Obama, but not in a swimsuit...

[carpe diem]

In a question-and-answer session this morning, Obama criticized "one of the narratives" about him showing up in the mainstream media.

Summed up, he went on, the narrative says that "I can deliver a pretty good speech" but that it's all rhetoric and no detail.

Not true, said Obama.

"I have the most specific plan about how to get out of Iraq of any candidate," Obama said, also mentioning his proposals regarding education, health care and energy. Plus, he pointed out, he has written two books "that give more insight into how I think and feel" about important issues.

"The problem isn't that the information's not out there," Obama told reporters.

"You've been reporting on how I look in a swimsuit," he said, a reference to the recent publication of pictures of him on a Hawaiian beach and subsequent commentary about it.

In recent months, Obama critics have complained about the honeymoon treatment they say the Illinois Democrat has been getting as a "media darling" and "rock star."

Before a rally in Ames -- a day after announcing his run for president -- Obama met with the press. That's where he criticized the media coverage, following up his defense of the detail of his plans with the admonition that it's more important to "build consensus and inspire the country" than to generate "a bunch of white papers."

As he left the room, Obama paused to answer the question of a teenage student who attended the press conference. She asked about education.

Obama answered her, then pointed to the reporters leaning in to listen.

"Take some notes, guys," he said. "That's how you do it."

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2007/02/obama_but_not_i.html#more

[Monkeyman]

1. Paulo is the Right Wing Nut case of the Blog John D is second