Halperin: Media attention to "lipstick on a pig" comment "playing into the McCain campaign's crocodile tears"
SUMMARY: On CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, Time's Mark Halperin characterized the recent media attention to Sen. Barack Obama's comment that "[y]ou can put lipstick on a pig; it's still a pig" as "a low point in the day ... and one of the low days of our collective coverage of this campaign." Halperin went on to say, "I think this is the press just absolutely playing into the McCain campaign's crocodile tears."
On the September 9 edition of CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, Time magazine senior political analyst Mark Halperin characterized the recent media attention to Sen. Barack Obama's comment that "[y]ou can put lipstick on a pig; it's still a pig" as "a low point in the day ... and one of the low days of our collective coverage of this campaign."
Halperin also asserted: "Stop the madness. I mean, this is, I think -- with all due respect to the program's focus on this and to what [CNN senior political analyst] David [Gergen] just said -- I think this is the press just absolutely playing into the McCain campaign's crocodile tears." Halperin went on to say: "They know exactly what he was saying. It's an expression. And this is a victory for the McCain campaign, in the sense that, every day, they can make this a pig fight in the mud. It's good for them, because it's reducing Barack Obama's message even more."
As Media Matters for America documented, The Wall Street Journal's Amy Chozick baselessly asserted that Obama's statement that "[y]ou can put lipstick on a pig; it's still a pig" "played on [Gov. Sarah] Palin's joke during the Republican National Convention that the only difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom was lipstick" when in fact Obama was referring to Sen. John McCain's policy platform.
A video clip posted on YouTube contains part of Obama's comments leading up to the "lipstick on a pig" expression:
OBAMA: Let's just list this for a second. John McCain says he's about change, too, except -- and so I guess his whole angle is, "Watch out, George Bush. Except for economic policy, health-care policy, tax policy, education policy, foreign policy, and Karl Rove-style politics, we're really gonna shake things up in Washington." That's not change; that's just calling some -- the same thing -- something different. But you know, you can -- you know, you can put lipstick on a pig; it's still a pig.
After Halperin stated: "[T]o spend even a minute on this expression, I think, is amazing and outrageous," host Anderson Cooper responded: "Right. Let's move on."
From the September 9 edition of CNN's Anderson Cooper 360:
COOPER: We're also joined now CNN senior political analyst, David Gergen, and Time magazine's political guru, Mark Halperin. David, much ado about nothing?
GERGEN: Yeah, it was -- listen, you can say all you want. John McCain said this about Hillary Clinton's health care proposal, but it was still a foolish thing for Barack Obama to say, because every night is precious for him, Anderson, in terms of getting his message out. This is one night lost on your program, where his message got muffled by this silliness over lipstick on a pig.
COOPER: It -- Mark, you're shaking your head.
HALPERIN: Stop the madness. I mean, this is, I think -- with all due respect to the program's focus on this and to what David just said -- I think this is the press just absolutely playing into the McCain campaign's crocodile tears. I wouldn't --
COOPER: Crocodile tears?
HALPERIN: Yeah. They don't think this is sexist.
COOPER: They know exactly what it is.
HALPERIN: They know exactly what he was saying. It's an expression. And this is a victory for the McCain campaign, in the sense that, every day, they can make this a pig fight in the mud. It's good for them, because it's reducing Barack Obama's message even more.
But I think this is a low point in the day in his -- and one of the low days of our collective coverage of this campaign. To make even -- to spend even a minute --
COOPER: Right.
HALPERIN: -- on this expression, I think, is amazing and outrageous.
COOPER: Let's move on.
I don't understand how any McCain supporter can not be embarrassed, and ashamed of their candidate
Congrats! You've whittled down the rhetoric of this election to one sentence. Good job!
It is correct that bogus controversies like this rob Obama of message continuity. Perhaps that is John McCain's only chance at winning. Howver, McCain is running the risk of overplaying the adorable Governor Barbie hand. She's been on the scene all of about five minutes and has created quite a buzz among the Republican base. Nevertheless, she can flame out just as quickly. Personally, I think once she's removed from her protective shell she is going to be her own worst enemy. Yea, the base will love the red meat, but I think she'll reveal herself to be an extremist religious zealot and perhaps even a Dick Cheney-like bully. See this...
http://www.newsweek.com/id/158140
Here's a start. What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Dick Cheney?
Lipstick.
In fact, if I were Obama I would begin equating Sarah Palin with Dick Cheny, just as he has equated John McCain with George W. Bush.
