Shocker: ABC News Wonders if Obama is Creating ‘State Run Media’
- Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:58am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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It‘s a shocking question from one of the country’s main news outlets: Is the Obama White House replacing the traditional press with its own “state run” media machine?
According to ABC, it seems the answer might be “yes.“ The news outlet points out ”the White House Press Office now not only produces a website, blog, YouTube channel, Flickr photo stream, and Facebook and Twitter profiles, but also a mix of daily video programming, including live coverage of the president’s appearances and news-like shows that highlight his accomplishments.”
ABC’s story goes on to cite examples:
But while these innovative communications tools ostensibly offer greater transparency and openness, critics say they have come at a troublesome expense: less accountability of the administration by the independent, mainstream press.
Over the past few months, as White House cameras have been granted free reign behind the scenes, officials have blocked broadcast news outlets from events traditionally open to coverage and limited opportunities to publicly question the president himself.
Obama’s recent signing of the historic New START treaty with Russia and his post-State of the Union cabinet meeting, for example, were both closed to reporters in a break with tradition. And during a recent question and answer session with the president and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the White House imposed an unusual limit of just one question each from the U.S. and Canadian press corps.
“The administration has narrowed access by the mainstream media to an unprecedented extent,” says veteran ABC News White House correspondent Ann Compton, who has covered seven administrations. “Access here has shriveled.”
“They’re opening the door to kicking the press out of historic events, and opening the door to having a very filtered format for which they give the American public information that doesn’t have any criticism allowed,” University of Minnesota journalism professor and political communication analyst Heather LaMarre told ABC.
David Perlmutter, director of the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication, wonders how the administration’s media strategy might have been viewed in years past: “If Nixon had announced he was going to start the ‘Nixon channel’ and said they were only going to put up stuff he approved of, people would have said, ‘Oh my God, this is like Communist Russian state media.’”
The diminishing press access is curious considering the president was hailed during his presidential campaign as a friend of the media. But in the age of increasingly direct access, it may be that the president sees the press as having already served its purpose.
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Comments (253)
2smart
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:24pmSo ABC admits they were ignorant for about two years. And so to redeem themselves as a legitimate news(?) organization they continue business as usual because management and reporters alike couldn’t bring themselves to report the truth supported by facts. It’s so much easier to report inuendo, rumors, it‘s Bush’s fault, revisionist facts and conspiracy theories at every turn.
Report Post »Zcat
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:23pmABC…Are one of many who let this happen! They deserve what they’re getting. We need real journalist not these suck-ups who have now served their purpose and are easily desposed of by Obama!!! Thats what they get for being bought! Where are the real journalist that will look after America and the best interest of the American people!
Report Post »rfycom
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:25pmWe don’t have real journalist anymore.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:07pmABC had to know this was coming when they all sided with FOX after the OBAMA tried to ban FOX from the press pool.
Report Post »getalong
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:13pmDon’t be surprised if Obama gives ABC an interview – He is going to need suck-up journalist if he is going to be re-elected. God forbid that happens!
Report Post »KL
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:21pmThis white house does not want the press to have the ability to question Obama, because he may not have an answer for most of them.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:20pmWow ABC, you’re really on the ball! This has been going on for 2 years and you have been complicit. What woke you up? The latest Nielsen ratings?
Report Post »MyzPhoenyx
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:17pmI feel a bit conflicted.. It’s a scary thought. And anyone that watched the last elections knows how Obama hates to look bad at all.
Report Post »It almost has the feel of a staged story. One of those sleight of hand distractions. Look over here at the flashing lights, while someone picks your pocket.
I don’t know, maybe I’m just feeling suspicious today.
angelcat
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:16pmAnd they only just now have figured this out? A bit slow on the uptake, aren’t they?
Report Post »Tomfang
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:16pmWHY is MY money being spent on such things? It’s bad enough being robbed, but I don‘t want the mugger telling me he’s doing it for my own good and I should thank him.
Report Post »suzpenn
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:16pmYa think?
Report Post »UpstateNYConservative
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:15pmSounds like a paranoid, fear-mongering conspiracy theory to me. Are the ABC corporate fat cat CEOs afraid of losing their gravy train?
