Blue on blue: Helen Thomas hammers Gibbs on Obama’s phony town hall
posted at 2:55 pm on July 1, 2009 by Allahpundit
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Phony, that is, in the sense that the White House knows in advance the questions that’ll be asked, which makes the questioners de facto plants of the most transparent administration evah. I have no big problem with The One putting on a pageant — that’s standard presidential stagecraft in a television age — but I do have a problem with the NYT taking care to note the “orchestration” when Bush pulled this while neglecting to mention it this time. It’s in keeping with the media’s narratives about Dubya and Obama, though, the former shifty and stupid and therefore dependent on softballs, the latter “open” and ingenious and no longer required to prove his ability to handle tough questions. Also, and needless to say, while Thomas’s and Chip Reid’s effort is appreciated, O doesn’t need to shut out the press in order to “control” it. That’s what Rahm’s mad manipulation skillz are for, and what Rahm (and Axelrod) can’t control, old-fashioned liberal bias can be trusted to take care of. As lefty rag Vanity Fair admitted early last month:
They have been handed a most remarkable historical moment—in which they get to remake the media in their own image. They have the power and they are the subject. These people in this White House are in greater control of the media than any administration before them.
Frankly, with ABC holding infomercials for Obama in prime time, it seems almost petty to get exercised about a phony town hall. Exit question: How seriously should we take concerns that Obama’s not facing enough tough questions when voiced by a woman known to wonder why the White House considers Iran a threat? Click the image to watch.
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Please….puhhhlease, not in a Helen Thomas post…
right2bright on July 1, 2009 at 3:50 PM
LOL-I could almost kiss her.
Almost.
-Dave
Dave R. on July 1, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Yeah, but notice they’re only picking on Gibbs. Nobody’s actually getting on the President’s case at this point. When that happens, it should be enough of a stomach turner for you. But for now, The One is still insulated. Even as his policies are taking a major hit, his popularity remains pretty high.
You think Helen Thomas is gonna take that on?
manwithblackhat on July 1, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Gibbs.
What. A. Boob.
RedNewEnglander on July 1, 2009 at 3:52 PM
This is how bad and “transparent” this has become…even the most ardent supporter is pissed that he calls reporters the night before and tells them what and when.
It can’t get any more “transparent” than that little exchange.
right2bright on July 1, 2009 at 3:53 PM
This may be the start of something like maybe the press starting to do their jobs.
We shall see.
Obamugabe may reprioritize which Amendment to do away with first but, I think he knows if he kills the second amendment 1st then the first will fall as a consequence.
TheSitRep on July 1, 2009 at 3:53 PM
I agree with Helen Thomas.
First time ever.
But, she’s SHOCKED, finds it Shocking…shows how silly she always has been. Nothing shocking about Obamanation. Shocking because he’s a lefty? Wake Up Helen, you’ve been around longer than that!
bridgetown on July 1, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Does Helen realize that she would not be given medical treatment under the Obama health care plan?
PappaMac on July 1, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Hey, watch it…something that many of use revere…
right2bright on July 1, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Clearly, there is a pattern here. Whenever Barry or Gibbs is asked a legitimate question that exposes the idiocy of their real agenda, they turn it into a joke or try to ridicule the questioner. Major Garrett, Jake Tapper, Chip Reid and now, Helen Thomas. Hopefully, there is a backlash and Americans will get the real truth.
vitaatcaritas on July 1, 2009 at 3:56 PM
jay12 on July 1, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Uh wrong blog
You are looking for DailyKOS or Democrat Underground or maybe Stormfront.
We try to use humor logic and reason here.
LincolntheHun on July 1, 2009 at 3:58 PM
This guy reminds me of Baghdad Bob of early OIF fame. When 3rd ID tanks were thundering down the airport road in Baghdad, ol’ Bob was saying–”what tanks? There’s no tanks here.” Gibbsy couldn’t understand the simple point Reid and Thomas were trying to give him in color-by-numbers talk.
Chip Reid was having a battle of the wills with an unarmed man.
ted c on July 1, 2009 at 4:01 PM
RedNewEnglander on July 1, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Go Sox!
