Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
Really. The White House just announced that they've launched an "online response" twitter account under Jesse C. Lee's handle. The purpose of the account, according to the Huffington Post, is for "helping coordinate rapid response to unfavorable stories and fostering and improving relations with the progressive online community."
Lee "launched his political career as the author of a one-page anti-Iraq war leaflet distributed in cafeterias, coffee shops and libraries across the country." He went from there to the DCCC's blog and then Nancy Pelosi's YouTube-friendly blog. Prior to his White House gigs, he ran the DNC's rapid response team.
These "truth" efforts always happen in interesting contexts. I can't help but forget that Sheriff truth squad in MO. As Jim Geraghty put it back in 2008:
A St. Louis television station reports — their words — “The Barack Obama campaign is asking Missouri law enforcement to target anyone who lies or runs a misleading TV ad during the presidential campaign.”
I don't get the feeling they get how Orwellian these truth squads are. Jesse's first tweet? A picture of the Terminator. Yikes.
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May '10
Re: Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
But what will Ezra Klein do now that this guy has taken his job?
It would be great to hear Law Talk deconstruct some of the rules governing White House behavior during campaign season now that we are in full swing. This seems entirely political and thus geared toward re-election bid. I'm really struck by its dual officialness and unofficialness. And it's almost impossible to imagine that this blurring of the lines won't result in some awkwardness down the road as this cat chatters online with the chattering class.
Jul '10
Re: Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
The purpose of the account, according to the Huffington Post, is for "helping coordinate rapid response to unfavorable stories and fostering and improving relations with the progressive online community."
Do they mean unfavorable stories in the progressive online community? If so, sounds like a "no-show" job to me.
And, even if the response is to unfavorable stories in the media in general, since when has the MSM failed to respond rapidly, and sometimes pre-emptively, to unfavorable stories about this administration, even without such a coordinator? Still sounds like feather-bedding.
Re: Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
It really is a testament to how thin-skinned and political the administration can be when it comes to dissent.
Jan '11
Re: Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
Sounds to me like an attack on freedom of speech coming from the top. I knew this administration didn't care about defending freedom of speech, but I didn't know they actively wanted to destroy it. This is chilling. Even if this particular MinTruth doesn't actually accomplish much, it reveals a whole lot about the mindset of those in power.
May '10
Re: Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
This is good news. The more openly the Left practices its brutish tactics, the more people on the Right will open their eyes and stand up for their freedoms. As Rahe would say, Obama is the gift that keeps on giving.
Poison is more dangerous than open war. It's when our enemies mask their aggression that it goes unresisted.
Oct '10
Re: Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
Fahrenheit 451 springs to mind. Today we will have Thought Police and SWAT to bring about the right mindset...
Apr '11
Re: Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
Mollie Hemingway, Ed.
It really is a testament to how thin-skinned and political the administration can be when it comes to dissent. · May 24 at 7:36am
Looking at his political history, I think his term as president is the first time Obama ever received any significant amount of criticism for his policy stands.
Jul '10
Re: Obama's "Ministry of Truth" Twitter Feed Arrives
There will be no dissent in the People's Republic of Obamastan, comrades.