Politico reports that an Associated Press photographer’s shots of First Lady Michelle Obama strolling away from the checkout counter at a Target store in Alexandria, Va., circled the globe Friday. While many found the photos endearing, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck saw it differently. The radio hosts each suggested trip was a calculated attempt to deflect criticism what they called the first lady’s more expensive tastes in vacations and wardrobe.
POLITICO Arena: Considering the photographer just happened to be at Target at the same time, was the first lady’s shopping trip an innocent errand or image manipulation?
BENJAMIN: If they were not the Gang of Three, I’d be inclined to share their skepticism. But their constant carping about Mrs. Obama is as inappropriate and as unfair as the way Nancy Reagan was treated by those in the media who were not fans of the Reagan White House.
The Gang of Three and their emulators to come should lay off the First Lady and her successors. Presidents are fair game because they won election and took the oath of office.
Besides, if, as Rush, Sean and Glenn claim, the trip was orchestrated why haven’t we learned that Mrs. Obama bought items made in America?
And since I dislike “nanny state” food policies, I’d like to see AP snap Michelle scarfing down donuts, fries and a Coke.
Do you think the White House engaged in media manipulation? Or are Rush, Sean and Glenn barking up the wrong tree? Leave your comment below.