/sarc
Report Post »DeltaHawk
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:14pmI tried to warn you! I really tried to warn YOU! Obama is the anti Christ!
Report Post »WhatTheHuh
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:13pmSadly, the media will still support Obama in 2012. I think the mental condition is called Battered Wife Syndrome. In fact organizations like ABC are probably wondering, “What did we do wrong?”
Report Post »Juniemoon
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:12pmWell, what are they going to do about it, perhaps they start reporting the truth?
Report Post »TheAwakenedOne
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:11pmHe has manipulated the press since day one, and it seems that vast numbers of Americans sit by and watch it happen. The time to organize his defeat in 2012 has begun, don’t be fooled by this snake-oil salesman.
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:10pmBeck is right again. The slow motion take over of America continues.
Report Post »inexiletill2012
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:10pmAnd it took TWO years to figure this out ?
I cant understand the blind at all……………
Report Post »just the facts
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:55pmNot to worry about the blind. The will soon feel the shame we already know of and they most likely be the first to feel and live the consequences of their ‘hope and change’ vote.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:09pmHELLLOOOOOO! Are they finally waking up from the drug-induced slumber? Has anyone checked the drinks (even water) that the press corps is offered by the WH???? Just asking…..
Report Post »eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:09pmWell, ABC is operated out of the Obama Office of Propaganda Services (OOPS), so, they should know.
Report Post »UpstateNYConservative
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:17pm“…Obama Office of Propaganda Services (OOPS)…”
*LMBO*
Good one!
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:31pmI’m over here laughing with UpState NY Conservative!
Report Post »How many cups of coffee did you have this morning? Good one.
Josh
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:38pmThat is awesome. That is going to be the new Lamestream Media. The OOPS media. Damn I have to share that with everyone.
Report Post »just the facts
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:52pmThat’s great.
Report Post »CaptainSpaulding
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:09pmFirst thing socialists/communists do: take over the outlets of information (media, schools, etc)
Report Post »machine03
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:25pmOpening the door for propaganda.
Report Post »POIPNE
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:00pmLet’s not forget that the name “Pravda” means “truth”. How well did THAT work for us?
Report Post »Seagal45
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:09pmLike everyone else, as soon as their usefulness is gone they get thrown under the bus.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:18pmExactly
Report Post »Rightsofman
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:09pmWhere has ABC been for the past two years? They should have been watching Beck then they wouldn’t have to guess.
Report Post »J.C. McGlynn
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:19pmI’ve been saying that there was a state run media for years. Either democrat or republican they are both the same.
Report Post »butler180
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:10pmThe main stream media is complicit in this turn of events. They did not do their job, they covered for him by labeling anyone who questions his competence as a nut/witch/loon etc and now they themselves are being are being marginalized.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:09pmThey already have state run medias they are ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, and a whole lot more. When they interview the Pres. they are allowed to only ask questions that he feels comfortable with. The closet that came was the Superbowl interview with the Factor. Unless of course its a republican Pres. then there are no holds barred. You started seeing it when Kennedy was in office. If he didn‘t like the questions they didn’t get asked. Like him and Monroe.
Report Post »Seagal45
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:08pmThat‘s what they get for being up OBummer’s rear end since the start……
Report Post »tinydd
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:24pmNaw, I think their knees finally got sore worshiping the anointed one or their jaws got tired. Either way, the first black President isn’t working out for them and especially for the country.
Report Post »RUN-FOREST-RUN
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:08pmWOW ,are they waking up!
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:17pmThet’re not waking up,they are pretty much state run media already. They‘re had no problem when they were Obama’s media but now they see themselves slowly being phased out and their income being threatened.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:18pmEventually even the deepest sleepers can realize there is an elephant in the area, either by the feel of the ground shaking in its approach; or when it steps upon them, and discover it is too late.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:26pmWhat did ABC think when they were operating out of the White House?
Bummer….!
Report Post »The White House doesn’t need ABC any longer. It has White House YouTube, White House Twitter, White House Facebook, and preemptive Obama speeches.
Hoosier Daddy
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:17pmNo, they aren’t. They will be there to support Obama in 2012. Where else will they go? Obama knows this and has no fear of stepping all over them. Like a weak, abused woman they will keep coming back.
