Return of the "rookie mistake": Politico's Hearn blamed Obama for "flag flap"
On the November 9 edition of CNN's American Morning, co-host John Roberts reported on the "Obama flag flap" -- an anonymous email circulating a photo purporting to show Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) standing for the Pledge of Allegiance without his hand over his heart. The photo -- which was taken during a rendition of the national anthem, not the Pledge of Allegiance, according to CNN, which cited video it obtained -- was dismissed by Obama as a "dirty trick," which Roberts noted. Roberts went on to ask Politico congressional reporter Josephine Hearn: "Is this all ado about nothing?" Hearn responded by saying it was a "rookie mistake" on Obama's part, explaining: "He hasn't been on the national stage very long, and he's still going to make these little mistakes from time to time. The rule is, always err on the side of more reverie, right? If there's a prayer, bow your head. If there's a Pledge of Allegiance or any sort of patriotic thing, then you should put your hand on your heart." Hearn then went on to dismiss the "flag flap," saying: "I don't think it indicates any kind of broader thing about him, I just think it's a mistake."
Hearn's use of the phrase "rookie mistake," and her subsequent dismissal of the story as unimportant, echoed a March 27 article by her colleague, Politico chief political correspondent Mike Allen, headlined: "Rookie Mistakes Plague Obama." As Media Matters for America documented, the article devoted 1,200 words to alleged "inconsistencies" on Obama's part, despite Allen's acknowledgement that they were "seemingly minor," "trivial," and "small." Allen's article was cited three times in a March 27 Republican National Committee press release attacking Obama as "The Rookie," and the characterization of Obama as a "rookie" quickly spread to other media outlets, such as CNN.
According to washingtonpost.com's Fact Checker blog, the photo of Obama was taken on September 16 at a steak fry in Iowa. As CNN correspondent Brian Todd reported on the November 8 edition of CNN's The Situation Room, the "anonymous attack e-mail" accuses Obama "of not putting his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance." In fact, as Todd noted, video from the event indicates that the photo was taken during the national anthem:
TODD: An anonymous attack e-mail received by an untold number of Americans and obtained by CNN accuses Senator Obama of not putting his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.
True or false? CNN dug up the video of the national anthem from that day and found it looks like that photo was taken during the anthem, not the pledge. Hillary Clinton, hand over heart. Bill Richardson, same. Obama, hands down.
From the November 9 edition of CNN's American Morning:
ROBERTS: Another topic -- Obama flag flap. Josephine, Obama's campaign, and he called this a dirty trick, this was -- he was seen with his hands down in front of him while other people, other candidates had their hands on their hearts. It was said that it was during the Pledge of Allegiance. Obama says no, it was during the national anthem. What do you make of this? Is this all ado about nothing?
HEARN: Well, you know, I think rookie mistake. I mean, we have to remember that four years ago, Obama was a state senator in Illinois. He hasn't been on the national stage very long, and he's still going to make these little mistakes from time to time. I mean, the rule is, always err on the side of more reverie, right? If there's a prayer, bow your head. If there's a Pledge of Allegiance or any sort of, you know, patriotic thing, then you should put your hand on your heart. So I think -- I think it really -- I don't think it indicates any kind of broader thing about him, I just think it's a mistake.
So Obama has a non-offensive nickname with a justifiable basis. I'm sure no one around here uses nicknames for Republicans they don't like.
I think the issue here, and where you will be disagreed with by many on this thread, is that it is nowhere near a justifiable basis. Words cannot express how far that story is from a justifiable basis.
On the contrary, the real issue is that there are several supposedly unbiased media outlets pretending, against their own common sense, that this is an actual story just to fulfill their own prophecy of Obama being a "rookie".
Jawill, I don't agree with you on all points (I think Obama isn't as seasoned when it comes to political "do's" and "don'ts", even if they don't practically matter), but I wouldn't put it past the media to present stories backing up their own hypotheses.
Don't get me wrong, I agree that Obama is not experienced as a national-level politician, or as a diplomat. I do thiink that the pin thing is not a political do or don't. I think he gave a great response to the questions on the pin, as well. I think, if anything, his response to the pin story was a plus.
Alberto Gonzolas was wearing that pin the whole time he was shredding the Constitution.
-Barack Obama
I think we ought to be a little more careful about the whole 'seasoning' and experience test for our nominee. The country will be dying for change above all else in 08 and it could be argued that being a member of one of the two families who have ruled from the Executive for the past 20 years might actually make you not such a good choice to be up at the podium against the GOP's new haircut.
They turned one of the biggest negatives about her into a supposed positive by feeding that simple line out there real early so everyone could 'understand' the whole thing as simple as a job interview. Smart campaign tactic maybe not so smart for making our decision.
And what exactly is the 'experience' threshold that qualifies you for the Oval Office? The implication seems to be that you've already worked in an administration. But that is dynasty and stagnation. Democrats might feel like Hillary represents change, but to people outside our little fight with the Bushies, they're going to associate her with the past ten years more than that new haircut.
