MSNBC: When will media "honeymoon" with possibly "overrated" Obama end?
SUMMARY: On MSNBC News Live, Amy Robach asked if the purported "honeymoon" Sen. Barack Obama is enjoying with the media would "officially [be] over when he officially enters the [2008 presidential] race." While Robach did not comment on MSNBC's coverage of Obama during this purported "honeymoon" period, MSNBC hosts and guests have highlighted Obama's middle name and mocked his purported sensitivity to comments about his ears.
During the December 18 edition of MSNBC News Live, anchor Amy Robach hosted several segments discussing "[h]ow long" Sen. Barack Obama's (D-IL) "honeymoon with the public and the media will last." During an interview with U.S. News & World Report chief White House correspondent Kenneth T. Walsh, Robach asked whether "some of this Obama buzz" is "unwarranted" and whether Obama "[c]ould ... be overrated." She then asked if the purported "honeymoon" Obama is enjoying with the media would "officially [be] over when he officially enters the race." While Robach did not comment on MSNBC's own coverage of Obama during this purported "honeymoon" period, as Media Matters for America has previously noted (here, here, and here), MSNBC hosts and guests have highlighted Obama's middle name and mocked his purported sensitivity to comments about his ears.
For instance:
- Barack Hussein Obama: As Media Matters previously noted, during MSNBC's special election coverage on November 7, co-anchor Chris Matthews remarked that Obama's "middle name is Hussein" and suggested that it would "be interesting down the road." On November 27, MSNBC host Tucker Carlson referred to radio host Bill Press as "a true member of the Barack Hussein Obama fan club" and, during the November 28 edition of MSNBC's Hardball, Republican strategist Ed Rogers referred to "Barack Hussein Obama." On December 13, Matthews teased another interview with Rogers by describing the strategist as "the one who just loves Barack Obama's middle name Hussein," though Matthews then criticized Rogers for insisting on referring to Obama as "Barack Hussein Obama," saying, "[T]he only time we start using three names for a person is when they're an assassin."
- Obama's "big ears": On December 10, according to a December 11 weblog entry by Chicago Sun-Times Washington bureau chief Lynn Sweet, Obama "chided" New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd "in a kidding way" for writing in her October 21 New York Times column (subscription required) that Obama's "ears stick out." Obama said to Dowd, "I just want to put you on notice. I'm very sensitive," adding, "I was teased relentlessly when I was a kid about my big ears." As Media Matters noted, on December 15, echoing conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, Carlson took Obama's exchange with Dowd seriously, stating that Obama "apparently was annoyed with New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd after she commented upon the size of his ears." He then asked guest Rosa Brooks, a Los Angeles Times columnist: "[I]s he ready to take on the presidency?" and called Obama a "sensitive little man." Brooks replied: "Oh, I think you've got this totally wrong. He was teasing her."
Additionally, after Walsh compared Obama's "sort of feel-good rhetoric" and his "politics of hope" with Gary Hart's 1984 presidential campaign because they both involve "a Democrat trying to find a new way, a new politics of the future," Robach chimed in, "Let's hope there's no Donna Rice."
From the 9 a.m. ET hour of the December 18 edition of MSNBC News Live:
ROBACH: Obama-Mania, or Obama-fever, or even Obama-rama. Whatever you call it, it's sweeping the Democratic Party. And even though Barack Obama hasn't even officially entered the presidential race, many are wondering how long his honeymoon with the public and the media will last. Let's talk about that with Ken Walsh from U.S. News & World Report. He recently interviewed the senator and writes about him in the current issue. Ken, thanks for being with us.
WALSH: Nice to be back, Amy.
ROBACH: Well, is the honeymoon officially over when he officially enters the race?
WALSH: Oh, sure. Well, it's already -- the criticism is already starting. There have been a couple of stories in recent days about his property dealings with a man in Chicago who is now under federal charges. There's nothing indicating that Barack Obama did anything wrong here, but his association is being examined, and he has said now that it was "boneheaded," in his word, to be involved in this -- with this fellow in a property deal. Now, as I say, this does not appear to be a big issue, but it's just the beginning of what Barack Obama can expect now, if he does run for president.
[...]
ROBACH: And, yet, Ken, last week's NBC/Wall Street Journal poll shows that Democrats ranked Obama third in terms of electability -- Hillary Clinton, number one; John Edwards, second. That said, is some of this Obama buzz unwarranted? Could he be overrated?
