ABC News Badly Mischaracterizes Obama’s Alleged “Testy Exchange” With Reporter
HP-ABC News posted a story called: “Is Bill Clinton getting in Obama’s head?”
The piece reported that Obama had had a “testy exchange” with New York Times reporter Jeff Zeleny on a South Carolina ropeline, after Obama had been asked whether Bill Clinton was getting “in his head.” The whole tone of the story implied that Obama had had a very confrontational moment with Zeleny. Here’s the key ABC reporting, with the language implying confrontation in bold:
“I am trying to make sure that his statements by him are answered. Don’t you think that’s important?” Obama shot back, while walking away.
When Zeleny yelled a follow up question suggesting the Illinois senator had not answered the question, Obama fired back angrily, “Don’t try cheap stunts like that.”
Obama then walked away and shook hands with the mass of voters that surrounded him.
A few minutes later, Obama came back and confronted Zeleny again.
“I will answer your question though off the record, would you like to talk off the record?” Obama asked. Zeleny refused to go off the record and then motioned toward the gaggle of TV cameras gathered around him.
Did it happen this way? Nope.
Subsequently ABC and Fox News posted video. If you watch it, you can’t escape the conclusion that ABC badly mischaracterized what actually happened:
They characterized it just right if they wanted to create an “angry black man” image.
Or it was a slow news day so they manufactured some controversy.
If that’s testy, calm must be catatonic!
The media is covering itself in shame this year.
David
Who do you support and Why?
JohnKonop: Who do you support and why?
Can’t we just get Bill and Barack into the octagon?
My money is on Obama.
John supports Big Nanny and whoever will best continue to expand the government into every facet of our lives…John Edwards fits his ideals best (not counting Dennis Kucinich who would be the best fit if he was a contender).
Bart
You supported, voted and work on the largest explanation of government ( Bush , Price and Saxby) in the history of our country bottom line!
Lefty
I am still undecided!
JohnKonop: Undecided or waiting to see who wins?
Undecided
Undecided??? Come on John, you have all but kissed Ron Paul’s feet. You know exactly who will receive your vote on Feb. 5.
John,
What do you think of your former preference endorsing “open borders” Mike Huckabee?
Duncan Hunter said, “I got to know Governor Huckabee well on the campaign trail,” Hunter said in a statement. “Of the remaining candidates I feel that he is strongly committed to strengthening national defense, constructing the border fence and meeting the challenge of China’s emergence as a military superpower that is taking large portions of America’s industrial base.”
Bart
Huckabee’s immigration plan is simular to Duncan Hunter.
What about Huckabee’s atrocious record as Arkansas grand poohbah for 10 years? Do you think he has changed his mind?
I support the candidate that can put the Republican’ts back where they belong: in the minority.
Bart
I guess Hunter think so!
David
That was a PC answer! Come on!