I think I'll take the smart as hell charismatic young guy who already shows an ability to draw independents and jaded Republicans who know they got jacked by Bush. There is a reason Obama's right with her in Iowa where they run head to head and it's not because he's drawing more of the established Democrats than she is. Those folks are so used to Hillary's fight with the right that they don't know there's a nomination campaign. All the new folks showing up for Obama will be long gone in Nov 08 if Hillary's on the ticket. The only ones impressed by her 'seasoning' seem to be the old hands. But that won't get the White House even if it does get her the nomination.
Hey guys, before you get off the track-- exactly WHAT was the rookie mistake? There was no mistake, merely a deliberate misrepresentatiion of the photo.That's the point of this MM entry-- these reporters read the story, read the "evidence," and then immediately turned around and ignored it to make something up, all in an effort to criticize Obama.
In this case he made the mistake apparently of having political opponents with no ethics. I guess a 'seasoned' candidate would have the good sense to only run against people who wouldn't make stuff up about them. Makes perfect sense.
You miss the point. This is not about what nicknames the Republicans are using. This is the media calling him "Rookie"
Rudy G. is a rookie, too, who has made so many mistakes so far it is to laugh. But not wearing a flag lapel pin, that's the story.
Giuliani has has more campaigns and campaign experience than Obama, for sure.
(not saying he hasn't made mistakes.)
No he doesnt. Guilian ran TWICE for mayor of NYCity. That is two campaigns Obama was in the Illinois Senate from 97 to 04 that is 7 years which means at least two terms ( for some reason the Illinois Senate elects some for two years some for four years I dont know which Obama was elected for) THEN ran for the US Senate so that means this is Rudy's third campaign and Obamas fourth at LEAST.
SOLON, I don't know anything about Giuliani's experience as far as national campaigns he has worked on vs. what Obama has. As far as personal campaigns, I think you're right more than I am; I am probably mistaken in thinking that Giuliani was elected to some of the state atty positions he held, which is probably not the case. My bad.
Still, Giuliani isn't the issue here, it's about whether Obama's actions (or inactions) on the trail are rookie mistakes or not.
On that issue I agree. Its like a minor leaguer when he gets to the show those pitches are a whole different thing. In fact Obama is doing better than I expected. I thought when he began his campaign we would see more of them. This is a real concern. Obama sounds good when he talks no question but I would have felt a lot better about him after a few more years in the BIG Leagues.
I'm a little worried about him, Solon. I figured if this didn't go well for him, he would just hook up with Hillary or leave the race very early. He hasn't done either, so I'm thinking his political star power will take a hit if he doesn't get the nomination.
He has one of the best long term attributes a politician can have. He can give a speech that burns the house down so I dont think losing the nomination will hurt him much longterm. Hillary has the machine, that is hard to beat, those in the political turfwars understand this. We will see what happens with Obama, if he doesnt get the nod either he grows as a politician and shows he has real substance and can stand against the winds or he wont.
Wrong.
Giuliani ran for mayor in 1989, 1993, and 1997. He ran for Senate in 2000.
That would make this his fifth campaign, not his third.
Why the misinformation?
Oh come on. You know perfectly well that Giuliani didn't run for the Senate in 2000- his announcement that he would not run was just that; it was not a withdrawal, because he had never announced his candidacy in the first place.
Arguing over who ran for office more times between Giuliani and Obama is dumb enough without inventing campaigns to try to back up your side.
How about we count campaigns where either (a) he actually wins or (b) actually makes it to election day.
You are right, for the most part. It wasnt smart of me to check a Guiliani site. They didnt mention his failed bids. I should have checked Wikipedia first off. I dont really like them though.
So, let's say I'm a muslim running for the presidency, and I'm in a situation where there is a christian prayer being said. I'm supposed to bow my head?
Yes, rookie. It's not a matter of showing a lot of voters that you respect their religion (whether you do or not).
What does any of this have to do with Obama's alleged "rookie mistake?" There was no mistake, no failure to bow his head, no nothing-- so why the tangent here? What does this have to do with anything?
Dexter wants to only vote for sheeple who stand when they're told, bows when they're supposed to, puts there hand on the heart when everyone else does.
Obama should respond to questions: "I already pledged."
Assuming you are an atheist, would you not bow your head during ANY prayer if you were on the campaign trail?
Considering the way the right is totally disrespectful to other religions, I would not allow them the satisfaction of fealty in respect out of protest.
And you would get crushed in an election. That's the point, I think.
Would I? Who knows, I'm willing to bet at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the country could give a rats ass about petty stuff like this. It's just the wingnuts who are trying to blow this out of proportion.
Yeah, I'm sure no Christians, who make up more than 50% of the country, would take offense.
