Fox News disgraces itself with “disrespectful” Obama interview

From AlterNet:

Let’s just put aside that this is the President of the United States. As a journalist you wouldn’t treat homeless people this way. You would give even an accused killer the courtesy of finishing his sentence. This “news” agency lacks even the simplest of journalism ethics. They refuse to give the president even the most basic of human courtesies.

Why? Simply to create this narrative in which Obama must defend himself. If he defends himself, then he must be guilty? Right? If he defends himself, that then sets them up to say “why so defensive?” Right?

That’s the Fox game, prove the negative, don’t bother with facts or real reporting, just attack.

More here, including a link to video of the interview on YouTube.

Personally, I don't really favor the point of view that says we need to be particularly respectful to our leaders simply because they're our leaders. I mean, this is a democratic republic, and our leaders have a great deal for which to account simply because of the kind of government we have chosen. It goes with the territory. Indeed, it's our patriotic obligation to call these motherfuckers out on a regular basis. From all parts of the political spectrum.

But having said that, the excerpt above makes a really good point. There's no need to be an asshole for its own sake. Our leaders, no matter how fucked in the head or evil they may be, deserve, at least, a modicum of civility. For that matter, how is it possible to even get a meaningful exchange of ideas if you're being a big dick? If you're talking over your opponent, cutting him off, sneering and whatnot, it's not really a discussion, not really a debate, and certainly not an interview.

So yeah, this FOX News "interview" of President Obama was pretty fucked up.

Nonetheless, I've gotta tip my hat to ol' Barack. He handled himself brilliantly, walking into the lion's den and all, agreeing to play by their rules, and coming out smelling like a rose. I heard some pundit on MSNBC last night speculating that the President was using the opportunity to show his pussy-party how to take on the right wing and win.

Sometimes I really do think the guy's Superman.

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