Fox's Rosen on crowd cheering Obama blowing his nose: "That kind of spontaneous affection Chairman Mao only dreamed of"
SUMMARY: Responding to a video clip of Sen. Barack Obama saying, "I'm going to blow my nose here for a second," followed by the audience cheering, Fox News Washington correspondent James Rosen then said, "That kind of spontaneous affection Chairman Mao only dreamed of." Rosen joined other media figures associating Democratic presidential candidates with communists.
Discussing Sen. Barack Obama's appeal with voters on the February 21 edition of Fox News' Special Report, Fox News broadcast footage of Obama saying, "I'm going to blow my nose here for a second," followed by the audience cheering. Fox News Washington correspondent James Rosen then said, "That kind of spontaneous affection Chairman Mao only dreamed of."
Media Matters for America has documented other media figures associating Democratic presidential candidates with communists. On the January 24 edition of his CNN Headline News program, Glenn Beck called Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton "Comrade Clinton" and said of former Sen. John Edwards, "Now, put a red star on his furry head. He's a communist." Also, as Media Matters documented, on the April 23 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Michael Savage said of an April 2007 speech by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), "I know Mao Zedong would have been proud of you."
From the February 21 edition of Fox News' Special Report With Brit Hume:
BRIT HUME (anchor): Barack Obama's soaring rhetoric has been a rallying cry for many. He has consistently packed arenas with thousands and thousands of supporters and out-raised Hillary Clinton by millions in January. Correspondent James Rosen examines what is behind the enthusiasm and devotion Obama inspires.
[begin video clip]
ROSEN: The adoration, the immense crowd, the chanting -- it's all part of what lazy headline writers call "Obama-mania." But if Barack Obama's frenzied fans and fundraising success, his elevation in the delegate count and in the hearts of intellectuals don't convince you the phenomenon is real, look no farther than supporters' reaction in Dallas on Wednesday, when the candidate famous for his soaring oratory performed the most mundane of human bodily functions.
OBAMA: Going to blow my nose here for a second.
ROSEN: That kind of spontaneous affection Chairman Mao only dreamed of. So what's behind it all? Patricia Murphy of citizenjanepolitics.com argues Obama is cannily exploiting a confluence of timing, message, and messenger.
MURPHY: He is a change visually. He's a change symbolically. In every way, he represents change, and he's smart enough not to define exactly what that change is.
ROSEN: While the cry for change is certainly in vogue, Murphy sees Obama-mania also tapping into something eternal.
MURPHY: The American electorate has always wanted to be inspired. They looked to FDR. They looked to JFK. Now, they're looking for somebody to look to, and they may have found that, a lot of people think, in Barack Obama.
How about a more APT comparison?
"That kind of spontaneous affection Ronald Reagan only dreamed of."
In fact, there were many AT THE TIMES Reagan was running for office that exhibited this "kind of spontaneous affection". And while it was far from universal, the Republican pundits have spent the last couple of decades rewriting history that Reagan was INDEED that universally popular.
Why mention Reagan? Two MAIN reasons: (1) his is by far the more appropriate example for the issue of "spontaneous affection" than Mao, and (2) the affection Reagan DID draw would have never in a million years be compared to Mao.
The new rightwing narrative is now revealed: Obama as COMMIE.
However, the Rightwing MEDIA (FOX) characterization of this "phenomena" does not ultimately reflect on Obama, but on HIS FANS, who are a great many of the American People. It is THEY who are being called COMMIES, "spontaneously adoring" a Commie like Chairman Mao.
Any "spontaneous adoration" which comes the way of Reagan ... or now McCain ... that just shows what wonderful candidates they are. Go figure.
Wow, the right wing is really getting desperate. Obama met Ayers at a meeting involving several Chicago political figures in the 1990s. And they both happened to serve on the board of a charitable fund for about three years. And Ayers was a small donor ($200) to one of Obama's early runs for office.