Wore my ball cap over to the desert (hell things been to Thailand Singapore Autralia Italy and few other places), and was completly out of uniform when they won the series (1st time) as I replaced my uniform cap for my Sox cap.
I was willing to do the time if needed.
LincolntheHun on July 1, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Even the “New Jeff” has to say I wouldn’t kiss her with your dogs lips.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 4:01 PM
I remember Helen Thomas at the Presidential Ball. She danced a mean Charleston.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 4:03 PM
That clip was long overdue. Reid much like Jake Tapper last week looked really pissed that Gibbs was dancing around the question. And when Helen Thomas is on a liberal Adminstration’s case, you know something ain’t right.
The drive-bys have a loooooooooooooooooooooooong way to go to regain any shred of credibility with me and I would imagine a good portion of the American public. But 3 1/2 more years of this and I may start to have faith again.
Doughboy on July 1, 2009 at 4:05 PM
medical treatment??? what you mean…aren’t daily embalmings and formaldehyde covered?
ted c on July 1, 2009 at 4:06 PM
ladyingray, I presume you’re quoting Madison experiencing his first epiphany.
Loxodonta on July 1, 2009 at 4:06 PM
And that goes for your little dog too!
/ how about a little fire, Scarecrow?
Sefton on July 1, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Okay, was Jake gone today—? Reid sinks his teeth into Gibbs and Helen comes to his aid. Throw in a flank attack by Tapper into that mix and the WH press briefings are going Golden Globes baby….!
ted c on July 1, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Robert Gibbs is an absolute embarrassment. What an idiotic display. The press is clearly sick of being jerked around by this moron.
Chuck Schick on July 1, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Helen slapped Gibbs around pretty well considering her advanced years. Gibbs giggles too much. Nervous giggling is so repulsive on a grown male.
UnEasyRider on July 1, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Do they have a right to complain when their corruption instrumental in getting that joker elected?
rollthedice on July 1, 2009 at 4:10 PM
I think he was being disingenuous. He knew full well what Redi was talking about but was turning Reid’s question into the question he wanted to answer, rather than answer the question Reid actually asked.
ProfessorMiao on July 1, 2009 at 4:10 PM
OMG. This is freakin UNblievable. Media stalwarts not willing to go along with Obama’s Gibbs shilling?
Barack better start working on that coup-dictatorship thing, ’cause once the ink is no longer on his side, he’s a goner.
I feel good right now, and I really do not believe it was Helen Thomas who is responsible.
Pinch me. I’m no longer in the realm of reality.
redneck hippie on July 1, 2009 at 4:10 PM
3 months ago the press was laughing with him. Yesterday the press was laughing at him… Today, the press wasn’t laughing.
they still have a long way to go. If the press wakes up, pulls up their big boy and big girls pants, and gets the picture—then we’ll really start seeing the cracks grow.
ted c on July 1, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Is the dawn cracking?
SouthernGent on July 1, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Gibbs is a snot-nosed, mouthy teenager. If I were his mom, I’d take away the keys to his hybrid and place restrictions on his Blackberry.
pjean on July 1, 2009 at 4:16 PM
How will the press begin to explain hard questioning of the White House?
If there were 3, heck even TWO more reporters in the White House with the moxie equivalent to Tapper and Garrett, then our free press would begin to reemerge from the swamp.
ted c on July 1, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Heh, that’s perfect. Gibbs = the new Baghdad Bob.
petefrt on July 1, 2009 at 4:18 PM
No, but I’ll settle for a resurgent watchdog press at this point, regardless of their past sins. It could very well be that they’re concerned for their own job security. The economy is in the toilet, and newspapers, magazines, and TV stations are in no way immune.
Doughboy on July 1, 2009 at 4:20 PM
The end is near. I was actually rooting for Helen while watching a press conference.
I’m so ashamed.
Changucopia on July 1, 2009 at 4:22 PM
Gibbs squirming like that is sure fun to watch. He’ll be gone soon.
Sanjoboy on July 1, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Oh, please. The old lefty witch finds it “shocking” that Obama is “controlling the press.” That’s what they do in banana republics you dried up old Marxist windbag. Welcome to the new America YOU and your friends in the media handed us. You broke it, Helen, and now you’ve got to buy it. So in the words of Obama, “I won.” And in the words of me, “Suck it.”
