One of the topics that critics of the Obama administration's expansion of the role of government have been interested in is the lack of some of the usual checks and balances. Not only is Congress in Democratic hands, but the press, which usually serves as an independent watchdog, seems to be fawning over the president. Two developments today in the press-as-lap-dog theme. First, Peter Osnos, a veteran of the Washington Post, interviews some of his former colleagues and ABC's Sam Donaldson and concludes that "Obama is getting more favorable press than Reagan did." He says Mr. Donaldson suggests that is in part because Regan's policies "appealed less to the natural instincts of reporters than Obama's do." Mr. Osnos writes that some tough scrutiny of the president would be good for both the president and the public. Second, at Obama's press conference, the second question was one from the Huffington Post that was reportedly coordinated beforehand with the White House. Mr. Obama also fielded some tougher questions at the press conference, including one about his smoking and one from Fox News, which asked whether Iranian diplomats are still invited to July 4 parties at American embassies.
Press Watchdog or Lap Dog?
https://www.futureofcapitalism.com/2009/06/press-watchdog-or-lap-dog
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