No Instant Presidents

Among the joys of writing a book with Helen Thomas is watching her cut to the chase no matter the mood of the moment. Not even President Obama's delightful Nobel Prize dissuades Thomas from her view that he still has plenty to learn. In this clip with CNN's Campbell Brown you'll see her develop the thought, saying there's "no such thing as an instant president."

Meet up with Helen Thomas
This Weekend in San Francisco

 

 

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Comments

[hapiday]

Ms. Helen Thomas is one of the most sincere journalists left. I respect what she says more than anyone else out there in the media.

[hapiday]

All presidents are groomed for appearance to act and look presidential. If I had to name a president who was able to play the part most effectively it would be Reagan. After all, Reagan was in a profession that represents the highest level of deception (a Hollywood actor). We actually don't know how long Reagan was experiencing the effects of Alzheimer. We don't really know who was running the White house and when. Reagan was a b-movie actor, non the less he was an actor and his greatest role was President of the U.S.

[alexa07]

I didn't expect such a nice interview from Campbell, but who can dare to disrespect the one & only Helen Thomas? I just wish the current crop of media personalities would have the same sterling qualities as Helen. Another new book I'm going to have to read. Thanks, Craig.

[listeningpost]

Who doesn't have plenty to learn?

[nomobull]

and unlike bush he seems willing to learn

[anfractuous]

Perhaps there is no such thing as an instant President, but there does seem to be such a thing as an instant Treasury Secretary and an instant head of the Fed. How is it these people are able to step into their roles with absolute aplomb and authority? Please, no need to answer: they're just following orders, and not from their supposed Commander in Chief.

It just takes time, perhaps impossibly long, in the case of W., for a President to realize they're not some self-created savior, but merely the patsy of powerful interests that transcend the quaint precepts of the Constitution and common decency.

I am not willing to give Obama the benefit of the doubt, because anyone who achieves his office believes they've been annointed and will only receive the counsel of those who, because of their wealth or status, also believe they have one foot in heaven.

[TheBaffler]

There is, however, such a thing as an instant apologist for a glossy president. There are countless such automatons who don't understand that actions speak louder than words.

[Romsek]

If anything, far from implying he's "glossy", he's implying that Obama has much yet to learn irregardless of the fact he's just been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. What is with all the hostility towards him winning the prize? It's not like he lobbied for it. From what I can tell from the media he was just as shocked as everyone else. Jeeze people lighten up and be proud of our, (yes our) president.

[TheBaffler]

I said Obama is glossy, not Crawford.

[jeg]

And yet, all you've done is post words on a website.

There are countless individuals who don't rely on Fox for their daily propaganda, who've been keeping track, and know that calling this president "glossy", or accusing him of inaction, is absurdity at it's finest.