Rational Thought on July 1, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Maybe this is just the pro forma “See, we’re doing our job” CYA by the MSM. I don’t think they mind being used and abused by Barry and Fibbs, so long as they can cite exchanges such as this to deflect any criticism that they’re in the tank for Obama.
Christien on July 1, 2009 at 4:25 PM
If CBS would show more of this kind of moxey they might be able to pull themselves out of the hole they’ve dug. I’m amazed, didn’t know Chip Reid had it in him. Who knew?
And, our old beloved Aunt Helen. Why do I get the feeling this is only a temporary lapse?
24K lady on July 1, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Sorry but the look on her face reminded me of my grandmother when a particularly dense grandkid would make the mistake of being a smart alec. It was run for cover and pity the fool time. She will get Gibbs just to show him who is boss. It may not last for long, but she will get him.
txmomof6 on July 1, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Oh that Helen Thomas…23 skidoo
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Did anyone else notice Helen flashing Gibby the evil eye?
soulsirkus on July 1, 2009 at 4:29 PM
I mean…it’s just…wow.
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 4:29 PM
If this kind of crap keeps up they’ll just have to suspend White House briefing’s till the press get’s back on the right track.
heshtesh on July 1, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Well I’m wishing for cracks in the wall too but…
I’m really not getting too excited over this. Had they been able to ask the questions they wanted, they would still tow the statist line. I’m thinking it’s more petulance than anything. They want to be included in pushing the socialist agenda and are throwing a temper tantrum.
rollthedice on July 1, 2009 at 4:30 PM
All I can say is I hope that everyone on this forum has at least two different stream ripper programs on their computer so they can compile the video and audio from this arrogant, condescending administration. Gibbs is the typical playground bully of old. Thats what you get when any politician from Chicago infects and infests the White House. None of the other “Journalists” would say a word which proves my point that they’re nothing but a bunch of mindless myrmidons.
Secondly the Osama Obama Bin Laden administration learned another lesson in controlling the media from the hatchet job that Dan Blather and Mary Mapes pulled in their attack on Dubya.
Its going to take a lot of effort from the Drive-By media to prove themselves credible again but getting their lip prints off of Osama’s administration’s collective ass maybe a good start.
Just my $0.08 ( Inflation & Tax Increase)
hamradio on July 1, 2009 at 4:30 PM
So Helen Thomas expects us to believe she’s outraged by the fact that Obama “controls the media?” Oh please.
He doesn’t have to do anything at all to control you, Helen – you’ve willingly whored yourselves out to him as his willing PR firm/Ministry of TRVTH.
You’re just in a snit because Obama let some grubby little blogger into your clubhouse without your permission, and you don’t like that one little bit.
Gator Country on July 1, 2009 at 4:31 PM
…and the winner of the best voice for singing the dithyramb…
Helen Thomas!
In: “It’s a Wonderful Tragedy”
ericdijon on July 1, 2009 at 4:31 PM
I think his ‘popularity’ is more due to selective area poling (IE Urban rather than rural) and the fact that when confronted, most people will not want to say they do not like 0bama due the the left being so quick with the race card.
Wolftech on July 1, 2009 at 4:32 PM
How much you wanna bet that after this presser, Rahm showed up with his pointy little ballerino slippers and lined each one of these lemmings up against the wall for a nice little game of Beat the Press?
$5.00
Key West Reader on July 1, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Nice to see Gibbs squirm. It’s amazing that even a lefty press is starting to call the administration on the BS.
PersonalLiberty on July 1, 2009 at 4:36 PM
I can’t believe what I just saw. And here is why I can’t believe it. It really didn’t happen. There are some really good actors and makeup people and film producers to create this film. Maybe this could be used as an educational film for the MSM.
cjs1943 on July 1, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Just once, I would love to see somebody in the White House Press Corps say to Gibbs, “Look, could you quit being a smart-ass and just answer the question?”
Don’t these White House reporters feel like idiots being jerked around by this condescending jerk of a press secretary?
JohnInCA on July 1, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Well, I’m glad someone is seeing through all this transparency.
