Team Obama issues dress code for female reporters
posted at 9:00 am on July 21, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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The Barack Obama campaign wanted to make sure that the reporters traveling along with the presidential candidate on his foreign tour presented themselves properly. His staff distributed a memo that dictated a dress code, reminding the women in the media entourage of the need to keep from offending the natives. Politico’s Carrie Budoff Brown e-mailed the memo to Ben Smith:
Reporters traveling overseas with Sen. Barack Obama were thrown a bit of curve last week when the campaign emailed a “dress code” for Israel and Jordan. Aides had passed along as a courtesy the list that they had distributed to their staff to follow. But some of the tips raised a few eyebrows, particularly among the female reporters.
“Do not wear green.” (Explained later as the color of Hamas)
“Do not wear nail polish.”
“Women should only wear a limited amount of jewelry.”
“Shoulders and arms must be fully covered (no strapless tops, no tank tops, no short sleeve shirts.)”
“Closed-toe shoes, women should also wear stockings.”
At historical and religious sites, a suit or slacks should be worn, shoulders and arms must be covered (“no strapless tops, no tanks tops no short sleeve shirts”), shoes might need to be removed, and women may be asked to cover their heads and “should be prepared with a scarf/pashmina,” the email stated.
First, wouldn’t women traveling to the Middle East already understand at least some of this, especially the journalists? This gives more than just a faint whiff of paternalism, lecturing professionals about how they should comport themselves. All appearances to the contrary, the media entourage does not work for Team Obama. One might think that the women of the press would get offended by treating them like schoolchildren or idiots.
And some of this is downright strange, especially in Israel. Israeli women don’t wear nail polish and open-toed shoes? Apparently, they don’t like jewelry, either. Do they care if women wear stockings or not, and why should the Obama campaign care?
I suppose if any of this offends the women in the press, the proper response would be, “Just get over it, sweetie.”
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What? No hijabs or burqas? The Messiah shall not be led into temptation.
/sarc
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 21, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Are flag pins banned?
fogw on July 21, 2008 at 9:04 AM
At some point, the press is going to wake up and realize that they are stuck in an abusive relationship with Team Obama.
Techie on July 21, 2008 at 9:04 AM
When you consider who your dealing with the question answers itself.
RobertInAustin on July 21, 2008 at 9:05 AM
I say they would not be aware, because they are journalists.
Wade on July 21, 2008 at 9:05 AM
All his Sweeties have a seperate dress code and get lower pay than his male employees.
TheSitRep on July 21, 2008 at 9:07 AM
You can take Hussein out of Islam, but old habits like telling women what they can wear are tough to shake.
Green is also the color of American-Irish, who outnumber Hamas several million to one. I’m sure women in Israel wear green.
This is just a clear sign of the type of pandering that Obama needs to justify in his own mind while trying to make his fellow Americans appear as country bumpkins to the rest of the sophisticated world, like Hamas
Hening on July 21, 2008 at 9:08 AM
Obama should just taken male reporters with him, made it easy on himself and ticked off the ladies even more.
Having said that, I don’t think alot of those seasoned female journalists — they types that would cover the Middle East — typically wear makeup, nail polish, jewelry or strapless tops anyway.
BigD on July 21, 2008 at 9:09 AM
the messiah is only looking after his flock.
billypaintbrush on July 21, 2008 at 9:12 AM
I’m surprised that he didn’t also tell them not to wear jewelry with crosses. I guess it’s never as weird as it could be.
Akzed on July 21, 2008 at 9:13 AM
Send Helen Thomas. She would not tempt anyone regardless of what she was wearing.
txsurveyor on July 21, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Don’t they also need a male relative accompanying them? Maybe he should just go ahead and pass out burkas to them.
ThackerAgency on July 21, 2008 at 9:18 AM
In a way, I understand why they’re doing this, because the big media orgasm over Obama — especially the TV networks — is so great there are no doubt a few support staff along on the trip who’ve never been to the area before, because up until now, the networks weren’t willing to shell out the $$$ (at least since Clinton’s Africa trip in 1998) to send this many people overseas on a purely political trip.
