CNN~ "Obama's smoking sets a bad example"

[pkz]

The bad example is reporting on someone's vice, and dissecting it on national TV

[Phx_Dem]

1. Fuck CNN. He's trying to quit and in the meantime, he's NEVER seen

smoking in public.

CNN, on the other hand, sets a bad example for making it okay for the MSM to so fucking stupid.

[Fire1]

23. You beat me to it!!! lol!! Totally agree. n/t

[marshall]

53. All this pressure isn't going to help him quit.

Nobody wants to be under the spotlight with something like this. Having people watch her every move is what drove Kitty Dukakis to swilling down fingernail polish remover during the election.

Big tobacco--they are the only ones to gain from this frenzy of reporting.

[Phx_Dem]

80. Nice name! That was my maiden name.

:fistbump:

[Sultana]

71. +1

[Enthusiast]

75. Funny!

[marmar]

2. Republicans obstructing legislation and nominations for purely political reasons sets a bad example.

..... but I suspect CNN didn't report that.

[Happyhippychick]

3. I'm definitely the biggest Obama fan on the board and I agree it sets a bad example.

He's the President, millions of kids look up to him. Hell, he shouldn't be setting the example for Malia and Sasha.

But I don't care that he isn't perfect, either. My kids will learn about the evils of smoking from me and I'm not put out that the Prez smokes - I just tell them "that's his stupid decision but that shouldn't be yours."

[warm regards]

33. If I were him, I'd probably be smoking too...

But it wouldn't be cigarettes.

[Happyhippychick]

76. LOL

[DrDan]

4. gotta agree on this one

[DrToast]

5. I'll bet you Obama would too

[DrDan]

11. I am sure you are correct

[onenote]

14. me too.

Many of us (and I include myself among them) are quick to hold up President Obama and Michelle as role models for various facets of their lifestyles, including their parenting. I think his smoking is not a good model. Of course, he makes every effort to not smoke in public, so from a role model standpoint, you can argue whether he really is sending any kind of "smoking is alright" message.

[AngryAmish]

6. Time t pull their license

[DrDan]

12. hopefully you just forgot the sarcasm thingie

[depakid]

28. Actually, the fact that there's no accountability mechanisms in the US media is a root cause

of your problems- your people can no longer even agree on what is actually a fact- and what is fiction anymore.

How on earth do you think that you're ever going to solve (or even improve) any of the nation's problems- especially now that corrupt corporate interests have got carte blanche to buy up all the time on the airwaves?

[totodeinhere]

34. Accountability mechanisms = press censorship. Not good.

The people need to read a wide variety of sources including foreign and if they do that they will have a better chance of getting an accurate picture of what's really going on. But it's not the government's place to step in and tell the media what it can and cannot say or do. And if someone is so lazy that all they do is plop themselves in front of Fox News all day rather than seeking out a variety of news sources, then IMO they deserve whatever they get.

[depakid]

35. Bullshit- and you already HAVE widespread censorship on your airwaves

almost to the extent that one might see in totalitarian states.

Worse than that- you've created a culture of lies that's not only dragging you inexorably toward third world status- but have effectively prevented yourselves from doing anything about it!

Your so called "free speech" absolutism has turned the US into a nation of frightened, babbling losers.

[totodeinhere]

36. Easy for you to say sitting over there in your ivory tower in Australia. n/t

[depakid]

37. Yes, it is easier- because like people in most western nations, we actually know what it looks like

Many of us also have friends and colleagues who've come to the states and asked:

:wtf:

is this drech. Quite literally.

In addition, it's easier for some of us because we remember what is was like in America (for 50 years) when the nations actually HAD responsible media regulation- including, among other things, actual public interest standards for license renewal, the fairness doctrine(s), equal time provisions, limits on commercial time- and many other mechanisms for keeping these entities ethical and honest- or at least ensuring that some range of views had the opportunity to be heard.

[RedRoses323]

46. Agree

:thumbsup:

[verges]

65. Yes, but you will also get what they get.

Whether you deserve it or not.

[jobwithout]

87. They Dont Have a License

They dont use public airwaves they are cable only. You might want to educate yourself before you talk.

[Eric Condon]

7. Meanwhile, Bush's alcoholism and cocaine use sets a good example,

since he gave it all up when he came to Jesus™.

