It’s come to this: White House tries to bar Fox News from interviewing pay czar
posted at 7:35 pm on October 22, 2009 by Allahpundit
Decide for yourself what the most disgraceful aspect of this is. Was it the fact that Gibbs told Jake Tapper explicitly on Monday that the White House wouldn’t try to dictate to the press pool who should and shouldn’t be included — before doing precisely that? Was it Anita Dunn going out of her way to say she respects Major Garrett as a fair reporter — before the administration decided he didn’t deserve a crack here at Feinberg? Or was it the repeated insistence by Dunn and Axelrod that of course the administration will make its officials available to Fox — before pulling the plug today?
The other networks deserve the praise they’re getting for standing up to the Baby-in-Chief, but if they had acquiesced in this freezeout, a precedent would have been set that would have been eagerly used by future Republican presidents to close them off too. And don’t think they weren’t all keenly aware of it.
Blowback
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As Tucker has clearly pointed out, the press corps relative silence compared to the hue & cry they raised over Ari Flieschers far lesser offense is palpable.
Beyond just their blatant leftist bias, they also know..
1, Their leftist “yellow journalism” isn’t selling anymore.
2, In a capitalist economy robust sales are a pre-requisite to staying in business.
3, Their livelyhoods are threatened by the fact that the entities that sign their checks are operating inthe red, a condition that cannot continue too much longer.
4, They are hoping that their mealy mouthed coverage of their fellow progressives will result in a bailout, allowing their life of priviledge to go on uniterrupted.
5, With adoption of non-profit status being the coming White House program for “jounalism” their sinecures will be safe from the likes of real journalists. Hell they won’t even have to work anymore, just recite the dictated spiel, go home and call it a day. And all at a 7 figure salary, sweet!
Archimedes on October 22, 2009 at 11:44 PM
To Grow Fins and the rest of the leftists that visit this site…………….
Two questions,,,,,,,,,,,
Are you willing to take up arms, fight and perhaps die to bring about the change you seek?
Would you be willing to kill American citizens if it means you get the country you want?
Talon on October 22, 2009 at 11:52 PM
I don’t think any objective observer can now try to claim that anyone associated with this white house is qualified for their job.
Vashta.Nerada on October 22, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Why does this admin remind me of the Jr. High class prez only not as mature?
DSchoen on October 22, 2009 at 11:57 PM
He knows it is…this guy goes around posting and sometimes even writing fake stories…he is an idiot, a lying idiot.
right2bright on October 22, 2009 at 11:57 PM
They are going to have a tough row to hoe.
Johan Klaus on October 22, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Whew! That took some organization!
Hey, here’s a shout out Baxter for mentioning, albeit in general terms, the federal conviction of sleazy former Bergen County Democrat Chairman Joe Ferriero today.
Here’s a little news about it for anyone who is interested. And the Philadelphia Inquirer story, too.
Bergen is the biggest county in New Jersey in population, and is key in the Gubernatorial election here this year.
The polls have been tight, and we have a “spoiler” independent in the race. The conviction of Ferriero has to help Republican Chris Christie — his team put the case together, as the former U.S. Attorney. His conviction record, counting this one as he put it together? 133 – 0.
Trochilus on October 23, 2009 at 12:05 AM
They can attack Fox all they want, but I will keep watching them! I’m so ready to vote these guys out of office!
WyoMike on October 23, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Maybe someone has already said this — I didn’t read through all 6 pages of comments — but…
This has got to be the mother of all “What if Bush had tried this?!” moments.
I can just hear the chants of “Fascism!” raining down from everywhere. And for once they might have had a grain of truth behind the accusation.
willamettevalley on October 23, 2009 at 12:16 AM
The link back to HuffPo doesn’t work because this “story” is a HOAX!
DSchoen on October 23, 2009 at 12:19 AM
It’s really sad that our President turns out to be a freak
J_Crater on October 23, 2009 at 12:21 AM
Wow. An actual ounce of decency from the MSM.
I just might sleep a little better tonight after all.
dissent555 on October 23, 2009 at 12:28 AM
Chavez has been at war with the media that has exposed his Marxist policies too. Just sayin.
elduende on October 23, 2009 at 12:31 AM
Oh my gosh! I missed this! This is breath taking. Every bad thing I have ever said or thought about Obama is absolutely true!!! He is a monster of proportions that we have never seen in this country! I am just without words to describe how scared of this man I am. DICTATOR!!!!!!!!!!!
