Report: MTV Sought out ‘Lighter Questions’ For Obama Town Hall

In a live television town hall event sponsored by MTV, BET and CMT, President Barack Obama set out to reach out to young voters. Questions were chosen from a variety of audience members and solicited via the social networking site Twitter. The president fielded a variety of questions reflecting young people‘s frustration over the country’s lack of jobs and concerns over social issues such as the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

Prior to the event, a writer for the gay advocacy blog AMERICAblog Gay reports that his application to participate in the discussion was turned down after MTV representatives told him they were looking for a “lighter question.”

After asking what topics I was personally interested in, they asked what question I’d want to ask President Obama if I were in a room with him. I gave a sample question to give them a sense of where I’d go, but not anything specific (something about the role that federal policy plays in preventing bullying in light of the recent attention to suicide). The next question was: What lighter question would I ask the President — something related to pop culture perhaps. I hadn’t given any thought to this because, really, what moron blows this opportunity by asking the President “Mac or PC?” I gave them some light question and it was the one note that was made during the interview. I was not invited to attend.

When asked about the incident Thursday, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told the Washington Post that “in hundreds of town halls, the president has always gotten questions that weren‘t ’easy.’ And the questions Obama was asked during the town hall were by and large very substantive.”

Comments (60)

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  • Benbit
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:56pm

    Just thinking,what year was it in my life that the old saying hit me. Maybe 23 no 22 the year I had to pay rent.
    The older I get the smarter my farther is……
    Don’t worry about these kids, only 20 % will stay in the left lane of life.

    Report Post »  
    • MidAmerican
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 12:43am

      When a kid hits 20, give them their allowance in Travelers Checks. They will get the hint. lol

      Report Post »  
    • roninshaman
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:01pm

      I was thinking earlier today that the Obama presidency may have two very positive effects on America.
      1. Many of our young citizens will seriously reconsider the propaganda they have been force fed throughout their youths and move toward conservative thought.
      2. The population at large seems to be thinking about politics more than they’ve done in a long time.

      We’re no longer drifting carelessly toward a Socialist future. Maybe the Dems were right about us driving the car into the ditch. We were asleep at the wheel.

      Report Post »  
  • RobR
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:55pm

    Just more proof Barack Obama is the consumate Ass-Clown personified.

    I almost feel sorry for the scmuck………..nah……..he deserves everything he gets and more-on.

    Report Post » Barack Must Go  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:55pm

    No subject is off limits as long as they are multiple choice with only one choice.

    Report Post » Marylou7  
  • Rob
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:53pm

    ….boxers or briefs?

    Report Post »  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:58pm

      Q’s from Megan McCain ” Like , whats your favorite color ?

      Like ,, I‘m a progressive republican what ya gonna do for us Progressive Republican’s?

      Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • roninshaman
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:07pm

      Mr. President, which are better: wittle fluffy puppy dogs or cuddly n’ cute as a button kittens?
      Americans want to know.

      Report Post »  
  • p-squared
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:53pm

    I hope no one is surprised by this. It’s not like one of those kids was going to ask him to explain anything of real significance, because by and large they just don’t know what to ask. Facebook or MySpace? Puppies or kittens? Puhleez.

    The patriotism and will of every generation needs to be challenged or they get lazy, stupid, and apathetic. A majority of the current crop of 20-somethings that infest MTV have never faced hard times, most of them view military service as something for someone else to do, and their priorities don’t include actually working for a reward. They’ve been given participation trophies all their lives, and will continue getting them in the form of “free” health care, “free” education, etc.

    Report Post »  
  • Mary M. Tebbe
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:52pm

    Let me understand this…Hmmmm…the intellectual, bright president can’t answer the tuff questions, so only those with softball questions can be a part of the “show”. Okay…got that. Washington WAS broken when he campaigned…If it wasn’t then, it sure is now. He is soooo proud to be an American…Yes, I heard that…Is that why he is dismantling it and fundamentally changing it? And…on top of all that…He wants to redistribute THE WEALTH??? Still trying to digest all that…Does not compute. Oh please!!!

    Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
  • teddie888
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:51pm

    It would be like having a movie star and not talking about movies

    Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:41pm

    It really didn’t matter. They hired ACTORS. Check it out. (fourth one down) http://casting.backstage.com/JobSeekerX/SearchJobs.asp?SearchStartingPoint=MainSearchForm&txtaction=CREATE&ProfileID=&SubmitToSearch=Search&lctr=1&rvsd=-1&o1=2&p1=1&ipp=10&city=&fromsearchpage=True&kwrd=&kwdt=1&lcta=1&st=DC&cn=1&btnSearch=Run+Search+Now

    PRESIDENT OBAMA TOWN HALL, DC
    “PRESIDENT OBAMA TOWN HALL, DC MTV, BET, and CMT (prods.) are seeking diverse audience members for A Conversation with President Obama, a town hall meeting with President Obama. Shooting Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. in Washington, DC. Seeking—Audience Members: males and females, 18+, to participate in the town hall. To apply, email townhallaudience@mtvnmix.com and put “Town Hall” in the subject line. To ensure that the audience represents diverse interests and political views, include your name, ph …[more]…

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Ronko
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:40pm

    The president is a moron he truely has no idea how much damage he has done to this country chasing his stupid Social Crap Justice Dream. The president needs to get his act together quickly or else he’s done in 2012

    Report Post »  
    • luvamerica
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:07pm

      He better be done, there shouldn’t be an “or else” at the end of your sentence.

      Report Post »  
  • Vietraq Vet
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:36pm

    I’m probably old school – but my sons experienced the 1848 rule. When you turn 18, you have forty-eight hours to find a place to live or start paying rent. The eldest is a 2.5 tour Iraqi Freedom Vet and now flies UAV’s for a federal contractor, #2 is in management for a national communications company and #3 is 22 yrs. old and is a Sergeant in the U.S. Army (2 tour Iraq war vet.).

    Report Post » Vietraq Vet  
    • AngryTexanFromAmarillo
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:01pm

      Please tell your sons THANK YOU! for their service! May God watch over and bless them. And blessings to you also Vietraq for raising fine young men.

      Report Post » AngryTexanFromAmarillo  
  • Sunnyr
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:27pm

    How many more days until January 20, 2013??

    Report Post » Sunnyr  
    • luvamerica
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:06pm

      829 days
      Or 2 years, 3 months, 6 days excluding the end date
      118 weeks

      Counting down every single day.

      Report Post »  
  • thesixfour
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:24pm

    I got one “Do you like puppy dogs? Or kitty cats?”

    or

    “Which do you prefer after a big heap of fries Pespi or Coke?”

    Report Post » thesixfour  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:03pm

      How about this question to him “Do you want to resign or be impeached?”

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • roninshaman
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:15pm

      I missed your post and asked the first question also. This is why the screening process is so very necessary. We don‘t want to waste the Grand Pubah’s time.

      Report Post »  
  • SI08
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:17pm

    Indoctrination of the youth anyone?

    Report Post »  
  • Rapunzel
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:11pm

    Right, he tried to meet the Republicans half way on health care. If you consider meeting someone halfway refusing to give an inch on any point of contention and refusing incorporate any of their ideas, well then I guess he did.

    Report Post » Rapunzel  
    • drbage
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:46pm

      If reminding someone that the election is over and he won and McCain lost is meeting someone halfway, I guess you are right.

      Report Post »  
    • roninshaman
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 3:10pm

      He was talking figuratively. Half way down the enormous pedestal he was place upon by his true believers. That’s still pretty far away from reality.

      Report Post »  
  • Danglinbags
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:09pm

    I wish he would answer the questions on my mind. When is Keith Olbermann going to be appointed the Media Czar? When is Ed Schults going to become the Hawt Seksie Dewd Czar? I am waiting Mr. President. Please don’t disappoint me.

    Report Post » Snowleotard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • pajamash
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:04pm

    Mr. President. I will do everything to help my children but I DO NOT appreciate being forced to help them. At some point children need to learn to look out for themselves. If we are forced to take care of them until they are 30 they will never “leave the nest”.

    Report Post »  
  • sybilll
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:01pm

    I thought it was odd that no one even flinched when the last questions (about your greatest fears) were “I‘m afraid we’re becoming a communist country”, and “I’m afraid you will be re-elected”. Check the transcripts for yourself when they are available.