Report Post »integrican
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:07pmI guess it took him a while to read Chavez’s book. Or have it read to him, more likely.
Report Post »Dilbert is Real
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:44pmChavez doesn’t just block access, he closes down the opposition.
When he did, what did our president say?
Report Post »IntheKnowOG
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:30pmI guess they are starting to realize the regime just tosses you under the bus once they are done using you…….
Report Post »integrican
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:16pmHe said ” uhhmmm, ahhhhh, uahha ,errrrhhh.” Then the teleprompter went back on.
Report Post »oldoldtimer
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:23amTO DILBERT: “Good job Chaz old buddy. I am with you. It will take me a couple of years but I too will control all media”. Obama.
Report Post »pap pap
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:04pmYou had to see this coming. We need to get rid of Obama ASAP.
cnsrvtvj
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:10pmI’m with you Pap Pap. Why yes they are ABC, and as a matter of fact, you’re a big part of it! Are they really serious? The liberal media are an amazing piece of work. I think ABC is a little bit slow in the uptake on this one. Wow!
http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the Liberal Mindset video
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:10pmHe is a socialist. That’s what socialists do.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:13pmBoy are THEY slow. I’ve been wondering this for almost two years now with all the Obama love-fest going on. Are they just now waking up? I guess it’s a good thing.Just keep going in the same direction, ABC.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:14pmKeep reporting things like this, ABC and all of your white house reporting will be from the sidewalk outside the White House gates. But ratings will have an inverse relationship to presidential access. Stop worrying about pleasing those in power and focus on truth and we will tune in.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:17pmState Run media? Oh say it isnt so (sarcasm is quite intentional)
Maybe back when the administration declared war on Fox the other media centers should have gotten the hint and checked more into the matter.
Report Post »BMartin1776
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:17pmOMG really they are wondering that NOW? Countless numbers of people have been complaining of this, rather warning. This is what happens when you dont do your due diligence on a candidate. There were so many red flags going up about BHO and no one would listen; too many fell in love with the pied piped.
No one should be surprised everything this guy said he was going to do he is doing, the problem lies with all of those who would listen to those of us who were legitimately questioning who this guy is. I dunno maybe too late to see this one he is already in, he is already manipulating the media. Fundamental transformation of the USA is his goal, and controlling the media is key to this goal, but IMO its more like systematic destruction of the US http://www.savingtherepublic.com/FndmtlTrsn2SysDstrcn.html
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:19pmTalk about SHOCKED, I can’t believe it took them 24-1/2 months to figure out what we have been trying to point out for 24 months. Perhaps now that the light has gone on they will take what the Conservatives have been trying to tell them more seriously.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:21pmDuh .. is someone on the left just catching up?
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:22pmI am absolutely stunned.
We are two years into this nightmare, and ABC is JUST NOW catching on? I certainly would have thought they could smell Obama’s stench a long time ago!
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:22pmI honestly hope that this disturbs the Leftists that post here, and that they finally stand with us on something of importance. I fear greatly that they’ll mouthpiece for this, as normal. It‘s sad to see what’s happening to what was once America, and the average Leftists that still carry the mantel of the Left are more and more becoming what Lenin referred to, rightly, as “useful idiots”.
The Right has its problems as well, but at least it seems capable of criticizing its own, even if you have to drag them to it on a long leather leash. The Left seems almost wholly incapable of independent thought at an individual level these days.
Stand with us on this one folks, Americans still if I may say it. If even ABC is questioning this, why, that has to be telling you something. Don’t flow into Argumentum Tu Quoque, address the topic matter of the article. Please.
Report Post »Soldiers_Son
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:25pmThe reason that ABC and other NEWS media outlets have not seen it coming is because they were, for a long time, sitting on the right hand of Obama‘s ’throne’. And when you are sitting at the top and being spoon fed with the silver spoon you do not see the king’s hired assassin sitting behind the curtain waiting to do you in now that you have served your purpose.
Useful idiots.
Report Post »solaveritas
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:31pmLet us see if the Traditional (liberal) Media react to “shriveled access”.