And yes kudos to the others… but he is their Frankenstein. They better take him down now that he has shown himself.
petunia on October 23, 2009 at 12:34 AM
“….but if they had acquiesced in this freezeout, a precedent would have been set that would have been eagerly used by future Republican presidents to close them off too. And don’t think they weren’t all keenly aware of it.”
Bloody nonsense: to imply that a future GOP president
would freeze out news organizations, if a Dem president does it first, is sheer sophistry.
As beset as he was by a leftist press baying for his blood over Iraq, George W. Bush could have tried this “enemies” crap on his own, but he didn’t.
Besides, didn’t Nixon already try, with his Enemies List? The one Lamar Alexander mentioned just yesterday? You think maybe subsequent GOP presidents didn’t learn anything from that tawdry and utterly ineffective episode?
YA THINK?
What frackin’ bullbleep.
fulldroolcup on October 23, 2009 at 12:46 AM
So, does anyone know if the White House press pool was Olberboyy’s “Worst Person in the World” tonight?
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Don’t confuse decency with self-preservation.
LibTired on October 23, 2009 at 12:51 AM
I can’t tell you how upset I am. I went to the Whitehouse site and sent a very mean message. I hope the Secret Service doesn’t knock on my door. But if they do so what! I am an American! Obama does not control the press in America!
This administration is the worst thing that has ever ever happened in America. This is worse than any war. These people have declared war on everything good in America!
petunia on October 23, 2009 at 12:54 AM
What makes you think there would have ever been another President!
These people could well have saved our country by finally standing up to Obama and his thugs!
petunia on October 23, 2009 at 12:56 AM
We must ALL obey, He won the Nobel Prize……………..for no apparent reason.
Winston Churchill had Obama pegged:
dthorny on October 23, 2009 at 12:59 AM
dthorny on October 23, 2009 at 1:04 AM
The thing that scares me the most about this incident is the extent to which it exposes just how out of touch the Obama administration is with the general public. Waging war on the most popular cable news channel in America? Trying to dictate how a free press operates? The only people who aren’t going to be either turned off or thoroughly disgusted by this kind of behavior are their hardcore far-left base, the ones who would stand behind Obama if he ordered the execution of children. I loathe and despise MSNBC but I tell you what: if Bush had tried to pull on them the same thing that Obama is pulling on Fox, I would have stuck up for them without a second thought. I think that’s how the majority of people will feel about this. Only the Kos kiddies will figure “screw Fox I hate them.” I think the majority of adult liberals are intelligent enough to realize that there’s a wider principle at stake here. And Team Obama just doesn’t seem to realize that. It’s made me realize that they are far more out of touch than I ever thought them possible. They’re displaying a shocking lack of judgment.
Sharke on October 23, 2009 at 1:34 AM
It all started when an intrepid Fox reporter snuck into the White House and slipped a pea twenty matresses below the Dingbat Messiah’s precious little tushy.
He hasn’t been the same since!
Really Right on October 23, 2009 at 1:37 AM
President Barack Hussein Obama.
The Great Divider got bitchslapped.
SilverStar830 on October 23, 2009 at 1:47 AM
President Barack Hussein Obama.
The Great Divider just got bit chslapped.
SilverStar830 on October 23, 2009 at 1:53 AM
Yes, I’m trying desperately to stifle dissent and the airing of unflattering news, but it’s not something that I’m losing a lot of sleep over.
–Barack Obama
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 1:55 AM
This turn of events leaves me…er..hopeful?…but not turning handsprings–yet.
Driefromseattle on October 23, 2009 at 1:57 AM
Well they can kiss goodbye any press bailout money from the Prez. (“Didn’t fall in with those traitorous SOBs from the networks, did you Pinch? Good boy!” *pat pat*)
RD on October 23, 2009 at 1:58 AM
They’re practically interchangable at this point.
HornetSting on October 23, 2009 at 2:17 AM
It would be a major boost for conservatism and setting the course for changing Congress if Christie can pull it off in NJ.
I hope the people in NJ will get sick of the lies and corruption of the democratic party and take that 600,000 registered democratic lead in that area and turn it for Republican.
On a side note, it is looking real good in Va. for McDonnell.
“Kick the democrats out in 2010″.
Baxter Greene on October 23, 2009 at 2:20 AM
This isn’t baby stuff. This was a concerted effort by Obama to squash the free press.
