Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Some Perspective on WH Contempt for the Press
Jon Gabriel wrote a thought provoking post earlier today about the schizophrenic response to President Trump’s Thursday press conference. This post, similar to the schizophrenia inducing event itself, turned into a heated debate about the president, his temperament, and his reputed contempt for the press.
While it’s undeniable that President Trump is contemptuous of the press, I would just like to provide a little perspective on what contempt for the press actually is. No, I’m not comparing our fearless leader favorably to Adolph Hitler or any other odious autocrat from history. I would just like you to view a few minutes (or as much as you can stand) of the following White House press briefing led by Jay Carney three days after the Benghazi attacks.
I’m tempted to describe this performance and what it represents, but words fail me. Please just watch a few minutes and marvel. Then we can discuss the concept of contempt for the press with a little perspective from our recent, alternative universe past.
White House Press Briefing September 14, 2012
Published in General
So, so true. The theme of Obama’s 2012 campaign was how great everything was in the world with no serious threats out there. Then, bang, here comes Benghazi!!
If I have one major gripe with the media this would be it–rather than discussing various issues on merit, it’s always, always about the partisan divide.
A thousand times, what RA said.
I dont think the Muslim world was the primary reason the Obama misidentified this incident. I think they didnt want the American public to realize how incompetent they had been with Hasen, who had been corresponding with Anwar Al-Awalki since 2008. For more than a year, Hasen had been openly talking and agitating in support of Islamic Extremism – and yet no action was taken on Hasen.
I think the success of this attack, was a teachable moment for Islamic Extremists, who realized that low cost – low impact attacks have just as much propaganda value as larger more difficult attacks, that can more easily be foiled.
The attack has been reclassified as a terrorist attack by the pentagon, in 2011, in response to a lawsuit brought by victims of the shooting.
-Benghazi was a military attack on US soil, a mission or ambassador’s residence, or whatever. I have never been quite sure of this unusual property since there is an embassy elsewhere. Embassies are sacred, respected places, yet heavily guarded. The attack was an act of war.
-The Benghazi whatever was not given adequate protection due to political reasons, bad political reasons. We were warned yet did nothing.
-There may have been illegal gun running activities going on. I have never felt this was adequately addressed. Then there was the cover-up.
-Ft Hood and Benghazi both make us angry, but the guilty party in Ft Hood incident was captured and convicted, allowing some closure. On the other hand, we feel like there was never a complete investigation, the guilty covered up their actions, and there is no closure. This might explain why it appears it gets more angry attention.