Mixed message

You know, it's funny: as much as the Right squawks about the "liberal media," it's always the conservative side of every issue that gets the most media attention. Cases in point: the president's interaction with Hugo Chavez ("OMG, Obama shook his hand and smiled!!!1!!eleven!"), which compared with Drunky McStagger laying a big ol' kiss on a Saudi prince and Donald Rumsfeld's handshake with Saddam Hussein is pretty much a tempest in a tea bag ... I mean, pot; and the Teabaggers' Balls last week, which garnered an impressive but wholly disproportionate share of media attention.

Well, here's another example from that bastion of wingnuttery, the Associated Press. You know, I'm old enough to remember when they were a legitimate news organization ...

Anyway, they reported today on a new poll showing that a solid majority of Americans approves of the work done by President Obama thus far, as he approaches that 100-day milestone in his administration next week. But get a load of the tone of the article:

For the first time in years, more Americans than not say the country is headed in the right direction, a sign that Barack Obama has used the first 100 days of his presidency to lift the public's mood and inspire hopes for a brighter future.

Intensely worried about their personal finances and medical expenses, Americans nonetheless appear realistic about the time Obama might need to turn things around, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll. It shows most Americans consider their new president to be a strong, ethical and empathetic leader who is working to change Washington.

Nobody knows how long the honeymoon will last, but Obama has clearly transformed the yes-we-can spirit of his candidacy into a tool of governance. His ability to inspire confidence — Obama's second book is titled "The Audacity of Hope" — has thus far buffered the president against the harsh political realities of two wars, a global economic meltdown and countless domestic challenges.

"He presents a very positive outlook," said Cheryl Wetherington, 35, an independent voter who runs a chocolate shop in Gardner, Kan. "He's very well-spoken and very vocal about what direction should be taken."

Other AP-GfK findings could signal trouble for Obama as he approaches his 100th day in office, April 29:

_While there is evidence that people feel more optimistic about the economy, 65 percent said it's difficult for them and their families to get ahead. More than one-third know of a family member who recently lost a job.

_More than 90 percent of Americans consider the economy an important issue, the highest ever in AP polling.

_Nearly 80 percent believe that the rising federal debt will hurt future generations, and Obama is getting mixed reviews at best for his handling of the issue.

And yet, the percentage of Americans saying the country is headed in the right direction rose to 48 percent, up from 40 percent in February. Forty-four percent say the nation is on the wrong track.

Not since January 2004, shortly after the capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, has an AP survey found more "right direction" than "wrong direction" respondents. The burst of optimism didn't last long in 2004.

Did you catch that? I searched for some indication of the actual poll numbers, but you don't get it until the article is more than halfway done, when we learn that "64 percent of the public approves of Obama's job performance." But what kills me is that the first four paragraphs, essentially favorable to the president, give way quickly to the tired old clichés: Obama's not experienced enough, he's going to face problems, he's not doing enough ....

Yes, I know the country's in a bit of a mess. But despite what those teabaggers will tell you, it's not President Obama's fault. Maybe a year from now you can say that, but for now, AP, why don't you report the news that's actually happening and leave speculation to the pundits and editorial columnists? Thanks in advance.

In the meantime, would everyone kindly shut the fuck up about the "liberal media?" There is no such thing and, in fact, with few exceptions, it's pretty much a conservative media today across the board. Might as well get used to it, folks -- it's been this way for a while now.

P.S. Oh, AP, since you're going after bloggers who use your stuff -- Bring. It. On. First, though, you might want to read the disclaimer at the bottom of the page here ... and bone up a bit on the Fair Use Doctrine. Just saying ...