Politico, ABC's The Note spotlighted Wash. Times article reviving Obama flag smears
SUMMARY: ABCNews.com's The Note and the Politico's Playbook highlighted a Washington Times article titled "Obama has new flag frenzy: White House embraces a backdrop of red, white and blue," with ABC News describing the article as a "Must-Read," and the Politico's Mike Allen writing, "Cable's gonna go cuckoo over this WashTimes A1er." The Times article, however, rehashes several false and baseless claims regarding President Obama's presidential campaign and the American flag and uncritically quotes radio host Michael Savage attacking Obama as a "Neo-Marxist" and "street agitator" to whom "our flag is just a rag."
The February 18 editions of ABCNews.com's The Note and the Politico's Playbook both highlighted a February 18 Washington Times article titled "Obama has new flag frenzy: White House embraces a backdrop of red, white and blue," with ABC News describing the article as a "Must-Read," and Playbook author Mike Allen writing, "Cable's gonna go cuckoo over this WashTimes A1er." The Times article, however, rehashes several false and baseless claims regarding President Obama's presidential campaign and the American flag and uncritically quotes right-wing radio host Michael Savage attacking Obama as a "Neo-Marxist" and "street agitator" to whom "our flag is just a rag."
Washington Times reporter Jennifer Harper wrote that the Obama White House "has rediscovered -- or possibly reinvented -- the patriotic cachet of Old Glory as a perfect frame for the new president" and quoted University of California at Berkeley psychologist Jack Glaser appearing to suggest that for Obama to wear an American flag lapel pin and "appear[] before American flags" is a departure from what occurred during the presidential campaign. Harper wrote:
Oh, say -- can you see? Look. It's President Obama, and he's surrounded by American flags.
They're on the dais in star-spangled glory. They're at the town-hall meeting and the news conference, in bold folds of red, white and blue. The White House has rediscovered -- or possibly reinvented -- the patriotic cachet of Old Glory as a perfect frame for the new president.
That's the same president who once would not wear an American flag pin. Things have changed.
"The biggest factor is that Barack Obama is now the president," said Jack Glaser, a social psychologist with the University of California at Berkeley.
"He's around more flags now. They're behind him or on the podium. That's the reality. He's not running around on the campaign trail.
"Now that he's president, Mr. Obama most likely knows he's an American symbol. So he wears an American flag pin. He appears before American flags. That's part of the job."
In fact, Obama's use of the flag as a backdrop is neither a "rediscovery" or a "reinvent[ion]," nor is it a departure from the campaign. As Media Matters for America noted, Obama appeared in front of either multiple American flags or a prominent American flag at numerous campaign rallies, events, and speeches throughout 2007 and 2008. Media Matters also noted that Obama did, in fact, wear American flag lapel pins during the campaign.
Nonetheless, Harper characterized Obama's recent use of the flag as a "turnaround" and quoted Savage "question[ing]" it by smearing Obama. Harper wrote:
Some question the turnaround, however.
"Neo-Marxists recognize the power of Old Glory as they steadfastly pursue their agenda," said talk-radio host Michael Savage. "As Castro taught them, 'hasta la victoria siempre,' always towards victory. As the street agitators themselves know, 'by all means necessary.' To them, our flag is just a rag."
Harper continued, reviving Republican smears about Obama not saluting the flag during the national anthem and painting over an American flag on his campaign jet:
Mr. Obama has had some banner-based troubles in recent years. The issue arose in 2007 when he chose not wear a flag pin, defending his decision by saying that flag pins had become a substitute for "true patriotism."
There was another partisan ruckus when Mr. Obama neglected to salute the flag during "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a campaign stop, and again when an American flag disappeared from the tail of his campaign jet, replaced by an attractive red, white and blue "O."