    Report Post »  
  • vennoye
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:01pm

    I saw Barack Obama as a liar before the election, so I didn’t vote for him………………but never did I expect him to as devious and corrupt as he has been and IS.

    Report Post » vennoye  
  • axel@25
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:56pm

    OR, perhaps Its kind of like the old Soviet style system, “We pretend to work and they pretend to pay us” is now being morphed into, “ We pretend to ask and they pretend to answer”.

    Report Post »  
  • Dodsfall
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:53pm

    Barry’s got his own theme music!

    I wonder who at the White House wrote all the questions? I see they are taking steps to keep from getting ambushed by the “I’m tired of defending you” crowd.

    Report Post » Dodsfall  
  • angelcat
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:52pm

    “Lighter questions”- translation:softball fluff questions that won’t require either the questioners to think or the President to have to defend his failed policies thus far.

    Report Post »  
  • byehlik
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:48pm

    This is the most corrupt bunch I have ever seen in my 50 years on the planet. God help us fix this. If we can not right this ship at the ballot box, I am afraid that “Roman” history will be repeated. This MTV so called “a”political event is obviously a political stunt by a very complicit media to boost the Marxists/Communist/Liberal/Progessive (all one in the same) agenda. I hope that those Americans who are sick of this takover of what was a free, good, and leading beacon for the world show up and vote to stop this run away train before it is too late! Get the vote out, it is your civic duty!

    Report Post » byehlik  
  • axel@25
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:41pm

    has it finally come to this??? questions asked AND answered by TELEPROMPTER??

    Report Post »  
    • Prospero
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:46pm

      Heh heh heh indeed! Why go to the trouble of even having people? Just line the room with teleprompters….

      Report Post » Prospero  
    • angelcat
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:53pm

      Prospero, they would have to screen the teleprompters to make sure they don’t ask difficult questions and are not smarter than the president (who isn’t all that smart himself.)

      Report Post »  
  • pajamash
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:39pm

    “No subject will be off limits”

    But it is not political is it!

    Report Post »  
    • angrymob
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:18pm

      Sure sure…wink wink ;)

      Report Post » angrymob  
    • RobertCA
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:09pm

      I thought he was there to promote his new hit single “ The Road To Nowhere ”

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • snowleopard3200
    Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:32pm

    So much for spontanious asking of questions, they had been prescreened. And here MTV said it would not be a “political presentation.” President Obama once again got off easy, even though there were such hard questions as “Mac or PC?”

    http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mixed art)

    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • 5
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:55pm

      If these Kids think they are so smart can’t they see He is screwing up the next generation?

      Report Post »  
    • FreedomOfSpeech
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:53pm

      There’s a big duh.
      Why is the Obama administration burning books like the Nazis did?

      Report Post » FreedomOfSpeech  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:05pm

      @5 I learned long ago that having brains or “smarts” does not always imply common sense or hard won wisdom. I learned that lesson at sixteen when a boar hunt went majorly wrong, in that I had the “foolproof plan” to get the thing – except the boar had other ideas.

      Still got him, and also got to spend the next few weeks getting put back togeather as well.

      http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mixed art)

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • BQI
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:07pm

      SNOWLEOPARD3200

      Boy, that sounds painful.

      Black Conservative Blog: http://www.blackquillandink.com Tomorrow’s article-The Road to Serfdom-From Capitalism to Socialism

      Report Post » BQI  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:00pm

      @BQI – painful it was, he still made for a great bar-b-q, just like I intend to have after the 2012 vote puts President Obama out to retirement.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Marcobob69
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 8:41am

      You don’t really expect hard questions for the “Anointed One”, do you??? The lame stream media would NEVER put His Highness on the spot!

      Report Post »  
    • roninshaman
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 2:51pm

      Politicians have had prescreening for years. My ex-wife went through actual security checks before going to a rally for George W. during his second presidential campaign.

      What amazes me is how BO’s team has let so many hard hitting questions into these gigs. I find it all very amusing. Obama is making himself look bad. By his own admission, his first 2 years have accomplished 70% of his desired goals reached. He doesn’t need to blame anyone but himself for his failure as President.

      Report Post »  
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