I continue to marvel at the difference in some top TV personalities’ public appearances and their on-air presentations. Could be that when they are on the air, they are telling the audience what the research numbers tell them to. When they are in person, they are speaking to a much more targeted audience, and one more open to controversial comments.
The latest example is John King, the network’s top White House correspondent who delivered some insightful comments to an Atlanta Press Club audience this week. King is based in Washington D.C., though the connection is that the network’s main infrastructure is in Atlanta.
Naturally, the audience wanted to hear Beltway buzz, and indeed got some juice. The hottest topic, of course, was the recent change in U.S. military leadership in Afghanistan, a conflict that dates to 2001.
“This is now Barack Obama’s war,” King told the audience. He stressed Obama’s anti-war stance during the campaign, and noted that this move could silently anger Obama’s most ardent supporters. Obviously, it’s not an anti-war move.
Still, he noted the president’s overwhelming approval rating and strong public image. “The Obama brand is the gold standard in American politics,” King said. “The Republican brand is about as popular as Bernie Madoff’s phone number.”
Other comments:
– King felt Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin did a lot more for the GOP ticket than many realized. He noted that when she was added, the gap closed on the Democrats. And not just because of her gender. Social conservatives were seeking a voice, and finally got one. King noted that McCain was not open about his religion or family values, and Palin was very vocal there.
– Latino voters are the fastest growing segment in the U.S., “and they turned a close election into a blowout,” King said, noting that two of three Latino voters sided with Obama. “I want to cover that.”