A better comparison would be between Caribou Barbie and either Dan Quayle or Spiro Agnew.
Amazing that with all the complaints from the right about Obama being an untouchable "messiah" who lacks in substance, you now have them drooling over this woman who has nothing to say and cries foul at every perceived slight, no matter how absurd.
C'mon media backlash! Let's get some perspective.
What's most disappointing about the media regarding this item (as an example) is their failure to emphasize the dishonesty, and their focus on the "political points".
The rabid Kool-Aid drinkers like Hannity, suddenly sensitive feminists, will pretend that Obama was calling a Palin a pig and whine about the vicious attacks.That's what we expect.
What bothers me more are comments like Halperin's above. Calling it "a political victory" while acknowledging it's BS is not the positive reinforcement the media should be giving this crap.
I saw a guy from Politico on the tube this morning declaring this issue "game, set & match" for McCain, saying everybody should move on, while admitting that it was obvious that Obama wasn't talking about Palin.
That's where our media seem to be. Saluting effective lies as "good work", and letting the public know they should just get over it.
Col Lefty sez:
'What's most disappointing about the media regarding this item (as an example) is their failure to emphasize the dishonesty, and their focus on the "political points".'
Good point. This is disappointing, but not unexpected. Our media has adopted the conservative view of a black/white world, and applied it to their programming. Notice that rather than get opinion and logic from experts on any subject, we get the echo of partisan talking points from ideological pundits on either side. The theme of news needing to be "balanced" supports this bi-polar concept. This "lipstick" fiasco will be an excellent example of truth being the victim when the audience is asked to view "yes he did" and "no he didn't" positions, and then do their duty and find the truth somewhere in the middle. Truth loses out, but the media wins big by extending manufactured controversy, into which they can insert lucrative commercials. And all this with less effort than would be required if the objective was to relate factual information to the public.
Right, Neon. It's pretty twisted when the entity supposedly entrusted with the job of getting factual information to the public can note the lies of politicians or businesses, check the polls, and report whether the lie was "good" or "bad" based on how many people fell for it. If your approval ratings, potential voters, or profits go up, you were "successful" in pulling off the BS.
Just another reason why the conservative "Morals and values" PR material is becoming more laughable every day.
Grampy McSame used the exact same "lipstick on a pig" comment to refer to Hillary Clinton during the primaries, and not one of the GOP crybabies who are wailing so loudly now said a word about it.
GOP crybaby hypocrites, every one of them.
Sorry if anyone was eating their lunch.
How manny times has Obama used the expression "lipstick on a pig" before Palin was announced in public?
If Hillary were the nominee and was promoting "change" in Washington as her platform (while she votes with Reid et al 100% of the time) and McCain were to say: "Hillary promises change but she votes 100% of the time with the Democratic leadership in a Congress that Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of. You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig," would Media Matters be supporting the argument that McCain was referring to Hillary's policies or voting habits as opposed to HER? Take a wild guess at that one.
While Media Matters has every right to be an organization that monitors "conservative misinformation" to the exclusion of all other misinformation, giving the benefit of the doubt to Democrats under all circumstances when they make stupid comments and obviously personal attacks erodes Media Matters' legitimacy, even as an admittedly progressive watchdog group.
"How manny times has Obama used the expression "lipstick on a pig" before Palin was announced in public?"
My conservative estimate is 23.
You clearly have a reading comprehension problem since you are claiming that Obama's lipstick statement was "obviously" a "personal attack". Your speculation about MM would say if McCain made the equivalent of the "lipstick" statement does not prove a thing.
It's not a new saying. McCain has used it. Obama has used it before Palin was nominated. For both of them it obviously referred to policy, not a person.
If you claim none of that matters, and the common word "lipstick" obviously means that it was about Palin, then you are not being honest.
"Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton sent reporters a Chicago Tribune article published in 2007 during the Democratic primaries that cites McCain criticizing Hillary Clinton's health care plan. "I think they put some lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig," McCain is quoted as saying about Clinton's proposal."
Did anyone accuse McCain of calling Hillary a pig? Did MMfA ever post anything about how wrong it was for someone to give him the benefit of the doubt there?
"I want to address the latest made-up controversy by the John McCain campaign," Obama said. "What their campaign has done this morning is the same game that has made people sick and tired of politics in this country. They seize on an innocent remark, throw out an outrageous ad because they know it is catnip for the media. It would be funny except for the news media decided that was the lead story yesterday. The McCain campaign would much rather have a story about phony and foolish diversion than about the future."