Let us pray that they show the same backbone that they (almost shockingly) showed when they rallied behind FOX NEWS when the WH tried to exclude them from the press pool.
Does the WH really think they will succeed in broadcasting their own propaganda? “INDEPENDENT news reporting” (even if it is liberal) is more trusted, and always will be in America.
Report Post »abc
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:36pmFor the record, the one-question limit was imposed because every answer by the Canadian PM was given in both English and French, as is tradition north of the border, so that limited the time available for more questions.
As for media coverage, the article points to trivial stuff. The limiting of press freedoms goes all the way back to Reagan, who used to dodge questions by saying he couldn’t hear them over the roar of his helicopter. This is not new and certainly not limited to Obama. Moreover, the idea that the media is actually aggressively questioning government has been a joke for a while. The run-up to the war in Iraq showed how journalists were manipulated or blocked by aggressive media control by the Bush administration, which imposed a misinformation campaign on what the intelligence actually said. They also locked out any journalist that was too aggressive in questioning the administration’s motives, as many journalists noted at the time.
The real problem with the media losing its watch dog status is that it is now run for ratings rather than to protect us from government. Fox News ran unedited multiple reports from the Bush WH and had its pundits stump on behalf of GOP candidates. That network is a propaganda arm of the Republican party, and not a protector of the people against the government–regardless of which party is running it. Liberal channels like MSNBC do the same thing for the other side, although they have far less power. Print media is far better at preserving that watchdog function than television or radio outlets, but even they were not aggressive enough in questioning various government policies over the last decade or more; moreover, that media is dying a slow death due to the internet taking away classifieds and shrinking subscription. Many brilliant Americans from Ben Franklin to Warren Buffett have emphasized the importance of independent and aggressively inquisitive newspapers, but the markets, which do not care about democracy but only profits, have hurt them enormously. This is the key problem. Not the partisan actions of the Obama administration. But those fools who see EVERYTHING through a partisan or highly ideological lense will continue to make the wrong diagnosis of the problem and, of course, offer little by way of consistent and effective solutions to this crisis in media coverage.
And I won’t hold my breath waiting for an intelligent solution from this website, which seeks only to distort the facts in order to profit. It is a prime example of the real problem.
Showtime
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:45pm@Ghost of Jefferson ~
Report Post »Good point. If ABC can wake up, perhaps there is a chance for the rest of them. Time will tell. After all is said and done, the employees of the MSM are Americans, and they have to be concerned about the direction they have helped this nation go. The managements realize that Fox News beats them hands down with the truth and ratings. Why shouldn’t they begin to report the truth? No one is interested in their lies except the Progressives, and the Progressives are the problem.
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:46pm@ABC
All tu quoque. Again.
Yes, “others have done it too”. We all know that. And yes, we know you are told to hate Fox News and thus, you obsess about them as instructed.
Doesn’t it bother you at all though that Obama, of all people, is excluding the press almost as a reflexive action these days, while putting out every form of “aren’t we wonderful” self created propaganda? When Bush Jr/Sr tried to avoid the media it was wrong, this is wrong as well from Obama. Can you admit that without trying to “but but but ” your way out of it as an excuse?
Report Post »American Capitalist
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:47pmReally?? You think…
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:49pm.
Report Post »I’m surprised I have not seen the GIANT SHORT BUS they ride to work in…………..
kryptonite
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:53pmWell, as O‘bum told O’chum in his latest campaign interview:
“..the longer I’m in this job, the more I enjoy it.”
Looks like the T-wannabe (T for tyrant) has decided to glue his @$$ to the Oval Office chair.
“
Report Post »exdem
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:58pmCan you say D I C T A T O R ? boys and girls
Report Post »How much evidence is needed before we stop Hussien Obama? Can he be stopped only after the media gets pissed because theres not enough room on state TV for all to have a job?
This fundamental transformation is leading to bankruptcy of America, open borders for terrorist,Al Jezerra on our networks, the overthrow of Arab governments and a Caliphate, just to name a few.
