Obama's Paparazzi Presidency: "a phenomenon that will drive the mainstream media and the GOP batty"

[DeepModem Mom]

Politico: Obama's paparazzi presidency
By: Daniel Libit and Jeffrey Ressner
January 1, 2009


With a faction of compliant, adulatory and skin-deep chroniclers added to the media mix, Obama has found a consistent wing of support, one that can be used to upend the traditional political media apparatus, bringing new storylines to the fore and changing the game of how a president is covered. (AP)

....While Obama’s political opponents were able to use his star power against him during the campaign — remember John McCain’s “Celeb” ad? — the entertainment press’s fixation with the president-elect seems to be helping him as he prepares to take office. With a faction of compliant, adulatory and skin-deep chroniclers added to the media mix, Obama has found a consistent wing of support, one that can be used to upend the traditional political media apparatus, bringing new story lines to the fore and changing the game of how a president is covered.

“The number of eyeballs that read People magazine are enormous compared to political publications,” says veteran Democratic strategist Chris Lehane. “If you’re able to communicate through those outlets, you’re able to reach more people more quickly, without your message being ‘translated’ by the historic gatekeepers.”

The mainstream media caught a glimpse at the future last week in Hawaii, when resourceful paparazzi nabbed beefcake shots of the president-elect on the beach as well as shots of him at a memorial service for his late grandmother. All this, while the regular photo pool played by the rules and missed the shots. "The idea that the Washington (photographers) agreed not to cover him and the paparazzi did so changes the rules of the Washington press corps," says media critic Jeff Jarvis, the founding editor of Entertainment Weekly. “If one person breaks away from the pack, there is no pack.”

Or the pack simply follows. For a day or so, the photos of Obama’s muscular chest were just enough to divert attention away from more pressing crises facing the nation and that nagging mess involving the Illinois governor. The Huffington Post posted one of the swimsuit photos at the top of its homepage, accompanied by a simple, fawning headline: “O!” The New York Post similarly slavered: “FIT FOR OFFICE: Buff Bam is Hawaii Hunk." Other media outlets — including Politico — ran stories about the photos.

The fluffy tail was wagging the Washington dog....

Mark McKinnon, former communications strategist to McCain and President George W. Bush, says Obama is enjoying the benefits of being “a celebritician or a polebrity.” "So, he's getting different treatment and coverage, and his team understands that and is adjusting the dials accordingly,” McKinnon says. “I suspect this is a phenomenon that will continue and is going to drive the mainstream media and Republicans batty."...

http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=8F7CFF5B-18FE-70B2-A8DC799300F146A7

[firedupdem]

1. So many people are amazed at his journey to the presidency,

and the fact that he's black is causing a lot of the storm. Plus, who in the hell wanted to chase Bush around taking his picture?

But, this positive coverage can change on a dime with rumors and BS. That's what bothers me with all the paparazzi coverage. Plus...how are even their lenses getting that close?

[DeepModem Mom]

2. I think you make two important points.

While Obama benefits from JFK-like coverage and adulation, the tabloid press, as you say, can "change on a dime." And, like you, the actual paparazzi photos worry me. I posted an article that said the Hawaii swimsuit photos were taken "in full view of the Secret Service." That represents to me a security risk.

[firedupdem]

3. As much as I don't want my mind to ever go there.......I'm not too

happy with the long lenses taking pictures of my President. I know that nobody wants to live in a bubble but I think it's a security risk as well.

The tabloid press......we've seen what they do to other people they suddenly find fault with. I guess we need to enjoy it now and hope it lasts. :)

[NYC_SKP]

6. I'm hopeful that the heightened attention will heightened security, big time.

So, while we might wish that he'd not be so sought after, I think it will benefit his security in the long run that he's got so many eyes on him, and eyes on those eyes.

And thanks for the post!

:toast: Happy New Year DMM!!!

[DeepModem Mom]

8. True -- they've seen, I'd think, that this Pres will need different coverage...

and will respond appropriately. And, I'm assuming, once Obama's actually in office there's an even higher level of security.

Here's a Happy New Year toast back to you, NYC_SKP!!!

:toast:

[Arkana]

4. I can't stop reading about it, for some reason.

I still have a very dog-eared copy of Newsweek from the week he was elected, and I read that seven-part writeup about what it was like on the inside over and over.

I also find myself wishing that I had had TiVo, for the election coverage. I want to see those states roll in again in real time.

[firedupdem]

5. You're not alone. I tivo'd CNN and MSNBC and have watched the

results night more than a few times. I have a zillion magazines and admit that I am a stalker of sorts. LOL!

[NYC_SKP]

7. It's world wide, it's global, and it's great for America!

Bigger than JFK, I think, due to instantaneous communication, and more wide spread.

I love coming across stories about people in obscure places and their excitement for us and for the future!

[man4allcats]

9. Re: "a phenomenon that will drive the mainstream media and the GOP batty"

For the MSM and the GOP, "batty-ness" is no drive; it's just a short walk.

[DeepModem Mom]

10. LOL!

[Cha]

11. Yeah, mccain tried to use it against him during

the Election but he ended up looking like a jealous wannabe who was saddled with an anchor around his neck.


Turns out the best looking ones are also the smartest mofos on the Planet.