He sent his goons out all weekend with veiled warnings to the MSM not to stand with Foxnews and tried to ingrain the notion that Foxnews isn’t a newsnetwork at all . This was done to set up todays attempt to cut of Fox from access.
This was a fascist-like play usually reserved to would be dictators not the foot stamping of a spoiled brat.
LeeSeneca on October 23, 2009 at 2:22 AM
Oh and Kudos to the MSM. They deserve much credit for standing up together against this action.
It’s good to know the tank is only so deep.
LeeSeneca on October 23, 2009 at 2:25 AM
These are truly historic times.
petunia on October 23, 2009 at 2:42 AM
Maybe the other news media are waking up to the reality that the majority of Americans support the position and reporting as seen on Fox because they want to know what is really going on, not what someone has decided they should know. That is what has driven people form print to the net. That is what has made Fox the most trusted of the news net works.
Franklyn on October 23, 2009 at 2:50 AM
This is truly scary. I know I’m preaching to the choir, but OUR PRESIDENT HAS SENT HIS HENCHMEN OUT TO ATTACK AND SHUT DOWN A PART OF THE FREE PRESS!!!
I really can’t stand Olbermann or Maddow, but if Bush had tried to shut down MSNBC, I would hold my nose and stand on their side, because the Government has no business interfering in the press. (One could argue, I suppose, that this is just the next step in the “relationship”, since the press has been interfering in the Government too, but that is maybe for another day.)
I picture Keith Olbermann a few years from now, cowering in a cell, covered in filth, his face stained with tears, whimpering, “But I loved you! I did everything for you! I don’t understand, why? why? why?…” Fade to black. Sound of single gunshot.
Yes, I tend to be overly dramatic, and no, I don’t wish that fate on anyone. But if Fox falls, where does it end?
Boudica on October 23, 2009 at 3:50 AM
Only fox is talking about this. Anybody watching CBS, NBC, CNN or Headline doesn’t even know this happened…and they never will.
JustTruth101 on October 23, 2009 at 4:14 AM
Congratulations, Obama.
The MSM — who were in your pocket since, at least, 2006 — have finally caught onto you.
You pushed too hard and too fast and — like a TexasHoldEm poker player with three-of-a-king after only five cards have been dealt, and having raised the $10 table $3,000 — find yourself looking in the mirror at a fool.
Amateur.
Suck on it.
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 4:21 AM
It’s like in grade school where if one kid is picked on, you can’t be seen being nice to that kid or you’ll get picked on too. Very sad.
Boudica on October 23, 2009 at 4:21 AM
Congratulations, Mr. President.
You’ve managed to turn the Obama-worshiping MSM against you.
Suck on it.
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 5:18 AM
Amateur.
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 5:19 AM
How does it feel to be the bitch of Freedom?
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 5:44 AM
How does it feel to be the b*tch of Freedom?
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 5:45 AM
I can go all night. Is anybody else here?
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 5:46 AM
Maybe it’s time for Fox to start trotting out the “C” word for our illustrious Muscovite-lite leader…COWARD?
Why do such control types so fear the truth? Herrod,Stalin, Hitler, Nixon…
Don L on October 23, 2009 at 5:51 AM
Please do not put Nixon in the same paragraph as Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot, etc. Thanks.
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 5:56 AM
I understand yer larger point, Don L.
But, sheesh.
Tuning Spork on October 23, 2009 at 5:59 AM
A small step in the right direction. The white house basically told the MSM this week “you are our 8itch” and they actually woke up a little bit and said “no we ain’t”
A long way to go from here. But perhaps the veil is being pulled back a little bit for these folks.
conservnut on October 23, 2009 at 7:00 AM
ot
Have anyone notice that Little Green football site has become Anti- Rush, Beck etc.
I have not visited their site in a little while, but it seems that they have been taken over by pro Obama individuals.
Now I am not referring to the posters, but the site administrators-blogers
investwize999 on October 23, 2009 at 7:01 AM
Certainly not with TV newscasters. Imagine 0bama bin Laden commissioning a million or so of his henchmen to identify bloggers and people who posted on said blogs…
Dark-Star on October 23, 2009 at 7:40 AM
Not any respect from me for a man who desires to talk to our enemies but closes the door to opposition party out of all talks and all issues and debates that are concerns of the American people. This is our country and not his kingdom to do as he pleases. There is no transparency in his administration and he is aided and abetted daily by the MSM. Yes they made a positive move with the decision to boycott FOX but still they conceal his weaknesses and push his socialist agenda on a daily basis.
bluegrass on October 23, 2009 at 7:43 AM
Here’s how this will play out.
The other networks will start to rally around Fox on principle. It will look like they are finally getting the hint and will be more critical of Obama. Until Obama strong arms them and threatened them with either FCC regulations or other threats. They will cave except for Fox who will be further demonized until Obama figures out a way to get them off the air entirely.
Remember the cliche that says “those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it?”
Look up RCTV (Radio Caracas Television.) This is no time to drop your guard people. Everything I said about the US electing it’s own Hugo Chavez has come true. This is the next inevitable step.
Pcoop on October 23, 2009 at 7:49 AM
This is a total sign of fear and panic by the White House.
If Obama was doing good things in all areas of the economy, health care, polling, international scene then there would be no worry from the White House.
But they know things are actually worse than even Fox reports them.
If the other the news media would start being more balanced in its reporting (i.e. critical of Obama), then Obama and the Democrats would totally collapse.
It would be the top political story of the last 50+ years – such a total failure by a President who was supposed to be the greatest success; Obama can`t lead, he can`t make decisions, he has no ideas, he can not govern.
albill on October 23, 2009 at 7:51 AM
Obama can`t lead, he can`t make decisions, he has no ideas, he can not govern.
albill on October 23, 2009 at 7:51 AM
Now thats a quote worthy of repeat.
bluegrass on October 23, 2009 at 7:53 AM
Obama has become Micheal Jackson.
The idiots of the world idolized him. Millions still did even after they heard what terrible things he did. They saw he became a freak, but made excuses for it. He tried to control the media. Many in the media protected him. In the end he’ll be known as an abusive freak, a lie, a huge phony.
Jeff from WI on October 23, 2009 at 7:58 AM
FIFY… Truly sorry I had to… I fear for the Republic…
Khun Joe on October 23, 2009 at 8:14 AM
I’ll give one “weak” atta boy for the MSM for coming together this one time, but will continue to keep my t.v.s tuned to Fox 24/7. The MSM is still in the administration’s pockets and until the MSM starts putting out the news like they should, this household will not watch anything but Fox.
MSM needs to do their job and report all of the news!
yoda on October 23, 2009 at 8:25 AM
Grow Fins is blogging from Obama’s a$$ crack.
csdeven on October 23, 2009 at 8:35 AM
I think we know the answer to that. They are essentially cowards and prefer boring people to death with their self aggrandizing blather. The litany of”it’s all the repugs/Bush/christian/white man’s fault” is the mantra of the left.
inevitable on October 23, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Obama; “It’s MY sandbox, and I don’t want them playing in it”. Waaaaah! Waaaah! WAAAAAAHH!
Cybergeezer on October 23, 2009 at 8:45 AM
What is the White House getting all wee weed up about? If Fox isn’t a “real” news network, then there’s no “real” threat. Just like there’s no “real” opposition to health-care legislation…just astro-turf. And “real” concern about how “real” climate change is…it’s settled science.
I guess I’m just unrealistic?
keno on October 23, 2009 at 9:21 AM
But Pravda is an approved media outlet!
uncalheels on October 23, 2009 at 9:22 AM
Well, thank goodness the other networks denied the WH a win on this issue. It’s made me nuts watching liberals support this appalling action.
AnninCA on October 23, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I don’t understand why separating Fox from the pack of White House Approved Media is a bad thing. The WHAM discredited themselves by blatantly cheerleading Obama into office and including a true watchdog news source like Fox in the press pool only lends credibilty to those who don’t deserve it. Let’s have Fox be the independent voice of truth and everyone else the officially sanctioned propaganda organ. They had that in the Soviet Union (minus Fox) and nobody believed a word they said. That’s a much more honest system than NBC, ABC, NYT etc. pretending they don’t shill for Obama’s agenda.
miles on October 23, 2009 at 10:31 AM
It was in the best interest of the likes of CNN and MSNBC to stand up for FOX in this skirmish. Half of their broadcast comes from lobs at FOX personalities. Think of losing 50% of your news coverage in one fail swoop.
caygeon on October 23, 2009 at 10:43 AM
I’m with those that think this fight might not be over. Let’s not offer up too much praise just yet. Once the one they worship comes down hard on them, they may collapse quicker than you think.