How can 308,000,000 people allow this to happen to our Nation by this progressive, communist pro Islamist Administration? How do we stop them????
seeker9
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:01pm@ABC
You acknowledge a crisis in media coverage. Do you think going back in history and saying some one else did “this”, therefore, I can do “this” is any kind of justification? I would call it rationalization.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:03pm“You acknowledge a crisis in media coverage. Do you think going back in history and saying some one else did “this”, therefore, I can do “this” is any kind of justification? I would call it rationalization.”
Quite correct, it is argumentum tu quoque, a blatant logical fallacy that falls under the broader category of argumentum ad hominem. It tries to shift the focus of the discussion off of the main point and onto the faults of others. It’s pure evasion and laughably easy to detect.
I had hoped for a better response, I really did. He’s not the only far Left here though, I’m hoping some others can come forth and say “yeah, this is wrong”. We’ll see.
Report Post »home_of_the_brave
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:04pmIts nice to ABC finally get their head out of their @$$. Maybe now they will start asking the tough questions and quite giving POTUS a free pass, even if it is from the white house lawn. Glenn’s not so crazy now is he ABC?
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:05pmWelcome to the fight, ABC.
Report Post »etetetet
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:12pmThe Blue pill effects wore off – now ABC sees more of the matrix (of deceit and lies)
Report Post »chazman
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:15pmAwww, the Liberal Marxist media is upset with OBAMMY! Wah! Now they want to throw OBAMMY under the bus! Waahh! Waahhh! Whaaahhh!
Report Post »Marcobob69
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:18pmYes, the National Broadcasting Company. And you thought it was “just a name”!!! Why do you think their CEO, Jeffery Immelt, is in Obama’s “inner circle”!!!??? MAYBE the rest of the lame stream media is FINALLY starting to WAKE UP to this administration and it’s agenda.
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:20pmnothing to see here, move along
Report Post »abseas
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:26pmThe last ones to complain will be MSNBC! Journalism is all but dead. (Except for a few on fox and some of the conservative papers out there)
Report Post »abc
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:27pmGhost, it would be tu cocque if I were defending the behavior of the Obama administration. I am not. However, my point is perhaps too nuanced for this site. I am stating that it is all deplorable, but that what is pointed to and criticized here, (surprise) on a highly biased website, is actually rather trivial (and not new), in comparison to what has been going on for at least two decades. It ignores far worse behavior done in the past by governments, failing to site that past behavior was worse, and it ignores the main problem, which lies not in governments seeking to hide their failings and corruption (a constant given) but with the press, which has always been needed and relied upon to expose it. By that standard, it would be hypocritical to criticize ABC calling out Obama’s administration, which I recognize, but which I am not guilty of. But it also means that I am free and should be free to point out the far worse failings of the media and past administrations on this issue. As usual, you understand too little and assume too much.
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:39pm@ABC
“Ghost, it would be tu cocque if I were defending the behavior of the Obama administration.”
What? No, it would be that if you were using “you too!” as a way to distract from the actual point of the article. Which you were.
“I am not. However, my point is perhaps too nuanced for this site. I am stating that it is all deplorable, but that what is pointed to and criticized here, (surprise) on a highly biased website, is actually rather trivial (and not new), in comparison to what has been going on for at least two decades.”
Which, again is “you too!”
“It ignores far worse behavior done in the past by governments, ”
Far worse? Hardly. They were pikers compared to the exclusion going on now, and the very controlled access carefully orchestrated. As I said, Dubya and Poppy Bush were bad, but this guy has them beat by a mile.
“and it ignores the main problem, which lies not in governments seeking to hide their failings and corruption (a constant given) but with the press, which has always been needed and relied upon to expose it. ”
And which is laying down like compliant lap dogs since the day Obama has been elected. What makes this entire article so shocking is that we’re finally seeing some cracks in what is normally a silent and compliant media who applauds everything Obama does. At least with Bush(-es) they made it a point to at least try to be critical.
“By that standard, it would be hypocritical to criticize ABC calling out Obama’s administration, which I recognize, but which I am not guilty of. But it also means that I am free and should be free to point out the far worse failings of the media and past administrations on this issue.”
Which displays your bias.
“As usual, you understand too little and assume too much.”
