirty work for the GOP!

[SammyWinstonJack]

88. That stinks! Imagine the outrage if .....oh never mind.

:argh:

[gateley]

12. saracat - that's an awful thing to say about a Dem candidate. Regardless of

whether or not Obama's supporters have been as mean spirited, you don't need to sink to that level.

[saracat]

23. See my edit. I mean thouougly investigated. Rip into his background.They do it to everyone else.

He shouldn't be a sacred cow.

[gateley]

28. I didn't think it sounded like you! nt

[sniffa]

37. Ah, so that's who it is I'm missing

[TwilightGardener]

25. You're swell.

[karynnj]

27. You should be ashamed of what you wrote

1) Obama has been vetted in the last year and a half. There have been 20 debates and he has been taped on everything he has said - just like HRC and Edwards. He has been investigated as much as Edwards was last year. There are more questions in the Clintons past - even though they have been watched for 15 years.

Your glee is sickening.

[saracat]

33. That is just nonsense .He has been given a pass on everything.

Perhaps when Fitz really opens up Resko it won't be ignored. RTHere are many questions about Obama. And I woudn't be the farm he can withstand the GE.

[TwilightGardener]

40. No, he hasn't been "given a pass" on everything. It was all brought up, and

apparently no one cared. It'll be brought up again in the GE, along with some new trumped up bullshit--that's the way it goes. You're only annoyed that he's proven a little bit Teflon thus far, that nothing stuck to him.

[saracat]

46. You are right about the not caring part. Just like the followers of Bush, they don't care.

[TwilightGardener]

48. Deep down inside, you want him brought down to size. You want to see

him lose to somebody, maybe even humiliated. You don't like him, in your gut, and don't try to pretend it's some kind of noble concern ("it would be good for him", etc.). You think he's arrogant, or cocky, or didn't wait his turn, or hates gay people, or something about him sets you off--and his continued success drives you nuts. That's the sense I get from your post--strangely gleeful at the prospect of his being "ripped apart"--that choice of words belies something visceral.

[saracat]

54. Did I ever imply that I liked him? or "it would be good for him" . I really

would like him to be exposed for what he is and I do not deny that. If I am "gleefuL" though that was not what I meant to convey, it was a sense of hope that maybe the truth about this guy will be brought to light. You are correct that I don't like him. I have never disliked a Democratic candidate to the point of refusing to vote for him before.

[TwilightGardener]

56. OK--Saracat completely dislikes Barack Obama and wants him "exposed" for who he is.

Just say so then. Don't pretend it's for any other reason. You're going to have a real hard time here if he's the nominee, then, I guess.

[saracat]

57. When did I pretend that it is for any reason other than I think he is a an unfit candidate

and we can do better? He doesn't represent any of the values of the Democratic party to me. That is why I dislike him And why I want him exposed. Where is my contradiction?

[K Gardner]

58. So, you'll be joining FR when he wins the nomination I guess. Why, we don't even need republicans

when we have Hillsupporters like you. Nice.

[saracat]

59. No but you will be losing a Dem officer and a Lifetime Dem for more than 30 years

with ties back to the FDR admin. but hey, you got the "Dems for a day " so its all good. And I still support Edwards but Hillary is the only one left with a universal health care plan but you wouldn't want to know "why" that is.

[K Gardner]

63. I'm a nurse who lobbies for universal health care. Please don't condescend to me. Neither plan

is universal health care, Sara. Neither. And Hillary's has the added burden of mandates, but you wouldn't want to know why that's bad, or why thousands of us have marched and written and lobbied to get rid of them.

Look, you want to leave the party because you're pissed off, fine. Just know there will be thousands of people who want to see our country rise above this partisanship and bitterness, who want us to lead the world again with morality, who want America to be beautiful again and our lives to be better... and they'll gladly and enthusiastically (and without bitterness) take your place. I'm sorry you're so angry. It doesn't have to be this way.

[saracat]

70. I did not condescend to you . I suppose you telling me to go to

join FR because I do not support the candidate of your choice and want him investigated is NOT condescending? All I said was enjoy those" Democrats for day." that were signed up to vote in caucus. And they were. So? And sorry if I don't get how this candidate will be able to do any of the things you suggest but hey, supposedly I am the one being condescending! And if you really believe that the many who feel as I do will have our efforsts replaced by these "thousands" you speak of, well, just try to get them to work once the election is over.See if they will continue to walk precincts and register voters. See if they will do grunt work with no glamour the way many of us have for years.My guess is not.

[cali]

77. oh well

we'll manage just fine without you. I've been active in Vermont Dem politics for 25 years, and I'm for Obama and there are lots and lots of people like me. It's hardly all new dems. You're not that important. I'm not that important, and there are plenty of people to take your place.

