February 22, 2009
Posted: February 22nd, 2009 09:03 AM ET

From
Most Americans think the media is fair on Obama.
Most Americans think the media is fair on Obama.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – A new national poll indicates that a majority of Americans think the media's been fair in its treatment of President Obama.

Fifty-five percent of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Sunday say they believe the news media's been fair in covering Obama since he was inaugurated as President on January 20. Twenty-six percent suggest that the media's not been critical enough, with 18 percent feeling that the news media's been too critical.

But the poll indicates that there is a partisan divide.

"Democrats and Independents view media coverage of Obama as fair. But 56 percent of Republicans say the media have not been critical enough of Obama," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted Wednesday and Thursday, with 1,046 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus three percentage points.

Filed under: President Obama


Republicans and Democrats.   February 22nd, 2009 2:03 pm ET

Free your minds and your butts will follow.Partisanship is overrated and is here to keep us fighting each other and losing sight of our real enemy,The "MONEY CHANGERS".There really isnt much difference between the two parties,they are bought and paid for by the controllers.

Illinois 2   February 22nd, 2009 1:57 pm ET

We should be keeping a close eye the President,and the congress because if anything has been learned from the past, it won't take long before the country of all races will be disatisfied with the whole lot of them. Personally, I believe there has been and continues to be such a honeymoon over a black person being elected to the presideence that we all forget, he has to do a job for the voters even if we did not vote for him. He most certainly is not a God and all the talk of this make my blood boil....

Oilfield Engineer   February 22nd, 2009 1:56 pm ET

Even though I work in an industry that is somewhat threatened by Obama and his green intentions, I understand that he tells the world the truth when it comes to going green and finding alternative energy sources. Obama is a president of the future and America is very, very and extremely lucky to have him now. Looking at Obama, I truly believe America is God's own country. Every forward looking and enlightened individual see's this, even an oilfield engineer whose job maybe threatened, so why can't republicans see it. The way I see Obama, he may well be the greatest of all American Presidents and that may even be an understatement!

Bill in Dallas   February 22nd, 2009 1:50 pm ET

To the Republicans only FOX is "fair and balanced" that explains why they can't take main stream news. When all you listen to is Pravada and you support the "Party" no matter what then you must be a Republican. They can't stand anything or anyone saying anything that runs counter to they ideological line. That is why they are still preaching "tax cuts" to get us out of this economic mess they got us into. They have no since of reality.

They will cling to Fox and Rush to tell them what they want to hear. They are the totalitarians we should be fearful of.

DEM IN HI   February 22nd, 2009 1:01 pm ET

This story is a joke. See the Goldberg article and you can see the media was very biased to support Obama. As a Clinton supporter, the news media took Hillary out to the shed and plummeted her. They wrote stories that were not true and stretched the truth in others. Obama is tied with crooked deals in Chicago and the news media covers it up. He brings lobbyists into the White House, does not have a plan for change, yet the news media is already comparing him to FRD and Lincoln. Yep, really fair coverage and unbiased. NOT!!!!!!

As a long time Democratic, this is the first time I voted for the GOP as a protest vote. The Democratic party is shifting too far to the left and the GOP is too far to the right. We need representation for the moderates because both parties have become too close to their base.

It will be refreshing and great when the news media learns to present the facts and allows the people to determine for themselves what is important.

enasni   February 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm ET

thanks for the PDF nazi's. be sure to report me. i will be sure to hand them the FACTS.
before we come to arrest you.

Andrew David   February 22nd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

I wonder how many ACORN offices they called to get these numbers?

The mainstream press is the propoganda wing of the Democratic Party. That is why they never label corrupt democrats with their party affiliation.

It doesn't happen by accident.

Hotch   February 22nd, 2009 12:22 pm ET

The Media is too much about Sound Bites and selling their product – they are biased insofar as they go for the "If it Bleeds, it Leads!' mentality – sensational stories sensationally written, full of hyperbole and sexy adjectives and adverbs. COMPARE our media with that of Canada, where they regularly report with intelligence and depth on more issues which directly affect voters.

Conservatives seem frustrated beyond words that the media is OBJECTIVE in the face of the Conservative's relatively Extreme Bias – That is, their Views are SO extreme, reactionary and narrow that they view relatively Objective coverage as biased.

