Morning Show Framing: Axelrod vs. Davis on the "Race Card" and "Celeb" [View All]

[jefferson_dem]

If you're interested in how these "dust ups" are being framed on the morning shows, Halperin's summary is below.

Morning Show Summary



various networks

Shows offered packages on the ongoing “race card” quarrel between campaigns.

McCain Campaign Manager Rick Davis, Obama adviser David Axelrod appeared on the three broadcast shows.

On CBS’ “Early Show”:

Davis said Obama was suggesting McCain is a racist, and “we’re not going to allow anyone to define John McCain on those terms.” Resisted attempt to liken McCain’s “Celeb” ad to Obama’s comment— “it’s certainly a lot different than being called racist.”

Axelrod denied Obama was calling McCain racist, noting that no reporters at the events interpreted the comments that way. Said Obama was making the point “he’s not exactly from central casting for presidential candidates.” Said McCain “has completely subjugated himself to the Washington hit-machine philosophy.”

On NBC’s “Today”:

Davis said “we felt it was time to protect our candidate… We’re not going to lay down for these kinds of tactics.” Added, “we’ve seen this before, and we’re not going to allow this to happen to us.”

Axelrod said Obama’s original comments were “self-mocking,” though he acknowledged race was one element he was referring to.

On ABC’s “Good Morning America”:

Davis called furor over “Celeb” ad “much ado about nothing.” “It’s a great ad, and… we’re having a great time with it.” Said NY Times editorial finding a racial element to it is “a low blow.” On Obama’s “dollar bill” comments, said “we are not going to allow the Obama campaign to put this on the table,” said they have “yet to put out a plausible explanation” for the comment. Called for a town hall meeting next week.

Axelrod said “Celeb” ad is “ridiculous,” beneath McCain, and “insulting to the American people.” Repeated “central casting” line.

Report on NBC’s “Today” quoted a McCain insider acknowledging its strategy is risky, but “the campaign is no longer in a position to be cautious.”

On CNN’s “American Morning,” former Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell said Obama’s “dollar bill” comments were “a very sophisticated injection of race.”

Rep. Clyburn said Obama was merely “trying to inject some levity into the campaign,” called on McCain to “lighten up his personality.” Claimed McCain has stood on stage with Paris Hilton, and noted her parents have given him the maximum donation. Said “they ought to ask for their money back.”

http://thepage.time.com/2008/08/01/on-thursdays-morning-shows-5/