Video: Hall monitor Gibbs collecting press corps’ cell phones now
posted at 4:58 pm on May 13, 2009 by Allahpundit
A cute moment containing the germ of an idea by which he can turn the righties who dislike him instantly to his side: Be aggressive with the press. As evidence, I refer you to the enthralled comments in last night’s post about the British MP — from Labour, no less — who got up in the face of a BBC anchor by demanding to know how much she makes per year. That’s how you win over media-hating conservatives, Gibbsy. Call Jennifer Loven a shill. Tell Chuck Todd he could stand to lose a few. Take a swing at Tapper the next time he gets uppity. Peace through strength!
Update (Ed): Tommy Christopher attended this briefing and gives his eyewitness account. We talked about this on today’s show with Caleb Howe, and the consensus was that Gibbs got an easy moment here — and that some in the WHPC need a lesson in professionalism.
Blowback
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Is it a metaphor for taxes come 2010?
lorien1973 on May 13, 2009 at 5:01 PM
That’s actually kind of funny.
BadgerHawk on May 13, 2009 at 5:01 PM
It’s a shame they can’t both lose…
Rogue on May 13, 2009 at 5:02 PM
No, because the press are the ‘most powerful people on the planet’, and will always find a way out of government’s clutches.
BadgerHawk on May 13, 2009 at 5:02 PM
well the newsies have surrendered just about all they can….the first time they irritate the Ogabes in a hard way they’re done.
sven10077 on May 13, 2009 at 5:02 PM
What’d patton say? When commies and nazis are fighting, you don’t pick sides. You drop bombs.
lorien1973 on May 13, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Should have faked wiping his arse with it then give it back. I guess that’s not too funny, being a Democrat, his sh*t doesn’t stink.
WashJeff on May 13, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Who says they cant?
AUINSC on May 13, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Made for public.
the_nile on May 13, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Where is your warrant is what I would of said.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Your cell phones will be seized next.
faraway on May 13, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Doesn’t Gibbs know who they are?
Dusty on May 13, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Tony Snow he ain’t. The word putz comes to mind.
thebookkeeper on May 13, 2009 at 5:06 PM
First, taxes on Cokes and Sugar Pops. Now seizing our cell phones. What’s next?
faraway on May 13, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Actually, it looks like a classroom full of 12 years with one of those last-minute goofball substitute teachers presiding.
AUINSC on May 13, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Hmmmm….
Seizure of Property without Due Process of Law? In the White House itself?
How… appropriate, for a President whose vow is to defend the CONSTITUTION!
Romeo13 on May 13, 2009 at 5:07 PM
A perfect metaphor for what the Obama Administration has planned for any communication not pre-approved by the teleprompter-in-chief.
Laptops are next?
coldwarrior on May 13, 2009 at 5:07 PM
liberals dont sh*t – they politely defecate tiny eco friendly goat turds
Ris4victory on May 13, 2009 at 5:09 PM
I can’t believe the reporters are that stupid to go into a presser with their ringers on.
Sorry if I disappoint HA bretheren in here, but I agree with that action he took. Should have just booted the reporter out of the room, but take what you can get I s’pose.
44Magnum on May 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Carpe Blackberry
faraway on May 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM
I don’t blame him for taking the phones, he should have kicked the guy out who began talking on the phone…kicked him out and banned him for a couple of sessions.
What is so hard about turning your phone off while talking with someone.
right2bright on May 13, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Allahpundit, you are being distinctly small-minded today. First, we have the base and the “socialist” word. Now, this.
I think you are still irritated by the Mags McCain, “Does he even know who the f*** I am?” story the other day.
BigD on May 13, 2009 at 5:12 PM
That is pretty funny. I wonder if this is the start of the WHPC remembering that they do not work for Gibbs, or Obama?
drunyan8315 on May 13, 2009 at 5:13 PM
How much are each of these “media professionals” being paid?
That’s one way to get out of a high profile flip-flop on the photos; and the turds in the media play along.
RobCon on May 13, 2009 at 5:13 PM
One of these fools actually gave his phone to Gibbs.
faraway on May 13, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Did he walk over to the projects and give the cell phone to a welfare recipient. That would be more like the obama administration.
HornetSting on May 13, 2009 at 5:15 PM
What’s really funny about it is, though almost all of them are in the tank for Messiah, they aren’t showing Gibbs any respect at all…not that he deserves it.
AUINSC on May 13, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Yeah, because conservatives are such dolts that we can be easily bought by this.
/sarc
HornetSting on May 13, 2009 at 5:17 PM
That’s better than Sharpei Dingleberry.
Okay I’ll go back to what I was doing… never mind.