The "partisan ruckus" was spawned by a smear e-mail attacking Obama for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem at an Iowa steak fry in 2007. Washington Post "fact-checker" Michael Dobbs wrote on November 2, 2007: "Asked whether Obama normally puts his hand over his heart while listening to the national anthem, Obama spokesman Bill Burton replied by e-mail: 'Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. In no way was he making any sort of statement, and any suggestion to the contrary is ridiculous.' " Other photos show Obama with his hand over his heart during the national anthem.
Regarding the flag "disappear[ing] from the tail of his campaign jet," FactCheck.org noted on August 8, 2008, that the Obama campaign redesigned the campaign plane they had chartered from North American Airlines which, prior to the redesign, featured a large American flag on its tail -- an image that is "typical of North American Airline planes" because it is part of its corporate logo. The redesigned campaign plane still featured an American flag, and Sen. John McCain's campaign plane also had no flag on the tail, as noted by Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor: "I'd note that there is a flag on the side of Senator Obama's plane, near the center. I'd also note that there is not a flag on the tail of John McCain's plane. Lastly, I'd note that I don't think plane design should lead us to question the patriotism of either candidate."
Let the flag smearing begin. So if he is wrapped in a flag, it's because he wants to be a Marxist? But if he isn't, then that means he hates this country? Which is it? The crazies (meaning the Washington Times and Savage, amongst others) can't decide which way they think is worse. Having flags all around, or NOT having flags all around him? Which is it going to be? Because, it really can't be both.
This, Obama, is a man, who was so un-Patriotic, he wanted to be, and is now President of these United States. I think anyone who is President should be considered more than patriotic. Heck, I even considered Bush and Cheney patriotic in their own little twisted world view, and wished them success.
This is such a stupid criticism really, and, well, not true at all. They act as if the campaign that Obama ran for PRESIDENT was somehow devoid of American flags at all times. Not to mention the stupid lapel pin thing, which, I think, is still stupid now. You shouldn't have to wear the flag to be patriotic.
See, this is all about revenge. Back during Bush's first term all he did (when not vacationing on his phony ranch) was allow everything to be politicized and Dems, being marginalized fought back until 9-11 where they were politically and physically marginalized. Now the shoe is on the other foot and republicans, who didn't get enough revenge from 9-11 to Obama's innauguration are now seeking more revenge. You know how they say elephants never forget? It's a fitting symbol for a party that can never forget nor forgive.
We are all in trouble when the media starts using Washington Times as sources. WT is all hatred of libs & Dems all the time. Why is this news?
Why would it be considered a legitimate source? Truly the beltway boys at ABC and Politico would realize that a Moonie paper with an ax to grind against anything not Repub/conservative would have little credence, much less repeating their "stories." Wouldn't they? I'm embarassed for them yet here it is again, reported.
"Neo-Marxists recognize the power of Old Glory as they steadfastly pursue their agenda"
Interesting. Does that explain why the Republicans had such a flag fetish while President Numbnuts was lying us into Iraq?
It's just sad, this is our media, still piddling around with non-issues to appeal to the tabloid audience.
You couldn't be more right Colonel, either the media is fixated on doom and gloom or they are this stuff.
well after 8 years of W. how do you expect them to be
Well, we can always hope that, if something really serious happens (like the economy tanking), they'll stop wasting time on this kind of drivel.
DOH!
Nerz, didn't you get the memo? Nothing that Bush did counts anymore. He is out of office. Just like when Clinton left office, the Repugs never mentioned his name again...or did they. It is truly a shame that most Republican in our Congress don't even refer to Pres. Bush or mention his name. Therefore, it is our American duty to remind everyone who was in the White House from Jan. 2001- Jan.2009.
George W. Who?
Oh, I dunno. FAUX News still mentions Bush, addressing him as "PRESIDENT Bush," regularly. Then seconds later, they say "MISTER Obama." Saw Megan Kelly do that just this morning. Bill Hemmer(oid) does the same all the time.
I thought wingers were for "English only." Guess not.
