The Puppet Media..

*Medic2RN* · Jul 02, 2009 10:51 PM

Helen Thomas: Not Even Nixon Tried to Control the Media Like Obama

Following a testy exchange during Wednesday’s briefing with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas told CNSNews.com that not even Richard Nixon tried to control the press the way President Obama is trying to control the press.

“What the hell do they think we are, puppets?” Thomas said. “They’re supposed to stay out of our business. They are our public servants. We pay them.”

Thomas said she was especially concerned about the arrangement between the Obama Administration and a writer from the liberal Huffington Post Web site. The writer was invited by the White House to President Obama’s press conference last week on the understanding that he would ask Obama a question about Iran from among questions that had been sent to him by people in Iran.

“When you call the reporter the night before you know damn well what they are going to ask to control you,” Thomas said.

“I’m not saying there has never been managed news before, but this is carried to fare-thee-well--for the town halls, for the press conferences,” she said. “It’s blatant. They don’t give a damn if you know it or not. They ought to be hanging their heads in shame."

http://www.cnsnews.com/public/conten...x?RsrcID=50445

I'm glad finally someone said it.

*heron* · Jul 03, 2009, 07:21 AM

And this is new because ... ?

The "media" have been used to promote political agendas since "media" existed.

You can call it persuasion, campaigning, education, propaganda ... whatever.

It's a tool, like any other. He who defines the debate controls the debate. It is in the interest of the president to define the debate in order to accomplish his goals ... anyone in political power will, and does, do the same.

*tntrn* · Jul 03, 2009, 08:43 AM

I think it's news because the liberal media people are speaking out because they are, uh, miffed. Since Obama seems to have most of the mainstreamers in his hip pocket, it's news indeed if any of them are po'd and talking about it.

*heron* · Jul 03, 2009, 08:51 AM

As a flaming radical, I've always recognized that Obama's basic approach is to attempt to reach common ground. That means no one faction is going to get everything it wants ... don't know why it's coming as such a surprise to liberals that this means them, too.

So, a politician in power tries to "spin" the media coverage. I still say, so what else is new?

*tntrn* · Jul 03, 2009, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by heron

As a flaming radical, I've always recognized that Obama's basic approach is to attempt to reach common ground. That means no one faction is going to get everything it wants ... don't know why it's coming as such a surprise to liberals that this means them, too.

So, a politician in power tries to "spin" the media coverage. I still say, so what else is new?

I would have to disagree about obama wanting to reach common ground. My opinion is that he wants it his way or not.

It's not new that the PIP (politician in power) tries to "spin" the media coverage. What's new is that the liberal media, and especially Helen Thomas, are not used to not getting the first question, and getting the preferential treatment from the dems. Its' good for them to experience that, but also telling that Obama is controllling even them, more than what has been done in the past.

*heron* · Jul 03, 2009, 09:28 AM

No one can stand on your neck unless you kneel down (which is not the same as agreeing, IMHO).

The media have a choice about whether to cooperate or push back. Brings up some very interesting ethical questions, when you think about it.

When I read/watch/hear anything that claims to be telling the "real truth", I tend to wonder what's being left out.

The media aren't exactly helpless victims here ... and they have their own bottom lines to watch.

Obama didn't invent the game and won't be the last to play it.

The only thing I can think of to do is to vary one's sources as much as possible in the hopes that the truth is in there somewhere.

*Medic2RN* · Jul 03, 2009, 09:53 AM

I agree with you tntrn.

So, a politician in power tries to "spin" the media coverage. I still say, so what else is new?

Spinning coverage is not new. Obviously, they have been doing this for quite some while, although I must admit that Obama's administration has taken it to the next level. What IS new is that someone has spoken out about it. It's been amusing to watch the lovefest most of the media has with Obama.....both amusing and sad.

I've always recognized that Obama's basic approach is to attempt to reach common ground

I have heard him say this, but his actions have not supported it.

*heron* · Jul 03, 2009, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by Medic2RN

I agree with you tntrn.

Spinning coverage is not new. Obviously, they have been doing this for quite some while, although I must admit that Obama's administration has taken it to the next level. What IS new is that someone has spoken out about it. It's been amusing to watch the lovefest most of the media has with Obama.....both amusing and sad.

I have heard him say this, but his actions have not supported it.

IMHO, depends on one's perspective. Mine's likely a bit different from yours. Like I said ... the truth's probably in there somewhere!

*herring_RN* · Jul 03, 2009, 10:19 AM

Maybe Helen Thomas forgot about "Jeff Gannon"

White House-friendly reporter under scrutiny

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/wa...under_scrutiny? pg=full

More on this "reporter" http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Ga...tive_0506.html

*heron* · Jul 03, 2009, 10:38 AM

Rut-roh! :smiley_ab

:smiley_ab

The Puppet Media..

The Puppet Media..

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