There is of course some overlap – if Obama appeared on Meet the Press he would be promoting his ideas just as much as he did on Leno, but David Gregory would be asking questions more directed at uncovering hidden bits, unintended consequences, and subtle points of Obama's plans. Gregory would be tasked, to some extent, more as a devil's advocate than Leno was required to be.
The line between news and entertainment is constantly getting blurred, and I think that to some extent such a thing is inevitable. Many people will tell you that there's a softening of "hard news" stories. FOX News doesn't find it necessary to remain objective and non-partisan, and increasingly MSNBC doesn't either. But, both those channels tend to remain true to their goal of presenting the news and opinions on the news (in some sort of "entertaining" fashion).
Pushing an entertainment show more towards news makes me somewhat uncomfortable. I think that's because, at least in this case, I'd rather have the guy running the country answer hard questions and defend and fight for his beliefs in the most challenging forum possible. I'm neither saying he's right nor that's he wrong with his economic stimulus plan, I just would rather he was required to actively defend it rather than just have someone lob easy questions at him.
But, you'll find the video below, judge for yourself.
Article comments
1 - Barb Lamont
Remeber Don Imus' Comment?
Obama said: "He fed into some of the worst stereotypes that my two young daughters are having to deal with today in America. The notions that as young African-American women -- who I hope will be athletes -- that that somehow makes them less beautiful or less important. It was a degrading comment. It's one that I'm not interested in supporting."
Therefore, laughter and the lack of reaction from Obama's remarks suggest Americans have a set a rules for race, class and gender: If you touch them you will pay.
And another set of rules for individuals that have a mental or physical disability: If you touch them, it's ok if you apologize. Oh, and by the way, it's okay to laugh at the jokes that come at the expense of the latter.
It is just cruel.
2 - Ruvy
Perhaps, Obama, in his spare time, can write a book called "The Audacity to Pick on Cripples". Another one can be called "The Audacity to Push Jews Around". Another one can be called "The Audacity to Roll Out the TARP".
This Luo fellow is one hell of a president you Americans picked. It's always good to have an immigrant for Chief Executive....
3 - zingzing
ruvy, you're an immigrant, obama is clearly not.
and that cripples line was cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeap.