DNC Understandably Upset At Politico Piece Linking Obama To Roman Polanski

The DNC is up in arms at a brief piece in The Politico that linked Barack Obama to Roman Polanski through a scant $34,000 worth of donations that were given to the Obama campaign and the Democratic party by people who were tangentially related to Polanski. Also, maybe Obama has Rosemary's Baby on his Netflix queue, who knows? Anyway, now Obama is personally responsible for everything that ever happened at Jack Nicholson's house, or something.

The Plum Line's Greg Sargent has a statement from the DNC's Brad Woodhouse, who called the story, "lowbrow...amateur hour...one of the silliest stories that I've ever seen."

"You could find a certain number of [our donors] who believe in Scientology," Woodhouse fumed. "You could find a certain number who are even Redskins fans...It's a silly story that's just meant to try to generate a sensational headline and a lot of clicks."

"Top Politico editor" Jim VandeHei defended the story, telling Sargent: "We will look for the political angle in virtually any story...This short blog item was done for the Click page -- where we run a lot of entertainment and personality items. It was quick item based on FEC data alone."

VandeHei then presumably went back to running his dank, idiotic sweatshop, filled with the most despondent political reporters anywhere in the world.

[Would you like to follow me on Twitter? Because why not? Also, please send tips to [e-mail] -- learn more about our media monitoring project here.]

Comments

[World Citizen]

Fast forward a few days later, this Politico piece might be a fair comment since word in the french media is that Sarkozy called Obama concerning Polanski.

[CherokeeGirl]

I've noticed Politico cannot be trusted. I think there's some birthers in thar.

[seer60]

Obama Administration following Bush lead O.K.'ing to throw a "family values" bone to the Religious Right/conservative Republicans? ?

As in Bill Clinton and the Janet Reno Justice Department.??

[ibsteve2u]

Jim VandeHei defended the story, telling Sargent: "We will look for the political angle in virtually any story..."

And, obviously, create one if none exist. The definition of "journalism" is just plain ABUSED by some of the people out there.

[wordvarc]

The RNC/GOP has only one tactic. They sling boldface fearmongering lies at the wall of politics and see if they might stick by alarming the fearful and unknowing .

Truth, kindness, and wisdom are proclaimed enemies by the Limbaugh led RNC/GOP.

[Chem is she]

I'll bet Obama had some bald donors. Vlad Lenin was bald...see where this is going? Call Beck!

[CarpenterGal]

LOL

Fanned.

[fabucat]

Thanks for confirming to me that Politico is a GOP bulletin board. Politico should be treated as if it were Fox News.

I'm not boycotting movies of anyone who supported Polanski. Those people are entitled to their wrong-headed opinions. And God knows, actors and showbiz people can have lousy politics (Reagan anyone?) For example, I still love Mickey Rourke even though he's a Sarah Palin fan. Polanski is going to face the law, no matter how many celebrities support him.

Betcha that Hannity spreads a rumor that Polanski will head the NEA, lol!

[greysells2]

This is one of those guilt by association deals no matter how flimsy the connection. Mccarthyism as in the late Senator Joe.

[CarpenterGal]

Polanski should call upon Mike Huckabee for help. He's been defender of serial r@pe in at least one case that I recall. He fought and fought until he got the guy released so he could carry on. Which he did, unfortunately for one victim.

And he could also pick his jury from among the 30 republicans who just voted against protection for r@pe victims in the workplace.

While I agree Hollywood should be ashamed, the right has no room to talk.

[greysells2]

Hollywoods' shame is not Obama's game

[WHATTHEH311]

Maybe it's Obama's fault I have a corn on my right pinky toe

[Chem is she]

It totally is. He promised hope.

[RexOzone]

I'd like to see the movie he makes when he gets out.

[blueken]

Polanski should be gelded. I may be a little prejudice, I have a daughter and a grand daughter.

[jackbutler5555]

I would hope your daughter and granddaughters aren't in the way of your getting up to speed on the issues. Being prejudice (sic) might have prevented you. What do you know about the case?

[blueken]

I know that a 13 year old can not consent to have sex with an adult. I'm pretty sure that the 13 year old girl had been given drugs and booze. I have also read that she said no, a couple of times. I'm pretty sure he was convicted of un-lawful sex with a minor.

[SheamusK]

Help me understand this.

Senator Al Franken’s amendment to the Senate’s Defense Appropriation bill to punish contractors if they "restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court" was prompted by a defense contractor’s attempt to cover up and intimidate a woman employee who was raped. All of the GOP Senators voted against this amendment.

Seems to me the GOP is the party that supports rapists – not the Democrats.

[joemartin1296]

i agree with most that this story is pretty lousy. linking obama to polanski through hollywood is a couple too many degrees of separation to be taken seriously. but in reading the comments here, i can't help but wonder --

how is this the GOP's fault?

this story came from politico -- who has been pretty kind to president obama. yet the post is littered with comments blaming the GOP for this story, such as: "I am waiting for the GOP to blame Obama for WW1." and "I called it! I said the Republicans would find a way to link the Polanski scandal with Obama."

are you guys serious? because your blind hatred is so sad. you have to find a way to open your mind and stop blaming everything, and i mean everything, on either the GOP or bill o'reilly.

[thaneb]

Oh, those pesky facts on who funds and runs The Politico:
http://archive.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/05/04/politico_funding/index.html
You might also search further President and CEO Frederick J. Ryan, former Assistant to President Reagan.

[Reefdancer]

The rethugs are desperados. LOL

[Okieborn]

This is ridiculous !!
I wish George W. Bush and his co-horts were being pursued like Polanski !!
The lady who was the victim in this says leave him alone it's over !!

[Catch22isms]

Uh, Bush and his co-horts didn't plead guilty to anything, and they haven't been convicted of anything either. Just accused. Polanski is guilty and ran like a coward.