[saracat]

84. Didn't say I was. But every Presidential cycle tons of "newbies "flock to the campaigns

only to disappear once the excitement is over leaving the "oldtimers" to do the grunt work. Perhaps it is different in Vermont than in a red state.

[TwilightGardener]

60. Because you felt compelled to pretend like your glee for our possible

Democratic nominee to get "ripped apart", gutted like a fish, was because you innocently wanted to see him vetted and see if he is tough enough. You're a pretty sick character, frankly. I'm sure hoping you won't be around much if he is the nominee.

[saracat]

61. I do want his info "gutted like a fish.He needs to be "exposed".

I am happy someone might investigate. I am a sick character because I won't drink the cool-aid and because not everyone with a D after their name is a sacred cow? I wasn't a Hillary fan either but considering the alternative , she begins to look like a saint.And she has been vetted to a fare thee well. A vote for Hillary is a vote for someone we know"inside and out".Most know "nothing" about Obama. What is scary is they don't WANT to know.

[TwilightGardener]

62. You're sick because you want him destroyed, even if he's our nominee--

I can understand not being crazy about him, or not liking him or having him as your first choice--that's fine. I don't much care for Hillary. Do I want to see her "torn apart" and "gutted"? No. Do I want McCain to win in November? No. That's where you're a little demented.

[saracat]

64. I did not say "destroyed'. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.Hillary has already been

"torn apart and gutted' not only by the MSM but by many on this board.I do not want McCain to win in November and I hope we have a Dem nominee I can support.If not, I see little difference. I wouldn't "vote" for McCain but neither will I vote for someone repellent to my values just because they have a D after their name.And I do not think that makes me "demented".

[TwilightGardener]

66. It's one thing not to want the guy as your nominee. It's another to

look forward to seeing him taken apart by the opposition. I stand by my assessment of you as demented.

[saracat]

68. Well, stand by it then.The fact that you don't want to even "know'anything about a potential

nominee is even more "demented' in my book. At least I didn't drink the Kool Aid.

[devilindisguise]

78. Will Rezco testify against BO

I have wondered about it, and what will happen if he does? Since BO is an elected person it would mean a congressional investigation. I was leaning towards OB, but with all the rumors it's hard for a person to know what to do at this point in time. I don't like the Messiah type rallies, and think he would be a better candidate if that were to be toned down some. It is hard to separate fact from fiction on the internet.

[TwilightGardener]

81. I didn't drink any kool-aid either.

[cali]

79. I'll second that

that comment had a truly violent and ugly tone to it.

[saracat]

85. And of couse you would. I can count on you to put the most negative spin on anything!

[cali]

91. That's not spin

that's what I thought of your comment. It's called an opinion.

[saracat]

99. And you know what they say about those!

[CyberPieHole]

44. I agree with you...

Though I must say your post is oddly descriptive.

[NMMNG]

73. They wanted him to be on top

They claimed he could withstand the heat.
They claimed they didn't care about the RW smear machine.

I say bring it on. Let them deal with it.

[cali]

76. If I used language like that about Hilly

you'd be howling like a scalded cat- screaming sexism. Nice violent imagry you're into. It's a reflection of hate.

[saracat]

86. Hmm. You again? it seems you follow me everywhere.

You used to deliberately misconstrue my Hillary posts! And dump on my Edwards posts! Do you have any other interests?

[Unsane]

96. That's because you're not a Democrat.

[CyberPieHole]

2. I hope so...

it could be too late. If not now, I am sure that the adulation by the press will change when the RW machinery bring out their attacks...the MSM will fall into line and the Presidency will be won by McCain.

[question everything]

95. And this is the mystery here. Clearly Kerry was ill prepared for the swifters

because he had an easy sailing during the primaries. But with Obama, any question about his qualifications brings a charge of racism. Also, I think that the ugly attacks on Clinton that we see constantly make it easy for his supporters to feel oh so justified in their adoration of him.

His rallies are like religious revival meetings with young women on the verge of mass hysteria. They don't care, have no idea what he stands for, but they are enchanted in the idea of adoring him.

I think that he will be the next president, but a very weak one, and that the party will be over for these masses the day after inauguration day.

[scheming daemons]

3. Obama is going past the media directly to the people...

....so.... pardon the Bush-ism..... "bring it on."

[CyberPieHole]

7. I hope you get your wish...

and the media give him exactly what he deserves.

[scheming daemons]

11. Right.... so you're more interested in bringing him down that lifting your candidate up.....

It's all about Hillary.... not the party, not the nation.


Got it.

