Sorry, Robert Gibbs needs to get it together

[cali]

within the next couple of weeks or he needs to go. He's not terribly responsive, he's made some notable gaffes and he has some distracting verbal tics. Those things do not serve the administration well.

[ShortnFiery]

1. He's fine. Let him keep the pressers "low key" - that's a good plan. eom

[cherokeeprogressive]

2. Boy did I get trashed for saying much the same thing. n/t

[greguganus]

9. Yeah, but we like cali better. lol . j/k n/t

[cherokeeprogressive]

36. I knew that going in.

I like cali as well.

[LSparkle]

3. I'd been hoping for Linda Douglass ... she's a former news anchor

and is now an advisor to Obama (I saw her at the swearing-
in of senior staff the other day). She had been involved
with communications during the campaign and I was really
surprised when Gibbs got the nod instead ... but I'll give
him some time to get his bearings. Otherwise, I agree
with you -- we need someone at that podium with the same
composure and who inspires the same calm and competence
as our President!

[question everything]

4. Agree. He mumles and stumbles

there is no power of conviction in his statements.

When he is hesitant, it reflects on Obama.

How can such an eloquent man like Obama ends up with such a weak presenter?

[cali]

7. I think you just hit on it

there's no power of conviction there. He sounds very unsure about everything.

[eleny]

11. I'd like to give him time to practice with a speaking coach

He needs one for sure.

He was great on the campaign trail. The formal/informal and off the cuff kind of conversations he was having were up his alley. But in this venue, the "ums" and fumbles that have emerged need to go.

If Sam Seder could get a grip on his difficulties, so can Gibbs. It needs to be accomplished soon.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

5. There is a tension between openess and control

Everyone admires how team Obama runs a tight ship saying as little as they can get away with.

Everyone loves the mandate is for openess and candor.

The thing is, openess and candor are at odds with optimal political control.

It's a tension that will have to be resolved.

[SuperTrouper]

6. Perhaps not ready for prime time? Perhaps better for Hannity and Gibbs?

Linda DOuglas is fantastic, by the way.

[Dennis Donovan]

8. It's only his second presser...

:shrug:

[Vinca]

10. Compared to Dana Perino, Gibbs is a wizard. nt

[Sebass1271]

12. Robert Gibbs needs to understand NOT to be NICE to the

press.. if he gives too much info or is extremely nice the press will eat him alive. He needs to be short on his answers and tell them that 'he will get back to them".. just like the other SECRETARIES did under the bush administration and whom the media LOVED! and didn't even dared to ask for follow ups!..

The less information he provides, the better...
:eyes:

[question everything]

32. Tony Snow was nice to the press

He was very effective in saying what the administration wanted him to say, or not, and remained affable.

[UnrepentantUnitarian]

13. Yeah, he'll be fine!

The press corps has an advantage on him in the early going, but that will end soon. He does, however, need to be able to "pass the hot potatoes" along, for example the Pakistan military action: That's what they have Pentagon briefings for.

[npincus]

14. I like his laid back demeanor.

I think he's good... seems like the unflappable sort.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

30. Me too.

[mtnsnake]

15. If someone else posted something as crazy as this you'd blow a fucking gasket

For crying out loud, the man was in what, his 2nd day of the term when he got up there for the very first time? Give him a fleeting chance. He's a smart man and I think he'll prove to be the best one for that job in time.

[cali]

17. wrong. you're letting your dislike of me color your thinking- again.

I'll give him a couple of weeks. He needs to become an effective spokesman quickly. At this point he just isn't.

[mtnsnake]

21. Huh?

I don't dislike you at all. FYI, it's quite the contrary.

Getting back to Gibbs, I think he'll get much better, I really do. Hey, if he doesn't smooth out within a few weeks or a couple months, then let's talk about finding a replacement. It's only been a few days though.

[stray cat]

16. I like him - he comes across as honest and trustworthy

[FrenchieCat]

18. I find Gibbs earnest and honest.,

There is supposed to be a "change" in the tone and what information is to be provided, and that is what we are witnessing.

Gibbs is obviously not going to make statements on what he doesn't know, nor make speculations on Hypotheticals.....
but yet, many of the questions being asked are just that.

The press is playing us by acting as though they get to decide how these daily briefings should go,
when they don't. In my opinion, the press is trying too hard in attempting to look tough,
and they are ending up looking like the vultures that they are instead.

As far as Gibbs is concerned, I think that although we may not be accustomed to his style,
he is doing a fine job......just not talking shit and putting people in their place,
which is what some of us "want".