Objectively speaking, Obama represented (during the election) an exciting and fresh voice – such an image ALWAYS gives rise to more interest and coverage. Also, he could give a speech without Malaprop – something 'W' seemed incapable of…

Mike, Syracuse NY   February 22nd, 2009 11:41 am ET

PS, why is Republican criticism of Obama traitorous and Democratic criticism of Bush patriotic discent?

Mike, Syracuse NY   February 22nd, 2009 11:38 am ET

Just look at the daily coverage of the most trivial events. Obama can't blow his nose without a front page or news leadoff about it. I'm sure Laura Bush visited lots of schools. Ever see coverage? Yes, the press love affair elected him, and are stopping them from asking tough questions. Why don't they demand a withdrawal timetable for Afghanistan? Why don't they demand deficit projections? Why don't they ask how Obama can be bipartisan if he lets Pelosi and her goons write bills without any Rep. input? Why not question when Obama was in the Senate why he wasn't screaming about the economic train wreck coming? You can try to blame Bush, but there were 535 members of Congress who sat there and let it happen.

Texas Teacher   February 22nd, 2009 11:38 am ET

What this package will do is make medical care affordable for ALL of US and NOT at the profit of the AMA, Pharmecuetical Companies, INsurance companies, and all of the medical industry that feed off our ill health!

WAKE UP, PEOPLE, LET OBAMA SAVE US FROM THEM! LISTEN TO THE TRUTH! AND FIGHT FOR IT! PHONE, EMAIL, WRITE, YOUR CONGRESS PEOPLE! LET THEM KNOW THAT WE WANT A GOVERNMENT FOR US FOR A CHANCE. IF WE DO NOT FIGHT FOR OURSELVES, NO ONE ELSE WILL!

Mike in Houston   February 22nd, 2009 11:33 am ET

Doro,

I listen to both conservative and liberal talk radio. Liberal talk radio is much more radical than the conservatives. Liberals regularly talk about imprisoning elected officials, CEO's, anyone that is currently being demonized by the political establishment. Conservatives argue the issues.

The liberal left is highly intolerant of anyone who disagrees with them.

Joe Unger, San Francisco   February 22nd, 2009 11:32 am ET

They do seem a little soft.
Now unnamed sources say Obama plans to half the deficit in four years, partly by spending less on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But didn't BO campaign by saying we need to turn the focus away from Iraq and towards Afghanistan? And he authorized more troops to go to Aghanistan?
So will the media ask about this inconsistency? And if they do, will the Obamamaniacs bash them for being negative?

Mike in NYC   February 22nd, 2009 11:31 am ET

I'm still waiting for the Great One to be asked to comment on the remark made by that low-down, arrogant commissar he appointed Attorney General (with the consent of the Senate, of course, who wanted to be on the "right side of history.")

Jon   February 22nd, 2009 11:29 am ET

hey and Remember 55 Million voted for McCain... not everyone loves Obama

Jon   February 22nd, 2009 11:27 am ET

yeah Bill i doubt your a republican...

Nancy   February 22nd, 2009 11:26 am ET

I am a second generation Italian. My grandfather came to this country when he was 19. He never revisited Italy saying that America was his country. He loved this country so much that among his children only English was spoken in his house. I grew up believing that America was THE very best of countries. This is not the America my grandfather knew. It is changing very rapidly. It is frightening. No matter how poor we were and we were ,Socialism was never considered to be the answer. My grandfather came from a place that thought that socialism was ok and he could have told you all the perils it involves. I consider myself an independant, not a republican, not a democrat. My grandfather was a democrat, staunch. He would be very disappointed if he were alive today. This country is definitely moving in the wrong direction, and the media is leading the way. The media is still on its honeymoon with Obama. If we continue to head down this road it will be up to the press to help holt these phiosophies but I have a feeling that they will help president obama lead the way. Yes the press is too soft on Obama. God help us all.

