Watching the Sunday morning talk shows was a little more than just disconcerting. Obama appeared on the defensive and brought back memories of Jimmy Carter during the Iran hostage crisis. Obama was unable to steer the conversation, or questions away from neo-con talking points. As a result, Obama like Jimmy Carter, was being manipulated by the media, not manipulating and controlling the medium. For example, he was defending his trip to Europe; defending his decision not to drill offshore; and defending his position against the surge in Iraq - - even to the extent of refusing to admit in hindsight that his position against the surge may have been incorrect. On the other hand, McCAIN appeared strong and on the offense. McCain was not asked any questions about his votes against veterans, or the fact that he voted (with Bush) for the war to begin with. In fact, the corporate-media has spent an inordinate amount of time confronting Obama with right-wing talking points. What's interesting is Obama's sheepish response to them. One wonders if Obama realizes that he and most American are being manipulated by master right-wing propagandist. McCains political ads are clear, sharp and visible. In fact, ads have already appeared to characterize Obama as anti-veteran, and anti-troops. Where are the Obama attack ads? Where is the Democratic response? Obama has a better record on veterans issues than does McCain. McCain voted against the new G.I. bill, for example.
The corporate media is pro-McCAIN. Is Mr. nice guy: Obama going, to define the issues, or let right-wing talking heads define Obama and his political agenda?
Worse, left-wing radio continued the attack against Obama. "Where are the attack ads?" One wonders why Obama has chosen to campaign against McCain in much the same way that he campaigned against Hillary. It's a different show now. Does Obama assume that Americans "get it" and see through the negative advertising, right-wing talking points and spin? He's in a fight for his political life here, and I don't believe he fully comprehends the gravity of his situation. We've got roughly 100 days to get the message out - - and it is not happening.
Brian A.
Just a thought...I don't know if the Jimmy Carter analogy works for me; maybe I can't remember that far back on how defensive Carter was running against Reagan. I read an article that compared this race to the Carter/Reagan race, except that Obama was compared to Reagan as the change agent and Carter as the unpopular incumbent president and party.
ReplyDeleteI think the danger is Obama becoming a Dukakis, staying on the defensive and not attacking Bush 41 in kind. Must say that this election has not gotten as negative as the '88 one, but there's plenty of time for things to change...