May 11, 2010

To the Victors go the Spoils?
— Slublog

Ed at Hot Air picks up on a story from the Daily Caller, which asks a very good question: how do political aides rate military chauffeurs?

President Obama has expanded the very small group of top aides who are given the privilege of taxpayer-funded personal drivers — who take them from their house to work and back home again each day — to include two top political advisers.

The Bush White House did not give the same privileges to any of its political advisers, according to former Bush administration officials. There is a record of the Clinton White House doing so once for two months, according to documents obtained by The Daily Caller.

Valerie Jarrett and David Axelrod, both senior advisers to the president, have been given the luxurious and prestigious perk of being picked up at their homes and driven to work or around town throughout the day in government vehicles chauffeured by military drivers, according to a list of those given the benefit provided to The Daily Caller by the White House.

Jarrett also receives Secret Service protection, something Bush's political advisers did not, except for a few weeks after 9/11.

If you haven't yet, read ace's post on the media's use of the "neutral story line" and imagine how this would have been reported if the names of the advisers were Karl Rove and Karen Hughes. The story is especially troubling in light of the president's profligacy with the public's money when it comes to his own personal comfort, his choice of party food and where he chooses to go out on dates. The media reaction to each of those stories was basically a collective shrug. It's not as though they didn't report these stories, but they didn't frame them against current events.

When Bush went on vacation, the media would do stories like this about his travels. Note the last quote in this story, about him giving up golf. It's a gratuitous shot, not a piece of serious analysis. Including it at the end ensures that it's the last thought readers will have about the story. It's framing.

So yes, the media does report those stories about Obama's free-spending ways, but they do not frame them by mentioning the recession, the jobless rate or the national debt. There's nary a "some have questioned the...," or "critics wonder..." to be found in their stories. When certain administrations are in office, framing is discarded in favor of straight news reporting.

When a reporter does take the time to contrast the president's speeches against his own rhetoric, the pushback is fierce, as displayed by the links in this post.

The last time the Daily Caller had an exclusive about questionable political spending, it was picked up eagerly by the political media.

Let's see if this story, which involves taxpayer dollars, is given similar treatment.

Posted by: Slublog at 05:15 AM | Comments (43)
Post contains 486 words, total size 4 kb.

1 Baby, you can drive my car. BOOM

Posted by: Lazy, Cheap Democrat at May 11, 2010 05:45 AM (mHQ7T)

2
Shame on the Republicans for not making a scandal out of Pelosi's scandalous travel expenses and her trip to Italy.

Posted by: Touché Turtle at May 11, 2010 05:47 AM (IKwYb)

3 the most transparent administration in the history of the world......

Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 11, 2010 05:48 AM (ucxC/)

4 Da, being part of the nomenklatura has its perquisites, eh tovarischi?

Posted by: Insomniac at May 11, 2010 05:49 AM (DrWcr)

5 I knew a guy who was from a family of apparatchiks and professors in the Soviet Union. They were driven in limousines, had a manor on a lake, and never experienced shortages or lines. Sinecures were handed to him. His family had had to flee when the USSR collapsed, though I never heard why. He hated being no longer privileged. He was depressed ever afterwards and had to take Prozac. Under socialism, some animals are more equal than others.

Posted by: theCork at May 11, 2010 05:49 AM (L0cxG)

6
Barrak is an OPM addict.
(Other Peoples Money)

Posted by: Buzzsaw at May 11, 2010 05:49 AM (tf9Ne)

7 Suck it, kulaks!

Posted by: Barry "der kommissar" Soetero at May 11, 2010 05:50 AM (DrWcr)

8

Sorry, I'm way too under the influence of the sounds eminating from my iPod this morning.

Everyone knows .38 Special is an enemy of democracy.

 

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at May 11, 2010 05:51 AM (B+qrE)

9

This is becoming so cliche', but had a Republican done this...

The MSM would have wanted them impeached.  The Dem Black caucus would have made it a racial thing about taking food out the the mouths of black babies.  The Dem Latino caucus (is there even one of those?) would have said something about 'you disrepectin la raza, heffe'!  The women dem 501c3's would be complaining about never being afforded the same equal treatment.  And Code Pink would have just been spewing the same old batshit craziness.

But hey, look on the bright side.  Obama obviously transcends all that.

Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at May 11, 2010 05:54 AM (RkRxq)

10 From birth, George W. Bush lived a life of privilege, and even though he grew up become a man of high character who considers others before himself, it still doesn't excuse the fact that now it's Barry's turn.  And Barry's gonna get paid!