But Obama is just crushing the dem primary projections so maybe you're right.......
sike
The right wing obviously would take offense, but they don't make up 90% of Christians. Most real christians wouldn't make hay out of something as silly as a nod of reverence or a flag pin.
Come on, do you really think that all christians care if someone bowed their head during a prayer? I bet 90%+ could care less.
An analogy would be to say how many patriotic people are there in the US, say 95%. What percentage of those care one iota if Obama wears a flag pin? I go with 0.0001%, if that.
What was there to blow out of proportion? Nothing happened!! It was all a lie!!
Reminds me of an occurrence in the last season of The West Wing, in which the Alan Alda character (a Republican, running for President) is pushed to proclaim his strong religious beliefs. He vehemently declines, declaring that religion is irrelevant and his religious beliefs are none of anybody's business. It is a very brave thing to say, and it shows that he's a classy man of principle.
That, of course, was fiction. Sigh.
The fact West Wing is so fictional is one of the great dissapointments of my life. Wouldnt it be nice if politicians really were that way.
Just remember that head scarf the next time you visit a mosque for a photo op.
Muslim men wear head scarves? If they don't, that would be another rookie mistake =->
Are only men allowed to run for president?
I'm a man and Pete was speaking to me.
Justice and Truth in the USA - FACT CHECK:
As a service to my many good, good liberal friends you can print this list and tape it to your wrist to help you remember what to do the next time you are running for office in the United States of America (excluding some areas of 'Frisco):
1. During the Pledge of the Allegiance you need to place your right hand over your heart (if you are wearing a hat, you can hold your hat with your right hand and place it over your heart). Try to avoid sticking your hand in your pants, yawning or farting during the Pledge.
2. When a member of the Armed Forces (soldier, sailor, marine, etc.) walks by try to avoid spitting on him.
3. During the playing of the National Anthem try to NOT raise your clenched fist in the Communist Party salute.
Hope this is a helpful reference for my lib friends!
What a dck. It's kinda funny.
It's not funny. It's also beside the point and irrelevant-- because nothing happened. Obama did nothing at all questionable. It was a lie!
Yeah, I've got a list for you <obscene gesture here>
A helpful hint to hivemind idiots like Justus. Dont be such an igonorant putz also
When getting your hooded sheets cleaned watch the starch
When starving children get them to wax your car first
When embezzling funds from your companies pension fund be sure to send them to countries with secretive banking laws like the Grand Caymans
When spitting on poor people be sure they arent healthy enough to knock you on your fool ass.
When dodging the inevitable indictments be sure to go to a country like Brazil without an extradition treaty
And never, ever do a nazi salute in public. That is a secret thing.
And don't forget, when in the stall, tap 1st, sun hand along the bottom of the stall 2nd.
Truth and Justice..As usual, you are RIGHT. Happy NOW?
I'm usually on line to buy my hot dog and beer during the National Anthem. In the baseball season right after 9/11, vendors stopped selling for the minute or so the Anthem took to play, but thankfully that's gone away now and the registers continue to hum while the Jingoistic BS grates the ears of everyone in the stadium.
BTW, I take off my hat during the National Anthem even if I am on line and not in the stands. But I will NOT do the same when "God Bless America" is being played during the seventh inning stretch, because that isn't the National Anthem. What's next, will we be asked to remove our hats and salute for "I'm Proud to Be An American?"
"Where at least I know I'm free," indeed.
If you are in the bathroom stall, no toe tapping or picking up toilet paper off your shoe until the National Anthem has concluded.
Thank you kindly.
Geez,
A guy who gets it right on the war on Iraq, and dared to stand up and say so, has passed a major ethical bill and clearly understands the strengths of diplomacy and military strength, has stood up for veterans and returning heroes and all the debate here and on CNN is he is a "rookie"? Who is experienced Bush with his weapons of mass destruction or Clinton I never had $@* with that woman! or Hilary "you dont say what you are thinking"
Give me the rookie any day!
justicetruthus8276
“ During the Pledge of the Allegiance you need to place your right hand over your heart (if you are wearing a hat, you can hold your hat with your right hand and place it over your heart).”
Since the aforementioned photo was taken during the playing of the National Anthem, your point would be?
“When a member of the Armed Forces (soldier, sailor, marine, etc.) walks by try to avoid spitting on him.”
Out of curiosity, you do realize that is an urban myth, don’t you?
“During the playing of the National Anthem try to NOT raise your clenched fist in the Communist Party salute.”
Since I wear a military uniform, I generally salute as required during the National Anthem. BTW, a raised clenched fist is not a “Communist Party salute” but thanks for playing anyway.Since I was an eagle scout about 35 years ago, I fly the 3 fingers over my heart.
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
I was always taught that you stood solemnly during the anthem, and covered your heart only with a hat or cap, should you be wearing one. You correctly state that you cover your heart for the pledge of allegiance. They can't come up with any substantive criticism of Sen. Obama, so they just create controversy. The shame is that the news people who should know better run with this crap every time.