[LiberalFighter]

15. Don't forget the he went AWOL, lied about the need for war, etc.

[Kind of Blue]

56. You beat me to that! Remember the drunken

display at the Beijing Olympics during his presidency? Tons of photos and I don't remember CNN polling that or even addressing it.

I can't stand that station.

[Lilyeye]

72. So true. I NEVER heard the media say he set a bad example because of it.

Fucking assholes.

[DavidDvorkin]

8. True.

[Ishoutandscream2]

9. What about having a dry drunk president for 8 years?

An alcoholic who never addressed his problem - who claimed his actions were those of "youthful indescretion" at age 40. That was not only a bad example, but dangerous as well.

God, I hate the MSM.

[Chipper Chat]

10. Other presidents smoked.

Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. * and Laura both too.
Oh my, where is the outrage over FDR's cigarette holder? I suppose his smoking was the cause of us losing WWII!

[DrDan]

13. and your point would be . . .

lot of other smoke. Does that mean they are not setting bad examples?

[Fire1]

25. Does he smoke on TV? Has anyone seen him smoke?

Had it not been for the dumb ass media, noone would be the wiser! I'm a teacher and I smoke. Do I smoke in my classroom? No! Do I smoke anywhere in school? No! So, I can't be setting a bad example.

[DrDan]

43. doing it in private does not make it right . . . and yes, you are setting a bad model

[Fire1]

51. Impossible. n/t

[DrDan]

55. he does it in private . . . but it is now public fact that he continues to smoke

hence he is setting a bad example - whether he is seen actually smoking or not. It leaves the impression that he finds the practice acceptable.

[Fire1]

59. It IS acceptable by most standards. Just as drinking alcohol

and eating red meat is acceptable by most standards.

[DrDan]

62. this is where we most certainly diverge

condoning a habit like this is not acceptable in my opinion

[Fire1]

63. Acknowledging that a 'habit' is acceptable is merely a stance of

objectivity. Smoking is not an "offense" that would warrant condoning.

[verges]

66. By hiding it? nt

[DrDan]

69. if it were public knowledge the junior indulged in cocaine, would you need to see it

before deciding it was setting a bad example to do so? Simply being out of site, when it is public knowledge, does not make it acceptable.

[verges]

70. If it's completely acceptable,

you don't hide it. I'm betting that you've never been a smoker; have you?

[verges]

89. You said he finds it acceptable.

the fact that even though it is a perfectly legal practice, he chooses to not do it in public. This says that he knows it isn't acceptable. Unlike Bush's alleged drug use, which was illegal! It's tough to qut smoking. Especially when you are subjected to high stress situations. I'm guessing you have never been a smoker?

[DrDan]

91. I never said he found it acceptable. I said it leaves that impression

hence it can have an impact on whether others start to smoke or not.

Not sure what difference it makes as to whether I have ever been a smoker or not.

[harkadog]

38. No they are not setting bad examples.

Sorry to rock your pure world.

[DrDan]

44. well . . . an awfully lot of us think they are - of course, there are a number of others

who refuse to acknowledge any wrong of this President.

I am confident that, if asked, he would admit it is wrong. And that he is setting a bad example. As would Michelle.

[Fire1]

52. "Wrong?" Smoking is not a matter of "right or wrong," because

it's not a moral issue. I seriously doubt he would address this issue in those terms. Unhealthy, not a good idea but never "Wrong."

[DrDan]

54. it is when you are THE role model for millions

I did not realize this was going to be a debate about semantics. But . . since when does "wrong" only apply to morals?

Can you not make a wrong turn? Are you not be wrong when stating 1 + 1 = 3?

Not sure I agree at all with your definition.

[Fire1]

58. "Wrong" is an adjective that denotes "not in conformity with

fact or truth," which does not apply here. I am apparently mistaken that you chose to use "smoking" in a moral context, as by it's very definition, cannot be used otherwise. Smoking, is neither fact, truth, correct nor incorrect. Thus, cannot be "wrong."

[harkadog]

78. There is nothing wrong with smoking.

It is a legal act. Maybe you should just create some fictional pure man/woman if you are so desperate for a role model. I don't need to worship anyone so I am tolerant of people's personal habits.

[OHdem10]

16. Obama makes the effort of not being seen in public. The American

People knew he smoked and they voted for him.