Gibbs is a such a glib a–hole.
I expect the Obots will be out in full force smearing that “slutty” Helen Thomas.
Dark Star on July 1, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Last time Chip or Helen gets to ask a question….
R Square on July 1, 2009 at 4:42 PM
I’ll bet the lefties are kicking themselves for forgetting to chain Mad Helen back up in the attic!
GeneSmith on July 1, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Man, that Gibbs dude is a turd. What a lothesome waste of flesh.
I want to slap him and his momma.
connertown on July 1, 2009 at 4:48 PM
OMG! Someone woke Helen Thomas up!
GarandFan on July 1, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Obama is being so brazen about it that they are losing their fig leaf of independence. Maybe that’s what this is about. As long as they are his willing toadies, it’s OK, but they get their knickers in a twist when they start being ‘taken for granted’.
They should have thought about whether he’s respect them in the morning before climbing into bed with him.
ProfessorMiao on July 1, 2009 at 4:57 PM
No wonder no one watches the news anymore.
Terrye on July 1, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Someone needs to give Cohen some paper towels. He has something dripping off of his chin.
Del Dolemonte on July 1, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Thanks for sharing that.
Del Dolemonte on July 1, 2009 at 5:06 PM
I’ve watched the video about 5 times already just to make sure what I was really seeing and I still can’t believe my eyes/ears.
Who would’ve guessed that Chip and especially Helen would start bringing this up.
The video can be seen on YouTube as well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou7SGNo5QHE
(and as suggested above, I have ripped the stream and downloaded it to my computer for future viewing)
Robert Gibbs is a complete tool/moron/pantywaste.
God I hope he doesn’t get canned…
RedbonePro on July 1, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Classic “Robert Glib” arrogance. The children have taken control of the WH. We are indeed screwed.
paraff on July 1, 2009 at 5:31 PM
What a turd-burglar. He tries to laugh it off the whole time while everybody else is quite serious.
Arrogance befitting only to an Obama administrator.
loganthompson on July 1, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Helen Thomas criticizing something to do with The One? Wow, I can almost now say I’ve seen everything.
What a disingenuous tool Gibbs is, tho. And not even an effective one. This moron just got pwned by a 90-year-old woman. Pack it in, you hack. You are in way over your head.
NoLeftTurn on July 1, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Gibbs – what a f&#$ing tool! He’s an embarrassment to NC State alumni everywhere – I wish the school would rescind his diploma. I still say he was probably on the receiving end of many a swirly in grade school.
He was probably surprised that his turning the question around and back on Reid didn’t work, and then astonished that his “charm” didn’t work on Thomas. Boy, did she give him a look – talk about the Stink Eye.
Lurking Vet on July 1, 2009 at 5:42 PM
WOW. Did you happen to notice Gibbs’ “Billy Mays hand gestures”? I’m not kidding. Those are calculated “selling” gestures. Watch it again and you’ll see Gibbs doing the phony “pitchman” hand movements. He opens the hand then closes it in a “grasping and pulling in” motion. I knew Obama and the boys used word tricks and double talk, but damn, this is getting Orwellian.
marklmail on July 1, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I said to myself, “Ignore the video, just do not go there.” But your comments got me curious. I want the insanity to end and end fast. I just can’t get all excited about the press finally waking up, but dang, that was impressive. Helen is still pissed about the Huff Po question from 10 days ago. Can’t say I blame her. Craig is the real star. He pursued his point for almost 3 minutes. Good on him.
Back in the Bush administration the questions were always snarky and annoying, but I detected some real concern with these two that protocol was not being respected. They are beginning to see that there is something wrong. Don’t think they are smart enough to get the big picture yet, but they aren’t as happy with their new love as they were a few weeks back.
Note to Obama: Please, please, please do not fire Gibbsy. He is your faithful servant and will be on welfare forever if you replace him with a competent person. He brings us so much happiness.
BetseyRoss on July 1, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Blue on Blue, Heartache on Heartache
Blue on Blue, What’s a Dem to do?
Blue on Blue, Heartache on Heartache
Helen Thomas can’t stop for even Dems like you.
Apologies to Bobby Vinton.