[CyberPieHole]

13. No...

It's all about "hopes and dreams".:eyes:

I think Obama should be treated to the same scrutiny given to any of the candidates. McCain and Clinton included. If there is anything in Obama's past...anything at all that could damage him, I hope it comes out now. For the good of the party. I am sure, even YOU, would be in agreement with that.

[scheming daemons]

20. Sure..... but let the GOP do it.... not fellow Democrats....

in the GE campaign, don't give the GOP the excuse that

"We didn't come up with this stuff, we're just repeating what a FELLOW DEMOCRAT said about Obama."



They did this in 1988.... blamed the Willie Horton ad on Al Gore, saying he used it in the primary race first.


By Clintonistas doing this, they give the GOP media cover.


Don't help the GOP out. Let them do their own oppo research. Then, when it comes from them ONLY, it can be more easily deflected.

[CyberPieHole]

35. Why wait until the GE? Obama has not held back on his attacks of Clinton...

why should she? Early on in the debates, Obama said he was taking his gloves off. Clinton was leading in the polls and he needed to do something to rock the boat. He did. Should he have done nothing? To save her from attacks? Of course not. Obama had no qualms lying about her record and attacking her and her husband. They had no problems with doing the RW job for them. It's a bit silly to ask for gentleness now that he is the front~runner (or party loyalty when they offered none). Now is the best time to attack him: Because he is the front~runner. If there is any baggage better for it to come out now...if it costs Obama the primary all the better. Obama will not be treated with kid gloves by the RW...he should not be treated any differently at this time.

Senator Clinton has nothing to lose NOW. She MUST damage him. I'm hoping she does.

[Iceburg]

17. Its about the party and that's why Obama should resign now before he takes

the party with him ... perhaps that what his candidacy was about all along -- taking the Dem party down.

[scheming daemons]

22. Sure... the guy with the best chance in November in H2H matchups with McCain is the problem....

:eyes:


Every poll that asks the question, has shown that Obama does better than Clinton against McCain. Every single one.

[juajen]

43. McCain is probably not going to be the pug nominee now.

NT

[devilindisguise]

82. McCain - is his nomination at risk?

I've been wondering. There is surely more to come out about his liason with the female lobbyist. McCain has almost been crowned, and now this comes out. I have never trusted him, and I don't know how his wife could stand up there and say what a good man he is. Good men, don't publicly call Chelsea, or other ladies "ugly" in public. They've been saying - the media types - that he has it. Up until today. Now Huckabee is so far behind, and Romney dropped out. I don't know if BO can best McCain if they do debate foreign affairs.

[SammyWinstonJack]

89. His candidacy is about him. He's all ego.

[MADem]

38. Well, your team could give a shit about the party or the nation, so long as your Messiah is raised

on high.

Sauce for the goose, and all that...

Got it, indeed.

[CyberPieHole]

67. Agreed.

:thumbsup:

[sniffa]

8. Some Obama supporters fret already that his campaign has the trappings of a messianic cult

Yeah, it's the supporters saying that. :rofl:

[robbedvoter]

36. Joel Stein from LA Times IS a supporter. Seen a few others - bloggers, that student

who made the papier machee Obma Jesus...More power to those supporters for trying to bring some realism in the campaign

[nonconformist]

14. Of course it is. Anyone who has followed politics long enough knew this would happen.

Anyone who has observed the media for the last decade or so knew this would happen. Anyone who has faced the GOP before knew this would happen.

And, we also tried to warn everyone, to no avail. I remember someone here actually telling me that the reason why the media was handling Obama with kid gloves right now was because they just loved him too, and the media felt guilty about all of their past bullshit and were trying to make it up to us. Jah.

Obama isn't vetted. People are still getting to know him. Every little bad thing that comes out molds people's opinion of him, because it will really stand out. That IS the disadvantage of having a candidate that hasn't been in the public eye for very long. Everything is new, including the crap.

[MADem]

15. Hmmm. I think it may be. Perhaps Mississippi and Puerto Rico WILL decide this thing!

This ain't too laudatory: http://www.newsweek.com/id/113672

JUDGMENT CALLS
Robert J. Samuelson
The Obama Delusion
The gap between his rhetoric and the reality of his views.

Feb 20, 2008 | Updated: 9:44 a.m. ET Feb 20, 2008


...But on inspection, the metaphor is a mirage. Repudiating racism is not a magic cure-all for the nation's ills. The task requires independent ideas, and Obama has few. If you examine his agenda, it is completely ordinary, highly partisan, not candid and mostly unresponsive to many pressing national problems.

By Obama's own moral standards, Obama fails. Americans "are tired of hearing promises made and 10-point plans proposed in the heat of a campaign only to have nothing change," he recently said. Shortly thereafter he outlined an economic plan of at least 12 points that, among other things, would:


* Provide a $1,000 tax cut for most two-earner families ($500 for singles).