Other than to nit pick, why bring it up???

[Igel]

21. Because it's considered bad form to have idols in current US thought.

All of the great and glorious things that Obama is are brought up. He's a role model, and example to be emulated, a groundbreaker to be followed.

He's not just a politician elected by his peers for 4 years to preside over the executive functions of the federal government.

But if we bring up all his great and glorious points, it's only fair to bring up his drawbacks, his bad points. Otherwise we don't have a man as president, we have a perfect being--and that sets up people for disillusionment when he's unshod and his feet turn out to be of clay or when he finally fails at some endeavor because, well, he's not perfect.

If he has nits, I'm all for having them picked.

[NYC Liberal]

61. All of the good things he does IN PUBLIC are brought up.

It is bullshit to assert that what elected officials do in private is of ANY concern if it has no effect on their job.

But if we bring up all his great and glorious points, it's only fair to bring up his drawbacks, his bad points.

His "bad points" ... in his capacity of an elected official. Signing a bad bill, supporting or not supporting a particular policy...all these are fair game.

Private habits that have no affect on his public role? No.

[Fire1]

26. Exactly. So fuckin what??? Sheeesh! Don't folks have bigger

problems????

[OHdem10]

17. It is ok for House Leader Boehner to smoke but oh my that terrible

Obama.

If smoking is the worse thing these two leaders do, I would
say they are pretty good men.


Nitpicking people's personal life is so annoying. CNN looks
like the neighborhood busy body.

[Cali_Democrat]

18. Obama still smokes?

I didn't know that.

I try to stay away from cigs but I can't avoid them when I drink a lot of alcohol.

[krabigirl]

19. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Hippo_Tron]

20. I don't think it's a bad example at all

I think a person who is struggling to quit is a great example to not start in the first place. Too many people think they will just do it for a while and then have no trouble quitting when it potentially becomes a problem for your health. The fact that Obama still smokes and has been trying to quit for over a year is a great example of how addictive the shit is and how you should stay away from it.

[dave29]

22. as opposed to the vices of other Presidents

... :eyes:

[themaguffin]

24. hey CNN, GOP's whoring for corp's instead of the American people sets a bad example too.

[jenmito]

27. He's not smoking in front of his children, the cameras, maybe even his wife, and Gibbs said he's 95%

"cured" of this terrible habit. He "falls off the wagon" once in a while and is still TRYING to quit. It's a disgusting habit. I made my husband quit before I'd even go out with him. He did it. Then again, he doesn't have the most stressful job in the WORLD. But for CNN to say his smoking sets a bad example when nobody ever SEES him do it is wrong IMO. It's not like he does it in front of people making it look "cool," afterall.

[BlueIdaho]

29. CNN right wing bias and lies set bad example...

Asshats.

[tallahasseedem]

30. Being a former coke monkey and alcholic sets a bad example.

Where was that when Bush was in office?

[winstars]

32. FUCK CNN!!!!!!!

I suppose it a good example to start 2 fucking wars and bankrupt the country with those tax cuts passed with that reconciliation thingy. Fuck them... BTW,did you know Obama is black???? Assholes!!!

[Enthusiast]

77. +1, Fuck CNN! RW Assholes! nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

31. The criminality of some of our previous chief executives set even worse examples. nt

[freddie mertz]

39. He should try to quit, for his own health's sake. nt.

[Robeson]

40. Link?...

...and if this is the best CNN can do, well, it's just ridiculous.

[pkz]

57. here's the link.....

SANCHEZ: Some viewers can't believe we're talking about this, but, you know, it is the president of the United States. My goodness, given what is going on in his life if this is his only vice, then I guess -- are we to judge?

COHEN: I don't look at it as a judgment thing. I look at it as, OK, this guy is still smoking. What kind of example does that make? And so we actually had a bunch --

SANCHEZ: That's a fair point.

COHEN: You think so? OK.

SANCHEZ: Well, but before you even get to that, I have a brother-in-law who just had a heart attack, and he didn't smoke, and is a tri-athlete. He ran four miles a day, and looked like he was in perfect condition, better shape than I am. He had a massive heart attack.

So can we say he's in bad health because he smokes and this guy because he eats too many goobers?