On the other hand, if the late night comics can’t find something funny with this memo, they might as well just cancel their shows until November, or January 2011, because their political humor is going to be like what Jesse Jackson said he wanted to do to Obama’s huevos.
jon1979 on July 21, 2008 at 9:19 AM
If Obama’s taking requests, I’d like to suggest a bag over katie’s head.
Syd B. on July 21, 2008 at 9:20 AM
I guess Obama has never been to Boca or seen Fran Dresher in The Nanny! Sounds to me like he doesn’t give a rats ass about the Jews but please don’t offend the Pali’s!
Bicyea on July 21, 2008 at 9:20 AM
Heaven forbid the female reporters following Obama might look like raw meat to a cat.
The men? Whatev!
Dusty on July 21, 2008 at 9:20 AM
PCness and talking down to people is alive and well in the Obama camp. Don’t they have any adults in the campaign? I guess the answer is self-evident.
amr on July 21, 2008 at 9:21 AM
COME ON ED THIS IS SO PETTY AND BENEATH YOU.
So the Obama camp circulates a simple friendly reminder of the appropriate dress code when visiting countries that have different standards than America and you have a problem with it. Of course you guys do.
If anything, it was to ensure there are no gaffes that sites like this would pounce on, screaming he was unprepared for the visit. But, of course, it backfires, and you STILL complain that his taking precautions is “paternal”. “Lecturing’ and ” treating them like schoolchildren or idiots.”
Petty.
Dave Rywall on July 21, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Wonder if he has a super duper dress code for the guys?
The rigid totalitarianism of the adult liberal, yep.
benrand on July 21, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Been to the Middle East. Wore open toed shoes everywhere. It was bloody hot out. Wore short sleeved shirts and shorts in both Israel and Jordan. And who doesn’t know that when you go to religious sites in the Middle East, there’s a dress code?
Note to Obama’s team: It ain’t the fifth century. They even have them there horseless carriages in the Middle East. And Cell phones. And the internets.
mjk on July 21, 2008 at 9:24 AM
These are not the strapless tops I thought I knew.
wccawa on July 21, 2008 at 9:25 AM
When Saudi Arabia instructed the US military that crosses should not be openly worn by American soldiers in Suadi Arabia, the State Department immediately surrendered to the Saudis and issued that edict to US servicemen going to Saudi Arabia. And yet the State Department has the gall to call Saudi Arabia an ally.
Larraby on July 21, 2008 at 9:25 AM
They probably needed to put out a dress code for Jordan but threw in Israel as a bit of moral equivilence so as to not make the Muslims look like they’re the only ones dictating such things.
BohicaTwentyTwo on July 21, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Dave Rywall
Here’s the problem. If you don’t know that sometimes there’s a certain dress code to adhere to in the Middle East, you’re a frigging idiot. No one needed to tell me when I went and Obama certainly doesn’t need to be patronizing people who have already been there.
mjk on July 21, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Obama Girl isn’t going, eh?
JetBoy on July 21, 2008 at 9:26 AM
That’s exactly the point Ed’s making about the O! campaign.
JimK on July 21, 2008 at 9:26 AM
If he wins the election, the memo will also come in handy as a template for the White House press corps dress code. Mr. Barack is always thinking ahead.
Nichevo on July 21, 2008 at 9:28 AM
Oh, I forgot. This is a bad omen if Mr. Obama gets elected. Remember President Carter worrying about who had priority on the WH tennis courts and not being too proactive on foreign and domestic policies. He was so involved in the minutiae that he had problems governing.
amr on July 21, 2008 at 9:28 AM
American women should dress like American women! It seems that Muslims don’t take special care not to offend us so why are we doing same? Good grief!
sabbott on July 21, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Exactly. This is the only thing that really bothers me about the story.
forest on July 21, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Hmm, understanding adherence to Sharia-like dress codes but little to no knowledge of American history and traditions.
