A post by Maynard

This was a telling exchange between Helen Thomas and CBS’s Chip Reid (not exactly crusaders in our Vast Right Wing Conspiracy™) on one hand, and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on the other.

Some of the media people are beginning to realize the pitfalls of a government that is a bit too anxious to assert control, now that the control is turned on them. The complaint involves a media event that presents itself as spontaneous and genuine but is in fact scripted and pre-packaged.

Genuine newshounds appreciate that, in a healthy democracy, the executive must on occasion be challenged. They also have a self-serving desire to be an active part of the process, rather than passive puppets.

You can read the full transcript here. The gist of the argument is this: Thomas and Reid object to the controlled scenario, while Gibbs, struggling with obvious discomfort, lamely assures everyone that it will all be okay because the scripted questions will be good ones. As the discussion heats up, watch how Gibbs starts giggling nervously — I think he at some level realizes he’s treating adults like children. (And I suspect that, based on this performance, Gibbs will soon be out of a job.)

None of us Vast Right Wing Conspirators™ are surprised. Our broad concern has been Mr. Obama’s propensity of asserting control over that which he has no business controlling. It’s completely consistent that the man who has grabbed banks and car companies, and now has the health care and energy industries in his crosshairs, is going to come down hard on any watchdogs that think they’re allowed to do their jobs without oversight.

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7 Comments | Leave a comment
  1. 1elder1 says:

    A change in attitude from the White House Press Corps…. Did we do that?

  2. Pangborn says:

    “Now c’mon Chip. You too Helen. Please join us as you put on your black shirts and your sweat pants and your new Nikes. Now just lie back and put these purple cloths over your faces, right after you drink this tasty little beverage.”

  3. Pat_S says:

    Those two are jealous lovers complaining about their beloved having a wandering eye. As they said, it doesn’t matter what the questions at the townhall were. They want to be the ones tossing questions as if they were bouquets. The White House Press Room was such a cozy love nest. The beloved had no reason to stray. Why go for a cheap trick when they freely surrendered themselves to something beautiful?

    This morning I almost felt like a peeping Tom watching a report from CNN about valiant Marines fighting a noble battle in Afghanistan. The military is good now. Killing terrorists is righteous. What was once considered disgusting is now eagerly indulged. Love changes one’s outlook on so many things.

    • Dave J. says:

      Remember, Oceania has ALWAYS been at war with Eastasia.

    • Maynard says:

      Yes, Pat, the Press Corps ego is certainly part of the equation. But then, that’s the way the balance of powers and a competitive environment channels these less-than-noble human urges in a positive direction. These people may join the fight against an excessive build-up of executive power, not because that build-up is wrong, but merely because the executive cramps their style. This is disturbing when we contemplate it in idealistic terms, but it’s the practical engine for making the world better. We’ve gotten to where we are not because our ancestors were necessarily saints, but because they worked within a system that brought out the best in them.

  4. Slimfemme says:

    I think the damage has already been done. Now all of a sudden they have a problem with the White House’s staging of events?!?! Go figure.

  5. Sam Joe says:

    That Gibbs is a fool.

    “Have you sent your e-mail?”

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