John from Long Island NY   February 22nd, 2009 11:26 am ET

What kind of article is this? Another RNC talking point trail ballon? The war of 10,000 paper cuts has begun! The RNC should be ashamed of themselves- they wrecked this counrty over the past 8 years, in part by rejecting Goldwater/Reaganeque Republicanism and embracing a much more sinister and cynical brand of Neo-conservatism and all that they are concerned with is restoring themselves at the top of the food chain. Maybe they should focus on accomplishing something positive, something bi-partisan and prove to the voters of this country that they can be trusted instead of simply doing anything and everything to tear down our BRAND NEW President. As a brief comparrisson, I think by this point in his first term, Bush Jr had already ignored NSA wearning about Bin Laden and taken two weeks of vacation at camp David.

JFK   February 22nd, 2009 11:20 am ET

Hardly fair treatment in my mind. You got perpetual GOP negativity towards Obama running 24/7 in the news! Its almost treasonous how the GOP continues to be obstinate to helping our nation at this time. They use tired old rhetoric of the past to defend their inaction of helping our country. They offer nothing useful to America any longer. Its time to throw all of them out of office.

doro   February 22nd, 2009 11:19 am ET

For years, Limbaugh and friends have very successfully "played" the national press by ranting about liberal bias. It's Pavlov's bell, of course; in order to prove their "objectivity", the press reacts by reporting stridently, sometimes even viciously, about Democratic politicians, pulling back on their coverage of GOP politicians so as not to seem "unfair." This Limbaugh tactic works, up to a point, because most reporters are in fact pro-Democratic, and don't want to appear to be taking sides. But it results in some messy and lazy reporting.

One of the things the press is missing right now is the gathering storm of real ugliness and potential violence on the far right. You can see it in many of the comments here, or at spooky sites like Free Republic and Lucianne.com. These basement revolutionaries have gone over the deep end, imagining themselves to be heroes and patriots–actually they are nothing more or less than wannabee jihadists. Encouraged by the likes of Limbaugh and Alan Keyes, they fantasize about "saving" their country, but they are a growing menace to our freedoms, our culture, and our traditions, as their increasingly violent and unhinged rhetoric demonstrates.

Marc   February 22nd, 2009 11:12 am ET

Chris,

I work in a pretty diverse office and we had a similar discussion to your last post last week... and the great majority of the office would have agreed with your post, as do I. That is why I don't get as upset when I hear the "naysayers" speak. They speak, people listen, people reject. Let them say their peace... they lose more credibility (and followers) every day.

dominick   February 22nd, 2009 10:59 am ET

as Warren Buffett once said you never know who is swimming without trunks until the tide goes out. Well the tide is heading out on Obama as he disappoints the left on every turn. The question is when will he stand firm and regain the leadership high ground . Right now he is starting to look more like a patsy than a President.

Bill   February 22nd, 2009 10:58 am ET

I am a Republican who voted for Obama. I think that the media as a whole has been too ready to accept the right wing's talking points as if they were legitimate criticism, esp on the stimulus.

Steve   February 22nd, 2009 10:58 am ET

I just love this whole tinfoil hat thing about "the media elected Obama". These people have been running the country into the ground since the election of Saint Ronnie, and THEY'RE the victims. And they say liberals are whiny!

Chris   February 22nd, 2009 10:58 am ET

One, the media is incented to to stir up controversy. That's how they get people to watch, meaning more revenues. Two, the Republicans have no workable ideas. Their skill is in attacking through deceit and misrepresentation. They have willing and culpable aid in distributing their vitriol and propaganda. Although I was hopeful that there would be some reconciliation between blue and red, some bipartisanship in our Congress, it is clear that "you can't teach a pig to sing". At a time of crisis, it is important to rally together for a common cause, not stomp your feet and hold your breath because you didn't get it all your way. The problem is, I think most of them really know better. But, it's all about power and money for themselves, not the recovery of the American Dream for all of us.

Former Marine Air-winger   February 22nd, 2009 10:58 am ET

The only time the media sucked up to W like they have been to BO was after 9/11. I have found that the coverage of what Michelle was going to wear and how BO's jumper is dropping are wonderful examples of hard hitting journalism. OK, not really, the media loves BO and really worked to get him elected. Nice job on that, guess we will be paying for it for years to come.

Bobby   February 22nd, 2009 10:56 am ET

The sooner this mans out of office the better this country will be. Hurry up 2012!