Change.
bbz123 on July 21, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Can’t tell you a thing about Jordan, but unless Israel has changed that much since the late 80s when the “Big Stick” pulled into Haifa, I call BS. That was one of the best port visits I ever had. It looked like home. Grass, trees, shopping malls,bars and beautiful young women dressed just like in America. And to top it off, they held a bikini contest on the beach for us. Nothing like a hottie in a bikini that was in the military by day.
yakwill83 on July 21, 2008 at 9:37 AM
This is the first site to shriek when Pelosi respectfully wears a scarf on her head, (but said nothing when Laura Bush did it). Now suddenly you’re all on board with the various dress codes in the Middle East.
Obama prepares for the trip, you complain. If Obama didn’t prepare and there was a gaffe you’d complain he wasn’t prepared.
So ridiculous.
Dave Rywall on July 21, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Well, that does it! Up to now I was supporting Obama, but this report convinced me he is not fit to be President. Thank you for focusing on the important rather than getting bogged down with frivolous issues like the wars in the Middle East, the budding nuclear crises in Pakistan and Iraq, the economy, health care finance, the deficit, taxes and the composition of the Supreme Court.
I mean, seriously, Ed, you can’t be that strapped for material!
factoid on July 21, 2008 at 9:39 AM
He governed? I always thought he cheerleaded us into a “malaise”…
dmh0667 on July 21, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Maybe somebody should give them that memo.
AZCoyote on July 21, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Sadly no. When my pastor took a group of kids from the school he teaches in to Israel one of the girls wore shorts to the wailing wall. The Jews there started spitting at her.
Much as I love and support Israel I’m very glad that I wasn’t there because someone likely would have gotten punched in the face.
Benaiah on July 21, 2008 at 9:40 AM
Er…….um……..way just looking at the latest edition of Heeb magazine.
The year 5769 is a mighty good year.
Limerick on July 21, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Many of the items on there aren’t being PC it’s practical reasons. Open-toed shoes (or just fancy shoes) and nail polish are common among prostitutes in strict Muslim countries.
Nonfactor on July 21, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Red heads look great in green.
Dasher on July 21, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Because “the unwashed masses of any [press corps] are very, very simple and they need information in order to make smarter choices about how they [travel],” did I get that right? In case you’re thinking about answering that, since you like everything spelled out, why don’t you follow the link and find out.
I promised you your elitist, condescending quote would follow you around like an albatross on this site. What I didn’t know is that you’d make it so easy to point it out, by making the same exact mistake over and over again.
Exactly.
inviolet on July 21, 2008 at 9:42 AM
The Messiah wants to make sure that the cultural brutes from America (who can’t go to Europe and say anything other than merci beaucoup) don’t embarrass him as he meets with his Palestinian supporters in the soon-to-be-reconstituted Palestine.
Outlander on July 21, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Politics aside, this is a bit silly. It is not unusual for women to sunbathe topless in public parks in Copenhagen. Would you suggest that visiting female Danish tourists should go topless in New York’s Central Park? After all if “American women should dress like American women” then presumably Danish women should dress like Danish women, no?
Now there’s a quick way to an arrest!
factoid on July 21, 2008 at 9:45 AM
That’s bull, DaveR. This site ripped Mrs. Bush for the headscarf. I know because I defended her.
Spirit of 1776 on July 21, 2008 at 9:46 AM
They should dress like Americans and flip Hussein off, along with his Islamic Fundamentalist dress code. Factoid, see todays Drudge. People are going nude all over NYC and I’d be willing to bet central park will have nude sunbathers in this heat, or at least topless.
dogsoldier on July 21, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Well, since he and his wife want to control what we drive, what temperature we keep our homes, what we eat and especially how we spend our money, I guess Obama may as well pick out our outfits.
(If they were so concerned why didn’t they just issue a general memo to all reporters, not just the sweeties, saying something like “please be aware that at some of our tour stops certain nonstandard attire may be required” and leave it at that?)
Gilda on July 21, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Ed, come on buddy… what’s up with the demagoguery?
AlexB on July 21, 2008 at 9:52 AM
[factoid on July 21, 2008 at 9:39 AM]
HA puts up like ‘8 to 10′ lengthy posts, on an off day, not to mention they have been covering it, if you’d bother to actually look, say yesterday, before you leap to your complaint.
