Taylor Marsh – TaylorMarsh.com – News, Opinion and Weblog on Progressive Politics

–updated–

Calculating that the world is riveted on all things Michael Jackson, which is true, Pres. Obama evidently is hoping this leak will slide underneath the media mat this late on a Friday. The Washington Post and ProPublica report:

The Obama administration, fearing a battle with Congress that could stall plans to close Guantanamo, has drafted an executive order that would reassert presidential authority to incarcerate terrorism suspects indefinitely, according to three senior government officials with knowledge of White House deliberations.

Such an order would embrace claims by former president George W. Bush that certain people can be detained without trial for long periods under the laws of war. Obama advisers are concerned that bypassing Congress could place the president on weaker footing before the courts and anger key supporters, the officials said.

And speaking of Jackson’s passing, the White House press corp passed up yet another opportunity to do their jobs. Seriously, if news is the news, then why would the entire press corp sit muzzled when there’s a chance to ask the President of the United States about the passing of arguably the biggest pop icon in U.S. history? Even Reagan acknowledged MJ. But today’s traditional press evidently thinks that asking Obama about a pop culture earthquake is beneath them even if it absolutely is news. So instead, we hear what Obama thought through his press secretary, because the mainstream media was waiting for a written statement from Obama. Hearing MTV tonight quote Gibbs saying what Obama thought, instead of hearing from the President himself about Jackson, was ridiculous. I’m sure Chancellor Merkel would have withstood it if the press asked the President about his feelings on Jackson, especially given his global stature. Want to bet a few German citizens feel the same way?

Besides, in what news agency editorial office is the passing of the man who changed pop culture forever not news, especially given the Elvis type doctors’ care that lingers over his death? Never mind that Obama grew up during the Jackson era and is, you know, African American, too.

So, Mr. President, yes we’re looking at Jackson’s life and celebrating his genius, but just in case you thought we weren’t paying attention, we most definitely are.