John Brooks   February 22nd, 2009 10:55 am ET

President Obama has been in office a little over one month, saddled with an enormous mess the Republicans spent eight years creating.
Why would the media or any rational entity be highly critical at this point in his administration?

thatmarvelousape   February 22nd, 2009 10:29 am ET

Obama supporter (so far), you are a liar. You were never an Obama supporter. If you were, you wouldn't be "scared" by a tax policy that he and the rest of the Democratic Party have been promoting for eight years. Again, Republicans wrap themselves in lies and deceit. Is it any wonder why Americans won't vote for you?

Travis   February 22nd, 2009 10:18 am ET

Listen, I'm a republican and I didn't like McCain and I didn't like Palin. I like what Palin stands for, but I don't think she's qualified just like I now know Barrack Obama isn't qualified.
The real crime was the media treatment of other republican nominees that cause ODB McCain to be our nominee. The guys a republican in name onle.
That was the ultimate media travesty (along with the way that they treated Hillary.)
The media won this election.

Obama supporter (so far)   February 22nd, 2009 10:17 am ET

Just saw Rep. Rob Andrews (d) New Jersey refuse to answer legitimate questions on the news. He refused to answer questions about the tax hike Obama is planning. I voted for Obama but this scares me. As a very small business owner will I see my taxes go up? We are trying to keep our two employees but it is getting tougher. A tax hike may push us over the edge. Where can I find out who is getting a tax increase?

Gordo   February 22nd, 2009 10:17 am ET

As a Canadian I'm pleased to see a President that shares a bit of time with Americans, and in fact the world, on a day to day basis. Part of the Obama charm is that he can make a photo op seem like a genuine sharing of time – not many world leaders have that ability

markens   February 22nd, 2009 10:17 am ET

Brian, first of all, democrats do not want you to vote for them. they do not want a nobrainer like you and you have nothing to offer. you guys vote for republicans,but you do not know why they keep your taxes money and never spend it. that's the reason why the roads and the bridges are deteriorated. however, they like to use it for war. that's the only thing that they can offer.

Linda in MS   February 22nd, 2009 10:14 am ET

Very interesting...got you you accpt the last post, but you ignored the two I wrote in answer to JD's foolish utterances. Such a pity.

Former Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN   February 22nd, 2009 10:14 am ET

I have to disagree. I think media coverage of Obama has been totally unfair and very biased. President Bush received your positive press than Obama is currently getting.

SANDRA   February 22nd, 2009 10:14 am ET

MARK AND OTHERS WHO SAY THE MEDIA HELP ELECT THE PRESIDENT I DON'T WHAT THE HELL YOU PEOPLE ARE DRINKING BUT 66 MILLIONS VOTED FOR OUR NEW PRESIDENT AND STILL SURPORTS HIM . I AM 56 YEAR I AM NOT A MEDIA FOLLOWER I MADE UP MY OWN MIND JUST LIKE THE 66 MILLIONS IF WE HAD LISTEN TO FOX NOISE OR ALL THE OTHER MEDIA NO HE WOULDN'T BE THE PRESIDENT FOR SURE THE NEGATIVE ABOUT REV WRIGHT ALMOST DESTROY HIM AND HANNITY PUSH THAT EVERY DAY EVERY HOURS 24 /7 SO YOU DEADBEATS ARE JUST SORE LOSERS WHO STILL CAN'T GET OVER THAT A BLACK MAN WON AND THAT THE PEOPLE ELECTED HIM FAIR AND SQUARE. YOU JUST KEEP ON BEING BIGOTS AND RACISTS THE NATION HAS A GREAT PRESIDENT WHO IS WORKING VERY HARD WE WILL MOVE ON WITH OUT YOU . SO YOU KEEP ON YOUR PATH OF SOUR GRAPES IF YOU MUST HE WON SO GET OVER IT.

raj   February 22nd, 2009 10:13 am ET

The media is obviously biased. When Bush wanted to go to war in Iraq, they cheered him on!

thatmarvelousape   February 22nd, 2009 10:13 am ET

Hey guys, when the media lets Obama invade a country on the basis of FAKE EVIDENCE then, and only then, can we say they're being easier on him than they were on Bush.

survivor   February 22nd, 2009 10:13 am ET

Go outside the US for news try BBC much calmer and with a holistic approach without so much bias I get tired of the soundbites and bias – I for one think we have a great new President!

Linda in MS   February 22nd, 2009 10:12 am ET

Of course the media has been tremendously fair to Pres. Obama, especially Fox.