He was a Fasist not a Neo-Marxist. This is by Musilini's deffinition of Fassism and he should know he is concidered the founder of Fassism.
ummmm its spelled Facsist.......just fyi
and i not pointing that out to bash you or anything just to let you know.
im a historian, hoping to be a teacher someday so im going to do something i cant help myself not doing, so i beg forgiveness
Fascist, in italian its Facsiti, derived from an ancient Roman weapon/symbol, the Facses, that were a bunch of rods bound together, that were carried by the Lictors, who were the bodyguards of Roman officials during the days of the kingdom, republic and very early empire.
while in rome itself the Facses were just rods bound together, outside the pomerium (the borders of the city itself, which is basically the province of Latium today) when the consul, preator, queastor, adeile, or tribune, would travel outside that border, the rods became topped with an axe head, which if someone commited a capital crime they would be flogged by the rods, then beheaded by the axe.
the symbolisim of the facses is that a single rod can break.....a dozen bound together is strong and able to withstand repeated strikes.
ok i have to correct myself even. its spelled Fasces, and Fascist, and Fascisti, sorry about that. i offer myself to those here and their mercy.
Anytime that someone quotes Mikey Savage, they must really be out of things to say. Wait til the Foxies get hold of an article written by Joan Swirski(y) 2/15 in the Canadian Free Press about Obama.
My favorite Unrepentent Sexual Harrasser Quinn read it to his people today. So within one week, it will be all over the internets and considered a work of art. Of course there is plenty of guessing and assuming but for Quinns' sheep, that is enough. If you can find it, read it but have either a barf bag or a hanky to wipe away the tears of laughter.
Wow, that ariticle is the proverbial 10 pounds in a 5 pound sack.
So what do you think? Is Obama's plan a Soviet-style takeover or is it echoes of Nazi Germany?
I'm hoping that the MSM, by quoting radical rightists like savage, sean and rush are in there own way pointing out that the Republican party has been dealt such a blow that these shock jocks are now the defacto spokepersons. Surely the public will soon realize how absurd it is to have people who pretend to care about the country as your leaders.
I think the talking heads are realizing that their tactics are being rebuffed on a daily basis. Of course they maintain the zombie like core but they can smell defeat. Within a month or so, they will be trying to set-up the country with a desire to work things out but only under their terms.
I recall less than two weeks ago Seannie coming out and saying the stimulus bill is ded because 10 people called their representatives. Well, IT LIVES. We could recall 1000's of predictions from Rush and darn it, he has been right once or twice.
Craig, the plan may be a Soviet-Nazi-Socialist-Communists plan developed by this Chrismuslian President. Can't wait to see the new flag design...
I could only read the first couple of paragraphs, because she starts off with saying that we've never seen an actual birth certificate as to where Obama was born, so we pretty much know where this is going to go from here on in.
Commies. Socialists. Not the President. Blah, blah, blah...
Lots of blather, low on facts, a bunch of red meat from someone who hasn't written a factual article, at least on this point. Amazing. I'm sure the right wingers will grab onto this, as some sort of revelation, when we're heard this crap all before.
Good Grief! That woman makes Michelle Bachman look sane.
ummmm did you hear about that interview she gave.....i dont think anyone could be more insane than michelle bachmann
Allow me to try to beat the wingnuts to it.
Flags! Obama socialist communist Marxist turrist mooslim antichrist! Tax and spend librul! France! Hates the troops! Stock market down! Librul! Obama bad! He’ll take away our guns! Acorn is taking over the country! Acorn Acorn Acorn! New Deal didn’t work! Librul! Bill Ayers! FDR bad! Social Security bad – but it will run out of money tomorrow, and that’s Obama’s fault! Terrorist fist bump! Elitist! (Ignore all the billionaires among the Republicans – Obama’s elitist because he went to HARVARD – ignore all the Republicans that went to Ivy League schools) Gays will end marriage as we know it! Obama is trying to create a big brother state (ignore Bush’s illegal spying)! Government bad (begging the question of why so many right-wingers try to run it)! Gay married people will force you to have abortions every day! Even if you’re male! 9/11! 9/11! 9/11! If Obama’s so great, why hasn’t he fixed all the problems already? Obey Rush! Flags! Tax cuts fixed the Clinton recession! BOOGA BOOGA BOOGA!!!