And a final thought:  Barack is clearly a lesbian.

Posted by: alppuccino at May 11, 2010 05:55 AM (k44Gd)

11

he grew up

Three very key and very powerful words.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at May 11, 2010 05:57 AM (B+qrE)

12

Is there any way we can hasten the demise of the MFM? Could you imagine the wonderfullness of real honest journalism that could just accurately and objectively report the who, what, where, when and save the why for the editorial page?

Yeah, I know, but a boy can dream, can't he?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at May 11, 2010 05:58 AM (i3AsK)

13 Maybe there can be a rating for openly gay military members after DADT is repealed, you know, a service sector of our armed services. They can pop out of cakes at Democratic fundraisers like Cirque De Soleil.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at May 11, 2010 06:00 AM (mHQ7T)

14 Is there any way we can hasten the demise of the MFM?

Dear (producer of product),

I'm considering buying (your product).  If I find that you are advertising (your product) on the MFM, I will find another, more expensive version of (your product) made by a company that doesn't advertise on one of those lying-cocksucker channels.

Sincerely,

Person with disposable income.

Posted by: alppuccino at May 11, 2010 06:07 AM (k44Gd)

15 IP = 117.28.85.11

Posted by: spammer at May 11, 2010 06:09 AM (agr5P)

16 How is it legal for political advisers to get drivers and government payroll?  They do not work for the "people", they work for Obama and he should be paying them and providing for their "drivers".

I say more grounds for impeachment.

Posted by: Vic at May 11, 2010 06:20 AM (6taRI)

17 I hope those patriotic young drivers have biggovernment.com on speed dial.

Posted by: sexypig at May 11, 2010 06:20 AM (SVb22)

18

We don't want Jarrett and Axelrod distracted from their busy, no, crushing schedules while they are doing the work of the American People.  Limos and drivers for White House aides are really for the children.

Posted by: huerfano at May 11, 2010 06:23 AM (LB6/t)

19 It's pure Chicago style perks. The head of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) has a chauffeured ride. The CTA is broker than California. In Chicago politicians live like mob kingpins. Of course they are just as corrupt.

Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 11, 2010 06:28 AM (1Jaio)

20 The head of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) has a chauffeured ride.

Now there is someone whose ass needs to be on the bus.

Posted by: HeatherRadish at May 11, 2010 06:32 AM (mR7mk)

21 I went to the Beloit College graduation services last weekend where Axlerod was the commencement speaker (you can read about my impression of that here.  He had all sorts of Secret Service there which was odd.  They even had an agent dressed up as a mock professor (cap / gown) to walk behind Axlerod.  For David Axlerod?  Really?

Posted by: Vanagram at May 11, 2010 06:35 AM (7oX1a)

22 slablog Obama's "party food" that Wagyu beef. It costs 25 dollars per pound. google it and admit it. austinmeat.com Better start checking those facts from Michelle and Rush

Posted by: John ryan at May 11, 2010 06:40 AM (I+7Zv)

23 Daily caller, eh?

You guys didn't learn the first time?

Release the hounds speeding black govt SUV's.

Posted by: Barack Obama's Goon Squad at May 11, 2010 06:44 AM (hjDF6)

24 Bunch of indictments and suicides flying around good old Chi-Town, as of late. Nobody is being thrown under the bus. Now they are getting thrown in front of a train. Must be making Axe nervous.

Posted by: TonyRezko at May 11, 2010 06:48 AM (34xaF)

25

Obama has to give Jarrett and Axelrod max protection, because they are the ones who are actually running the country.  If anything happened to them, he would be totally fucked because he doesn't have a damn clue what he is doing.  Axelrod tells him what to say and Jarrett is running the government and keeping all the contributors happy.

Posted by: rockmom at May 11, 2010 06:55 AM (w/gVZ)

Posted by: Verry Interesting, but Unrelated at May 11, 2010 07:00 AM (6toir)

27 Don't worry though Illinois is going to raise taxes on cigarettes another dollar a pack. That ought to solve everything.

Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 11, 2010 07:07 AM (1Jaio)

28 (I+7Zv) Georgie (for now) - So Obama is only chowing down at 25 dollars a pound on our dime. (And what makes you think this guy would go for the cheapest or feel he should economize. About the only instance I have seen this guy do to "save money" was cancel the F-22.)

Posted by: Have Blue at May 11, 2010 07:12 AM (mV+es)

29

Jarrett also receives Secret Service protection, something Bush's political advisers did not, except for a few weeks after 9/11.

I'm sure this is proof of the violent nature of tea baggers.