WALSH: Oh, sure. Absolutely. I think that there is a sort of underwhelming quality when you look beyond the rhetoric, and he has a lot of sort of feel-good rhetoric and the politics of hope and so on, which is uplifting to people. But, what's below that? What's the details? That's really, you know -- where's the beef, as they said with Gary Hart in his 1984 campaign for president, and it reminds me a lot of that campaign, by the way, which I covered a long -- you know, a long time ago now -- but, it was sort of a new ideas --
ROBACH: Let's hope there's no Donna Rice.
WALSH: Right, that's right. It's the character issue that did Gary Hart in, now -- and on the personal side, we have no indication there's anything like that with Barack Obama. But the same pattern is there as far as a Democrat trying to find a new way, a new politics of the future, but we have to see if there's any substance beneath it, and we really don't know that yet.
ROBACH: All right, Ken Walsh. We appreciate it. Thank you.
When Karl Rove tells them it's over.
I've always wondered who the "fat lady" was.
I mean, it's fun to speculate that Rove pulls all the strings. But, more and more... I'm convinced that the news media is merely composed just a bunch of lame opportunists who wouldn't know a good story if it slapped them in the face. I don't know... I wonder if Rove's influence isn't just a tad overrated?
It may just be collective incompetence, or apathy, or corruption on the part of the press. But, it seems obvious to me that they've sold out to something or somebody...and we know that the White House has been caught paying at least two columnists to write favorable pieces, plus those White-House-produced phony "news" clips.
Rove has a history if media manipulation... and he now has access to an almost unlimited budget, plus no real oversight...I think anything is possible.
With these clowns? You're absolutely correct. Still amazes me.
Your obsession with Karl Rove is moot these days. He sealed his fate with the recent elections, Bush's plummeting poll numbers and the chaos within much of the Republican party now. He is no hero to anyone, yields little if any influence anymore, and is basically running out the clock for Bush.
You give him way more credit than he deserves. Find another whipping post, because your efforts are wasted on him.
...and, that was my point I guess. I wonder if he really was ever that much of a 'mastermind'...? To be honest, none of the Bush crew seem that bright to me. I could be wrong.
Rove thought he knew how to win elections and stir up his base to bring any victory home. He was wrong. He underestimated Iraq and Bush's sagging popularity.
Karl Rove was overrated, he isn't anymore.
But his legacy will live on. He took attack politics to a new low, and I think he's largely responsible for the massive Republican lying machine that this website is always railing against. He may not have created it, but I believe he has honed it to the blunt instrument it is now.
Is his time in the sun over? We can only hope so.
I wonder if Rove's influence isn't just a tad overrated?
Rove himself, quite possibly. But "Rovian?" No, it's influence is not overrated for precisely the reason you state: "the news media ... lame opportunists who wouldn't know a good story if it slapped them in the face." Except that I'd add "lazy."
Some years ago, Doonesbury had a White House press operative say to a reporter something like "you guys couldn't do your jobs without the sound bytes we feed you." It was true then, it's even truer now.
way before fox news love affair with bush does.
...just more lame attempts to dodge the business at hand - that is, figure out how to get the hell out of Iraq and stop losing lives. But... instead, let's babble about Obama incessantly. The guy may not even run. And, if he does -- it's two years from now! Man...
their 'honeymoon' with John McCain? Matthews gushes about him every chance he gets.
As a resident of Illinois, I ask myself why my fellow residents are not appalled at the fact that this man has been in office for barely two years and he has spent more time positioning himself for a run at the white house than taking care of business here in Illinois! He was elected to office here in Illinois to take care of Illinois' issues and problems, yet he has spent the better part of the last year going on his rock tours to feed his self-promotion. He has obviously turned his back on the voters who put him in office for a 6 year term - I only hope America realizes that if elected president, he will do the same for the country as he has done for Illinois...NOTHING! How can he “lead the entire country” when he has not even tackled the tough issues on a state-level?
....showing all the bills Obama sponsored for the people of Illinois while serving in the Illinois State Senate for 8 years:
[link to www.ilga.gov]
He's done things like increasing teacher pay, cutting taxes for working people, increasing student loans, and making health care more affordable.
If you actually look, you'll find PLENTY of things Obama has done for the people of your state.
As for your complaints that he's spending all his time running for President, that same criticism could be given to EVERY candidate who runs for President while holding another office. Do you think G.W. Bush was working for the people of Texas as their governor while he was running for President in 2000 for example?
Do you think G.W. Bush was working for the people of Texas as their governor while he was running for President in 2000 for example?(Brian in FL)
You just didn't hear them complaining.Same way I think,always looking for the positive, that the greatest thing Bush has done for the US of A is taking a load of vacations.
