Perhaps he just wants to take David Carr’s old media criticism job at the New York Times when his term is up. (Sorry, Jim Rutenberg!) But whatever his motivations, it’s become increasingly clear that Barack Obama enjoys nothing so much as playing media critic.
And apparently having most major newspapers, cable news networks, social media sites, public radio, Hollywood movies, and magazines supporting him isn’t enough for our president. In recent days, Obama has more than once criticized conservative media. Over the weekend, he lambasted unnamed outlets for “pumping out all kinds of crazy, toxic stuff.” In an interview with New York‘s Jonathan Chait, he criticized Rush Limbaugh. (He seems to have a bizarre obsession with the portly radio host.) Most strikingly, earlier this month he decried America’s “wild west” of a media landscape. Amazingly, he even spoke wistfully of a time when only three television networks determined what constituted “news.”
Real journalism.Trusted by millions.
Unlimited access to in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and the stories that shape our country.
Already a member? Log in