July 17, 2008

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

Up until a few weeks ago, it seemed Barack Obama was the darling of the media. Suddenly the publicity is more negative and this week the New Yorker Magazine came out with a “satirical cover” that seemed to cover real and imagined fears about Obama and his wife. Why do you think the media is coming down hard on Obama lately?
(Asked at Almaden Plaza)


“They are coming down on him because he won the Democratic nomination and the press doesn’t have anyone to pick on now that Hilary [Clinton] is gone. McCain is another voice with a different name [it will happen to him too].”

Paul Consentino, 72
Almaden
General contractor


“Just for something to talk about. There are so many channels and so many experts and they have so much air time to fill. I’m indifferent to the media spin. It’s inconsequential. What is important is that the publications have the right to spoof anyone they one. I’m not offended by the New Yorker cover, I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

James Murphy, 45
Almaden
Director of sales and marketing


“Perhaps this is what happens in political campaigns. The politicians lose sight of the their direction—I haven’t followed them closely enough—but perhaps he needs to listen more to his constituents.”

Donald Burt, 59
Almaden
Physician/surgeon


“It’s his time in the barrel. Everyone gets to have time in the barrel—Hilary did and now it’s Obama. The press beats them up. It’s the last man standing process. The more important issue is that we live in a country where we can ex-press ourselves good or bad or with humor.”

Stan Harris
Almaden
Businessman


“Hilary is gone. They have to have someone to go after.”

Barbara Chauvin
Almaden
Retired


“It makes news. They don’t have anything better to do. The battle between Hilary and Obama is over and this helps sell papers.”

Phyllis Connolly, 65
Almaden
Nursing professor at San Jose State


“If you look at history, that’s they way politicians have always been. From what I’ve read, Obama hasn’t really said anything. He only says we need change. Politicians are great at lying. I’m not happy with the choices we have. I may just vote on the issues.”

David Jones
Almaden
Truck driver


“It’s just politics. The press always wants to make a big deal out of things. It’s not just [against] Obama; it’s both parties. The press does it to everyone it’s normal in politics. One the election is over, everyone is friends again. The press gets to say what it wants to say. It’s a good thing.”

Fred Safar
Almaden
Consultant