 

Would you believe...proof of the narrative of violent tea baggers?

Posted by: Mama AJ at May 11, 2010 07:18 AM (XdlcF)

30

"About the only instance I have seen this guy do to "save money" was cancel the F-22."

You forgot about the sweet $1MM saved by making everyone print duplex!

A million bucks.  That totally balances the budget for Valerie's Sweet Ride.

/sarc

Posted by: reason at May 11, 2010 07:23 AM (q/kmn)

31

"Would you believe...proof of the narrative of violent tea baggers?"

Oh man!  That's great!  I'm absolutely working that in as the forced-snark section of Obama's next campaign stop town-hall.

Some say that I spend too much money.
*look left*

That I'm wasteful.
*look right*

Affluent.
*smirk like the taste of these words displeases you*

But let me be clear, *chin out!*  the money I spend on David Axelrod's security detail and massive, bullet-proof SUV would not be necessary, were it not for the extreme, violent rhetoric of the very people who criticise me!
*smile, wait for applause to finish*

Now I'm not much of one to take their criticism, and neither should you!  You need to get out there, get in peoples' faces.  Put a few bricks through their windshields, and tell them that you aren't gonna stand to listen to their lies and put up with their violent flag-waving anymore!
*exude self-pride*

Posted by: Obama Speech Writer at May 11, 2010 07:30 AM (XiVKO)

32  It costs 25 dollars per pound. google it and admit it. austinmeat.com Better start checking those facts from Michelle and Rush

Posted by: Georgie at May 11, 2010 10:40 AM (I+7Zv)

Is it hard for you to breathe with your head so far up your ass?

Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 11, 2010 07:36 AM (1Jaio)

33 Note to self:  Remind Val and Dave to declare car and driver on income tax returns.

Posted by: Tom Daschle at May 11, 2010 07:37 AM (LB6/t)

34

Let me be clear:  You have your guns and bibles, and I have my Wagyu and fluffers.  Beeyotches.

Posted by: Barry Obama at May 11, 2010 07:47 AM (GwPRU)

35 It sure is nice not having an elitist in the Whitehouse anymore.

Posted by: Bosk at May 11, 2010 08:18 AM (pUO5u)

36 To the communists currently in power in DC, because our military wear uniforms, it makes them bellhops, nothing more.

Posted by: RickZ at May 11, 2010 08:23 AM (Hkzt9)

37 slablog Obama's "party food" that Wagyu beef. It costs 25 dollars per pound. google it and admit it. austinmeat.com Better start checking those facts from Michelle and Rush

Really, john ryan?  That's what you're going with?

First, as always, you're wrong.  $25-30/lb Wagyu beef is considered the low grade stuff.  The average cost of Wagyu is $100/lb.

Second, go to the supermarket and check the average price of beef.  It's nowhere near $25/lb.  So even if Obama served the cheap stuff (which is doubtful) he's still spending far too much for his party food on our dime.

Posted by: Slublog at May 11, 2010 08:29 AM (qjKko)

38

We don't want Jarrett and Axelrod distracted from their busy, no, crushing schedules while they are doing the work of the American People.  Limos and drivers for White House aides are really for the children.

Posted by: huerfano at May 11, 2010 10:23 AM (LB6/t)

Hey, with the Big O busy with his golf, parties, concerts, and vacations, who do you think is actually doing the work of ruling this country?


Posted by: David Axelrod at May 11, 2010 08:37 AM (7BU4a)

39

Let me be clear:  You have your guns and bibles, and I have my Wagyu and fluffers.  Beeyotches.

Posted by: Barry Obama at May 11, 2010 11:47 AM (GwPRU)

And I'll let you pay for both. You may now kiss the pinky ring.

Posted by: Barack Obama at May 11, 2010 08:39 AM (7BU4a)

40

You know, I'm not against this at all. Further, I believe those military drivers should be equipped with audio and video recording devices, an adequate short-range firearm, and a text of the little speech that the slave riding in the chariot with victorious Roman luminaries used to whisper into their ears.

Memento mori.

Posted by: comatus at May 11, 2010 09:57 AM (/VEEI)

41 Posted by: John ryan at May 11, 2010 10:40 AM (I+7Zv)

Fine, then you feel free to pay my share, asshole.

Posted by: Unclefacts, AoSHQ Professional Debate Team at May 11, 2010 11:05 AM (erIg9)

42 IP = 58.20.148.241

Posted by: spammer at May 11, 2010 06:34 PM (W4eRH)

Posted by: dfcvbcb at May 18, 2010 08:52 PM (eU/Oa)

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