* Create a $4,000 refundable tuition tax credit for every year of college.

* Expand the child-care tax credit for people earning less than $50,000 and "double spending on quality after-school programs."

* Enact an "energy plan" that would invest $150 billion in 10 years to create a "green energy sector."


Whatever one thinks of these ideas, they're standard goody-bag politics: something for everyone. They're so similar to many Clinton proposals that her campaign put out a news release accusing Obama of plagiarizing. With existing budget deficits and the costs of Obama's "universal health plan," the odds of enacting his full package are slim.

A favorite Obama line is that he will tell "the American people not just what they want to hear but what we need to know." Well, he hasn't so far. Consider the retiring baby boomers. A truth-telling Obama might say: "Spending for retirees—mainly Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid—is already nearly half the federal budget. Unless we curb these rising costs, we will crush our children with higher taxes. Reflecting longer life expectancies, we should gradually raise the eligibility ages for these programs and trim benefits for wealthier retirees. Both Democrats and Republicans are to blame for inaction. Waiting longer will only worsen the problem."

Instead, Obama pledges not to raise the retirement age and to "protect Social Security benefits for current and future beneficiaries." This isn't "change"; it's sanctification of the status quo. He would also exempt all retirees making less than $50,000 annually from income tax. By his math, that would provide average tax relief of $1,400 to 7 million retirees—shifting more of the tax burden onto younger workers. Obama's main proposal for Social Security is to raise the payroll tax beyond the present $102,000 ceiling.....

Ouch!

[loveangelc]

53. do you know how many negative articles about hillary i could post?

its not even equal :)

[MADem]

102. Did you read the whole thread? That article was germane because it

was MENTIONED upthread.

It's a contextual addition to the discussion. NOT a "hit and run" for shits and giggles.

[From The Left]

24. Hillary's Harpies Start Swiftboating Obama

But it's too late, baby. Obama has this thing sewn up.

[Darth_Kitten]

30. Another newbie........

"Welcome" :eyes:

[robbedvoter]

29. " Obama brings to mind the original "Teflon president," Ronald Reagan",

Does anyone here still doubts that the famous "teflon" is man made - or more specifically - media made? They're still at it...

[movonne]

39. I think they used to say that about Clinton....

[robbedvoter]

41. I remember EVERYTHING they said about Clinton. Teflon was never "it"

[question everything]

97. According to Jonathan Alter who has been swooning over Obama

for a long time, the Clintons are "velcro" - everything sticks to them, while Obama, and Reagan, are Teflon. This, by the way, was Alter's dig at the older baby boomers and his long time simmering feeling of being a "step child", being born in 1957.

[robbedvoter]

104. Exactly. Gore was "velcro" too. Code speak for "we the media hate you"

[robbedvoter]

47. Told you so

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4346496&mesg_id=4346496
"When MSM interferes in Dem primaries, it's NOT because they like any of our candidates. It's not that they want their chosen to actually win the election. They don't want us to chose our strongest. They are picking the designated loser. To theirs.

[AX10]

52. Sad.

[samdogmom]

65. For the first time in my life I'm scarred! And it's not the republicans causing the problems!

It's the Hillary supporters! You guys are rabbit--and obsessed! Wow.

I'm going to timidly step in and support Obama...but give me a break--if you Hillary supporters try to eat me alive! Yikes! You guys are scary!

[CyberPieHole]

69. After the repubs are through with him you bet you'll be "scarred"...

and, yes, we are "rabbit"(s). Mean, ferocious rabbits.

[samdogmom]

71. HA! Thanks!

Hillary scares me...but you don't!

Peace.

[CyberPieHole]

75. I wish Hillary did not scare you...

but I'm glad I don't. Peace to you fellow DU'er.

:hi:

[samdogmom]

80. You made me laugh about this crazy battle for the first time in a long time!

Thanks! We all get a little crazy and off the wall when it comes to our candidates...but in the end...we're all on the same side!

(I hope!)

[CyberPieHole]

94. We are all on the same side.

I have come to the conclusion that no matter how dirty the battle is here on DU (from both sides), I will support and vote for Senator Obama if he gets the nomination. As it stands, it is more than likely that he might just be able to that. But until our candidate is chosen I will raise my Plunger and fight on.

[SammyWinstonJack]

90. ...

:spray: :evilgrin:

[OzarkDem]

72. Speeches do not a president make

At some point the media has to start handling him the way they handle other Dem candidates.

[avrdream]

100. Yep.

Here it comes, Barry. Stay awake.

[Name removed]

83. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[depakid]

103. "The best we Obamaphiles can do is to refrain from embarrassing ourselves."

That would definitiely be helpful, but from what I've seen all over the net, I'm not holding my breath....