Right-wing media have seized on President Obama's use of the incorrect date when signing the Westminster Abbey guest book to claim that Obama has had “too much Guinness” during his trip. This follows the conservative media's other attacks on the president's trip to Europe, as well as their history of baselessly smearing Obama.
“Too Much Guinness”: Right-Wing Media Again Smear Obama As A Drunk
Published
Obama Incorrectly Dates Guest Book Signature “24 May 2008”
Obama Accidentally Dates Westminster Abbey Guest Book Signature With “2008” Instead Of “2011.” From CBS News:
President Obama slipped up when he signed the guest book at Westminster Abbey in London today.
Perhaps reminiscing over more exciting times for him, the president mistakenly wrote the date as “24 May 2008.”
Above the date, Mr. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wrote, “It is a great privilege to commemorate our common heritage, and common sacrifice.”
A Westminster Abbey spokesperson confirmed it was indeed Mr. Obama who wrote the wrong date, the Telegraph reports. [CBS News, 5/24/11]
Right-Wing Media Suggest Obama Had “Too Much” Alcohol Before Signing Guest Book
Malkin: “Did Obama Drink Too Much Guinness Beer?” In a May 24 post, Fox News contributor Michelle Malkin wrote on her blog: “Twitter is lighting up over President Obama's bizarre guest-book autograph -- seen in a photo taken by Getty Images/AFP -- which he dated 'May 24, 2008.' Really. Too much of that Guinness beer, I guess. Or a teleprompter glitch?” [Michelle Malkin, 5/24/11]
Drudge Report Links To Article On Obama's Mistake Alongside The Headline “SIPS $1,000 WINE.” On May 24, Drudge Report linked to an article about Obama's date mistake alongside a headline saying that Obama “SIP[PED] $1000 WINE”:
[Drudge Report Archives, 5/24/11]
Bolling: “Is Obama Ok? He Signed His Name And Dated It 24 May 2008...Today! Hmmm Too Many Guinesses?” On May 24, Fox Business host Eric Bolling tweeted:
[Eric Bolling's Twitter Feed, 5/24/11]
Kilmeade: Obama Signed Wrong Date In Abbey Guestbook Because Of “A Lot Of Miles” And “A Lot Of Guinness.” On the May 25 edition of Fox News' Fox & Friends, co-host Brian Kilmeade said, “And maybe it's jet lag or a senior moment, but President Obama also got the date wrong when he signed the guest book at the Westminster Abbey, writing May 24, 2008,” and later added, “It's a lot of miles, and he had a lot of Guinness the day before.” [Fox News, Fox & Friends, 5/25/11]
Right-Wing Media Previously Attacked Obama's Trip ...
Right-Wing Media Predictably Attack Obama For Going To Europe After Tornadoes. Right-wing media predictably attacked President Obama for traveling to Europe following the tornadoes in Missouri -- but the administration continued to respond to the tornadoes throughout Obama's trip, and Missouri officials have praised the administration's response. [Media Matters, 5/24/11]
... And Have Previously Smeared Obama As Having A Drinking Problem ...
White House Physician Recommended Obama “Continue Smoking Cessation Efforts, A Daily Exercise Program, Healthy Diet, Moderation In Alcohol Intake.” In March 2010, following President Obama's first routine physical examination as president, the chief White House physician issued the following standard “recommendations”:
Continue smoking cessation efforts, a daily exercise program, healthy diet, moderation in alcohol intake, periodic dental care, and remain up-to-date with recommended immunizations. [Media Matters, 3/1/10]
Right-Wing Media Seized On White House Physician Memo To Accuse Obama Of Drinking Too Much. Drudge Report and several right-wing blogs seized on the line from the memo that recommended “moderation in alcohol intake” to suggest that Obama has a drinking problem. [Media Matters, 3/1/10]
... And Regularly Push Baseless Or False Smears About Obama
Right-Wing Media Pushed False, Fringe Theory That Obama Was “Raised As A Muslim” In “A Madrassa.” Leading up the 2008 Democratic primaries, the right-wing media repeatedly pushed the false claim that Obama was “raised as a Muslim” in a “madrassa.” [Media Matters, 3/20/07, 6/26/07, 12/31/09, 3/29/11]
Right-Wing Media Repeatedly Pushed Thoroughly Debunked Birther Conspiracy. Conservative media repeatedly promoted suggestions that Obama was not born in the United States, even after his campaign released a certificate of live birth in June 2008. As of April 27, the day Obama released the “long form” version of his birth certificate, Fox News had promoted the birther myth in at least 52 segments. [Media Matters, 3/28/11, 3/29/11, 4/27/11, 5/4/11]
Right-Wing Media Hyped Claims Obama Was Either Not A Christian Or Was Muslim. Conservative media have repeatedly hyped claims that Obama is not Christian and have often suggested that he is secretly a Muslim instead. [Media Matters, 3/20/07, 8/19/10, 8/20/10, 11/8/10, 3/29/11]