Has Obama’s Halo from the Press Begun to Crack?
Robert Gibb’s first press conference as the official White House Press Secretary was rocky at best last Thursday when CNN complained he was dodging questions about why defense lobbyist, William Lynn, was being given a bypass to become a Deputy Defense Secretary.
However today’s press conference was much more confrontational with outright tension. Mr. Gibb was clearly so frustrated that he could not spoon feed the reporters present that at one point he actually stated that reporters would only be allowed to submit written questions. Multiple reporters were asking questions about why the Obama administration had as of late showing a double standard in some Cabinet appointments. He refused to answer specific questions about what role the President had if any in asking nominees Daschle and Killefer to voluntarily withdrawal their nominations. He complained that MSNBC’s reporter was taking too much time by asking follow up questions and that Fox’s reporters were not asking “fair and balanced questions”.
Already many activists groups are making You Tube videos and blog entries criticizing the double talk and appearance of impropriety of the new administration. At the press conference, Mr. Gibbs was asked if Obama should seek permission from the American people before allowing any more incursions into Pakistan because this would be a “new war” to which he replied he could not answer because he had not been “briefed” on the issue.
Amazingly the usually supportive Huffington Post today is offering no hugs for their leader and in fact have one article titled the “Democrats Have to Learn to Lead”.
There is no doubt that President Obama is unmatched as an inspirational speaker and was part of a very successful political movement. Two previous Democratic Presidents, Clinton and Carter, had very difficult times adjusting to the White House in their first 100 days but they had been governors. As I wrote today in the American Daily Review there is now developing a real question of exactly what are Mr. Obama’s executive abilities? Whilst his Press Secretary was under attack by a venomous press wanting to know if the administration’s plans had been delayed at least or worse derailed because of venal unvetted appointments, the President was safely taking time to read books to second graders as millions of American’s wonder if they will have a job tomorrow?
Tony Magaña grew up in McAllen Texas, attended Texas A&M University, served as an officer in Army Reserve, and holds a doctorate from Harvard University. The co-founder of Contempo Magazine has participated in Valley business for over 20 years.He is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