Keith in Austin   February 22nd, 2009 10:09 am ET

The Media's love affair with Obama is much like a hasty marriage based only on infatuation. After time, when both parties discover that the relationship is based isn't based on anything concrete,it typically crumbles!

Peterson   February 22nd, 2009 10:09 am ET

Way too soft. Remeber his comment about Presidents not needing new helicopetrs during the campaign. Then why is he now considering an 11 billion dollar presidential fleet because 'they are safer'. Is he kidding??

He is a lot safer in the current helicopter that my family is in our 6 year old car. How about allocating that money to the people without health insurance.

Obama is relishing his new rock star status. Time for him to realize he is president not God. He or any other person in this country does not deserve a high tech 11 billion helicopter fleet. Who does he think he is?

While I am it, am I the only person around that the attorney general should be fired for his racist attacks against whites calling us cowards. My grandparents and parents lived through the depression, and fought in WWII and this niinny had the audacity to call whites cowards. Plenty of whites voted for Obama, maybe it's time for those blacks like the atty. general to stop their whining. I am sick to death hearing how "WE" tread upon the black population. Get rid of the attorney general.

The Rector   February 22nd, 2009 10:05 am ET

well lets see, after the election, before the swearing in, he voted to give the auto industry billions of dollars, before that he voted to give the corrupt bankers hundreds of billions of dollars, since he has taken office he has signed into law nearly a trillion dollar pork filled spending bill, and tried to hire what three or four tax evaders, and actually did hire a registered lobiest, all while having time to play basketball what everyday. The stock market has somehow gone even further in the tank and he is increasing our troop comitment to afganistan, since that has worked out so well in the past eight years. long and short is he is exactly what anyone who pays attention to politics has come to expect, a self interested politician who will do his best to secure as many contacts for the post white house life that he will eventualy have to lead, think bill clinton and jimmy carter. he has not done a very good job of reaching across the isle, nor has he gone out of his way to keep some of his key promises to the voters who elected him, big surprise. I'm just saying, if this were mccain cnn and others would have unleashed the hounds before he was even sworn in and wouldn't have let up yet. I'm not a republican by the way nor did i vote for obama, I voted third party because only when more voices are included will we truly have representitive democracy in this country. After all only thirty three percent of the possible voters voted for the man, that my friends is not a mandate, it's desperation and picking the lesser of two evils, great way to run the "greatest democracy the world has ever known" (into the ground)

Fitz   February 22nd, 2009 10:04 am ET

Oh give me break with some of the comments here. The media is very critical of Obama, everything he does is scrutinized daily on every station. The notion that they are in the tank for him is ridiculous. He was just the superior candidate and connected with more people and it became obvious so yes the media followed him because he was he bigger story. Our President is busy doing what he has to, to make our lives better, Democrats and Republicans alike. You don't have to like him but he is doing what he has to. The media is trying to increase ratings so they go with the bigger story. What is bigger than Barack Obama right now, he is a historic candidate that inherited a historic mess thanks to BUSH!

independent   February 22nd, 2009 10:02 am ET

How does this internal headline: 'Media treatment of Obama fair, majority say' compare with the main headline: 'Is media too soft on Obama?'

Why was the critical headline the main headline, and the actual news headline (the one reporting on the poll results) buried inside the story?

smokey   February 22nd, 2009 10:01 am ET

The media is and will continue to be soft on Obama. This is in part because of their heavy bias during ther election that they would look foolish to write otherwise now.

In fairness though, it is erasonable to give the new administration sometime but I suspect the ehavy commitment to Afghanistan and the ehavy draw on Treasury will be very promblematic for Obama. Really, the USA needs to get out of both wars, Afghanistan and Iraq, They ahve too many domestic issues to fix.

Mike   February 22nd, 2009 10:00 am ET

Um duh, Katie Couric would pay thousands to felate this idiot on the evening news. I

Mike O   February 22nd, 2009 10:00 am ET

Of course, the poll didn't include the 38% that fell over laughing so hard they couldn't answer.

In the month Obama has been in office, he's had to withdraw a ridiculous number of appointments, backtracked on changing policies in Iraq, Gitmo, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and had the market express its confidence in his leadership by shedding over 2,000 points. But the 'smarter' president is not to be questioned.