NNtrancer on July 1, 2009 at 6:03 PM
Holy crap! When Ms. Thomas makes more sense than a president’s press secretary we are screwed.
This guy Gibbs is a horrible front man for the regime but at least we can see through his performances that the situation is as grave as it seems.
FireBlogger on July 1, 2009 at 6:25 PM
I hate that Obama makes me like the old crotchety hag.
Enoxo on July 1, 2009 at 6:44 PM
This is probably one of the only times I’ll actually agree with these clowns.
jtoms3 on July 1, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Wow even Helen Thomas confirmed lib isn’t buying into thei BullS&^(*t anymore!
Wonders never cease!
xler8bmw on July 1, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Just got to watch the video…that was a nice little smack down…left Gibbsie in a bit of a nervous giggle…
…I really miss Tony Snow…
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Any more performances like that from helen and we will wke up to hear that she died in her sleep. But seriously, wouldn’t it be awesome if after all the crap that the bush administration put up with from that evil old woman it was the barry administration that gave her the boot from the press room?
Boy that would be great.
peacenprosperity on July 1, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Robert Gibbs is an absolute embarrassment. What an idiotic display. The press is clearly sick of being jerked around by this moron.
Goldy1 on July 1, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Judgment day must be close….
I actually agree with Helen Thomas!! WTF!!
Viper1 on July 1, 2009 at 8:30 PM
A reporter scorned, especially an elderly female one probably should be feared.
jeanie on July 1, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Actually blue on blue refers to friendly forces attacking each other. MSM turning on President Obama’s press secretary is actually red on red.
thuljunior on July 1, 2009 at 8:43 PM
The media is now shocked, SHOCKED that the most staged, orchestrated, synthesized, astroturfed President in American history is pre-packaging his town halls?
I’m shocked SHOCKED!
katy on July 1, 2009 at 8:52 PM
ChickaBOOMer: Chipping Away At White House Control
http://chickaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/07/chipping-away-at-white-house-control.html
StewartIII on July 1, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Wow, I’m amazed.
And is it me or does Helen look like a Muppet?
Geronimo on July 1, 2009 at 9:17 PM
I guess that the honeymoon is over if Helen Thomas has caught on to Obama.
SC.Charlie on July 1, 2009 at 9:24 PM
No.. Blue on Blue is appropriate here. The MSM is the propaganda arm of the 0bama Administration. Or do you think the MSM did its job properly vetting 0bama and giving equal and fair coverage to both campaigns? If you do, I have some oceanfront property to sell you in New Mexico. Lots of beach front….
Wolftech on July 1, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Nobody in that WH press corps was laughing at Helen nor with Gibbs (What a silly waste of protoplasm!). I liked the tenaciousness of Reid and Thomas.
The idiocy of pre-screening email questions or of pre-selecting “town hall” questions and calling the process transparent has been exposed with this press conference. The Obama mask is being pulled off by journos coming to grips with the fact that they have been used as PR agents for this administration.
The Rahm-Emanuel morning talking points heads up to the administration toadies of the press will be the next target.
I expect more cracks in the plaster-of-Paris facade of this adminstration to show up as the press begins to find its backbone.
onlineanalyst on July 1, 2009 at 9:38 PM
Damn, I miss Tony Snow.
dont taze me bro on July 1, 2009 at 9:43 PM
The Press Secretary shows his condescension by laughing at the reporter’s unwanted questions. Obama uses the same mockery and ridicule technique.
These people show no respect.
Mo2Do on July 1, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Mo2Do on July 1, 2009 at 9:44 PM
.
Exactly. You amplify my previous point (re: Tony Snow) perfectly.
dont taze me bro on July 1, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Don’t forget to add Major “what took you so long?” Garret to the list.
p.s. Gibbs is such a goofy goober when his back is against the wall.
Miss Molly on July 1, 2009 at 9:47 PM
I think the torture of Gibbs has now entered Enhanced Interrogation Techniques territory. Love it!
PattyJ on July 1, 2009 at 10:15 PM
This so obvious, and yet no one calls them on it.
bloggless on July 1, 2009 at 10:19 PM
You never know, she might turn into a beautiful princess….
Ann NY on July 1, 2009 at 10:33 PM
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