Don’t act like such an ass, please.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:45pmI’m not interested in endless “debate” at this point, was only hoping that we could see an occasional parcel of common ground. Hopefully some more leftists will weigh in and give me a better sampling to work with.
Report Post »rodamaa
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:00pmwish it could be right now
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:11pmUnfortunately, freedom of the press has become freedom to USE the press. Whether hi-jacked from the inside or manipulated from the outside, truth has become so relative that hard hitting critiques of the government aren’t trusted. The flame of ideologies has grown so intense in this country that few will criticize their own “champion” of the moment or believe/acknowledge anything reported by the perceived opposition regardless of the evidence. There is always excuses, reasons, justifications, and distractions. The bottom line…….even if ANY news outlet reported facts about a political figure I doubt people from either side of the ideological table would see it simultaneously as honest and fair because the cause supersedes the truth in many instances. Both sides being guilty of this it is difficult for people of either side to “flinch” first. The battle isn’t a better media the battle is the ideologies behind the people of the media. America is no longer the country with general ideals common to most of its citizens. She is a collection of people trying to either transform or protect her very nature. That is the real problem and the media is a powerful tool in that fight and honesty is the casualty !!!
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:18pmLike maybe he is selling GM and going into the media business.
Report Post »abc
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:21pmGhost,
The bullying side of you on full display. Please do not calll me an ass, since you are the one who is acting like one. How Orwellian of you to make such a comment.
“Ghost, it would be tu cocque if I were defending the behavior of the Obama administration.”
“What? No, it would be that if you were using “you too!” as a way to distract from the actual point of the article. Which you were.”
So now you are also a mind-reader. I am not distracting from the point at all, but stating that closing out reporters for certain ceremonies or attempting to send out government tape as though it were produced by an independent media is nothing new. This problem goes back for decades, but people here want to pretend it is new or suddenly worse, which you maintain, but without any proof–other than your baised assertions. This is not distraction, but an attempt to highlight the full extent of the problem. You use that tu quoque fallacy inappropriately and to silence those that disagree with you. That is nefarious, in my opinion.
“I am not. However, my point is perhaps too nuanced for this site. I am stating that it is all deplorable, but that what is pointed to and criticized here, (surprise) on a highly biased website, is actually rather trivial (and not new), in comparison to what has been going on for at least two decades.”
“Which, again is “you too!””
Nope. It is noting that one shouldn’t act like the 100th bee sting is the first one. You do this, and I correct you.
“It ignores far worse behavior done in the past by governments, ”
“Far worse? Hardly. They were pikers compared to the exclusion going on now, and the very controlled access carefully orchestrated. As I said, Dubya and Poppy Bush were bad, but this guy has them beat by a mile.”
I state therefore it is fact. Nice. Care to provide some proof? Bush hired non-scientists to black out information collected by government agencies showing evidence of global warming before sending it to the press. Bush actively hid intelligence that didn’t fit the case for war and sent down warnings for personnel not to talk to the press. The Bush administration took pride in being disciplined in controlling leaks vis a vis the press. The Bush administration started the government videotapes, not Obama, and Fox ran them as though they were Fox reports without disclosing that they were not edited by Fox. This is all arguably worse than the issue uncovered by ABC, but you are too biased to admit as much and prefer to keep yelling “you too!” Nice.
“and it ignores the main problem, which lies not in governments seeking to hide their failings and corruption (a constant given) but with the press, which has always been needed and relied upon to expose it. ”
“And which is laying down like compliant lap dogs since the day Obama has been elected. What makes this entire article so shocking is that we’re finally seeing some cracks in what is normally a silent and compliant media who applauds everything Obama does. At least with Bush(-es) they made it a point to at least try to be critical.”
Yes, they weren’t compliant lap dogs printing stories to enable the Iraq War. Were you asleep during Judith Miller’s pieces? Please. And they have been comatose since Obama was elected. Right. This is why they continue to report lies of the right on CNN in order to actually be perceived as fair and balanced. There were so many lies about Obama’s health care bill, and so many in the mainstream press attacked that bill, I find it incredible that you claim that they are so passive. Never mind the fact that the media dutifully reports every instance in which the birthers question his right to be President or whether he is actually a Christian–nevermind that the media never questioned Bush’s reliigion although he went to church far less regularly than Obama. But all of those facts don’t matter, since you like to assert you unsupported opinion as truth, and then yell “you too!” whenever someone cites facts that run contrary to your narrative. You should have a show on Fox…
“By that standard, it would be hypocritical to criticize ABC calling out Obama’s administration, which I recognize, but which I am not guilty of. But it also means that I am free and should be free to point out the far worse failings of the media and past administrations on this issue.”
