Obama and the national press (Obama supporters give me your opinions)

[angie_love]

"EDINBURG, Texas - For all the positive press Barack Obama receives, as he moves closer to clinching the Democratic nomination he is establishing himself as the candidate who keeps the most distance from the national media.

Reporters covering Obama can no longer move freely among the thousands of zealous supporters at his events — unless the reporter receives a staff escort through the security gates. (In one city, that meant using a port-o-potty outside because the route to the indoor plumbing ran through the crowd.)

And the traveling press corps has been shut out of monitoring Obama's satellite interviews with local media outlets, which is a normal practice on Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign.

On top of that, the traveling media has been tussling with Obama aides to keep conversations with the candidate on his campaign plane on the record."

http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=53303A11-3048-5C12-004652FCA3EB2E65
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Robert Gibbs, Obamas communication director said "a match-up with McCain "would not necessitate changing the way we deal with the media,".

I disagree!! I think Obama needs to use the press to his full advantage, I don't know why he would follow John Kerrys playbook of dealing with the press. This is exactly why McCain is always given the benefit of the doubt, b/c of his cozy relationship with the press. This article upset me alittle, we really need to win this. I hope Gibbs changes his mind in the GE, b/c already we're seeing AP running stories with questions on "Obamas patriotism:exposed?" and CNN running puff pieces about McCain being a war hero. UGH!

[babylonsister]

1. There are journalists not invested in wanting Obama to win,

and those negative stories will be printed regardless.

As for keeping his distance from reporters, I think he always has. He views the media as a necessary evil he has to deal with on occasion, and he tolerates them.

His message is getting out there despite stuff like this, and that's what's important. I say, keep on doing what you're doing, Sen. Obama, because it's working!

[angie_love]

4. I understand and agree with you but

Going against McCain who is VERY cozy with the press will be difficult if he maintains his stance distancing himself from reporters. I think the strategy of using local media works for the primaries but once in the GE he has to pay attn to the national media. We live in an age where many ppl now get thier news from the internet and not local news. I just find Gibbs way of thinking alittle old fashioned for this new media age and I hope it doesn't hurt us like it did in 2004.

[Raven]

2. He seems to be continuing to talk to the people...that's the important thing. n/t

[Adelante]

3. He's conducted a local media strategy very successfully

It's been a way to break through the national media's control of primary coverage. It's been the smart thing to do. Now that he looks to be the nominee the strategy will have to change, I think, at least expand somewhat, no matter what they say about it now.