2008 Obama’s Response to the New Yorker Cover, as Told to Larry King
posted by July 15 at 23:23 PM
onIt’s a gracious, unpretentious, imaginative response:
Well, I know it was The New Yorker’s attempt at satire. I don’t think they were entirely successful with it. But you know what? It’s a cartoon, Larry, and that’s why we’ve got the First Amendment … You know, we’ve—one of the things when you’re running for president for almost two years is, you get a pretty thick skin. And, you know, I’ve seen and heard worse.
And then all the requisite details about being a Christian, etc., etc., and then this, beautifully done:
One last point I want to—I do want to make about these e-mails, though. And I think this has an impact on this New Yorker cover. You know, this is actually an insult against Muslim-Americans, something that we don’t spend a lot of time talking about. And sometimes I’ve been derelict in pointing that out. You know, there are wonderful Muslim-Americans all across the country who are doing wonderful things. And for this to be used as sort of an insult, or to raise suspicions about me, I think is unfortunate. And it’s not what America’s all about.
Comments
Finally. Obama comes out as the pro-Muslim terrorist he is.
I respect him for that. His pro-Muslim stance scares me, but his honesty is refreshing.
His Muslim is cool Muslim.
He's bringin' Muslim back.
It's like he's hearing some of the criticism being directed at him, and adjusting his defenses accordingly. Who even does that anymore?
You know, I think Obama's response was, you know, well thought out and effective. Except that, you know, he sure does use, "you know" alot.
Maybe there is a comedic flaw the late night talk show hosts can explore, since they can't find many other politically correct weaknesses to attack.
But, you know....and so does he. We all know, you know? Ummm....Obama uses his stuttering and speech hesitation to ....you know, throw off those who say he's just a slick, ummm, talker with no substance. You know, when he gets warmed up, it goes, ummmm, away.
And them he makes his point.
*then
it’s not what America’s all about
I wish all the "patriots" out there would figure this out.
It would be fun to have a president who's not an idiot. Yessiree, that would be a refreshing change.
But of course, the Republicants will say that any evolution of opinion is "flip flop." Man, we need to deliver these assholes a humiliating defeat in the fall. A historic, Reagan-vs-Mondale style defeat.
#6: So true. When did evolution of opinion become "flip-flopping"? The 80's? 1992? Is Reagan a flip-flopper because he used to be a Democrat? Is Robert Byrd a flip-flopper because he repudiated the KKK? Was deKlerk a flip-flopper when he worked with Mandela to dismantle Apartheid?
I'll tell you what America's all about...an enormous whozeewhatsit!!!
"And sometimes I’ve been derelict in pointing that out."
I'll say!
Too bad Odrama didn't care about the Fourth Amendment.
We won't support ball-less NO-Bama and will re-defeat him in November!!!!
Ask Eli if I can finally march in Gay Pride Parades for Obama. Or do I have to call it "satire"?
What is with the spammers recently? It seems like there's even one sock-puppeting for STM every time Paul posts something.
What about the Black Panthers? It's offensive to them too.
@4: gabe, you've truly convinced me. In the same way that fundie christians get to call genocide 'part of god's plan,' I now see that even when Obama is human and has weaknesses like the rest of us, what he's really doing is hiding his godliness to throw us off.
@5: Ha!
The people being satirized are the people who see the Obamas in this way, and most likely wouldn't read (or buy) the New Yorker anyway.
long overdue.
(sounds like he took john stewart's advice [#] for quote #1)
This has been a fiasco for the Obama campaign from the first moment, and nothing that he's saying is making it better. In his first response, he played to the Philistines by expressing textbook indignation. When the manifest political opportunism of this became embarrassing even for him (and, more importantly, for supporters who'd hoped he wouldn't dumb down his campaign), he tried to feign umbrage by by proxy, on behalf of an out-group. What could be more incontestably righteous than that? Problem is, the out-group not only wasn't complaining but is, like the rest of us, probably smart enough to get the fucking joke.
He should drop this subject as quickly as he can.
also, a lot nicer than their previous "... tasteless and offensive" response. too bad it had to appear on larry king's inane talk show instead of somewhere else.
I think his response was well thought out and reasonable.
The problem is, people are reacting based on fear and lies, so being reasonable won't work.
Chris,
That was one of the most inarticulate things Sen. Obama has ever said. The response was totally inadequate. The forum (The Larry King Show), too vacuous and there were too many "you knows". He should let the matter of the New Yorker cover drop.
@16 it was meant as a Probama comment, but I was severely hung over. He does warm up a bit though, eh? Shows his humanity and then speaks his mind.
I think the cover is brilliant. It totally makes fun of the "dittoheads" out there.
Why is that EVERYTHING with this man is considered offensive? I'm getting sick of him and I'm a democrat.
I am so happy he said that. Haven't we all been waiting for Obama to address the issue of how fucking horrible it is to use "He's Muslim!" as a smear campaign?
I agree with Frizzelle. Regarding that first sound bite.
First sentence: Score! Obama acknowledges it was meant to be satire, effectively demonstrating that he is more generous, forgiving and broad minded ( and has a better understanding of humor) than many.
Second sentence: Score! Obama's critique of the NY's attempt at satire is spot on. The cover plainly failed to demonstrate WHO was having this fantasy (read a dictionary people!!).
Third sentence: Score! Obama gives it up for freedom of expression. Stand down all you shrillians out there who think the guy wants to take away your box of crayons.
Last sentence: Score! He shrugs it off.
Personally, I lay the blame on the editor for not demanding a resubmission. Had he/she demanded that the illustrator visibly put this image in the mind of any one of the usual suspects then all this mess could have been avoided. Not very clever, unless they just wanted to stir up some sh;t and boost circulation.
Gimme the job already.
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