(Link Added- Controlling the Message: None of that random messaging that might embarrass us.)
In 2008 the Obama Campaign hid or at least disguised his lack of experience or skill by controlling the message. He did lofty speeches, and some softball interviews in the safest of places and conditions, but anything about policy–what there was of it–was recorded in a controlled environment, by Obama or a policy advocate, and posted on line. When reporters had questions, they were directed to the appropriate video, or speech, which allowed the campaign to control the message.
The media was too in love with the cult of personality to dig any deeper than what the campaign-spin spoon fed them and the end result was the least experienced and least qualified president in American history…a guy who is good at running for office but not good at holding office.
We’ve seen the same thing since the election. Mr. Obama turns down interviews, goes for long stretches without a press conference, rarely having to answer anything challenging; with deviations from the script resulting in strange and unpleasant side effects.
With campaign season nearing its end, the press is starting to get a bit antsy about what has been a prominent feature of this administration, because as reporters they still want to report, and the meat and potatoes of that is the back and forth of the press speaking directly to the Commander in Chief, even if they are still going to give Obama a pass on 99% of the drilling they wold gleefully give to a Republican in the same situation.
To the Campaign, even that 1% poses a serious risk. So I think the press should get used to a return to the 2008 Strategy because there is nothing Mr. Obama can run on. All he has is the hope that he can divide and conquer the electorate, and scare enough of them into not voting for Romney, to retain his perch in the Oval Office.
Put another way, President Obama will be voting “Present” on answering any serious questions from any seasoned political reporters, because he can’t give any answers that will do his re-election campaign any favors. (And very little Hope the this will Change.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KjGXKD91Gtk