Did I miss anything?
Maybe Obama should just change his name to Flaggy F. McFlagg.
You must mean Flaggy HUSSEIN McFlag, the Marxist Muslim who pals around with domestic terrorists.
Libruls are VERMIN.
Historygeek001.....I am turning you in for repeating a minute segment of the Sean Hannity show. I knew I heard this somewhere before about 1,000,000 last week. Word thief or should I say---- LIBERAL.
You caught me. <hanging head in shame> I must admit Hannity said it first. Repeatedly and probably verbatim.
Did I miss anything?
Jeremiah Wright...
OK, time for a little plug:
UncleFlag.com is giving away FREE American Flag Lapel Pins
Where are all of the bedwetters?
I thought for sure this would have been like red meat to them. Nothing riles up a bedwetter more than mentioning the flag.
You should check out the thread on Malkin's picture over in County Fair section of MMFA. There is a wing nut unparalleled on there using strawman after strawman. He/she actually talked about the violent protests and flag burnings that leftists have been doing in the US. I asked where and when? And what I got was a reference to an incident in 1975 at a baseball game.
Don't forget about Bull Grant ranting about Sen. Obama's "O-Flag" that turned out to be...the flag of the State of Ohio!
The right-wingnutz have their own flag - flying proudly over their State of Confusion.
I found their flag logo: now it needs a few touches, perhaps a trace of fog, or smoke & mirrors...
Now just throw in a little gravity and we may be able to make them useful to society!
They sure need a big bucket 'o gravity, 'cause they don't seem to understand the gravity of this situation...
Gravity is nothing more than a theory...just like evolution. ;>)
You really have to admire the right. No matter how many times a story is debunked they continue to cling to it. Of course ABC and Politico and even the Washington Times aren't supposed to be the right. Are they using the same RNC press releases that FOX uses?
It seems funny that the right makes an issue if you do not have enough flags (flag pins) or if you have to many flags. This is because they think they own patriotism in this contry witch they do not. Patriotism is not blindly fallowing your leaders but know when and how to question them for the better ment of your country. I was told I was not a patriot when I questioned or dissagreed whith G. W. Bush. However these are two of the most important parts of being a patriot. Those of you on the right lose the show gain the action and you will be true patriots not shams.
Americans are losing their jobs on a daily basis and are hoping to cling to their homes, and the Right wants to trot out the flag pin story again? Talk about being tone deaf!
First it was faux outrage over a missing flag pin now it's too many flags. Tell you what, right wing wa nk offs. Please convey the absolute correct number of flags Obama should have on or around him, and then bugger off.
Out here in the woods of Wisconsin, no one reads the Washington Times. Our big city papers are the Chicago Tribune and the Milwaukee Journal. I do not listen to radio talk shows, except for NPR, so I have pretty much no idea who Mike Savage might be, although his description makes him out to be a total tool.
This is the main reason why President Obama gets out of Washington and beyond I-495. Real people don't live there, and he cares about the rest of the country!
john, check wikipedia and you can find all you need to know about michael savage.
lol. man and no one commented on my mini lecture on roman history lol.
I think your mini-lecture on Roman history was great. In fact, I think it was "the bomb." (Hilarious, I know.) Good day to you, kind sir.
THANK YOU.
njguy93@yahoo.com
What a tupid discussion. Only tone deaf Republicans wast their time discussing stupid things like this. AND, where were they when Mr. Bush ordered our military to bomb heck out of helpless villages in Iraq. Amazing how little news organizations do to keep our government straight simply because they are a bunch of party hacks that makes mountains out of mole hills so they will look relevant. Of course, the nasty, hate filled Michael Savage is so inflammatory that he cannot be trusted to enlighten anyone with plain facts. I would have a big giggle everytime he opened his mouth except his comments are so hate filled I worry about his eternal resting place. Not going to go very well for him.