Besides, while it may be more likely Ed can cover (re: rehash) McCain on the issues you mention, when it comes to Obama, one pretty much has to wait to find out what Obama’s position is each and every day.
Dusty on July 21, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Messiah???? The more this guy goes along, I think he might be the anti-Christ. If he heals from a near fatal head wound, I’m definitely re-reading Revelation. The cult that is forming around this “fairy tale”, empty suit, one term socialist/Marxist senator is staggering to me…Is it just me???????????
adamsmith on July 21, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Obambi has formally requested that ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, AP & Reuters etc. wear extra lip gloss so as to minimize the irritation to his posterior.
viking01 on July 21, 2008 at 9:59 AM
I don’t know man. They flacked for Clinton for 8 years and just ended that relationship this year…I think they like it.
Obama prepares for the trip, you complain. If Obama didn’t prepare and there was a gaffe you’d complain he wasn’t prepared.
So ridiculous.
Dave Rywall on July 21, 2008 at 9:39 AM
austinnelly on July 21, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Hot Air’s values have come to be defined as the opposite of what Obama does.
I’m waiting for the day when Obama helps a little old lady across the street and Ed runs something along the lines of:
Obama’s condescension toward women continues. Today the “chosen one” took it upon himself to show a 70-year-old woman the proper way to cross the street. This cuts to the core of who Obama is: A man who thinks he knows what’s best for everyone else; one who believes that the only right way is following in the path he blazes. It exposes him as the megalomaniac he is… this woman could not have possibly crossed the street without him!
Tom_Shipley on July 21, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I’m sure Obama is embarrassed enough that all the Americans with him can say “merci boauqoup”
abinitioadinfinitum on July 21, 2008 at 10:02 AM
All Hail Barack HUSSEIN Obama (PBUH)(SAW)(SWT), the new Messiah!
Dale in Atlanta on July 21, 2008 at 10:03 AM
just an exercise in submission for the press corp..
see who and how well everyone followed up with it..
DaveC on July 21, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Oh yes, nothing is going to win over a reporter to your cause by having you tell them how to do their job!
Just another thing for all those superdelegates who are wondering if switching from Shillary to B.O. was really that hot of an idea to ponder on.
pilamaye on July 21, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Are they really female journalists or groupies?
Yes, female journalists know all about Middle East dress codes, they’ve been going to the Middle East for the last 18 years quite regularly, unlike Obama. Seems like Obama is afraid that women journalists are going to screw up his magical mystery tour Obama could have just passed out State Department bulletins on female travel to Middle Eastern countries; if he was so darn worried about it the bulletins say the same thing.
The Israeli dress codes made me laugh, the Israeli Tourist Board has recently put out some darn racy, semi nude “Come visit Israel our women are sexy” adverts. Females who travel to Israel just have to remember to dress very conservatively when around religious sites.
Are they really female journalists or groupies?
BDU-33 on July 21, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Memo pending for German leg of the world tour:
No brown shirts.
No high boots.
No arms raised above the shoulder.
All press representatives sporting short, dark mustaches shall shave before disembarking. (That includes you too, Katie).
Yoop on July 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Wow, I’m impressed. Good for Obama. And I can’t stand the guy.
It isn’t condescending, it’s being cultrally respectful.
Amy Proctor on July 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Hey, you think this means that Obama Girl is tagging along?
pilamaye on July 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Well so far Barry is riding the whirlwind of his 2 point lead in the polls. Is Ned Lamont on the Barry campaign staff?
Limerick on July 21, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Heh! It’s a good thing that Obama didn’t take the Mrs. O. on his victory-campaign lollapalooza. She tends to favor cleavage-revealing sundresses in her encounters with the press.
onlineanalyst on July 21, 2008 at 10:09 AM
LOL
inviolet on July 21, 2008 at 10:10 AM
If anything, it was to ensure there are no gaffes that sites like this would pounce on, screaming he was
The word is insulting and that is exactly what Obama’s dress code is. He isn’t treating journalists like professionals when he mandates a dress code for the entourage. Professionals know how to dress appropriately for the work that they are doing.