“Which displays your bias.”
Nope, which highlights my right to view things differently than you and not be called a communist or traitor for it. Conservatives see things oftentimes in black and white, which makes it tough for them to agree to disagree, but they have no right to silence others who view the problem differently or who seek to correct the implied historical record in this instance. This is not the first or worst instance of government seeking to coopt or block the press, and I am not only free to say it, but such a statement is badly needed. To infer that this means I approve of what ABC uncovered is a wrong assumption, but somehow you only call out logical fallacies to further your opinions, supported or otherwise, but clearly not in the interest of furthering historical accuracy. And that makes you a far bigger ass than I am, and the far bigger bully as well…at least in this instance.
You must have skipped breakfast this morning, since you are so mean and nasty today…what happened to you??
“As usual, you understand too little and assume too much.”
Don’t act like such an ass, please.
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:34pm@ABC
Your opinion has been noted, and I‘ve already stated that I’m not particularly interested in a prolonged discussion with you, especially one that is, as usual, laced with your need to condescend, smear and ad hominem. Life is too short, ya know?
I’m waiting at this point to see if any other far leftists chime in and actually can say “yeah, what’s going on is wrong and Obama is wrong to do this/continue down this path“ instead of ”but but but they did it too!” laced with sneering condescension.
You have served your purpose as far as I‘m concerned and there’s no need to engage you further. Slainte friend.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:42pm@Showtime
“Good point. If ABC can wake up, perhaps there is a chance for the rest of them. Time will tell. After all is said and done, the employees of the MSM are Americans, and they have to be concerned about the direction they have helped this nation go.”
I certainly hope that’s the case. There are of course the Convinced, but there’s never been a way to reach those who are fully enmeshed in the dogma of their given belief system (left or right or otherwise) nor those who wield the whip of dogma over them. It’s futile to try.
The eternal optimist in me wants to see some of the honest Left return (and yes, they do exist) so we can get on with an honest discussion in this nation instead of the constant vitriol and sneering, name calling and ad hominem that have become prevalent (again, both on the left and the right and otherwise). The Convinced however, I have little time for these days, once the dogmatic digging in of heels begin with the accompanying ad hominem, I’m done except perhaps to use their words as a foil to help educate others.
Hope your day is going well! :)
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:55pmWell I‘ve been reading ABC and GHOSTOFJEFFERSON’s back and forth and at the risk of playing peace maker (they always end up getting hated by everyone). I think you are both right and both wrong. ABC I do believe you are trying to point out that the media is not what it should be and hasn’t been for a long time (agreed), but I don’t think you see how some of what you said does seem to come across as justifying just a bit (even though I know you said you weren’t). GHOST, you are absolutely right, we cannot point to past error to make light of current failures in the media, but I can’t say that I saw ABC as doing that necessarily (he may not have condemned current situation in strong language but I didn’t see him defend it either). I think this “back and forth” actually demonstrated my earlier comment about what is really wrong with the media in America today ! In essentials unity, in nonessentials charity, and in all things love. I am so sappy !!! lol
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:12pm@watchtheotherhand
Thank you for your efforts, they are appreciated. He may have had valid points, or not, but I’ve grown a bit weary of having to chop through insult after insult to get to them. He’s a smart guy, when he can accord himself without ad hominem I’ll be happy to address his points.
As it stands right now, I hope to see other Leftists chime in on what I would hope would be common ground. I recall the Bush years when I stood with many on the Left in deploring the Patriot act, censorship, abusive Presidential acts, etc. Where those people went now, I just don’t know, but I’d like to have them back.
Report Post »abc
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:22pmGhost, you call me an ass, but I’m acting badly. I love your logic. It has an unattainable bar for lefties, and is incredibly permissive of right-wingers. Glad we have that straight.