Here's one instance:
"I think that both General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker are capable people who have been given an impossible assignment," Sen. Barack Obama said yesterday in a telephone interview. "George Bush has given a mission to General Petraeus, and he has done his best to try to figure out how to put lipstick on a pig."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/13/AR2007091301679_pf.html
IO: "How manny times has Obama used the expression "lipstick on a pig" before Palin was announced in public?"
It wasn't the first time Obama used the line. In a phone interview with The Washington Post last September, he used it in reference to the situation in Iraq.
"I think that both Gen. [David] Petraeus and Ambassador [Ryan] Crocker are capable people who have been given an impossible assignment," Obama told the Post. "George Bush has given a mission to Gen. Petraeus, and he has done his best to try to figure out how to put lipstick on a pig."
Other politicians have also used the phrase in recent years, including Vice President Dick Cheney, Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington state, Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Rep. John Mica of Florida and Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, among others.
Torie Clarke, a former McCain adviser, even wrote a book called, "Lipstick on a Pig: Winning In the No-Spin Era by Someone Who Knows the Game."
They ARE pigs and they know it.
Let this be about Palin, she is a zealot pig who would overturn Roe v. Wade and author a rapists a bill of rights by outlawing abortion even in the case of rape or incest. I mean, damn, if Palin's attacks indicate a person of low character, then Obama should have no problem attacking Palin's low character. And low she is with her snide, "Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's (Obama) worried that someone won't read them their rights?"
It is damned un-American to divide us like that, as if we justice loving liberals wish death to our own families. That is the lowest of the low and does not deserve to be said without pointing out how filthy an accusation it is.
And just who does she think she is, trying to tell us about her family values and abstinence only? Low character indeed. Hypocrite.
See, if she gets her way, our only choice will be her choice. I don't know about anybody else, but I have had it with these religious extremists using government to tell us how we ought to live.
Like I said. They really are pigs, ain't no lipstick gonna change that.
The whole issue is laughable. However Obama and/or whoever suggested he make this comment, showed tone deafness in light of Palin's lipstick comment during the RNC.
It looks to me like he is trying to putdown Palin, which is fine. However it does not seem very Presidential. It may have sounded clever to his handlers, but it ended up looking like Obama insulted not only Palin, but women in general.
Yes, McCain is jumping on this gaffe but that is Politics.
Obama simply tripped up again and is figuratively covered in slop.
He used the phrase before Palin was on the ticket. So did McCain. Obama was talking about policy. The context had nothing to do with Palin's personality or character at all.
Not that you care about facts or anything, but just to let you know.
AA wrote:
>>Yes, McCain is jumping on this gaffe but that is Politics.
What gaffe? This is simply manafactured outrage, nothing more. I guess I must have missed where McCain now has a copyright on any phrases having to do with lipstick.
True. This wasn't even remotely a "gaffe" by Obama. Hopefully most people see how petty McCain's campaign really is.
It looks to me like ... However it does not seem ... It may have sounded ... but it ended up looking like ....
AA, this may help you understand why you're so constantly confused on issues. Are you able to see how much of your comment is based on feelings and emotions? Do you understand that trying to analyze these items through that subjective prism is not a good path to an objective opinion?
I realize you may be only trying to reinforce your own ideology to yourself, but when you try to have a discussion based on this illogical foundation, you only insult the intelligence of everybody here, and embarrass yourself.
Interesting question, JJ. If somebody doesn't realize howm badly they're embarrasing themselves, are they technically embarrassed?
And I was judt having a little fun with Barney, pointing out how much of his posts are based on his interpretations. I know these aren't "his" interpretations, as I saw Sean Hannity last night saying the same things, even down to the "Obama doesn't appear presidential" detail.
Mindless trained monkeys on Kool Aid, but they're here for our entertainment, and I appreciate that. I just wish they didn't get to vote.
True that, colonel!
I am guessing you held John McCain to the same standard when he used the same expression about Hillary's health care plan, right AA?
Have you heard McCain's old rape joke? Or the one he told about Chelsea Clinton? I guess he's far less"presidential" if this is your standard.
Barack:
If you're "listening" ... DO NOT apologize for the "lipstick on a pig" comment ... REPEAT IT TODAY ... WITH PICTURES OF McCAIN HUGGING JUNIOR ... You can even intro with, "I agree with John McCain on this ... you can ... etc."
Hey, you've exposed ALL the Republican leaning media, including CNN, all breathlessly waiting for you to apologize for a comment that got you A STANDING OVATION from everyone there yesterday.
Campaigns are in large part about dominance and "being in charge" ... that's why "positions" and "platforms" get pushed into the background.
