This isn’t a political blog, but I thought I’d comment on Barack Obama’s March 18 press conference concerning comments made by his church pastor and his relationship with the pastor because it has a couple of interesting points about communication in the mass media.

Note: I have not actually seen the press conference video, nor have I read the transcript of his speech, so I am basing this post on press coverage that I’ve heard.

Two particular points of interest:

1. Obama apparently disagreed with his pastor’s views on race in America (I believe the pastor has made numerous statements which seem to accuse white people of doing wrongs against black people in America, but I’ve never read any of it), while at the same time continuing to embrace the pastor as an individual. He also referenced his (white) grandmother’s attitudes and behavior, which could be considered racist at times, while simultaneously maintaining a loving relationship with her grandson.

Obama clearly seemed to be trying to embrace multiple constituencies during a difficult campaign incident - do you he succeeded?

2. The news commentators mentioned that the podium set up (including multiple US flags) and the location (across from Independence Hall in Philadelphia?) seemed to be set up in such a way to make it look like Obama was giving a presidential address, or at least a reasonable simulation of one.

Did he look presidential to you?

Again, two questions related to mass media communication. I’d love to know what you thought about this, regardless of your ethnicity, political affiliation, or nationality, for that matter.

Even though social media is growing in prominence, traditional mass media still seems to rule in government and politics.


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