OK, perhaps I exaggerate a tad. But is there any man of the left that the MSM is unwilling to cast as a "centrist" or moderate, particularly when he is seen as a potential Democratic presidential nominee?
The Associated Press offers a perfect case in point this evening. This article reports Barack Obama's acknowledgement on today's Meet The Press that, earlier protestations to the contrary notwithstanding, he is indeed contemplating a run for the presidency. Writes the AP:
"In recent weeks, his political stock has been rising as a potentially viable centrist candidate for president." [emphasis added]
"Centrist"? Really? Let's go to the record, or more specifically, to Obama's interest-group ratings as catalogued at the indispensable Project Vote Smart.
Aside from a small smattering of ratings such as the 33% percent from Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum and the 45% from on Personal Liberties from the Republican Liberty Caucus, Obama fits the liberal profile to a 'T.' Examples:
- Planned Parenthood 100% in 2006.
- National Right to Life Committee 0% in 2005-2006.
- Americans for Tax Reform 0% in 2005.
- NAACP 100% in 2005.
- American Conservative Union 8 percent in 2005.
- Illinois Environmental Council 100% in 2003 .
- Children's Defense Fund [Hillary's old beat] 100% in 2005.
- National Organization For Women 100% in 2005.
- NRA, 'F' in 2004.
- Federation for American Immigration Reform 0% in 2005.
- 2005 AFL-CIO 92%.
- Americans for Democratic Action [old-style liberal organization] 100% in 2005.
What are the odds the AP would call a Republican with mirror-image ratings a "centrist"? The AP's shameless mislabeling of as a Obama "centrist" is nothing short of false advertising. Expect to see lots more of it as the MSM bandwagon for him gains steam.
Finkelstein lives in the liberal haven of Ithaca, NY. Webcasts and podcasts of Mark's award-winning TV show 'Right Angle' are available here. Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