As a resident of Illinois, I ask myself why my fellow residents are not appalled at the fact that this man has been in office for barely two years and he has spent more time positioning himself for a run at the white house than taking care of business here in Illinois! He was elected to office here in Illinois to take care of Illinois' issues and problems, yet he has spent the better part of the last year going on his rock tours to feed his self-promotion. He has obviously turned his back on the voters who put him in office for a 6 year term - I only hope America realizes that if elected president, he will do the same for the country as he has done for Illinois...NOTHING! How can he “lead the entire country” when he has not even tackled the tough issues on a state-level? - drtymrtini8687
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Yeah, Obama should stop being popular and successful because it makes the Kramer within conservatives uncomfortable. Stop hatin' pal
[link to www.youtube.com]
At least for the MOMENT.
He's a good-looking charming man. An eloquent speaker. Intelligent. He's ALSO short on experience and accomplishments.
He speaks MOSTLY in generalizations on the issues.
I would imagine the Honeymoon will be kaput once he gets into the rough & tumble primary stretch....
Now having said all that, I do think the guy can reach the Oval Office SOMEDAY. Just NOT in '08.
He's a good-looking charming man. An eloquent speaker. Intelligent. He's ALSO short on experience and accomplishments. He speaks MOSTLY in generalizations on the issues.
The current occupant of the White House got elected (more or less) TWICE, and he's just as you described but without the eloquence or intelligence.
You're ABSOLUTELY correct!
Truth is I am NOT impressed with ANY of the current crop of candidates on EITHER side.
Now IF the Democratic nominee [whomever it turns out to be] taps Obama for Vice-President, I'd be willing to consider THAT choice.
Trouble is, there's no Dem [presently] that I like for President.
Truth is I am NOT impressed with ANY of the current crop of candidates on EITHER side.
Limiting it to media-anointed "serious" candidates, just when was the last time that was not true - for any of us?
I'm going to risk provoking a rush of negative conservative responses chastising me for being race obsessed or worse race baiting; but there is something in my world that some call the Black tax. To get right to the point, a Black candidate of GW's caliber would never have a snowball's chance in hell of ever winning the presidency. Contrary to the right wing myth machine, the measure of competency is always more stringent for Blacks. That said I know that's not what Jeter's doing here. He believes in his assessment and it has nothing to do with Obama’s race. I think Jeter's wrong, Obama has real positive leadership skills in my opinion and he's super smart. I think he would make a fine president. I think some people feel he hasn't paid the appropriate dues yet, but GW paid no dues. To the contrary, GW had a track record of life long failure. I'll never figure out why my fellow countrymen thought he would change that pattern once entering the oval office. Now I'll sit back and anticipate an onslaught of what about affirmative action posts.
This is like a bad joke, being told at an inappropriate time, all this '08 nonsense...
...hillary and straight-talkin mccain and big ears and who's that guy that talks southern so well...
...he's one of those "feel good about yourself" kind of guys, in a southern voice...
...oh yeah, former sen. and vp candidate edwards.
Who gives a squat about such nonsense, all this supposed "jockeying" for position in the '08 election.
We just had an election!
And the new Congressional majority that results from that election (less than two months ago!) isn't even seated yet!
There's a lot of REAL-TIME MATTERS to be dealt with by the American People and by their agents in Congress, the new majority (freshly elected and not even seated yet!).
This '08 nonsense is like a bad joke, being told at an inappropriate time.
The guy that said something about Obama not getting anything done for Illinois has no idea what he's talking about. Putting aside the fact that Obama was not in the ruling party (and the party in power decides the agenda, sets the priorities, blocks legislation, passes legislation etc), if you actually bothered to check the congressional record, you would know full well that Obama has had a near perfect attendence record since taking office.
And you would also know that Obama has done a lot of good for veterans in Illinois. You probably didn't even know that he sits on the committee that oversess veterans affairs, did you? Your hyperbolic ranting and the capitalization of the word "nothing" doesn't make your assertions true in any way whatsoever. It just makes you look easily influenced by snake-oil salesmen on talk-radio.
Also, whoever repeated the popular falsehood that Obama is not experienced, you dont know what the hell you're talking about either. He has held elected office since 1995. So, by 2008, he will have accumulated more experience in elected office than Hillary Clinton, and more than twice as much as our current president had before he ran for the office.
Why do I get this feeling that if Obama were white, more than a decade of service in elected office would be considered a sufficient level of experience?
