Reporters appeared perplexed Tuesday evening after CNN began the first televised Democratic presidential debate with what appeared to be a fundraising video featuring President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
“Surprised. [CNN] began debate running partisan video statement by [President] Obama urging Dems to build on his record. Sounded like a fundraiser,” said CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller.
The video itself was well-received by the crowd in attendance at the Democratic debate in Las Vegas.
“Eight years ago, I was one of the many candidates sharing my vision for our country’s future. After a hard fought primary, we came together and built a historic grassroots campaign to bring change to America,” Obama said in the video.
“We’re going to have to fight just as hard in this election as we did in the last two. No matter who is on the ballot next November, that’s the choice we’re going to face and that’s why I’m still fired up and still ready to go,” he added.
The president urged viewers to get out and ensure Democratic victories in the years to come.
“I’m not just asking you to work as hard for our party as you did back in 2008 or 2012. I’m asking you to work even harder. Knock on more doors, talk to more of your friends. Give more than you thought you could give,” he said.
“If we do that, then I know that Democrats won’t just win the White House and Congress, and elections all the way down the ticket, we’ll keep building on the extraordinary progress the past several years,” he added.
Though the room responded well to his message, cheering loudly and appearing to get fired up, a few reporters were put off by the political tone of the video.
“CNN airing Obama’s infomercial in its entirety as content, and not an ad, is weak,” said freelance journalist Matt Taibbi.
Washington Post editor Steven Ginsberg added that it was “quite an advertisement for Obama and the Dems … on CNN.”
Time’s Zeke Miller also said, “This is basically a free ad for the White House/Obama legacy project.”
