The controversy stemmed from the denial of access to photojournalists for Obama's do-over oath of office and his first day at work. Along with still photographers, broadcast cameras were denied access to these events as well. The story goes on to say that four reporters did witness the oath of office, and an official White House photo was issued instead. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that the move was upfront and transparent, arguing that a "bigger room" would have been needed to fit in everyone for the ceremony.
The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse refused to distribute White House photos of the new president in the Oval Office in response to this perceived snub. CBS News' Christopher Isham said that news agencies and the Obama administration were in "an awkward phase," with some bumps to work out.
The article goes on to state that additional objections were raised over why reporters were not allowed to use the names of administration officials giving background briefings. Finally, the article says that Gibbs never addressed this issue directly.
So, I was wondering how long it would take the press to find fault with the new administration; I just didn't realize it would be this soon. Yet, this is naive on my part, because these people may be less interested in getting the news out there (I, for one, would have welcomed any photos of President Obama in the Oval Office on his first day) than they are in establishing their turf. Robert Gibbs has been press secretary for two days, and already, news organizations have implied that he is deceptive, exclusive and ignorant of past protocol.
I realize the importance of allowing outside photojournalists to cover White House events. Obviously, if this trend continues, I would be the first to cry foul. But can't the media give Robert Gibbs a break--at least this week? Poor guy has to be terrified of misrepresenting his boss (the head of the country, military, etc.), as well as issuing potentially objectionable comments of his own!
After all, the cultural change we're hoping for with President Obama's leadership and example is a new appreciation for civil, "mutually respectful" negotiations between parties with different interests. It's well recognized that the polarization, which has infected our society, both domestically and in foreign relations, needs to stop. Why not start at the source--the new White House?
You are right. It didn't take long for the press to find faults with the Obama administration. The only reason that is so is because history has been made and that they wanted to make sure everything went well for him on his first day and week on the job.
ReplyDeleteWell, how do you mend our foreign relations? Pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan and bring the troops home because it is obvious that we are not winning the war in the Middle East.
There is no way that our domestic policy can be fixed unless we as Americans take action ourselves. Until we decide to do that, we will be in this economic downfall or recession.
I think Gibbs should be forgivenfor what he did becuase we all make mistakes. As stated previously, history was made and he was a part of it. When something happens the first time, mistakes will be made. Good post.
I feel as if this is just another way of the media pointing their little fingers at the wrong person. The fact is that yes, we all wanted to see Obama up close and personal but that is out of the question. Gibbs was just doing his job and I agree with Wendy by saying …let the poor guy do his job! He just wanted to make sure everything was perfect. Don’t worry…this is just the beginning of the media crucifying the job that the White House does. I feel like the media can be so vicious at times…for absolutely NO reason! Good post…
ReplyDeleteI feel that this is overblown. And if Gibbs felt that the room was too small for all the reporters than that is his call. I feel that the media is trying to put all of the burden on him while the man was just doing his job. He has enough pressure as it is to try not to misrepresent Obama in any way. The White House photo should be good enough in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteHere we go again. This is the second time that reporters had a problem with the the Obama team, when he was then the president elect. The first time they were upset, because they were not allowed to be on the plane with him when he was on the campaign trail. Give the new president and his team a break. They did not let show the private luncheon on televison on inauguration day did anyone get upset about that. The media is always blowing things out of proportion. Mr. Gibbs was just doing his job. You can't make everyone happy. Excellent post.
ReplyDeleteReporters are a distinctive breed. They are extremely competitive and have to be if they want to keep their jobs. Of course the new Press Secretary is cautious and wants to make sure nothing slips "through the cracks" so to speak. On one hand, it was wrong to try and deny the presses right to cover the event and think just sending out a general picture would suit them just fine. He should of assumed the press would have a field day with such a decision. On the other hand, Gibbs is doing his job. He is controlling the situation. I think the photographers feelings might be hurt but they will get over it. There are bigger issues at hand like making sure the new President of the United States doesn't have another hiccup. It seems to me Gibbs has everything under control (so far).
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