I love MMFA, but so many of the people that post in it's comments section--liberal cheerleaders and conservative apologists alike--have no idea what journalism is. Many are no different than the clueless pundits this site has been brilliantly documenting these years.
"Why do I get this feeling that if Obama were white, more than a decade of service in elected office would be considered a sufficient level of experience?"
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Perhaps.
BUT more than likely IF Obama were White he would be barely a blip on the radar screen. He'd be considered by MANY to be just another *inexperienced*-- charming, intelligent, well spoken, good-looking [White] face in the crowd....He MIGHT and I emphasize the word MIGHT be getting the attention John Edwards received first time around. Certainly Obama would NOT be the recipient of the *rock star status* bestowed upon him thus far. Nor would he be considered a SERIOUS candidate for the Oval Office. Hell I don't think Edwards really was the first time around--or THIS time either for that matter.
Obama, like Colin Powell before him is the *Great Black Hope*. That alone seems to cancel out any LACK of experience & achievement he has at THIS time for MANY of those [Black & White] championing his nomination.
Obama certainly has a great future [barring any missteps] BUT for the present his experience as a State legislator, and 2 year Senator is still a rather thin resume. Holding ELECTED office does NOT automatically mean you're capable of being the Leader of the Free World...just look at our CURRENT disaster of a President.
Obama, Vice-President?...maybe.
President?...not quite yet.
I only hope America realizes that if elected president, he will do the same for the country as he has done for Illinois...NOTHING! How can he “lead the entire country” when he has not even tackled the tough issues on a state-level? --------------------------------------
We keep waiting for President Hillary to do the same here in NY.
must really hate Hillary, the way you elected her by a landslide, then re-elected her by a landslide. Yes, she's clearly a real disappointment.
OR SOONER......
Obama and I will probably be attacked right now for this one:
What a refreshing, high quality prospect to cast my one vote for. Hey......Daffy Duck would be a huge improvement to our current resident in the White House, but Barack, I believe can defeat all comers.
Obama is so likable, even the young kids of the Conservatives are raving about him. At this point in time he’s at the most popular Rock Star Level. He’s hot, has all the rage and an old Vietnam Vet like me is also exited about his prospects.
The SwiftBoaters will swing into action early this time around, because to win in 2008 will require them to be at their absolute best ugly campaign ever.
The cheap shots have already started, but heck, I guess that's part of the game we play to run for the Presidency.
Lets see, his ears are too big? A racist Republican Pundit has already coined the name “HALFRICAN” when referring to Barack Obama. So the attacks have already begun to appear.
I don't see a comparable new face on the horizon for the Conservatives. Considering the damages inflicted on our USA, by the Republicans, Daffy would have an easy time winning the Presidency right now.
If the direction in Iraq is not corrected I am sure the next president will not be of the Republican persuasion.
The Corporate Media and their shills must be really worried that a Democratic candidate could win in '08 and also control both houses of Congress. That would put a crimp in their never ending quest for more media deregulation. Nothing scares them more than the Democrats getting back control of the FCC.
>>"many are wondering how long his honeymoon with the public and the media will last."<<
Translation: We in the media think we've said enough good things about Obama, ok? From what we've said, you might think he's a pretty good, interesting, dynamic young man. You're right, he is, but, well, we who giveth will taketh away! It's about time we pundits and talking heads start tearing Obama down already, now that we've built him up. We love riches-to-rags stories, you know. Later on, we will write articles in which we are shocked-shocked! and perplexed as to why the public has grown to have a negative perception of Obama (see Kerry & Swift Boats).
Obama is overrated...
- jeter2 /
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this coming from a guy who voted for Dumbya twice?
Obama is overrated...
At least for the MOMENT.
He's a good-looking charming man. An eloquent speaker. Intelligent. He's ALSO short on experience and accomplishments.
He speaks MOSTLY in generalizations on the issues.
I would imagine the Honeymoon will be kaput once he gets into the rough & tumble primary stretch....
Now having said all that, I do think the guy can reach the Oval Office SOMEDAY. Just NOT in '08. - jeter2
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This coming from a guy who voted for Dumbya twice? What was Dumbya's accomplishment beside the AA twelve step detox program? Where is his eloquence? And talk about generalizations? You people defended "stay the course " for years! Larry the Cable Guy had more specifics than Bush and made more sense --
Git'r done
Obama was President of the Harvard Law Review. The few people who have ever achieved that ultimate distinction have all gone on to national leadership positions including the Supreme Court. Not sure if you can really appreciate the significance of that accomplishment but trust me, the elite can.