Even if the journalists didn’t dress according to the dictates of the Obama campaign, so what? It reflects on the journalist not the idiot candidate! This is the taste of the nanny state under Obama. Keep it in mind when comparing/contrasting with the nanny state McCain wants to create.
highhopes on July 21, 2008 at 10:11 AM
That’s Ridiculous. Compare the underlying positions of the posts and you’ll see the positions are consistent. You overlook the clear explanation that the propensity for Obama to switch positions on many issues so much that HA doesn’t trust him, never mind that his defense of his reasoning is often juvenile and his explanations for his flip-flops kindergartenish.
Dusty on July 21, 2008 at 10:12 AM
If Obambi “helped an old lady across the street” he’d only get halfway across then start moving her sideways while he shapeshifts his core values. The poor lady would never get across despite a struggle to do so. Obambi would merely keep telling her to keep hoping for change.
viking01 on July 21, 2008 at 10:12 AM
What does it say that Obama is “cultually respectful” when dealing with parts of the world that want to destroy America but feels free to be “culturally disrepectful” to
Americans with his clinging to guns and religion comments?
highhopes on July 21, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Damn… you figured it out. Now you don’t have to waste anymore time here with us hicks since all we do is nitpick the little things about BHO while trying to figure out what he really stands for. Seems he won’t give us any real serious meat to chew upon.
Yoop on July 21, 2008 at 10:15 AM
[Amy Proctor on July 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM]
If Obama was culturally respectful, he’d wouldn’t be telling Americans not being paid by his campaign how to behave in other countries.
Dusty on July 21, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Benaiah, the Wailing Wall is a place of worship and the holiest building in Judaism. Wearing shorts to a place of worship is tacky and disrespectful. I hope that girl wouldn’t have worn shorts to visit the Vatican and meet the Pope. Spitting on a girl is rude and gross, but compared to what Muslims would have done, I think spitting was mild.
Mrs. Happy Housewife on July 21, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Ululululululululululululululuuh!
(oops, sorry, wrong religion…right?)
dmh0667 on July 21, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Heh, if women in Israel followed Obama’s code I’d have to move, the women here are gorgeous! Of course the temple mount and western wall area demands more respectful attire..
Benaiah speaks of Jews spitting on people, and looking to punch people in return, I don’t doubt it, but as everyone knows revealing one’s body is not welcome in a holy site, he leaves out the fact that if that young lady had headed into the Islamic area of the temple mount she may have risked being stoned to death (literally), and equally the same respectful attire is called for at the many Christian holy spots in the old city, like the Church of the holy sepulcher when visiting Jesus’ grotto.
These are areas of prayer & devout worship, not just secular spots for a quick ice cream and photo snap.. If you don’t respect the locals, don’t expect much respect in return.
saus on July 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Actually, the light would change while they were halfway across and Barry would leave the poor women in the middle of the intersection (in front of an approaching bus) while he changed his mind, changed his direction and changed his explanation for why the women wanted to be on the other side of the street to begin with. Silly woman!
Yoop on July 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
If you like him as a condescending, micro-managing, presumtive nominee, you’ll love him as POTUS.
locomotivebreath1901 on July 21, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Ululululululululululululululuuh!
(oops, sorry, wrong religion…right?)
dmh0667 on July 21, 2008 at 10:22 AM
SSHHHHHHHHHH!
It’s “offensive” to some people on the board, to even hint of the possibility!
Dale in Atlanta on July 21, 2008 at 10:29 AM
If you like him as a condescending, micro-managing, presumtive nominee, you’ll love him as POTUS.
locomotivebreath1901 on July 21, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Nice “handle”, Jethro Tull!
I like it!
Guess I just gave away both our ages?
Dale in Atlanta on July 21, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Yeah – So neither Bush nor McCain EVER circulated the same kind of guidelines to their people traveling to the Middle East??????? What a load of horsesh*t!
You people are unbelievable!
Dave Rywall on July 21, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I think it says that Obama talks out of both sides of his mouth, but I am just an un-washed simpleton.
fluffy on July 21, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Will Michelle Obama be wearing a burqa?
Steve Z on July 21, 2008 at 10:38 AM
All that early Muslim training is paying off. Obama is a good dhimmi while preparing us for the same.
