Newsweek Editor Jon Meacham's Wife May Have Killed Dark Obama Race Cover In Favor Of A Sunnier One: Report

Gawker:

In this week's cover story about Barack Obama, Newsweek distills the conventional political wisdom into a bitter tonic of condescending campaign advice. The Democratic presidential candidate is praised for having "wisely taken to often wearing and American-flag lapel" to reassure people he doesn't sympathize with Islamic extremists but also advised "it would help to be seen venerating your white mother and grandparents as well as your black father" and that "whites resent being accused of racism for remarks they regard as innocent," in case the black politician hadn't learned that yet. To illustrate this cynical lesson in realpolitik, the magazine had originally planned to run the suitably stark cover above and on the left, according to the person who supplied us with a copy. But that cover was "killed" late Friday night, we are told, and replaced with the bright and sunny front at right -- a bizarre choice given the gritty lead article and stark collection of supporting pieces on racial division. More outlandish still is the purported reason for the cover switch:

After working on the attached cover all week and making multiple modifications, the cover was killed late Friday night. Why? The wife of the editor stopped by, apparently saw the cover and expressed her disapproval. Amazingly, the previously approved cover, worked on all week, was killed. I guess we know who has the final say...

Read the whole story: Gawker

Comments

[NoSillyName]

That is a very strange looking cover.

[OliverTwist]

What I do find troubling is the subhead "Obama, race, and us." I don't much like the distinctions implied.

[lily31]

The lighter cover works better, for me at least. The dark cover feels like traditional, politics as usual. The lighter cover feels optimistic and fresh ~ more in keeping with Obama's message and aura.

As many have said, a better picture should have been found ......

[UnbiasView]

And since Democrats make all decisions based on feelings I agree.

[LadyM9]

I prefer the lighter cover. As for the Newsweek article, it was terrible and condescending. Newseek could and should have done a much better job.

[mellene]

It doesn't really matter whether she did or not, as we know what photoshop work goes on every minute with photographs. I be there's not one that makes it to the public that hasn't been doctored up.

[MrsPeel]

Aesthetically, I like the one with the black background. It's the kind I'd like to frame and put on my wall.

For the article, though, I don't think it works. And I think the one with the white background is a lousy photo in any case.

[heal57]

I prefer the lighter cover but they could have had a nicer picture. Obama is not as dark and exotic looking as the first picture and the second one is better but so-so, just my humble opinion.

Independent for Obama '08

[lovethesinner]

The dark cover is awful. But, the article is even worse. Meacham is lucky to have a wife with a good eye. Perhaps they should let her create the concept, as well.

"Conflict Driven Narrative" may have been a concept that worked in the '90's, but I'm not sure "the millenials" are going to be attracted to it. The thing that's killing the MSM isn't it's technological disadvantage, it's all the stale ideas.

[NotMcCain]

I won't buy this one. But I'll buy the issue with a cover, "Racism at Newsweek: Will It Ever Be Replaced With Good Journalism?"

[nunzia]

kee-riste, this is a stupid culture.

[DRaymond]

A really dark cover disappears on the magazine rack. The original cover was dramatically lit but otherwise a very static and overdone pose.

[sowhatdemos]

The wife was right. Fighting stupidity is an ongoing project in progress!
I live in Tennessee and (believe me) we progressives do what we can to discourage idiots but sometimes that fails.

[brownjuice]

either cover is perfectly fine.

::shrugs::

[bygollymissmolly]

I abandoned Newsweek when they put Karl Rove on their payroll.

I don't like either cover. One is dark and somber, the other glaring. There are so many good pictures of Obama out there, why couldn't they find one of them?

[jones]

I wish they would come out with some good caricatures of Obama. He has a face that is just begging to be cartooned. I love the guy but RFK, FDR, Abe Lincoln and so many other's made for great caricature. Come on...lets see some good cartoons of the guy!

[Marlyn]

Google "caricature Obama Fired Up" and look at Images.