The Press and the President - Obama Controls The Press - AP Voices Concern

In two separate incidences within the past 24 hours, the Press has run up against the new Obama administration – the AP is reporting that several news organization have noticed a lack of access to the President. This conclusion is based on the fact that only 4 reporters were allowed access to the “re-taking of the oath of Office” – the reason given was lack of space – the second ceremony would have had to have been moved to accommodate the press. The second issue is that of photographs. Apparently, the White House is not allowing Press photographers (or video) rather, distributing their own “stock photos” to the press. The most disturbing point in this report, however, is the fact that reporters “were not allowed to use the names of administration officials giving a background briefing on issues regarding the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba.” (AP). This is, for all intents and purposes, suppression of the press (see Lincoln).

In a separate incident, President Obama became irritated with reporters for asking questions during a “surprise visit” to the White House press room. When pressed, and after rebuffing a reporter from Politico for one question, summarily and not without irritation dismissed the same reporter when asked a follow-up – instead offering tidbits as to his exercise regime, as way of news. One must understand that the President has the right to control information and that, with executive powers, has the ability to virtually shut them out. In reference to Lincoln, and being mindful of the great admiration the current President has for the founder of the “opposition party”, one has to understand what steps President Lincoln took to insure his success.

From California State University – Long Beach, Craig R. Smith

Given the turmoil surrounding the war and the fact that many of the factions involved sought and received support in the press, it is not surprising that censorship of the press became a tool of the administration. Restrictions on First Amendment rights led to arrests of newspaper editors by military authorities, the military suppression of such newspapers, and the prohibition of the circulation and sale of those newspapers by military authorities.

Although it is a stretch to say that this President would go to such lengths to insure the success of his administration, (although, technically we at “at war”), the aforementioned bit of historical reference should be kept in mind, especially by those editors and reporters who feel entitled to access and information, and the ability to thwart the Office of the President in the interest of the Paper (i.e.: public). Such was the case throughout the Bush administration whereby any “top secret program” that the New York Times got wind of made front page news, despite the request of the Office of the Presidency to hold back due to national security issues. It is more likely that President Obama is very aware of the treatment of the past president, not having lived under a rock, and therefore, will do his utmost to control the press as it relates to issues he feels are, in a word, none of their business and not in the best interest of the nation; it remains to be seen what measures the current President will take should the press continue to ask hard questions, and or print (or broadcast) information that this President has “forbidden”.

Video below:

New York Senate Seat – No Dynasty - Caroline Kennedy Bows Out

Politico.com is reporting that Caroline Kennedy has removed her bid for the New York Senate seat left vacant by Hillary Clinton's confirmation as Secretary of State. Citing personal reasons, Kennedy withdrew herself from consideration by email on Thursday. Apparently, her bid for the seat was promoted by President Obama’s aids, noting that both Caroline and Ted Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama early on in the primary, were seen as critical to his candidacy. Politico sees Kennedy’s withdrawal in terms of national politics: ”her withdrawal is an early sign of the limits of the White House's power, at least over New York’s unpredictable governor, who will appoint a senator to replace Clinton.”.
That said there was the backlash from the citizens of New York, as well as many in the Democrat Party, who were vocal when it came to anointing another member of the Kennedy political dynasty. Governor Patterson may have been mindful that he is up for re-election in 2010.

Patterson has begun the vetting process for Democrats, Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo, and Kristen Gilibrand and Carolyn Maloney, both Congressional Representatives. Whoever is chosen by Patterson to fill the vacant seat will also be required to run for office in 2010. It is not without some interest that Maloney is reportedly receiving flack from constituents over the pending stimulus bill, the passage of which and the results, should they be less than touted by a White House and Congress in concert, may shorten her (or any Democrat running in 2010) Senate career.

Inaugural Observations: Bush Relieved – Obama Nervous

White watching the Inauguration of the 44th President yesterday, most striking was the expressions and general demeanor of both George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama, as they prepared to exchange, what has become, for all intents and purposes, Party Leadership of the nation. (The later based on the premise that the President of the United States is the Titular Leader of his/her specific political party.)

While President Bush made his way to the ceremony, walking through crowds and past camera’s, one could not help but notice that his demeanor was relaxed and that he looked somewhat relieved. The burden of the office being what it is, the responsibility to the people, cannot be taken lightly or with certain arrogance – George Bush was elected to that office twice, he understood the responsibility all too well, and made decisions (unpopular as they may have been), which he truly felt were in the best interest of the nation (being privy to information that even the New York Times could not ferret out).

Enter Barack Obama, smiling, ever-so-slightly, appeared somewhat subdued, as if he was just given the keys to the dungeon (or, in truth, the codes to nuclear Armageddon). It was no wonder then, that during the oath, some stumbling of words took place – the responsibility of a position that is bestowed upon very few individuals by the people – those people who have the power to turn on a dime from adoring fans to detractors.

Therefore, as a Conservative, who has watched the pounding that President Bush took from a relentless press, as well as his own constituents who were expecting more in the line of social reforms, I feel some pity for the 44th President. The bar has been set so high, and expectations, once set, are difficult to damper (even with a call for sacrifice), that it is a matter of time before the detractors begin to vocalize, and the opposition, poised for the least mistake, will take full advantage of any missteps made along the way. His biggest challenge will be curtailing the excesses of a Congress in concert, one in which the strong personalities of Reid and Pelosi are driven by both ego and ideology. It is imperative, at this point, that support for the President be given by all Citizens of the United States of America, unless and until, the man makes credible errors that are cause for debate.

Although it is understood that half of America follow a more “conservative” frame of reference, the fact remains that Barack Hussein Obama is our President and should be treated as such. One cannot help but believe that certainly, he has the best interest of the people and the nation in mind, not unlike his predecessor, President George W. Bush. The difference between the two is simple, conservative are quietly critical (some), while those on the left will be exceptionally vocal should they not see every single campaign promise come to pass, and quickly. President Obama understands that he walks a fine line between breaking campaign promises and angering the left, while trying to maintain a middle-of-the-road governing style that will appease the center. (Not to mention that he now understands and is privy knowledge regarding every crisis this nation faces.) Should he fail at both, then his tenure, like Carters, will be shortened, regardless of any accomplishments he may make.