Video: White House press corps stands for Obama but not for Bush
posted at 8:05 pm on May 4, 2009 by Allahpundit
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This one’s making the rounds but I’m not sure why. Isn’t this standard chivalrous behavior when you’re in love? If The One were forced to trod upon a muddy path, wouldn’t you expect Chuck Todd or Helen Thomas to lay their coats over it for him?
Actually, there’s a more mundane explanation. Sort of.
It’s a long-standing practice for reporters to rise when the president enters the East Room for a news conference, but that hasn’t been the case in the briefing room.
I checked with two colleagues who served as senior wire service reporters during the Bush Presidency and who, in matters of press protocol, the rest of us followed.
“The briefing room is always a more informal place,” says Steve Holland of Reuters.
But the principal reason reporters remained in their seats, he said, was not to block the shot of TV cameramen and still photographers in the back of the room who were trying to make a picture of the president’s walk-in…
When some reporters stood up for President Obama last Friday, they forgot about the needs of their colleagues in the back of the room as well as the less formal atmosphere of the briefing room. Certainly it was a sign of respect for the president, but not one of disrespect for his predecessor.
Doesn’t that … basically prove the point of the video? Okay, fine, they’re not anti-Bush. They’re just really, really pro-Obama. Whew!
Update: Slate’s John Dickerson backs up CBS’s report and says the press corps was taken by surprise last Friday.
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I’m sure they’ll be the fist to get their obama mark on their hands or forehead
right4life on May 4, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Nothing to see here, just more example of the media drooling over the Obamamessiah, move alogn
Defector01 on May 4, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Oh come on, this doesn’t mean anything. I’m sure the press will use forged documents to try to derail Obama’s reelection bid.
trubble on May 4, 2009 at 8:09 PM
All they did for eight years is lie about and disrespect George W Bush. They worship Obama and will gladly lie FOR him no matter the cost for the Constitution or the country.
It’s impossible to believe otherwise any longer.
clnurnberg on May 4, 2009 at 8:11 PM
The good people at Hotair allow themselves to be manipulated
by AllahPundit and his trolls but keep coming back for more.
What’s up with that ?
Hotair was an afterthought until Ed came along.
Sarah Palin, the American Chopper Mama has gotten underneath
the paper bag over AllahPundit’s head and he can’t get rid of her.
LankyLou on May 4, 2009 at 8:12 PM
The “explanation” seems to have been offered by somebody who really doesn’t understand the problem demonstrated in the video.
I guess if you’re too stupid to be head-over-heels in love with Barry, you don’t deserve a logical explanation.
cruadin on May 4, 2009 at 8:13 PM
There is no longer a press in this country, only liberal writers who have infiltrated a once regal watchdog industry. Now the publications are a mouthpiece for the left.
afotia on May 4, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Terrific.
Allahpundit on May 4, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Needs of their colleagues=need to worship
clnurnberg on May 4, 2009 at 8:16 PM
You know he had to write that……….
……… and he choked on every word of it.
Seven Percent Solution on May 4, 2009 at 8:17 PM
So after 8 years they just suddenly “forgot” not to stand when the man for whom they threw the election by abandoning all journalistic ethics enters the room?
I’m sure Gibbs will respond to all this by saying, “No no, the press people weren’t standing out of respect. It’s just that Obama is so tall, especially when he sticks his chin up in the air, that they have to stand in order to see the glowing, magnificent radiance that is The One’s face.”
Crusty on May 4, 2009 at 8:17 PM
That’s not true. I always stand when Allahpundit makes a post.
ThackerAgency on May 4, 2009 at 8:18 PM
The Ed thing was lame. What was good was the observation that as long as Allahpundit has a face, Sarah Palin will have a place to sit.
vanderleun on May 4, 2009 at 8:18 PM
No surprise there.
If he implies they should bow down and worship him as an image of gold, they will only ask, “For how long?”
newton on May 4, 2009 at 8:18 PM
The MSM has evolved into nothing but a propaganda arm and purveyor of puff pieces for Obama and the Democratic Party.