This makes we wonder, “If Obama is willing to act this way this early into his first term, how will he act if he gets re-elected?”
MichiganMatt on October 23, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I
You’re one of the few liberals with any sense anymore, Ann. I applaud you for it. I have never seen anything like this. Like I said last night, this strategy is waaaaaay wrong. Saturday Night Live could have a field day with this, but they’re not on until November 7. They wouldn’t have the cohones to actually go there much anyway. :)
NathanG on October 23, 2009 at 10:55 AM
I was hoping someone else noticed that comment! It was the basis for my sarcasm earlier.
In my view, it was really over the top to automatically presume that anyone else would ever do such a thing. To be sure, the other press outlets each did this to protect their self interest, but not specifically because they were somehow protecting themselves from some future Republican president. That is presumptive and for that reason alone, unwarranted.
It is a rationalization that you might expect to hear from Matthews or Olbermann, should you ever hear them discuss this topic. But it would not be true. (Oh, sorry . . . I just repeated my self.)
Trochilus on October 23, 2009 at 11:33 AM
This one is too easy, finface.
Jennings himself in his speeches and writings had said the kid was 15 when the incident occurred. Accurately quoting the individual in question and then pointing out that his own words indicated that he was guilty of a crime isn’t a smear — it is a legitimate news analysis of what the man said. It later turned out that Jennings had his facts wrong — but since Jennings had not previously identified the young man who was hanging out in mens rooms in order to meet adults who would engage in sex with him (for pay? no one has looked into that question), it is hard to claim that Fox and others had not exercised due diligence in their reporting of the story.
By the way, even if there were no statutory rape involved, there was still a moral responsibility for Jennings to report this dangerous conduct to someone — whether CPS, the police, the school authorities, or the boy’s parents — a moral responsibility which Jennings failed to uphold. After all, what would you say if your child’s teacher knew that your daughter was out having sex with adult men and did not report it to anyone, and instead encouraged her to continue?
RhymesWithRight on October 23, 2009 at 12:10 PM
http://www.veteranoutrage.cm
First If former president Bush tried this
he would have been thrown into jail by the democrats.
Second:
Forget the FACT that ALL of these CZARS are constitutionally ILLEGAL.
Forget the FACT that ALL of these CZARS are not elected by anyone.
Forget the FACT that ALL of these CZARS are bypassing congressional power.
The simple fact that obama and the democrats have encouraged
this ILLEGAL CZAR system proves their desire is to destroy the USA.
If this isnt the case then how come obama and the democrats
are screaming like stuck pigs just because fox news
wants to conduct an interview?
Now the only reason the other news orgs stepped up to
defend fox news is simple
they remember nixon and his little list.
And they KNOW if Obama and the democrats get away with this
The next time if a conservative ever wins the white house
Their liberal asses will be out the door..
So they know
What comes around WILL GO AROUND..
and they (for their own preservation) decided to
defend fox news right to conduct an interview knowing if they didnt next time they would be the ones cut off from the whitehouse..
Ahh dumb ass liberals
its so fun watching them EAT their own..
http://www.veteranoutrage.com
veteranoutrage on October 23, 2009 at 12:21 PM
There are actually 11 definitions of “jump the shark” at the Urban Dictionary, which phrase derives from a notably contrived episode on Happy Days that spelled the beginning of the end of that show — it is not the dénouement but rather, a first clear signal of things to come. You could add a new word if you wished, and a definition — say, “Jump the Fox.”
Churchill put the concept very nicely in war terms in November of 1942, following what he termed the Battle of Egypt, and which battle we now refer to as the (second) Battle of El Alamein, where the newly appointed General Montgomery’ 8th Army finally turned back Rommel’s seemingly invincible Afrika Korps forces.
“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
It will be interesting to see if this press episode causes cracks in the Obama facade, or even causes folks to “jump ship.” But this Administration may engage in a bit of denial, but they have to eventually realize that it was they who were “jumped.”
Trochilus on October 23, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Lol.
peski on October 23, 2009 at 6:04 PM
Well AP, I’m sure you’ve heard by now that nothing like this ever happened:
But don’t take other bloggers’ words for it, put those stellar research skills to work at confirm the facts for yourself.
Then I look forward to seeing your correction under the same size headline.
skylark on October 24, 2009 at 1:15 PM
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