by Mark Silva
Being president, Barack Obama says, is "a little like being on American Idol...
"Except everybody is Simon Cowell.''
He said so last week, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Tonight, the president's prime-time news conference at 8 pm EDT will bump the popular talent-scouting TV program to Wednesday night.
Sure, the president gets a "bump" out of his own prime-time appearances - this is the second prime-time presser in two months, and he addressed the House and Senate in combined session, in prime-time.
But "is the president really wanting to anger 31 million Americans, including Simon Cowell?'' NBC News' Ann Curry asked the White House this morning on Today.
"No,'' said Robert Gibbs, White House press secretary. "I think taking on Simon, along with the economy, might be one too many things to take on. But I think it's important that the president talk to the American people about our economic recovery....
"And we'll just build up the suspense for American Idol.''
Comments
One day we hear that Americans aren't hearing enough about the economy....the next....don't interrupt Idol. You would think with all the "anger" over AIG and bonuses people would want to know. I guess people just want to complain. I understand the press confrence won't interrupt trick my truck or my big redneck wedding....that should help.
Posted by: bill r. | March 24, 2009 10:59 AM
Obama has to keep the attention of the children who watch American Idol because their type isn't exactly known for showing up to vote nor are they known for paying attention to current events. If he can keep them interested and get them to show up for the midterm elections, perhaps he'll be able to overshadow the votes from people who pay enough attention to not buy into his agenda.
Posted by: Kelsey G | March 24, 2009 3:15 PM
Dumb as Repuglicans are, they're too smart to fall into the trap of actually proposing they're own counter budget. If they had to come up with a budget, it would instantly become apparent that for all their whining about spending and deficits, they really have no good alternatives.
Cutting spending in a recession -- great policy, Repugs!
Herbert Hoover would approve!
Posted by: Mission Accomplished | March 24, 2009 3:19 PM