cult

Journalist Joins Obama Cult of Personality

by Hans Bader on November 6, 2008 · 3 comments

in Culture, Politics as Usual

Journalist Chris Matthews has decided to join the “Cult of Personality” around President-elect Obama.   Journalists used to think their job included being watchdogs of the government and holding government accountable.  But “Chris Matthews announced today that it’s his job as a commentator to make sure president-elect Barack Obama succeeds as president.” 

Matthews earlier remarked that he “gets a thrill going up his leg” when he hears Obama speak.

On the bright side, the growing cult around Obama means that any Obama memorabilia you have now fetches a premium price.  Even newspapers announcing his “historic” win now go for $40. 

A teenage fan of the Beatles once reached into their car, pulled used chewing gum out of an ashtray, and put it into her mouth with a look of ecstasy.  The Obama-Mania is starting to remind me of that.

At least Chris Matthews didn’t offer to do what long-time journalist Nina Burleigh offered to do for Bill Clinton (that is, following in Monica Lewinsky’s footsteps), to thank him for pursuing liberal policies.

After January 21, I expect that we will no longer hear from journalists that “dissent is the highest form of patriotism” (a made-up quote that ignorant journalists falsely attribute to Jefferson).

The Cult of Personality

by Hans Bader on November 6, 2008 · 2 comments

in Culture, Politics as Usual

If you have a copy of the November 5 issue of the Washington Post announcing Obama’s “historic” victory, save it.  It’s worth money.  On Ebay, diehard Obama worshippers are bidding up to $40 for copies of that issue.  Stupidly, I threw my own copy away, despite having earlier written about the way Obama supporters treat him like the Messiah.  

My wife, however, saved a copy of the November 5 Wall Street Journal, in which the banner headline is entitled “Obama Sweeps to Historic Victory.”  I’ll sell it to you on her behalf if you want to buy it (for well under $40).  Her family are big Obama fans. 

The Onion has a story entitled “Obsessive Obama Supporters’ Lives Now Empty and Meaningless.”

I discuss here one of the reasons Obama beat McCain by the margin he did.