Watch Bill Keller tap dance—it’s not a pretty sight
In a way you might say this op-ed by Bill Keller of the NY Times is rather brave. Why? Because he actually, kinda, sorta, criticizes President Obama.
It’s even called “Obama’s Fault,” although I’m not quite sure why, because it contains only the mildest of criticisms of Obama coupled with the usual “but it’s all the Republicans’ fault, really” litany after each statement, like a sort of one-man call-and-response. And some of that criticism of Obama is of the commonly-seen “he’s just too nice and didn’t stand up to the evil Republicans” variety.
Something seems to have gotten Keller’s goat, though. Is it the fact that Obama has played hardball with a few beloved journalists such as Woodward? Is Keller throwing his weight around a teeny bit to let Obama know who’s boss, and that the Times could get tougher with him if it wanted to?
Interesting questions you pose in the last paragraph, Neo. My response:
1st question: Maybe. But could anything really get a member of the NYT’s goat concerning Obama?
2nd question: No. Pravda will never go against their Master. If they are a bit uncomfortable, well, they helped create this monster, they will have to live with it. My ‘give a damn is busted’ as far as the MSM is concerned.
Related: Foreign Policy had a piece up today by Vali Nasr that described how horrible Obama has been. Apparently Clinton and Holbrooke had trouble with him, and foreign policy was determined by WH staff. Boy are there going to be lots of scandal books coming out.
And then there’s ” srr510
queens
This article should as no surprise as Bill Keller is little more than a spokesperson for his vengeful elitist 1% allies and their Republican flunkies in Congress. The Republicans are determined to punish Americans for re-electing Barack Obama over another clueless aristocrat by imposing a whole slew of ultra-draconian cuts. So what if you can’t fly to be with your sick Grandma in her hour of need because the air traffic controller has been furloughed.? Tough luck on you!!! That’s your problem.
Anyhow it’s no secret that Republicans obey only Grover Norquist who still dreams of drowning govenment in a bathtub. They couldn’t care less about the needs ordinary people. Well they may get their wish!!! However the real irony in this current fiscal trainwreck is that the Bill Kellers and the Republicans labor under the delusion that these cuts won’t affect them too. Republican legislators act like they’re above it all because they live on Mt. Olympus far away from such plebian concerns.
Be careful what you wish for budget slashers. It’s going to come true!!!!
March 4, 2013 at 11:35 a.m.”
And more of his/her ilk. Pandering to his readers prevents Bill from going whole hog, but some of them think he’s gone the full factory-farm-load of hogs.
Sam L.: of course, Bill Keller’s a secret Republican [slaps hand on forehead]! Now, why didn’t I think of that?
Bunch of elitist meanies, not giving the 99% exactly what they want.
I find the comments on Noo Yawk Times pieces generally even more depressing than the pieces themselves: that omnipresent leftie culture haze permeates everything and anything Noo Yawk.
But I ventured down to the comments after reading the Keller editorial, and to my pleasant surprise, following are the first two comments I read. (After that, they tended to revert more or less to knee-jerk leftie Noo Yawk form.) They’re worth a glance, in the name of the faintest glimmer of hope for what-I-honestly-don’t-know-for-sure, but here goes:
BEGIN PASTE
wmfulford
US
Here is another one. Isn’t Barack Obama supposed to be the one that loathes those rich fat cats? He loves to get up there and demonize the 1%. How about Jack Lew for treasury? It is well known the scams this guy has pulled from one employer to another to enrich himself but you people are incensed that those evil rich Republicans won’t run him right through. I as a Republican abhor this kind of behavior and people like Jack Lew. He is an absolute wretch. Why does Obama nominate such a jerk after saying people like this are so evil and the ones that have caused so much destruction? He did it because he is in bed with the fat cats like all politicians. Jack Lew and his buddies will get thrown under the bus sooner or later and so will all of you liberals. Wait until all of Obamacare goes into effect. Why the problem with the payroll tax hike? Aren’t you people the compassionate ones that want to care for the seniors? I did not have a problem with it to keep the system funded. That hurt me a lot. Just wait, Barack was holding back until after the election. Why do you think so much of Obamacare has been held back. It was so funny to hear Donna Brazille talk about calling her insurance company to see why her premiums went up. You libs are Obama Fodder and you will find out soon enough. You will loathe that guy before it is over with. When your fuel cost, electricity costs and food costs double don’t blame the Republicans because you pulled the lever for Barack Obama.
March 4, 2013 at 12:39 p.m.
VLWood
Albuquerque
For the NYT to criticize Obama may mean even the left is beginning to recognize that we have an amateur of the first order in the White House. Keep him off the air, off the podiums, out of the coliseums, away the teleprompter and IN the vegetable garden so those more experienced in governing at home and abroad can mend our fences! vlw
March 4, 2013 at 12:39 p.m.
END PASTE
Okay, the lattter of the two isn’t even a Noo Yawker. Still, a pleasant surprise there, muted though it may be.
Doesn’t Keller know that criticising Obama is racist? The black man is always the innocent victim of the evil white man.
}}} to let Obama know who’s boss, and that the Times could get tougher with him if it wanted to?
Yeah, that’ll happen. Remind me to invest in reinforced umbrellas, everyone will need them in order to protect against all the aerial porcine droppings…
IGotBupkis: oh, I agree with you that it’s just a bluff, if that’s even what he’s thinking at all.
I think we’ve seen the hundredth monkey finally crack the coconut.
Those that don’t know their place under a tyranny will be “put” in their place.