ABObama

[dunndw]

ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE

On the night of June 24, the media and government become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care -- a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm!

Highlights on the agenda:

ABCNEWS anchor Charlie Gibson will deliver WORLD NEWS from the Blue Room of the White House.

The network plans a primetime special -- 'Prescription for America' -- originating from the East Room, exclude opposing voices on the debate.

Late Monday night, Republican National Committee Chief of Staff Ken McKay fired off a complaint to the head of ABCNEWS:

Dear Mr. Westin:

As the national debate on health care reform intensifies, I am deeply concerned and disappointed with ABC's astonishing decision to exclude opposing voices on this critical issue on June 24, 2009. Next Wednesday, ABC News will air a primetime health care reform “town hall†at the White House with President Barack Obama. In addition, according to an ABC News report, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, WORLD NEWS, NIGHTLINE and ABC’s web news “will all feature special programming on the president’s health care agenda.†This does not include the promotion, over the next 9 days, the president’s health care agenda will receive on ABC News programming.

Today, the Republican National Committee requested an opportunity to add our Party's views to those of the President's to ensure that all sides of the health care reform debate are presented. Our request was rejected. I believe that the President should have the ability to speak directly to the America people. However, I find it outrageous that ABC would prohibit our Party's opposing thoughts and ideas from this national debate, which affects millions of ABC viewers.

In the absence of opposition, I am concerned this event will become a glorified infomercial to promote the Democrat agenda. If that is the case, this primetime infomercial should be paid for out of the DNC coffers. President Obama does not hold a monopoly on health care reform ideas or on free airtime. The President has stated time and time again that he wants a bipartisan debate. Therefore, the Republican Party should be included in this primetime event, or the DNC should pay for your airtime.

Respectfully,

Ken McKay

Republican National Committee

Chief of Staff

ABCNEWS Senior Vice President Kerry Smith on Tuesday responded to the RNC complaint, saying it contained 'false premises':

"ABCNEWS prides itself on covering all sides of important issues and asking direct questions of all newsmakers -- of all political persuasions -- even when others have taken a more partisan approach and even in the face of criticism from extremes on both ends of the political spectrum. ABCNEWS is looking for the most thoughtful and diverse voices on this issue.

"ABCNEWS alone will select those who will be in the audience asking questions of the president. Like any programs we broadcast, ABC News will have complete editorial control. To suggest otherwise is quite unfair to both our journalists and our audience.

DRUDGE REPORT: ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA 2009®

[Ghooge2008]

OK...call me dumb...is this saying they wont air anything except the democtats side of how great they think gov't run health care is, and did the left side pay the bill so only their voice will be heard?

[Guest SUNTZU]

OK...call me dumb...is this saying they wont air anything except the democtats side of how great they think gov't run health care is, and did the left side pay the bill so only their voice will be heard?

You're such a typical white person...embrace the hope.

[Guest mustangdave]

Read any good George Orwell lately? 1984

[ftncityfatboy]

:tinfoil::tinfoil:

[Guest Plainsman]

Obama will get all the airtime he desires. He's the one almighty Obama and they are all bowing at his feet. The problem is not solely that they are selling it....its also that people are buying it. Why do all these people think they'll get free stuff out of all of this. Why would you think that you are entitled to healthcare? Hell, they think they are entitled to everything these days, its rediculous. People will surely see that all this government intervention is not going to be the best answer in the long run. I'm just afraid that its going to be too late once its all said and done.

[Guest bkelm18]

[Falcon1]

Obama will get all the airtime he desires. He's the one almighty Obama and they are all bowing at his feet. The problem is not solely that they are selling it....its also that people are buying it. Why do all these people think they'll get free stuff out of all of this. Why would you think that you are entitled to healthcare? Hell, they think they are entitled to everything these days, its rediculous. People will surely see that all this government intervention is not going to be the best answer in the long run. I'm just afraid that its going to be too late once its all said and done.

I saw a poll result on Today this morning that was not encouraging with regard to the populace's attitudes. Essentially, the poll said that 46% of the American people think that President Obama's deficits are President Bush's fault.

I don't agree with everything President Bush did, but I don't think he wrote President Obama's budget.

[ukerduker]

I didn't realize we had state-run media already. Obama has evolved into the new Hugo Chavez.

[G27]