They should of had the grace to stand for the Office of the President even if they did not like the man.
kingsjester on May 4, 2009 at 8:20 PM
There. That’s better.
Weight of Glory on May 4, 2009 at 8:21 PM
I knew it! AllahP is automated! That must be it!
geckomon on May 4, 2009 at 8:21 PM
I would be shocked if Helen could get out of her chair to do this… Perhaps using the force she would lay down her coat.
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:22 PM
looks like you’re earning your money tonight!
right4life on May 4, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Leave.
Weight of Glory on May 4, 2009 at 8:22 PM
It certainly is! And I hope the puddle is deep and Bo needs to relive himself.
clnurnberg on May 4, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Speaking of “videos making the rounds” today, check out last night’s Britney concert in Connecticut when some guy decides to come on stage and dance with her. Britney gets all freaky-deaky and screams into her (dead) microphone (skip to about 2 minutes in)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLGy2F4cEMk
Ok, back to Messiah and the fawning press.
Marcus on May 4, 2009 at 8:23 PM
I’m surprised they didn’t kneel.
Troika37 on May 4, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Must be a metrosexual thing. Red meat is not served in the WH cafeteria, is it?
bloviator on May 4, 2009 at 8:23 PM
FIFY.
(Of course, Ed helps maintain top status)
jgapinoy on May 4, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Eh, stand up now, bend over later.
4shoes on May 4, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Kneel?
That would be great, oh please, let them kneel.
clnurnberg on May 4, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Taking from a few lines of a certain movie, here’s how an exchange between Obama and the press would go.
Obama: Bark.
WH Press: Woof! (like a poodle)
O: Like a big dog.
WH P: WOOF!
O: Jump like one.
WH P: WOOF! (Jump)
O: Get outta here!
WH P: WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! (Leaves the room, jumping and barking.)
newton on May 4, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Bend over and touch the toes.
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:25 PM
One example of bias of a million, more every day…
echosyst on May 4, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Maybe Jolted Joe Biden told everyone to stand up for him.
“You’re makin’ us stand up for ya, pa1″
jgapinoy on May 4, 2009 at 8:26 PM
And kiss his feet.
fogw on May 4, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Get Up Offa That Thing!
Christien on May 4, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Hemorrhoids can be a bitch when kissing that much ass.
lasertex on May 4, 2009 at 8:28 PM
The standing isn’t that big of a deal. I think Chuck Todd throwing his panties onto the lecturn may have crossed the line of journalistic integrity, however.
trubble on May 4, 2009 at 8:29 PM
lanky lou: right on!
the video speaks for itself.
the “explanation” falls on its face.
i have thought for about a year or so that allahpundit must have a hot lib girlfriend he needs to appease. (kristen powers?)
this is just another example of his pandering to libs and “moderates” by giving more than equal time to the msm’s propaganda/spin.
he’s no charles johnson – yet. but he’s getting there…
reliapundit on May 4, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Come on Helen! Show them how he’s healed your fat-arsesittingallthetime syndrome!
Enter Specter
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:30 PM
They stood up for Saddam Hussien Obama too.
lasertex on May 4, 2009 at 8:30 PM
“Uh, why, uh, thank you Chuck. I’ll seeee youuuu at 9:00″ *wink*
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:30 PM
You think getalife disappeared?
HaH! Guesssss whooooo-oooooo?
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 8:32 PM
So the press had a totus erection—-Big deal.
Rovin on May 4, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Standing? Isn’t their new position on their knees? It is the customary position for a servant after all.
Opinions vary, at least til The Stink has his way.
VikingGoneWild on May 4, 2009 at 8:33 PM
facing away head down, butt up
notagool on May 4, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Oh no, not hemorrhoids again,
got to get me some Preparation O.
lasertex on May 4, 2009 at 8:34 PM
They are what we thought they were. Crown their ass.
