This blog is maintained and operated by students of the mass media and politics at Utah State University. The goal of this blog is to discuss media events that affect politics and other aspects of the daily lives of Americans. Making sense of "the media circus" is our primary objective.
I actually think that was a pretty good interview, all things considered. The reporter asked some tough questions, and even challenged him in a couple of places--which is about as much as can be expected from CNN in my opinion--though on the other hand some of them were almost blatantly soft-ball. But I realize that he has to maintain a respectful, professional balance which is why I said overall it was a pretty good interview.
To be honest I could go through and disagree with Obama's answers on each point, but at the same time I think I understand where he's coming from at least, which I consider the best-case scenario given my conservative bias.
That said I have to say, though, that I found that last answer disturbingly elitist and frighteningly arrogant. Granted democratic "mob rule" isn't always enlightened, but I don't think he gives Americans enough credit by presuming that we can't discern what's good for the country. I know it's just a hypothetical prediction, but he seems to be excluding the mere possibility that his "poll numbers [would be] in the tank" BECAUSE they're not good for America. This is where his reputation of arrogance comes from (at least among conservatives), because it's like he can't even conceive of people LEGITIMATELY disagreeing his idea of "moving the country in the right direction." Short-sightedness is the only conceivable explanation for a loss in 2012 because he KNOWS that his policies are what's best for the country, and that is the epitome of an arrogant and elitist mentality.
I actually think that was a pretty good interview, all things considered. The reporter asked some tough questions, and even challenged him in a couple of places--which is about as much as can be expected from CNN in my opinion--though on the other hand some of them were almost blatantly soft-ball. But I realize that he has to maintain a respectful, professional balance which is why I said overall it was a pretty good interview.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I could go through and disagree with Obama's answers on each point, but at the same time I think I understand where he's coming from at least, which I consider the best-case scenario given my conservative bias.
That said I have to say, though, that I found that last answer disturbingly elitist and frighteningly arrogant. Granted democratic "mob rule" isn't always enlightened, but I don't think he gives Americans enough credit by presuming that we can't discern what's good for the country. I know it's just a hypothetical prediction, but he seems to be excluding the mere possibility that his "poll numbers [would be] in the tank" BECAUSE they're not good for America. This is where his reputation of arrogance comes from (at least among conservatives), because it's like he can't even conceive of people LEGITIMATELY disagreeing his idea of "moving the country in the right direction." Short-sightedness is the only conceivable explanation for a loss in 2012 because he KNOWS that his policies are what's best for the country, and that is the epitome of an arrogant and elitist mentality.