Joan , Ontario   February 22nd, 2009 9:59 am ET

Coverage of President Obama himself has been pretty positive but how can it be anything else when various polls have him at 70-80% popularity? Coverage of his policies and plans has been all over the place. There has been a lot of air time given to the Republicans to voice their criticisms and complaints about some aspects of the bills but people should realize where their views are coming from. They want him and his policies to fail to make themselves look good which is pretty evident. Not enough time has been spent on the POSITIVE aspects of the bills and how they will affect people down the road. The media seems to like to focus on the little controversies because it makes for juicier stories. People are starting to be more critical of the coverage of the issues and can see which journalists are really credible. Tabloid type headlines and coverage is not being taken seriously.

Scott L   February 22nd, 2009 9:59 am ET

HAHA yeah right whatever.

If any republican appointee had the tax problems Geithner did they would have been crucified by the hypocritical media. Instead they allow him to become Treasury Secretary.

What a joke that guy is. At least Dashle had the guts to step down.

Geithner is a fraud. Wait until a lot of Americans do not pay tax penalties and cite their leaders of the country as not paying them. IRS gonna lose in a court with a jury of a defendant's peers.

What's all the fuss about   February 22nd, 2009 9:57 am ET

The media is sensationalist driven. They are looking to report/comment on items that raise eyebrows. They do not control those who can think for themselves. Americans are too quick to credit them with having some influential value. Only if you are dumb enough to believe what they say. No matter who the source is.

Shayne in NH   February 22nd, 2009 9:57 am ET

26% percent believe the media is not critical enough.....hmmmm.....this wouldn't happen to be the same 26% of our nations redneck idiots who believe Bush was the best president in modern history, would it?

Pinai   February 22nd, 2009 9:53 am ET

The media has been too nice in its treatment of Obama. The majority of the media during the election was very critical of John McCain and Sarah Palin, but was nothing but praise for Obama-everyone can see that. Even now the reporters are not doing their jobs by asking Obama the hard questions. When a cartoon came out about shooting the chimp that wrote the stimulus bill, uneducated people were outraged and cried "racism" because they thought it was aimed at the president. For one, it is not the president who writes the bill, but Congress; the president merely signs; two, people should quit looking for racism under every stone. I am Asian, and anytime someone is critical of me, I don't cry racism. So I see that the American people are making the media tread lightly on Obama as well.

Brandon from Ohio   February 22nd, 2009 9:52 am ET

No the media is not too soft on Obama. The fact is the majority of people in this country are flat-out pumped to have someone in office who is actually trying to help them. This is why he's being given some latitude. Personally, I don't plan to judge him on the economy or Iraq for atleast 1-2 years to give him time to form a solid plan, and execute it.

John from LA   February 22nd, 2009 9:51 am ET

So NOW the media is covering this subject-A LITTLE TOO LATE!!!-The media spun him soooooo hard that he's the Pres.-Our first American Idol President-too bad!

John Wilson   February 22nd, 2009 9:51 am ET

I think the media is still giving Obama a long, long honeymoon, and I'm an Independent...

They should have addressed his speech regarding his willingness to be friendly with Muslims, followed up within a day of his giving Gates and the Army approval to launch still another unmanned Predator attack on civilians in Afghanistan.

They should have hammered him on the 5 Democrats he wanted in his cabinet who he knew had significant tax problems: when asked about the latest, Daschle: Do you still stand behind him? His reply was "Absolutely." That is arrogance by any standard and it is shameful. It was lucky for us that the very next day, Daschle himself dropped out.

They really should have hammered him on continuing Bush's war, in fact, by expanding it by sending 17, 000 more troops into Afghanistan. We need to get out of Iraq & Afghanistan and stop enlarging our Empire; acting tough to appease the war hawks is not any change I can believe in.

They should have hammered him on leaving an "Exception provision" open in our torture policy; and they really should have nailed him to the wall on leaving Rendition open as a USA Policy.

Finally, with Hillary over in China, telling them that human rights do not matter, as long as they continue to fund our debt is not the kind of message I want Hillary or the Obama Administration sending to the world about my country!

Human rights is what America is suppose to be all about; take that away and we are simply another third world country with the world's most powerful military!