Daggett on May 13, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Gibbs reminds me of the nurdy principal in Ferris Bueller…..
Guess who Ferris is???
(I like when the last guy just walks off and leaves Gibbs holding himself)
izoneguy on May 13, 2009 at 5:17 PM
ok, the utter size of the guffaws just does not fit the situation. it reminds me of the press dinner over the weekend in which attendees gladly agreed to be jesters for the king and court.
pitiful.
GoodSamaritan on May 13, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Turned his back on him too.
- The Cat
P.S. I like how Gibbs is talking and the kids in the class are having full voice side bars.
MirCat on May 13, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Hmmm… kicking him out? no problem…
Taking his personal property? Problem, its ILLEGAL.
But this Government no longer respects Property Rights…
Romeo13 on May 13, 2009 at 5:20 PM
I think Gibbsy was upset that the media didn’t all stand up and applaud when he came into the room like they do for Obama.
BigD on May 13, 2009 at 5:21 PM
I will always remember Gibbs in this light………..
Seven Percent Solution on May 13, 2009 at 5:22 PM
This is the level of respect earned by Baghdad Bob Gibbs. The press nitwit takes a cell call in the briefing room, and walks away talking. Unbelieveable.
Jaibones on May 13, 2009 at 5:23 PM
I propose the Thunderdome option.
TheUnrepentantGeek on May 13, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Funny!
Ted Torgerson on May 13, 2009 at 5:26 PM
I can’t stand Gibbs, but seriously, how stupid does a reporter have to be to not check their phone after the first ring. If you are going to be in the room, shut it off.
He should have crushed it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm1CJPIqUpI
JeffinOrlando on May 13, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Five dollars says last one made his phone ring on purpose.
gregbert on May 13, 2009 at 5:27 PM
:)
scalleywag on May 13, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Eh,coming from an administration that got ticked at FOX because Obama couldnt BE the ONLY program watched on TV. Immature babies always need attention. He could have just asked the jounalist to leave the room, but daddy nanny Gibbs had to confiscate his phone. Obama administration = Jr.High School all over again.
canditaylor68 on May 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM
When taking a pre-recorded call from your service provider is more interesting than listening to Gibbs try to spin yet another whale of a yarn…says a lot about Gibbs, don’t it?
coldwarrior on May 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM
It’s like they never left middle school.
yogi41 on May 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Today’s event will probably be Gibbs only redeeming moment as Press Secretary. Heh
Lance Murdock on May 13, 2009 at 5:32 PM
Just one big summer camp over there isn’t it.
Lets play that old game called,
“Imagine if a Republican did that”
RobCon on May 13, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Gibbs demonstrates the use of power in the Obama administration. Totally arbitrary, and based on his mood, not some level-headed plan.
hawksruleva on May 13, 2009 at 5:35 PM
A Republican Press Sec:As a sign of a White House under seige, the Press Secretary resorted to intimadating the press and causing a chilling effect and a possible naked threat to the First Admendment.
Liberal Press Secretary:
Ha, Ha, Ho, Ho, giggle, giggle, how charming
RobCon on May 13, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Hardly comparable responses or contexts but maybe you’re on to something. Somebody’s got to go after the press now that you’re busy canoodling with Megan McCain, ha, ha.
Django on May 13, 2009 at 5:38 PM
My hero is the reporter who made his phone ring, and snubbed the press secretary. All the other reporters…imagine if you will if it wasn’t Obama’s press secretary?
He had the right to ask people to leave, but not take property without due process. As far as being rude, give me a break, the rings weren’t as loud as the people going …oooh…like they were in high school…those were the true unprofessionals.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 5:39 PM
And as far as the BBC went…the proper response of the media should of been…it is my job to put fire under you, I get paid to do that, as you are paid to do your job.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Tapper brought gum, but not enough for the whole class. Live and learn.
Jim Treacher on May 13, 2009 at 5:42 PM
The Obama Admin confiscating private property? Noooo!!!!
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:42 PM
I like Tapper.
capitalist piglet on May 13, 2009 at 5:43 PM
And here I am all these years thinking their job is to report the facts. Who, what, where, when, how, why…
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Just your typical Liberal classroom,in action!
canopfor on May 13, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Allah, me thinks that you do not like conservatives.
Johan Klaus on May 13, 2009 at 5:44 PM
I’m a substitute teacher and it really reminded me of middle school…except I wouldn’t put up with that circus. Gibbs is the spineless teacher that just gets laughed at when he tries to look tough.
mountaineer for liberty on May 13, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Actually, it looks like a classroom full of 12 years with one of those last-minute goofball substitute teachers presiding.
AUINSC on May 13, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Winner.