And to the inane comments that Obama is just trying to be helpful, get a grip. Obama is probably the only person on that plane that has not been to any of the countries that he is visiting or if he has, he’s been chaperoned. He has not a clue about local customs. The women reporters know all the risks. The last thing they need is some wannabe imman telling them to watch their toes.
patrick neid on July 21, 2008 at 10:45 AM
LOL. The BaTalk Obama heads are in a uproar of this you would think that the race was closer then that whopping 2% edge Barry enjoys right now. Don’t worry guys and gals cause Barry has McCain right where he wants him.
Limerick on July 21, 2008 at 10:45 AM
****** THOU SHALT NOT EMBARASS THE OBAMESSIAH! *****
Let it not be thought that the Obamessiah controleth not even those women close about him.
eeyore on July 21, 2008 at 10:47 AM
[Dave Rywall on July 21, 2008 at 10:33 AM]
I don’t think either Bush or McCain distributed personal dress code guidelines to members of the press accompanying them. Obama did and that’s the “unbelievable” point.
Interesting that you consider the press following Obama, ‘his people’. Interesting, but not unbelievable. Do you wish to explain that your choice of words was inartful?
Dusty on July 21, 2008 at 10:49 AM
No fair, using facts. What’s wrong with you?
TooTall on July 21, 2008 at 10:50 AM
That’s right, DaveR, I was one of the people who ripped Pelosi and Mrs. Bush for wearing the scarf.
4shoes on July 21, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Wonder if Hussein Obama has dress codes for women visiting him in the USA, viz: no panties, no bras, mini-skirts, or ass crack shorts, halter tops. Is he offended in women show up in a Burqa?
Wade on July 21, 2008 at 10:54 AM
He’s like Moses, he has a flock.. I’m going to ask him to part the Red Sea for me when he’s here, I lost a watch in there when I was snorkeling a few years back..
saus on July 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
If he shows up in Denver with two stone tablets tucked under his arm we’ll all know where he got them.
Limerick on July 21, 2008 at 11:03 AM
jezus h krise, Dusty – sure, why not. Let me retract the word “people” and substitute “fellow boondogglers”. Does that work better for you?
Just because you don’t think “Bush or McCain distributed personal dress code guidelines to members of the press accompanying them” doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. I’ll tell you why that never made it into the press – BECAUSE IT ISN’T NEWS IT’S PART OF THE BASIC PREPARATION ONE MAKES BEFORE VISITING A COUNTRY WITH A DIFFERENT CULTURE THAN ONE’S OWN.
But don’t worry – it’ll come out in the next few days that McCain and Bush (and every world leader on the planet) did it too and all this pointless indignation will blow over.
4shoes – not sure what your problem is with respecting a foreign country’s culture. You’re probably one of those bozo tourists who tries to disrespectfully enter the Vatican with a tanktop and flip flops because dammit, Americans don’t have to change for nobody.
Dave Rywall on July 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I like to wear green underwear, would that be okay, Big Daddy BO?
d1carter on July 21, 2008 at 11:57 AM
get used to it, after the big O is elected, he will pass all kinds of laws that do not offend other (muslim) countries. CHANGE
custer on July 21, 2008 at 11:59 AM
LOL, so you consider “fellow boondogglers” to be a better characterization of the press who follow Bush, McCain AND Obama, thus putting Obama in the same camp as Bush and McCain as a boondoggler. I don’t think you are helping Obama.
And of course, what I think might have happened or not may not be correct, but considering, on the one hand, that the disinterested press following Obama did consider it newsworthy enough to disseminate it for reporting while, on the other, it’s did not occur to them to do it when, as you say, Bush or McCain did it, makes it more likely Bush or McCain didn’t.
As to having it come out in the next few days that Bush or McCain also did previously will tell us what exactly, since it wasn’t deemed noteworthy back when it actually happened that Bush and McCain are telling the press how to dress? Considering Bush declines to tell the press how to do things, whether it is the White House Press Corps, or who accompanies the on the plane, and doesn’t have a rep for avoiding reporters questions, it’s hard to suggest he has an affinity for controlling their actions. Just like he doesn’t tell his fellow citizens how to run every aspect of their lives.