John G   February 22nd, 2009 9:51 am ET

The media loves Obama. They have since the campaign. That's why he won. Every other candidate was treated like they were running for office, Obama was treated like he was competing in a beauty contest.

The media got Obama elected so now they are treating him MORE than fairly. He would have to screw up really bad to get the media to come out against him and amazingly enough blowing almost a trillion dollars on a spending package disguised as "stimulus" doesn't qualify as a bad enough screw up.

Brian   February 22nd, 2009 9:48 am ET

John in Tampa... do you read anything besides CNN? This was started by the housing crisis, from loosening the mortgage lending rules by Chris Dodd and Barney Frank and they were warned to fix it by the Bush Administration. Republicans didn't have the majority at that time.

Why is the media not grilling these guys on lobbyists, lies, special interest earmarks "pork", what happended top "Hope"? All I hear is FEAR. The media is definitely not being fair.

Politics is cyclical. I thought it might take 4 to 6 years to vote the dumbacrats out of power. Now, I predict it will happen in at least one house in 2010.

Virginia   February 22nd, 2009 9:45 am ET

Obama has done a lot after being in office only one month. Given the mess he inherited, I think he has done a wonderful job so far. Let him alone and let him do his job.

Angie   February 22nd, 2009 9:44 am ET

John Starnes Tampa Florida February 22nd, 2009 9:18 am ET
AMEN!
They have him under a microscrope. He can't make a move without the media making a comment. He has been in office a month and he has done more for the economy (trying to make it better) then bush did the 8 years he and his cronies had to destroy this country. No President Obama is not a miracle worker, he is a man working for ALL THE PEOPLE. He was elected by the people and he is working for the people.

jadelyn   February 22nd, 2009 9:43 am ET

Come wealthy republicans, do you want our President Obama to be attacked more than he already has? For God sake Fox news and John Mccaine attack President Obama 24/7.

Main Street America   February 22nd, 2009 9:40 am ET

The media is giveing Obama a free ride.
They don't know where to trip will take America
and Obama don't either

Deb   February 22nd, 2009 9:40 am ET

I wonder how the repubs feel about fox noise....Oh I mean fox news

Tom Insko   February 22nd, 2009 9:39 am ET

Fair or not, Obama certainly has thus far escaped the scrutiny that Clinton and Bush endured. Is it possible the media is now realizing that undermining sitting Presidents is unhealthy for America? I doubt it, but remain hopeful. The blurring of news and opinion in the media is damaging our ability to rightly judge policy decisions. Try just giving us the facts and allow us to form our own conclusions.

lynn in NM   February 22nd, 2009 9:39 am ET

He is their chosen one. How can they possibly say anything against him? They are for anything he says. Now live with it.

Chris from NY   February 22nd, 2009 9:38 am ET

I am a Democrat and I think that the media has not been fair to Obama. They may be personal to him but they are not helping him sell his agenda. They appear to like the guy but not enough to say his ideas are good for the Country. And that's not a good message to send to a Country that's in need of confidence to survive. Also, the media has not being critical enough of the Republicans who stand in the way of things that needs to be for the American people. Hold them accountable. It's either they come up with an idea or don't sell their idea of bashing the guy that has one. And when they present a bad idea call them on it. That will be fair and balanced news.

Mr. Kitty   February 22nd, 2009 9:36 am ET

Let's see; we are a nation of cowards according to the black attorney general (who failed to mention that in his confirmation hearing); we are racist according to Rep. John Lewis if we oppose the "stimulus package" and yet Obama calls for unity while secretly winking at his black power base. Who are the real hypocrites and why isn't the media confronting the President about this apparent new age Black Panthers made of politicians. Who are the real racists and how long are we as a country going to take the race card being constantly played in our face. I'm fed up with being called a racist everytime I disagree with the Administration and I didn't serve my country in the military for 12 years to be called a coward by someone who has never put on the uniform.

JD   February 22nd, 2009 9:35 am ET

Why do we even care what the "majority of Americans" think? The majority of Americans pay little-to-no attention to what is important in the world, or even what is important in their very own communities. Then when something electrifying comes up involving politics, they run to their blogs and comment boards and polls and go crazy like they know what they're talking about.

