Obama extends this defensiveness to his wife Michelle. Despite being viewed as one of the candidate’s most effective surrogates, and as having played a key role in the campaign, Obama insists she is off limits no matter how controversial her statements. He rebuked John McCain for not immediately denouncing the latest rumor (started by Hillary supporters) surrounding his wife. Obama haughtily plays the chivalrous husband while his own surrogates question McCain’s military service and fitness for office after his time as P.O.W.
When Obama’s attempts to limit criticism fail he simply blocks the media from access. Michelle is increasingly kept under tight control to avoid any more controversial statements. Obama himself barred any foreign journalists from accompanying him on his recent trip. Don’t want any awkward questions from those pesky journalists.
The pattern continues at home. Write something the campaign doesn’t like? You might find yourself the recipient of any angry late night call or wake up to find the campaign is sending out attack memos at your expense.
Just this week more evidence of this paranoia persona surfaced. When asked about his visit to bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama complained that the TV’s always seemed to be tuned to Fox News. Not content to question the soldiers’ choice in news Obama went on to insinuate that President Bush had somehow commanded the military to watch Fox News.
In Nixon’s worldview the liberal establishment was always out to get him and everything he did was justified in fighting that enemy. In Obama’s equally warped view, anything that gets in the way of his success is by definition racist, a smear, or a distraction from the issues that matter. He is always, and has always been, consistent and right; and if you feel otherwise you must have misunderstood. Oh, and it is always President Bush’s fault.
But for those that haven’t drunk the Kool-Aid what is increasingly clear is that the only issue that matters to Obama is his getting elected. Everything, and everyone, else are just props on the stage.
The question you have to ask yourself is what happens when the show is over?