And by the way, when you condemn Fox News for its obvious partisan and propagandistic behavior, I’ll follow your lead by lauding ABC for doing unto Obama what it should have done unto Bush.
Finally, don’t call me your friend. You’ve said you have no further need of me. And such an instrumental view of me necessarily means that I am not your friend. Else, one should beware of being your friend.
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:23pmAmen GHOST I did as well…..Now that is sensible and reasonable (applause) !!!!
Report Post »Republic
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:24pmObama is just the symptom. We need to get rid of more than just him.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:47pmhey Ghost…………..dont respond to ABC he is just another TROLL that is slightly more intelligent than the rest, but , is just as blind
it is quite easy to see through his ignorance if your familiar with his past posts , which are simple to refute
Report Post »bulldawg
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:49pmIt’s amazing it only took 3 years to figure this out, And we thought the CIA was slow, WOW !
Report Post »http://www.weeklyrepublic.com
BJC
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:09pmSee it coming??? Heck Anita Mao Dunn flat out told us how they use the press. They control the message. They decide what the Lame Stream Media knows and when/if they are allowed to know it. They are experts at controlling the message amd press.
Report Post »bullcrapbuster
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:14pmIt’s great to see Ghost of Jeff…hand ABC his/her ass now and again. Go Ghost you are on the side of truth.
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:24pmThe media is no more independent from Government then people on Medicare or Medicaid. The media rarely tells what goes on inside the beltway………Just look at this quote from Rockefeller……….
“We are grateful to the Washington Post, The New York Times, Time
Magazine and other great publications whose directors have attended
our meetings and respected their promises of discretion for almost
forty years.”
“It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world
if we had been subjected to the lights of publicity during those years.
But, the world is now more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a
world government. The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite
and world bankers is surely preferable to the national
auto-determination practiced in past centuries.”
Thank you so much MSM for selling out the people of this country !!!!
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 5:24pm@BULLCRAPBUSTER
“It’s great to see Ghost of Jeff…hand ABC his/her ass now and again. Go Ghost you are on the side of truth.”
Je vous remercie monsieur.
Forgive my love of the French language, it is a pleasure that I love to indulge in when I can. :)
Report Post »abc
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 5:25pmPsychosis, if it’s so simple to refute me, then why do you repeatedly fail? And why do you studiously avoid the quantifiable topics, like the budget, where you have to produce hard, quantifiable facts rather than slippery spin-filled rhetoric? You can make bogus arguments and claim victory, but smart people see through this. And we are certainly not blind.
Report Post »CyberPro
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 8:09pmLOL, Wow, that was a good one. I will have to remember to tell that joke to my friends.. “Independant, mainstream press”…. HA HA HA, what a knee slapper!
Report Post »DisillusionedDaily
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 8:29pm@ABC If you find it difficult to believe what gets posted on the Blaze, I respectfully invite you to go elsewhere and defend your hero there. You try to defend him and his administration against every remark with long-winded diatribe that I, among others, find to be too boring to read. Why do you not go over to the Huff Post and join in on the liberal mutual admiration soceity back-patting round table?
Obama is increasingly controlling what gets to the press. No matter how much you try to “correct” the thinking of the stupid followers of The Blaze, you are not going to convince us that Obama has only our best interests at heart. The man wants to be the ruler, not president, of these United States of America. He fancies himself as another Castro or Chavez, benefactor of the poor and downtrodden, conquerer of the capitalists and imperialist industrialists that would enslave his people and all-knowing inspiration to the world!
“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.”
Report Post »Winston Churchill
oldoldtimer
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:28amTransparency?? Where? Where is the funding coming from? Why is the House not defunding this state run media? Once again Congress seem to not care that Obama is pushing us ever closer to a dictatorship. His downfall. The military will not be with him. That is the reason he wants First responders and TSA under one unified control. Only problem is most are treu Americans and will not support his planned dictatorship. When will Congress act to stop Obama blantent disregard for the constitution? Then again maybe they are in on it.
Report Post »rdk
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:45amBetter late than never. Keep it up ABC. The truth is becoming more apparent.
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