Obama has condemned Ayers' activities in the 1960s. There is nothing more to report of a connection between them. If the right thinks this pathetic smear has legs they're even more delusional than I'd previously been imagining.
That's why they're not a news organization but rather the propaganda arm of the Republican Party.
Fox's scrabbling desperation is as obvious as the miserable failure of their Master's pathetic neo-imperial fantasies. And, just like Bush, they can't even the dignity to just give up. Revolting, but fitting.
MURPHY SAYS: "he's smart enough not to define exactly what that change is."
READ: MURPHY is not smart enough to recognize the change Obama has specifically called for in every aspect of governmental policy, in stark contrast to what Bush/McCain have put in place and would perpetuate.
Again, the MEDIA narrative is: Obama is not SPECIFIC about his change.
Whether Hillary, OR Obama, the CHANGE is specific, and it will impact the WAR in Iraq, taxes, the economy, health care, education, and every issue of vital interest to the American people.
To his credit, I suppose, McCain is specific enough: He will be more of BUSH. We all KNOW what that looks like ...
MICK:
It may SEEM to the educated that "Red Baiting" and "COMMIE" scares are passe' and so middle-of-last-century.
But we're not dealing with educated people here. We're dealing with the fearful, paranoid, hate-filled bedwetting RIGHTWINGERS who see a threat from every angle, and are ripe for exploitation by any fearmonger.
Today's Rightwing Base voter is no different that other mobs we have seen throughout history. They were the exact same mindset as those Salem residents who burned "witches" at the cross. They are of the same irrational fear level as those who carried out the personally destructive policies set in motion by Sen. McCarthy. They were the crowd who lined the streets, pelting Jesus with rocks as he carried his cross to Calvary.
Fearmongers know how to capitalize on the fear and hatred within certain constituency groups, those whose ignorance leads them to fear anything "different", and who need someone to BLAME for their own failures.
The Rightwing Base voter is actually the VICTIM of manipulation, by those seeking power. Today, that's the Republican Party, Corporations, the MEDIA, and the Rightwing smear machine, to include rightwing blogs and "thinktanks". Unlike their "base voters", who are motivated by hatred, fear, and paranoia, these manipulators are motivated by lust for power and money. In this "democracy", the path to wealth and power for these people is by fooling the gullible, those who can be led by fear and hate to vote against their own best interests, and those of their family.
Simply put, the more Americans can be made to FEAR and HATE, the better the prospects for Republicans. That is their legacy.
And that, my friend, is the crux of the matter:Republicans and their ilk are insanely jealous that their prophet is a seemingly illiterate fake Texan who can't put three words together without embarassing our country all over the world and this guy, Obama, has people fainting at his rallies.
They were equally jealous that Bill Clinton had oral sex in the Oval Office with a young intern and they have to hide in airport bathroom stalls.
But, seriously, Obama has people excited about government and making this country a better country for its people and a better country-citizen of the world.
And anyone who can make people this excited about government in these darkest of Bush Times should get some kind of reward. Like being the next President.
I must admit I think it is a little odd that they are cheering him blowing his nose. My husband commented even Obama had a weird look on his face when they did it. Who doesn't think it is odd? Why on earth would you cheer that!
Yeah why would they? That's what I find a tad scary about some of Obama's supporters. They do seem swept away in some sort of almost religious rapture...
But I might be more apt to compare the adulation & "spontaneous affection" given to Obama more to a John, Paul, George & Ringo rather than Mao ;-)
Then again, this is politics not rock n' roll.
You read about this type of adulation to dictator/Authoritarian type leaders (not that I am comparing Obama to a dictator) but I think it is dangerous for the people to have this type of worship for a leader
Hey Lostlogic :-)
Yeah this Obamamania leaves me more concerned than amused. I also don't want to compare this to the type of devotion given to charismatic dictators but whatever is going on I'm thankful I haven't gotten caught up in it ;-)
I've yet to meet an Obamabot in the flesh to ask what the hell is so engaging about the guy that seems to lead otherwise sane individuals to practically canonizing him.