So why do we care? Oh, that's right - these are the same people empowered with electing our policy-makers. I'm all for freedom of speech and the right to attempt to vote, I just think voting should go along with some kind of very elementary quiz to ensure people aren't voting for the wrong reasons (ie. race, prejudice, gender).

Vickie   February 22nd, 2009 9:35 am ET

Ha! What a joke! The media should be spend less time worrying about what Michelle is wearing and more time worrying about all of the campaign promises Obama is breaking. What happened to bringing honesty and integrity to Washington? What about the elimination of the cap gains tax for small businesses?

James A.   February 22nd, 2009 9:34 am ET

I believe I have finally put my finger on why I dislike partisan Republicans so much. I am a checker at a major department store; partisan Republicans represent my rudest customers.

Cindy Merrill   February 22nd, 2009 9:32 am ET

How many seniors have you polled- just wondering. Are they thrilled about the $250 onetime bonus from the Stimulus???

Randy   February 22nd, 2009 9:31 am ET

The media elected Obama so it has to treat him with kid gloves. He is a novelty whos luster will fad fast. I hope the people of American learn a lesson from this that they will never forget. Just another failed social project with the highest level of risk. Hold the media responsible.

JLucia   February 22nd, 2009 9:30 am ET

Yes, the media has been fair. Well at least the news I watch/listen to. The media is suppose to report the news not create it, you know things such as there's $5M of the stimulus going to ACORN. The media should stick to reporting facts, good or bad and its fair.

sensible Cape Coral FL   February 22nd, 2009 9:29 am ET

WHAT A SURPRISE!!! The Republicans don't think the media is tough enough on Obama. Will never cease?

Don Fitzgerald, Chicago   February 22nd, 2009 9:27 am ET

Tell that to the NY Post. That rag is promoting hate-crimes and should be put out of business. That is one of the problems, when you allow foreigners to own our media. They bring with them, those old tired, worn out cliches and biases !! That is the old European mindset: Divide and Conquer !!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

David, Pennsylvania   February 22nd, 2009 9:27 am ET

Since the inauguration, the media has done a better job of covering Obama and questioning his policies. It's how they covered him in the campaign that causes so many to believe the media was in the tank for him

Big Tom   February 22nd, 2009 9:26 am ET

They have been very soft on Obama basically because they still believe in the first 100 day honeymoon. That being said, I believe if he continues to allow and rely on the two nuts cases (Reid & Pelosi) to run and dictate everything, as they are currently doing, he'll go down the tubes quickly.

diamond j   February 22nd, 2009 9:25 am ET

YOU GUYS DO NOTHING BUT MAKE FUN OF OBAMA JUST LIKE YOU DID PRESIDENT BUSH WHY ARE YOU GUYS SO UNFAIR! JUST KIDDING WHAT A DUMB QUESTION!

Joe   February 22nd, 2009 9:24 am ET

With media gushing over Obama (and even getting tingles down the leg), what do you think?

Dawn   February 22nd, 2009 9:23 am ET

Some, but not all... Such as Fox Noise...Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and of course Rush Limbaugh. You find some that is pretty fair.

I thought that the media is suppose to be biased. They report the news and tell the people what is going on. If you report the wrong information to the American People; guess what you get the wrong idea of what is going on in the world, but most people can and will go on the internet and get the full information. Ta ta for now

catherine   February 22nd, 2009 9:23 am ET

The media elected Mr Obama. Face the facts. We are controlled.

jim   February 22nd, 2009 9:22 am ET

Give me a break. He the President of the United States and can get away with saying "I didn't cause this problem..." Not one member of the media has ever said, but "Mr. President, you were a member of the United States Senate when a majority of critical events took place and you did, nothing, and said nothing.." There is an appropriate time for allowing a new President the benefit of the doubt and the ability to implement their policies, but never should the press cave to the cult of personality that has been created around this President. It will serve no one well.

John Starnes Tampa Florida   February 22nd, 2009 9:18 am ET

The man has been in office a little over one month, saddled with a mess that the Republicans spent eight years creating as they enriched their cronies and themselves...give the guy a chance, will you?!

mark   February 22nd, 2009 9:14 am ET

Lobbyist back in the white house, same old Washington, A cabinet that doesn’t pay taxes, and increasing the war in worthless Afghanistan. You say the media is unfair? Lets not forget the only reason he is president.

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