And that’s the point of “IT’S PART OF THE BASIC PREPARATION ONE MAKES”, to wit, “ONE” is an individual not a society at large. Bush rightly holds himself responsible only for the people he hires, pays so he has latitude to define their behavior when they are on the clock. Obama has no justification for doing so with those not on his payroll. Plainly and simply, Obama is a control freak.
Dusty on July 21, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Dusty – fellow boondogglers was a joke. But you picked up the joke you didn’t get and ran with it anyways. Congratulations.
That you do not believe that the government takes steps to ensure its traveling representatives follow guidelines with regards to wardrobe is entirely irrelevant. It happens, guidelines are circulated, and it’s no big deal. But somehow it’s a big deal when Hussein Osama does it.
Yes, it is part of the basic preparations one – sorry – let me say another word here because the metaphorical “one” is too complicated for you to understand – uhh, how about “a person or group intending to travel to a foreign country with wardrobe traditions and rules different from that person or group’s home country.
Dave Rywall on July 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Doubtful. I don’t think Obama’s actions were wrong, but they were for a different set of circumstances.
I suspect McCain knew all the reporters going with him, and what they could be trusted to do without a generic memo.
All of the big 3 will be not just sending reporters, but sending Williams, Couric, and Gibson (anchors all three) to report the news from overseas while following Obama.
Why? Because they cannot bear to be parted with him? I don’t know, but this certainly isn’t the McCain trip. I do see Obama’s actions making sense; given that these aren’t the usual overseas reporters going, so they might need info you normally wouldn’t have to give the press.
When you’re being followed by a good staff of experienced and seasoned travelers you can trust their good judgment on most matters.
When you’re being followed by a throng of adoring fans acting like 12 year old girls at a concert; you might need to give some thought to warning them of possible problems.
I’ll admit those are two different situations calling for two different sets of actions.
gekkobear on July 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM
[Dave Rywall on July 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM]
Joke you say? Your whole argument is a joke. That you downgrade the relationships between groups of people having different responsibilities and different bosses and who are not accountable to each other to some mash of ‘travelers traveling together’ in an effort to make a control freak not look like a control freak pretty much proves it.
I look forward to President Obama setting exit visa requirements for Americans visiting France with the minimum requirement the speak fluent French so they do not embarrass him.
Dusty on July 21, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Actually, by themselves, most of the suggestions are commonsense for when the entourage goes to religious sites of any faith, in this case Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Certainly I’d expect the reporters to dress appropriately at the Western Wall or at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Also, the strictly orthodox Jewish communities, like in Mea Shearim, Bnai Brak, and Ramat Beit Shemesh would object to (mostly) women being dressed in a manner that the Chareidim find immodest.
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/1564889-Main_entrance_to_Mea_Shearim-Jerusalem.jpg
rokemronnie on July 21, 2008 at 12:37 PM
And fat people aren’t leaving the country period- can’t go around the world embarrassing Obama that way. Only the most attractive and demographically diverse Americans will be able to go abroad in order to sell Obama’s worldview to the international community.
highhopes on July 21, 2008 at 1:19 PM
But is it the place of the campaign to issue dress codes to journalists who are not (in theory) part of Obama’s propaganda machine? The journalists employers should be the ones to dictate appropriate dress, not an arrogant empty suit whose only purpose of taking the trip it to blunt criticism that he has no foreign affairs experience and has steadfastly refused to talk to the troops he keeps demeaning in his anti-war rhetoric.
highhopes on July 21, 2008 at 1:23 PM
As a 73 year old woman, I do not need Obama to help me across the street. I do not need him to tell me how to dress. It IS insulting since I am able to check for myself. I am quite certain that if dress guidelines are needed, the reporter’s employers would have guidelines. This is NANNYISM pure and simple. Taking groups of teens or young college students may have justified a reminder that in certain areas casual dress is considered offensive and should be avoided, but to address this to professional journalists, photographers is inartful, a distraction from the real issues, and condescending.
Pat in NC on July 21, 2008 at 1:28 PM
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