You apologize, and you're weak, and they gotcha. You apologize, and they've got you in the tank with Dukakeye, unfortunately.
Be proud of the comment ... make it your Campaign Theme ... hey, Palincomparison used her lipstick comment that likened herself to a pitbull ... is our attention span THAT short?
Get after 'em!!
ohpinkone,
If only Obama and Biden(Where's he by the way?) would follow. Media Matters (for very little) has jumped on this like ....... 'lipstick on a hockey mom' and the dude from CNN is right. All you are doing is demonstrating the lack of executive experience in the campaign of this leftist. He should have just blown this off and moved onto the issues.
Problem is, leftist ideology doesn't ressonate with Americans so he's SOL on that one too!
Calling Joe Biden, calling Joe Biden. Please pick up the nearest courtesy phone to hear a message as to where you will be hiding next!
dear kernal,
Didn't listen but will download show a little later.
By the way, I prefer 'hug's and kisses' unless of course you are a pig trying to kiss me without lipstick!
X's & O's right back at ya!
Mary59,
I listen to Rush and download his show (it's actually closer to 2 hrs 20 minutes because all the advertising is cut out, you know the stuff that HotAir America never could get). I consider him my community organizer of sorts, and we all know what important work that is.
As for my Christian needs, I get all the Love from God I need when I listen to the comforting words from Rev. Wright or Father Flager (sp). They speak of all the goodness of God I'll ever need and then I'll be able to say I never listened anyway! Can't beat that. Thank you for concern regarding my spiritual condition.
Honestly, I only hope others will also understand the simple truth that, "Anyone who calls on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, will be saved!" Ultimately those words are the only ones that matter, certainly more than polictics.
Obama might follow up with: "I don't want to wrestle with a pig. You just get dirty and the pig enjoys it."
It seems the righties roll around in pig slop most of the time and for too long, they've had most of the media jumping right in there with them. I agree with Obama: "Enough!"
What a big bunch of babies the RNC is, are there any adults in that party?! What's going to happen if Putin goes boo in McStains face, is he going to run to Rove or that other llimp-wristed wanna-be journalist, Hannity and cry "They're picking on me, make them stop!"!
You can call me anything you want, "just don't call me late for dinner!"
As Carl Cameron on Fox News noted, when referring to what people who believe Obama was referring to Plain argue, "Obama is a master orator. He chooses his words carefully."
He/his political operatives is/are too smart to throw in these idioms willy nilly. He chooses his words carefully. "Lipstick on pig" is not witty when it comes to economic policy. It is when it comes to Palin.
As Carl Cameron on Fox News noted, when referring to what people who believe Obama was referring to Plain argue, "Obama is a master orator. He chooses his words carefully."
The only people who want people to think Obama's comments were directed at Palin are the McCain/Plain campaign and their supporters. They're hoping to distract voters from the truth, Palin is totally clueless. Palin hasn't said a single word that wasn't from her convention speech. No questions from reporters and even no questions from the folks who show up to hear her speak. Nothing! And that's what the McCain campaign is hoping to hide for as long as they can.
Here's a list of more news sources that are calling foul on McCain's campaign tactics:
The New Republic...
Mark Halperin... EJ Dionne... McClatchy Papers... Joe Klein... CBS... ABC's Jake Tapper... Andrew Sullivan... MSNBC...
Paul Begala... AP... David Corn... Atlanta Journal Constitution... Glenn Grenwald... Taylor Marsh... Chicago Tribune... Slate...
Politico's Jonathan Martin... Ruth Marcus...The American Prospect... Ari Melber...
99 PERCENT OF WHAT HE SAYS IS SCRIPTED. HIS HANDLERS WANTED TO BE CUTE AND HAVE HIM INJECT THIS SAYING ABOUT LIPSTICK BECAUSE SHE IS THE AS THEY SAY (THE LIPSTICK CANDIDATE).HOW IDIOTIC WAS THAT? YOU KNOW THIS WOMAN IS ON FIRE WITH WOMAN VOTERS AND YOU ADD FUEL TO IT. REAL GENIOUS. NOW INSTEAD OF YOUR TALKING POINTS YOUR DEFENDING A STATEMENT THAT ENERGISES THE VERY GROUP OF PEOPLE YOUR TRYING TO GET ON YOUR SIDE.THATS ARROGANCE AND STUPIDITY. JOE CAPRIO/ CITYLIFE PRODUCTIONS
RIGHTWINGER, is that you? Or is this another caplock idiot?