Like the press, those who criticize Gibbs this early, IMO, are no better than the press
because they want things to happen the way they believe that it should happen.....
as opposed to having an open mind and simply watching the process, and how it translates
into the articles that are written based on these briefings.

The press cannot be "handled" if they wish not to be.....and that is what we are seeing.
They allowed the Bush administration to handle them, but now, they have decided that this won't happen again.......but yet they cannot tell the difference between being handled and simply having someone standing up there simply telling the truth.

[quiller4]

54. I've really liked Gibbs

the low-keyed style works for me. It is simple and straightforward. He sets limits and sticks with them. I give him two thumbs up.

[Ishoutandscream2]

19. When not reading a script, Obama has some verbal tics as well

And he's going to be a fantastic president. Just give Gibbs some time - it will work out.

[islandmkl]

20. i think he has done as well as can be expected...two days and all...

and...the vapid (DP) and disingenous (AF) who seem to be 'polished and at ease' have proven to be the mouthpieces for administrations who need 'smooth' voices out front (did i mention the ease of telling lies has too often proven to be an asset in this position)...

Obama's actions will be the issue...and i don't think he is going to need a 'spinmeister' to defend his actions to the press...

the f***ing press will be right back where they've been the past 8 years, once they run out of 'how many oaths' and 'what dog is it going to be' questions...

[lamp_shade]

22. Oh, Cali.

[rvablue]

24. Seconded. n/t

[MadBadger]

23. Obama does the same thing that Gibbs does

I guess thats why it doesnt bother me.

[Whalestoe]

25. Obviously...

That means if Obama doesn't stop his uh's and um's--he needs to go too.

:sarcasm:

[Hutzpa]

26. Yeah! why not get rid of Obama

as well since he says um's and uh's alot...



:sarcasm:

[Hieronymus]

28. I think Gibbs is a breath of fresh air.

[Hippo_Tron]

27. I nominate Allison Janney for the job

[fugop]

33. The woot canal!

Awww. Remember when she had her root canal? And Josh took over? And talked about the president's secret plan to fight inflation? Good times.

[MadBadger]

39. I think each "reporter" should get one question

And gibbs should let them know that their questions are stupid...if they are.

[gblady]

50. that was....

a good one...
such a good series

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

29. Give the guy time to get his sea legs. The press needs to take a chill pill.

[Sultana]

31. LEAVE ROBERT GIBBS ALONE!

[Maven]

34. I said this way back in September, during the campaign

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=6942844

He's not a strong public face for the administration.

[Kahuna]

35. I think he's great and he's doing a great job. If you prefer someone glib..

oh well. Gibbs is not your man.

[dsc]

44. given his job glib would be nice

It is superficial to judge say the secretary of the interior on speaking ability but this is the press secretary, his job is to speak well.

[firedupdem]

37. I think we're so used to snark that we don't know how to deal with

him. Initially, I thought he was doing horribly and someone else thought he was a breath of fresh air. Day 2 I watched and realized I was comparing him to the quick talking spinners I'm used to hearing. I think he's doing okay.

[EFerrari]

40. I love that he's not a slick slimeball. He's fine

and as he settles in, I'm sure he'll do a great job. If Obama never has a smarmy @sshole at that podium, that will be reason enough to re-elect him.

[malletgirl02]

42. I agree

Also I like having someone who thinks about the answers to questions as opposed to having a automatic talking points response.

[firedupdem]

43. That's my take on it too. He's fine. n/t

[Ilsa]

45. I have to agree. I'm tired of sweet-talkers, nonresponders, liars, etc.

Just tell us what the President is doing. We don't need alot of spin.

[CreekDog]

47. that sounds good

but there's no way in hell i would vote on that basis.

[Jennicut]

46. I am with you firedup, he is not slick and I like that about him.

Its his 2nd day too.

[otohara]

38. Take It Us With His Boss

who disagrees with you.

[WyLoochka]

41. I think he has it together

He's much better than anyone we've seen in decades in that position.

and I also think this post is bullshit.

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

48. I agree. nt

[Baltoman991]

49. Geez

I seem to remember that we all loved Gibbs when he smacked Sean Hannity around

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEsCp4FWdi8

Give him some time. In the end, this to will be the Robert Gibbs we liked back then.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

51. not to be mean, I would pick someone else

Bill Clinton had a better one.

[Tatiana]

52. I'm giving him time to work out the kinks. It's probably nerves. He's feeling the press out.

But honestly, I thought Bill Burton was more of a natural fit.

[stillcool]

53. You should have seen me..

my first week at my new job. Well..I guess it's good you didn't.