I was watching him speak the other night after he'd won Wisconsin & the squeals coming from the crowd did remind me of The Beatles being introduced by Ed Sullivan.
What concerns me more though is watching many in the media joining in this sort of national Obama movement & losing their impartiality.
Matthews who'd been the worst of the media's Obama swooners actually may have snapped a few folks out of this kind of Obama stupor when he asked that Texas state legislator to name ONE of Senator Obama's accomplishments. The guy was left bumbling & stumbling unable to voice any.
I'd love an Obama supporter to tell me exactly why they are voting for him, without using the words "change", "hope" or "inspires".
Now before anyone jumps on me, I like Obama. He does give an inspirational speech. But I'm not certain that's a good reason to vote for him.
Like any politician he's made a good many promises & given a litany of things of what he hopes to accomplish. But I'd like to see the media shake off their Obama infatuation & start asking the guy some tough questions.
If mass adulation is going to sweep Obama into the White House I'd at least like a better idea of who he is, & what to expect.
Right now Obamamania is like that great party where everyone is drunk & having a hell of a time. But I don't want this country to wake up the morning after the party with a bad hangover wondering why they elected him.
"But I don't want this country to wake up the morning after the party with a bad hangover wondering why they elected him."
Deja vu.
At least Dubya strung us along for a little while. The hangover didn't start until he first mentioned Iraq.
At least Dubya strung us along for a little while. The hangover didn't start until he first mentioned Iraq.
Absolutely agree Pete.
I was a McCain supporter back in 2000 & was surprised that Bush was nominated, I remember thinking, was this the best the Republicans have to offer?
I figured Bush would probably be a mediocre President & have a fairly uneventful first term. In fact I thought he's likely be a one term President like his daddy especially if Gore decided to run again.
While I believe Bush handled the aftermath of 9/11 competently, including our foray into Afghanistan, when he started drawing lines in the sand about Iraq I thought to myself, WTF is he doing?
The rest of course is history.
One thing I know is if Gore had won the Presidency in 2000 [yeah yeah, I know many think he actually did] we wouldn't be in Iraq today.
After all, like an Obamite, all you've said so far is you think she'll be a better president than McCain.
No Johnny we're not going to play by your upside down rules this time. You have a habit of avoiding answering questions & trying to turn the tables by answering questions with a question. Sorry pal, not this time.
I will gladly answer your inquiry once you've answered mine. Since I asked FIRST, that's only fair, wouldn't you agree? Let me add that I have on numerous occasions stated why I felt the way I did. That you allegedly missed those posts or have conveniently forgotten them is your problem not mine. But if you play by the rules, I'll happily repeat my reasons.
Now once again:
Are you supporting Obama? Since you chose to address me I'll assume you are. Tell me why you are supporting him without using the words "change", "hope" or "inspires". If you aren't an Obama supporter then your farcical claim to be able to deliver a couple of Obamabots to my door will suffice. Go ask these Obamabots why they are supporting Obama using the same criteria...no use of the words "change", "hope" or "inspires".
Now I'll be back here sometime later today to see if you've replied.
Enthusiatic people working for a possible or actual leader has probably caused as many headaches for that leader as their opponets. Its hard to impossible to keep someone who likes you from doing what he thinks is good for you. You can' simply test them all for intelligence and competence and designate allowable and verboten actions to them.
Additionally if Obama represent's a revolution, the important and sustainable actions happen after the election. Tsar Alexander freed the serfs. He did not sustain that great act correctly. The people he freed killed him. Lincolin didn't have the oportunity to sustain his revolution. The people who followed him blew it for lack of intent or ability.
Thanks.
Fair enough, let's just say for the sake of argument you are presently a Hillary backer. Or undecided between Hillary & Obama. As a Democrat you will likely vote for Obama if Hillary doesn't get the nomination....right? If not, why not?
So tell me Johnny, why would you support Obama? Remember you can't use the words "change", "hope" or "inspire"
This should be an easy question to answer. If the reason is simply because he's a Democrat & not a Republican, then why not just say so.