COHEN: I think the bottom line is, yes, that can happen to people like your brother in law, but the bottom line is that smoking increases your chances by having a heart attack by a lot. It increases your chances of having cancer by a lot. No question about that. A heart attack can happen to anyone, but it's way more likely to happen to someone who smokes.

So let me read you what these folks had to say, because I thought this was sort of interesting. Mike wrote -- "Why is Obama still smoking? He doesn't believe all the medical evidence? This is the message he's sending to the youth of America."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1003/01/rlst.01.html

[frazzled]

41. But Republican affairs (Sanford, Ensign) or Oxycontin are A-OK

God, does anyone care that the man under the most pressure of anyone on earth sneaks out the back portico for a smoke once in a while to calm his nerves? Get a life, CNN, or anyone who agrees with them.

Blocking health care reform and unemployment benefits sets a million times worse example for children.

[smalll]

42. Impeach Obama!

Surely, these days, SMOKING has to "rise to the level" of a high crime and misdemeanor. ;)

[HughBeaumont]

45. Republican nation-destroying (most notably, ours) sets a bad example.

Get bent, MSM.

[Forkboy]

47. So does lying and misinformation.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

48. Sloppy or deliberately biased media journalism sets a bad example as well

Might want to stop doing it all the time CNN

[kskiska]

49. W smoked cigars

On that afternoon, Bandar met on the Truman balcony with President Bush and the two men lit up Cohiba cigars. At the time, the White House knew that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis. It knew that Osama bin Laden was Saudi. And, as the 9/11 commission concluded, it knew that Saudi Arabia was "the primary source of money for al-Qaida", which was largely funded by wealthy Saudis via Islamist charities.

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0911-20.htm

He'd given up cigarettes, but Laura never did.

[SteveM]

50. And FDR used a cigarette holder; an iconic prop, even!

[Raine1967]

60. 2 things:

1) we don't see him smoking in public.
2) At least the man is honest enough to make this information public. That sets a good example, showing honesty even with a bad habit-- one that he has been struggling to break.

Former smokers ought to know how hard this is.

[trayfoot]

64. I wish these "smoking nazis" would mind their own business!

[jobwithout]

88. Me too

Keep the FDA out of my business.

[SoxFan]

67. Well, let's just impeach the uppity SOB and be done with it

:sarcasm:

[Cha]

68. Contact numbers for CNN..

CNN-
(404) 827 – 1500
Comment line: (404) 827 - 0234
(From grasswire
fax: [phone].
CNN NEWS DIRECTOR Kim Bondy. 404 827 1500. fax. [phone]
CNN NEWSROOM 404.827.1500 . 404.827.1500. [e-mail]
Call Anderson Cooper at 1-866-NY-AC360

Everyone at CNN is listed individually on this page: http://www.cnn.com/feedback/cnntv /

Thanks to Frenchie.

[Dappleganger]

73. I don't think he should smoke...

just like I don't want my own husband to smoke, doing it regularly isn't healthy and sets a poor example for the children.

Be that as it may, I really don't care if he does it privately as long as he gets the job done while he's in office.

[Enthusiast]

74. Just for that I'm going

to roll a cigarette.

[Phx_Dem]

79. I thought Bush/Cheney's war lies and torturing set a bad example.

No comparison.

[Skittles]

81. it would, if you actually saw him doing it

Obama has the good sense to keep his vices hidden - that's enough for me

[Raine]

82. He needs to quit

for his and his family's sake.

[PurityOfEssence]

83. What a load of crap. If anything, Obama's TOO squeaky clean.

People LIKE others to have a vice or two, and this humanizes him. Hell, I wouldn't want to put the poor guy through the trial of trying to kick at a stress-filled time like this, especially since nattering busybodies would be all over him about it and reading all sorts of idiotic implications into his success or lack of it.

I think this is the perfect vice for him; it's hardly the end of the world. It's a hell of a lot better than having a drunk at the helm.

[treestar]

84. Yeah, the President smokes, so I have to

:sarcasm:

[opihimoimoi]

85. SLANTED JOURNALISM is my guess....negative mode...

[SemiCharmedQuark]

86. Yeah, the local news made this a top story (Fox Chicago)

[blogslut]

90. I'm pretty sure that Dubya's waging of a pre-emptive, illegal war

...trumps Obama's smoking.