Check out this CNN video at HotAir. Here we see Cool Hand Luke paying a visit to the White House Press Corps. It’s a challenge endure the first 3+ minutes of derriere kissing on the part of the unbiased White House reporters (I swear I heard one of them say something like “President Bush couldn’t have handled this, sir.”) But if you can make it that far, the video begins to get interesting. Up to that point, no one had dared ask President Obama an actual question. Watch what happens when one reporter breaks the unspoken rule and lobs a question at Obama.
The mood of the scene changes completely and Obama begins scolding the corps. And he threatens punishment for any further infractions. ”This is what happens…I can’t end up visiting you guys and shake your hands if I’m going to get grilled every time I can down here.” Getting grilled = being asked a single question about policy on lobbyists.
Notice the look on his face when he tells the offender, “That’s all I was trying to do, right?” You can bet that reporter won’t be popular in the press conference room. The audacity!
Notice also that the rest of the corps either goes mute or makes self-deprecating noises in an effort to soothe the ire of the President. ”I’d just like to say it one more time,” says one, in a sycophantic attempt to diffuse the tension. Then, in a dramatic voice, “Mr. President.” Oh what a feeling to be able to call Barack Obama “President.” Just make sure you don’t follow that up with a question.
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5 Comments
January 23, 2009 at 1:36 am
What he expected to happen when visiting the press core, he was only doing it for a photo op. You know “regular guy Obama”. he wanted, and expect it to turn into a fluff piece that would feed his narrcisism. What he got was an actual question. A real one, notsome softball “what do you think” crap that the in the tank media give him.
That very real question does not jibe with the false perception he expects Pravda MSM to paint of him. That reporter ruined his phony photo op he set up, by “wondering by” to check on the boys, there will be banishment for it.
January 23, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Check out the latest. He doesn’t like off the cuff questions from the press or anyone else and he doesn’t want unapproved photos of him circulating either. Talk about a public image machine. This is foreboding stuff.
January 23, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I understand the frustration from the President; but I do not understand the derogatory statement of Bush, not being able to handle “it” and the Mr. Pres. remark. In the end, Obama is a man and now our President. To overly adore and praise a person is dangerous, and that is irregardless of who they are. I did not agree with alot of Bush’s policies, but he was the President, and was deserving of my respect. Now Obama is in office, attempting to utilize the press (as he should) in the best manner possible. Disrespectful behavior cuts both ways.
If anything, what I saw of the press is only a reminder that the “press” does not simply report the facts, the facts are presented according to their own perceptions.
We have a ways to go to see how these relationships will play out.
January 24, 2009 at 9:30 pm
[...] already know that he will punish reporters who ask him questions for which he doesn’t have a rehearsed answer. And don’t forget that [...]
February 19, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Oh for pete sake, this President’s love of self is nauseating.