If you still don't know, then tell me what your Obamabot friends, you know the ones you were going to deliver to my doorstep, have told you.
I'll wait patiently for your answer.
I really expected better than name calling.
One "obamabot" checking in. And, sorry to bruise your ego, but the fact that you asked a question does not leave me with a moral imperative to answer.
Yes I'm sure if a Liberal asked a Conservative a question & the Conservative tried to avoid answering that reasonable question by sidestepping the inquiry with another question Libs here would be ok with that. Don't even bother lying. I've been here too long. I already know the answer.
You, a declared Obamabot, obviously can't give a reason for supporting him without using the words "change", "hope" or "inspire". Sorry, but that's all I take away from your post.
Hey Jeter, I'm going for Obama, and I'll tell you why. I won't vote for a Republican, and I really don't want to have to defend Clintonian politics for another 4-8 years. So really, it's the lesser of three evils for me.
Though he is inspiring ;)
Thank you Dbeden :-)
I don't know why Johnny & Beinemac are putting up such a struggle about answering that question. I wasn't looking for some rocket scientist explanation, just some honesty.
I prefer Hillary over McCain because of her stance on Iraq. She's for drawing down troops & ending this ill begotten war while he's willing to stay for an indefinite amount of time till some sort of victory can be declared. Also I find having Bill Clinton back in the White House, even as a personal rather than official advisor, a PLUS. And the reason I would vote for her over Obama is that he seems somewhat naive about diplomacy in dealing with foreign affairs.
See nothing complicated in my reasoning.
If it turns out to be McCain vs Obama I simply won't vote for President, or I'll write my favorite Conservative talk show host, Howie Carr [WRKO-Boston]in ;-)
"I must admit I think it is a little odd that they are cheering him blowing his nose. My husband commented even Obama had a weird look on his face when they did it. Who doesn't think it is odd? Why on earth would you cheer that!"
I think they were just being funny. Those wacky college kids!
Big deal.
Fox News is just repeating a Republican talking point in this report with some good old fashioned red-baiting thrown in.
Thanks, Fox, for letting me know Americans have always responded to inspirational leadership like FDR and JFK.
I really didn't know that.
I do admit it is possible Hume was smiling and we just can't tell.
I watched a video of the event and it was even stranger then reading about it...they didn't just applaud they actually started chanting "yes we can". I have to confess I have never been the swoony starstruck kind of person even when I was a kid...so I have some extra bewilderment about the whole phenomenon. I also tend to be an overly pragmatic soul and inspirational type stuff goes right over my head so it is really a double whammy for me.
"sanctimonious judgemental vibe..."
Wow...sorry if I touched a raw nerve about your being admitted imperviousness to inspirational speech.. But me, sanctimonious and judgmental? If memory serves me correctly you are the one who sanctimoniously labels people you disagree with because your narrow naive views differ with theirs. Have a great weekend, cupcake...
Let's see, so far they've smeared him with radical Islam, black supremacy, fascism, cultism, and now communism.
So what will the right-wing slime machine throw at Obama next? Do they have anything left?
Just watch and think of the most rediculously stupidest thing you can and then undershoot it. You will still be above what FOX news and the 527s are about to pull in the general election.
So here is what I expect.
- Obama is using subvocalizations to hypnotize his audiences. FOX will trot out trained audiological experts to state that he is using the same subvocalizations as Adolf Hitler. Few will note that these experts are the same idiots who do the body language gag they sold us last year.
- Obama is a demonic plant from Islamic witches. After all we know they have a better heaven with 72 virgins and all they must have better witches. Obama is one of them.
- The handkerchief contains cocaine. The crowd of democrats are just a bunch of drug addled concert goers cheering their rockstar king.
- Obama-mania is a cult and Obama is a dangerous cult leader.
All of this says that good Christian FOX News watchers should never listen directly to Obama lest they be swept up by his magic.