Watching the coverage of it here in the UK, I have a feeling that the British press is going to go through the same paroxysms of denial that it went through in 2000 and 2004 when it turns out those redneck ignoramuses in the US don't vote for Barry come November.
This one guy who isn't even the head of state, acts as the presumptive president-elect and promises the world everything in the most arrogant of tones (particularly to these redneck American ears). If, for instance, Tony Blair, as elected head of government, made anywhere near as aspirational a speech as Obama's in front of any group, the British press would have been all over him like flies on you-know-what (and that would have been the journalists who liked Blair.)
Watching Kirsty on Newsnight last night attacking the McCain campaign for complaining about the press coverage of Obama. She kept asking whether it showed weakness in McCain. Not really...It's a fact.
Look, on the three major network newscasts over a one-month period, Obama got 114 minutes of coverage to McCain's 48 minutes of coverage. All three network news anchors went on tour with Obama, something they would rarely do for an actual sitting president. One guy from NBC even said, once, that his knees quaked when Obama spoke.
The media are, as they say, in the tank for Obama. That is a fact. And I think most Americans can see that. And those who aren't already convinced to vote for Obama may not do so on the basis of this over-exposure.
Another interesting fact: Obama is raising more than twice as much money as McCain and burning through it even quicker. With the sort of exposure the media is giving him and with all that extra cash, you'd think he'd get a lead in the polls greater than 5% by this point.
Did you notice, too, in his speech, he could not take his eyes off of his teleprompters. The guy cannot do anything extemporaneously without sticking his foot in his mouth. (Think George Bush has a communications problem?)
He is in real trouble if there is ever an unscripted, unmoderated encounter with McCain, something McCain has been pushing for in a townhall setting. Obama is damned either way. If he meets McCain, he's going to look like an idiot, and if he doesn't meet McCain, he's going to look like a wuss.
Obama-lovers, especially you in the British press, be prepared to be disappointed, once again, by the American people.
Many people think it is more important to look after America's interests than it is to be loved by Yurpeeins. And rightly so.
There is a widespread, and very malign perception among Europeans especially, that the USA is some sort of common resource. Even the most anti-American folk seem to think that America should pay for everything we desire, and fight for everything we want. In truth, a period of American isolationism would teach us all a salient lesson. It's time we grew up and stopped behaving like spoiled, stroppy teenagers. The USA is another country, with the right to pursue her own interests as she sees fit.
And if this dog and pony show backfires on Obama in the polls, it is his own fault. It shows a spectacular lack of judgement and maturity.
Posted by: Monty | 25 July 2008 at 21:45
He said 'Yurpeeins'. hehe.
This election is a joke and a disgrace.
One thing I find interesting is that Artie Lange (comedian, Stern Show side-kick) just did a USO tour of the Middle East. The whole thing was TOP SECRET. We didn't find out until he got back where he actually went, and when etc.
So, a presidential candidate goes to visit the Troops- the media tells every detail, every city, his whereabouts at every hour. (LOOK AT ME EVERYBODY!!! says the presidential hopefull) It seems, as far as security is concerned; that a fat drug-addicted, crass and brilliantly funny comedian's life is more important.
Now that I think about it, I guess we DO have our priorities straight!
Posted by: lisa | 29 July 2008 at 01:21
P.S. Although unrealistic (we are way too involved Historically to turn back), I agree with the 'American Isolationism' point.
Posted by: lisa | 29 July 2008 at 02:02
It's not isolationism per se. America is big dog on the block. Everyone is always going to hate the big dog on the block. Once people get used to that, then we won't see politicians complaining about our frayed relationships with other countries when we take on bad guys unilaterally.
Europe (including the UK) made/continues to make the decision that a welfare state is more important than self-preservation. Until such point as they change their mind (which is not bloody likely), I'd rather the US be big dog than, say, Russia or China.
With all the attendant resentment that generates among certain parts of the population.
Posted by: James G. | 29 July 2008 at 08:19