Kid from Brooklyn on May 4, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Allah,
I think you missing the real story here. I really don’t know White House protocol, when you stand for the president or not. Perhaps, the press corps not standing for Bush was not an intentional snub. I also don’t know what happened exactly in the whole WH threatening 2 use the press against Chrystler investors. The real story is how the public preceives media bias. The fact that people don’t think it’s outrageous to think the press corps would be used by the WH to do its dirty work or snub a Republican president but not a Democrat president is the story. There is no longer trust. THAT is the story here.
terryannonline on May 4, 2009 at 8:35 PM
They may stand up, but they should be bringing gifts. Frankincense, myrrh and gold come to mind. And a kid with a drum.
Cicero43 on May 4, 2009 at 8:39 PM
“Neal before ZOD.. No wait.. Stand …. STAND BEFORE ZOD!!!”
Yeah yeah, THAT’s the ticket!
44Magnum on May 4, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Umm, no it wasn’t. Allahpundit’s success building the site from scratch I might add allowed another quality pundit of Ed’s caliber to join in. I’m registered since day one and you are mistaken LankyLou.
saus on May 4, 2009 at 8:43 PM
It may be the “last respect” for some reporters that soon may not have a paper to file their storys. It will be interesting to see where the “trust” lies when these “journalist” become bloggers.
Rovin on May 4, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Good one!
Catie96706 on May 4, 2009 at 8:44 PM
The “press” is annoyed that we even beg the question……
……. they are the “cool” kids, the handsome and pretty, the socialites, the one’s invited to all the parties,
“OF COURSE” they did everything in their power to influence the election and get Obama elected………
……. isn’t it a “hoot”! See what “we” did to manipulate public opinion, popular culture, and eventually the vote!
So what if Obama approves earmarks and hires lobbyist after he said he wouldn’t,……………
………… so what if his Administration is filled with tax cheats (we all do it, right? tee-hee),
so what if after promising total transparency his Administration carefully controls access by the press, as long as we are invited to the parties,……..
……………. so what if Air Force One buzzes New York City, “He found out about it when we did” (wasn’t that cute),
so what if he erases President Bush’s twitter archives, “oops!” (tee-hee)……..
It’s a brave new world, “WE WON”!……….
……. and for the next four years, we are going to shove it down your throat!
By the way, did you see the “Date Night” coverage……..?
………. absolutely fabulous!
(Do I need the /sarc tag?)
Seven Percent Solution on May 4, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Bush enters/its a Democracy!
Obama enters/its Socialism,and the Liberals
are all Lock-stepped,in unison,cultish like!!
canopfor on May 4, 2009 at 8:45 PM
By the way………
………. I always like voting with my wallet.
Not a $0.10 for any paper, magazine, movie, or product that is advertised on the MSM…….
Seven Percent Solution on May 4, 2009 at 8:47 PM
I thought it was harder to stand when you have a boner.
lorien1973 on May 4, 2009 at 8:47 PM
At least none of them fainted! Although Major Garrett did look like he shat his drawers.
Bicyea on May 4, 2009 at 8:48 PM
8th grade math, 8th grade math, 8th grade math
“conor, will u please come to the board”
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 8:54 PM
I’m still thinking that’s a fluke. I can’t believe the press didn’t stand up when the President entered as a matter of policy and suddenly got it back when Obama took office.
Skywise on May 4, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Boy we cons are sure crazy to think there is any sort of left wing bias.
/sarc
Jamson64 on May 4, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Yeah, but Bush was just a mortal.
Star20 on May 4, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Great,more AllahPundit bashing!Ugh!
canopfor on May 4, 2009 at 8:59 PM
When I get a tingle in my leg I stand up and shake it off
Jamson64 on May 4, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Well maybe Bush was just modest and asked the press corps not to stand when he entered the room.
SoulGlo on May 4, 2009 at 9:01 PM
They’re just really, really, unbelievable, outrageously, insanely, totally like, you-have-no-freaking-idea-how-much… pro-Obama. Whew!