It’s like they never left middle school.
yogi41 on May 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Honorable mention.
fogw on May 13, 2009 at 5:47 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:44 PM
When you are doing an interview, it is the job of the interviewer to ask exposing questions, so that they can report on the facts live. The media should never ever ever ever be friends with people in politics, as the are to inform the public…the bosses. That is their role. I have no problem with reporters making it tough for conservatives…as long as the use the same stick on liberals.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 5:48 PM
I would’ve and then told the big goof that he wasn’t man enough to take my phone.
thomasaur on May 13, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Ya know, as adolescent as Gibbsy’s behavior was…
I have to admit, there are times (like in line at the bank) when I’d like to do the same thing.
uncivilized on May 13, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Just you wait,when Gibbs can’t enforce his own rules
on the journalists,
the Civilian National Secruity Forces,will be ready to
be deployed,
just outside the press briefing door!!
canopfor on May 13, 2009 at 5:50 PM
If they confiscated Gibbs’ microphone every time he told an implausible lie Motorola would make a fortune.
Crusty on May 13, 2009 at 5:50 PM
uncivilized on May 13, 2009 at 5:49 PM
the difference is he is a government employee, hence he was out of bounds.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Saw it live. It was a ray of funny through a pool of stagnant water. Gibbs should switch to children’s entertainment shows.
crash72 on May 13, 2009 at 5:51 PM
That, whoever is not what they do, or what she was doing or even what you advocated.
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Another thing on that BBC, I am rather sad that many conservatives fell for it…the politician made a veil threat…as he controls her salary…it was a reminder to her that he controls her salary. That should make everyone in Britain rather nervous….and why government control media is always a bad idea.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 5:53 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:51 PM
The role of the media is to expose the government to the people. They are to do it professionally, if they want to maintain any credibility. The BBC anchorette was challenging a British politician, she was doing her job. He gently reminded her that he has power of the purse, her purse…which is why she was quick to bow before him.
The role of the press core is to challenge Obama. However, the press secretary can ask certain reporters to leave, because they are being “rude”, he doesn’t have the right to remove property, as a government representative.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 5:57 PM
No. He reminded the sanctimonious B!tch that see too is a public employee making a hell of a lot more money than your average AP just to be sanctimonious about children dying in the streets for lack of public funding while MPs pad their expense accounts. He hit her right between her hypocritical eyes just like she deserved. I think you need to really watch the interview again and pay close attention to her demagoguery.
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:57 PM
Wrong. The media is there to report the news fairly, accurately, without passion or prejudice. They are not supposed to be advocates. They are reporters of fact.
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:58 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:57 PM
fact is, he controls her salary. She may have been sanctimonious, she may have been a hypocrite, but her job is to challenge him…is it not a fact that the MP was padding their expense accounts? She was challenging him…and he threw it back by reminded her that he controls her salary…don’t rock the boat or we will go after you. Don’t let your anger of the media blind you of the greater evil.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 6:01 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 5:58 PM
No, “fairly and accurately, without passion or prejudice” is not the role of the media…read the news back in 1776, and you will find more passion and prejudice… Their job is to expose, to challenge…they are the 4th branch of government if you will…their job is to voice the people’s voice, as well as report back to the people.
If the people find them to not be credible, then they lose money….( unless its a government media person )..its takes more effort to do the same for judges, senators, presidents etc.
The problem with the media isn’t their passion, its they give off the airs of being impartial when they aren’t.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 6:07 PM
Fact is, he doesn’t. He no more controls her salary that a Congressman controls the salary of your Postman.
She didn’t simply challenge him. Go back and watch the interview and listen to the demagoguery she uses about people suffering in the streets due to cutbacks (a typical Leftists claim that is made all the time here in Massachusetts) while she’s pulling down twice as much in government pay and doing a lot less for it. If she cares about the mythical suffering in the streets she should take a voluntary pay cut to the level of a common MP. But that wasn’t what it was all about, was it.
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Problem with your view of the media is it’s exactly what we have today they just happen to be on the other side of you. So, you’ve already got what you want.
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:10 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Does Congress and the British equivalent the Parliament control the purse? Could they not say…all postmen will get paid no more than 20K? Yes they can. One doesn’t have power, but he is influential, and all he has to is make a phone call to her boss…at the minimum.
I understand that she was off base with her conclusions…separate the issue with what was said…
A person who has power over her salary told her to back down…he didn’t challenge her on the starving children…he was challenging her that he did more than her, and got paid less for it. What makes it muddy is she is also a government employee…but I have a problem when any politician plays the class envy card…even if the card is played on a lefty.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 6:15 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:10 PM
And capitalism works doesn’t it? Those media outlets would naturally die out…and short of not getting pay backs from government ( bailouts ) the system works.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 6:18 PM
The real question is, what is the left hand doing while the right hand is distracting us with this issue? What is Gibbs trying to hide?
