Ron Fournier Emerges to Peddle GOP Talking Points

by Jonathan Singer, Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 06:01:00 AM EDT

Bumped

We don't hear much from the Associated Press' Washington bureau chief Ron Fournier -- but when we do, it's not surprising to see him peddling right wing talking points under the guise of "analysis." Look at this lede:

What kind of politician brings a teleprompter to a news conference?

Get it? Barack Obama is some kind of puppet who doesn't have any ideas of his own. He even needs to bring a teleprompter to a press conference!

Fournier does conclude that the reason why the President used a prepared text to open his press conference is because he is "careful" -- but the underlying implication of this piece is clear: President Obama is a cipher. Of course Barack Obama fielded questions on a broad range of topics, handling them all with grace, intelligence, thought and depth. But, no, the lede is that the President had a teleprompter.

This type of "analysis" from Fournier doesn't come as much of a shock. Fournier, you might remember from the 2008 campaign, failed to disclose that he had engaged in talks with John McCain about becoming a senior adviser to the Republican's presidential campaign. Before that, Fournier was known for telling Karl Rove to "keep up the fight" during the probe into the death of Pat Tillman, editorializing against Howard Dean in what was purported to be a straight reporting piece, and repeating untruths about Al Gore, including the whopper that he claimed to have invented the internet.

With a record like this and "analysis" pieces like these, it's little wonder that newspapers are saying no to Fournier and his bosses at the AP have been forced into spin mode.

Tags: Associated Press, Ron Fournier (all tags)

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Re: Ron Fournier Emerges to Peddle

wow. not only was it in the lede but it's in the freakin title.

actually, I don't even think it's caution, I think it's an awareness of the importance of appearances. if he's speaking straight to the camera or doing the thing where he looks left and right as he speaks, it comes off as more confident. Looking down at notes on a podium comes off as decidedly less so and tonight of all nights, projecting confidence and offering reassurance was their MO. And on that score, the president knocked it out of the park.

Certainly glad the GOP can count on Fournier to transcribe their talking points. Hell, maybe he's the guy behind Obama's teleprompter's blog.

by Todd Beeton 2009-03-24 10:47PM | 0 recs
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Ron Fournier Peddle GOP Talking Points

A teleprompter - oooo, boogity booogity!

Ya mean the thing all of the last presidents of, oh, 30 years back have used when giving speeches on the tee vee?

Believe you me, that has less traction with the American public -- even those unaware of the teleprompters constant use over the last three decades -- than, well, the actual news.

by judybrowni 2009-03-25 06:48AM | 0 recs
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Re: Teleprompter

This is a major line of attack for the right wing right now.

It sounds like one of those Frank Luntz focus-group deals that are abhorrent, simple-minded, and beyond stupid to normal people, but find a place to stick in the minds of right-wingers.

I applaud the President's staff for recognizing a line of attack, and taking steps to neutralize it.

It cannot be allowed to take hold:  It is part of an overall strategy to take away Obama's major strength in the eyes of the Electorate, his competence.

by dembluestates 2009-03-25 11:28AM | 0 recs

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