-
I would say “fixed it for you”, but it still falls a bit short I think. Infinitely so in fact.
-
RalphyBoy on May 4, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Are there any reports of journalists who are either
sick,on leave,or have vanished from the face of the
earth,if they forgot to stand,and honour the ‘ONE’?
canopfor on May 4, 2009 at 9:05 PM
The MSM has evolved into nothing but a propaganda arm and purveyor of puff pieces for Obama and the Democratic Party.
They should of had the grace to stand for the Office of the President even if they did not like the man.
kingsjester on May 4, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Then we have the Obamabots wondering why we won’t give him a chance? What chance did the left give Bush, other than disrespect? None. So long as this man, Obama wants to destroy the country that I love, I won’t give him my respect. He has to earn it, and he’s not off to a good start.
capejasmine on May 4, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Wow, the Leftist flying squirrels are out in force here tonight.
What was it that Fudd called them? Oh yeah, “Fur-bearing rodents” in correct-speak, “Fuh-baywing wodents” in a language that was widely accepted as OK at the time, even by Democrats.
Be vewy vewy quiet.
Del Dolemonte on May 4, 2009 at 9:14 PM
I wanna know what Alien culture has Body Snatched ALLLL of our ethical journalists.
44Magnum on May 4, 2009 at 9:25 PM
I mean, they just here about 2 years ago according to the Democrats.
Oh, wait…
44Magnum on May 4, 2009 at 9:26 PM
American Journalism: spine removal mandatory.
I’ve met jellyfish with more backbone than the current press corps.
When they wake from this pipedream, they will either cut their own throats, or go for Barry’s.
Human nature cannot survive on licked spittle for too long.
profitsbeard on May 4, 2009 at 9:27 PM
I just love it when “journalists” try to explain the actions and biases of other “journalists”.
d1carter on May 4, 2009 at 9:31 PM
and after he was finished they fell on their knees and cried “HOLY”
JeffinOrlando on May 4, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Did they stand for Clinton when he was president, or is this a new phenomenon?
/The press is so far in for Obama that Obama needs a glass belly button just so the press can see where it’s going.
AZfederalist on May 4, 2009 at 10:31 PM
“Cinco de cuatro?” The Talking Chimp demonstrates his brilliance again. Perhaps he should have tried it in Austrian.
mr1216 on May 4, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Man, they bounded up almost as fast as NancyBlowsi did during the SOTU address.
gregbert on May 4, 2009 at 11:23 PM
I am confused.
Don’t you normally kneel when you percieve you’re job to be to fellate the Messiah and ensure his success??
Why did they stand?
BillaryMcBush on May 4, 2009 at 11:28 PM
The comments at that site were classic.
Iblis on May 4, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Pravda in the USSA.
Christian Conservative on May 5, 2009 at 2:09 AM
I love it when the lefties on the lefty sites say the MSM is controlled by conservatives. If this isn’t proof positive of the media being completely biased to the point of “Messiah Worship” I don’t know what is.
Hannity says it all the time: JOURNALISM IS DEAD…..
adamsmith on May 5, 2009 at 7:46 AM
Der Kommondant.
bluelightbrigade on May 5, 2009 at 7:58 AM
It was OK to stand but when they raised their right hands and did the old Sig Heil thing, I thought that was a little over the top.
roux on May 5, 2009 at 9:44 AM
All hail the Lightworker!
CP on May 5, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Well in this particular case, Obama interrupted the press conference Gibbs was giving to announce the retirement of Souter. So it is possible that they were caught off guard.
I’d have to see another instance of them standing to make a judgment.
Ortzinator on May 5, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Ahhh yesss. The spin: At least the White House press corps stands for something!
kens on May 5, 2009 at 1:57 PM
HELL no — I’d expect Chuck or Helen to throw themselves over it for The One!
Paul_in_NJ on May 5, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Now, doesn’t that seem more accurate?
oldleprechaun on May 5, 2009 at 6:32 PM
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