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Can Keith Olberman raise taxes? The worse he can do is slander. Can’t say the same for Congress, Presidents, etc. Hence, I don’t care if the BBC babe was Keith Olberman, the Parliament member was out of line.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Said another way…can Keith Olberman legally take property from fellow citizens to pay for the raise he wants?
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 6:35 PM
The first phone ring was funny, and I chuckled a little as Gibbs took the phone and chucked it out the door, if only because it was so shocking. The second guy, who answered it and walked off, was very disrespectful. Gibbs is a baffoon, and it’s very obvious the man is in the wrong job – and that those in the press room have little to no respect for him.
I certainly lost respect for him today after watching this. I had to turn off the tv, rather than watch him struggle to regain control.
Anna on May 13, 2009 at 6:38 PM
Gibbs is Baghdad Bob minus the army fatigues.
CP on May 13, 2009 at 6:42 PM
You are trying way too hard.
Yes, regarding the media capitalism works so well we have a fair, unbiased media in the US. In fact, 80% of people polled think the media shoots straight. It’s Utopia.
Not sure how this relates to our discussion but of you are waiting for the Media to expose the Obama Admin or the Dems in general, I submit you’ve got a long, long wait.
They were both out of line. He just threw her hypocrisy and demagoguery right back into her Leftist face.
I thought we were talking about the BBC?
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:44 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:44 PM
The old media is slowly losing credibility…and losing profits. The new media…just as bias, but on the other side…is gaining profits because people are beginning to trust the Glenn Becks, Hannitys etc. Its a slow battle of the minds.
The 80% figure is based on what? The old media?
As far as the media exposing Obama…no I am not waiting for the old media to do so, because I know they are bias toward Obama. Which is why they are losing credibility with the people. Capitalism works…as the old media exposes that they are propaganda machines, people stop watching them…they become powerless. Liars are only as powerful as how well they are able to convince people to trust them.
I thought we were talking about the BBC?
The comparison was made in the header…hence how US government responds to privately funded reporters is relevant. The BBC can’t raise British taxes to give themselves raises. That is they can’t legally remove property from their neighbors to pay for the raise they want….all they can do is talk.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 6:58 PM
I once saw Barney Frank heading his committee and when the questioning got too close for comfort SUDDENLY one or two phones started ringing in the chamber and he used the disturbance to stop the questions.
And now we see the SAME scenario…or is it a technique?
Hmmmm….
rishika on May 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM
rishika on May 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM
exactly…what is Gibbs hiding, thats the real story. He is purposely using a common hate…ringing cell phones…to his advantage, because the ringing phone wasn’t as loud as the talking in the background.
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 7:03 PM
If there had been some kind of point… that could have been a Saturday Night Live skit.
Since Obama came in the real life happenings are more funny and more tragic than TV shows.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Dang you are good! I’m keeping my tinfoil hat on just in case.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Maybe he swapped it out for a Vergatario.
Kid from Brooklyn on May 13, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Ahhh… so glad the ‘adults’ are in charge now.
RedbonePro on May 13, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Agreed. You can’t have a strong press if they are in the government’s (or one party’s) pocket. And thus Obama is now President.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:17 PM
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Obama is President for 3 reasons
1. The media
2. McCain is a joke
3. The symbolism
Conservative Voice on May 13, 2009 at 7:23 PM
I thought the same thing when I saw it live. The lack of respect for the office of POTUUS by both sides, press and obama admin, is appalling.
R D on May 13, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Nerdprom?
bluelightbrigade on May 13, 2009 at 7:54 PM
It happens all the time when you walk into a security area…or an area that is observing silence.
Either turn it off or lose it for the duration.
Confiscating it and relieving him of it for the duration of the meeting are two different things totally.
I would expect the same from anyone leading a business meeting.
Either turn it off, or leave it, or lose it.
Try refusing to turn your phone off at a board meeting and see where that gets you.
right2bright on May 13, 2009 at 8:19 PM
They can pry my cold dead hand from my crackberry, before I give it to some commie!
grapeknutz on May 13, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Gibbs is like a high school teacher who is so desperate to have the kids love him that he lets them get away with murder, and then punishes them ineffectively.
What a dweeb.
PattyJ on May 13, 2009 at 10:19 PM
What was with the guy that kept talking on his phone and walked out?
Weird.
Dr. ZhivBlago on May 13, 2009 at 10:54 PM
What a frat club.
amkun on May 14, 2009 at 3:20 AM
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