Earlier today, I read about a comment allegedly made by President Obama that was overheard by ABC news staff, and 'tweeted' on the internet. This wasn't a comment about Afghanistan or about reform on wallstreet. No, according to the LA Times, President Obama was allegedly overheard prior to the start of an interview responding to Kanye West's outburst on the MTV VMA awards, calling West a 'Jackass'. This is pressing news, folks. While this news tidbit has not been verified, and its significance is debatable, one has to wonder what is sacred when it comes to the 'offline' statements that public figures make. More importantly, should those comments be weighed in a public forum? A potential challenge to that question would be the example of Orange County Assemblyman Michael Duvall, who resigned last week after a tape was released of him discussing his sexual conquests with a colleague near an open mic. While it could be argued that Duvall's comments weigh heavier against the alleged offline comment by the President about a pop star, the issue is raised as to what level of scrutiny should one be held on comments intended not just 'off the record', but natural conversation. Both cases presented here are the types of comments that occur at bus stops, bars, and water coolers all over the country. Just because someone is in the public spotlight, does that mean that they should be held accountable for everything they say? I am not sure about the answer to this question, and would love to hear input from the group. See the links below to articles on both the jackass comment and the resignation of Michael Duvall..
***Update!!! This just in- Oh, that TMZ.. so reliable to scoop up the crud and fling it onto the internets. Here's a recording of Obama's comment:
1 comment:
Duvall was a ranking member of the California Assembly's Utilities Committee... he inadvertently revealed two extra marital affairs with at least one lobbyist for an energy company that came before his committee seeking higher rates and tariffs.
So, to heck with the spankings and other lurid details... this elected official was caught on tape bragging about an intimate relationship with someone who is paid to influence him.
This is easy-gotcha, it-followed-me-home, above-the-fold news... the spankings, the underwear, one mistress knows about the other, one doesn't, and his wife knows about neither along with (ugh!) the dripping comments just pushed to piece to the lede.
As for the jackass ABC news twit who tweeted the president's way off the record remarks... well, he should be sent back to the 4H-show beat... even if calling Kayne a jackass actually did the president some good.
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