On Sept. 20, President Barack Obama appeared on five major news networks: ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Univision. These appearances made up the entirety of Obama’s Friday, as each conversation was taped in the White House.’
The unprecedented move was questioned and criticized by the media without taking the strategy or value of the president’s decision into account.’ Of course, the president also received the usual criticism from his friends at Fox News, which was not included in the Sunday blitz.’
This genius move allowed the president to reach a maximum number of Americans without childish interruption. Anyone who has watched a portion of a health care debate knows that audience members can be the opposite of calm and civil.’
As our political system comes close to falling off the deep end into some sort of 18th century parliament-style shout fest, the president was able to deliver his message on health care with maturity in a relaxed manner.
When it comes to issues as encompassing as health care overhaul, the president knows the importance of getting through to people and separating truth from smear tactics.’
Obama is by far the best person for the job. His ability to speak clearly, truthfully and confidently is what helped him win the presidency.
The issue isn’t whether or not Obama should be careful to not over-saturate a bunch of Sunday talk shows, because presidents need to be heard. President Obama simply took advantage of something you cannot buy: dominance in the news and television.
If the president doesn’t spend the most time talking about an important issue such as health care overhaul, his opponents will. The result would not only stall progress, but possibly result in a regression of momentum.
The decision for the Sunday media blitz was a clear indication that the president is calling for a serious, civil debate of health care overhaul.
