Friday, June 06, 2008

Itinerary Change We Can Believe In?   [Greg Pollowitz]

I've been covering last night's super-secret meeting between Barack Obama and the now vanquished Hillary Clinton over on NRO's Media Blog — but certain details of the bait-and-switch will be of interest to Planet Gore.

Here's an excerpt from the NY Times on how the press corps was duped by Senator Obama's Austin-Powers-like ability for subterfuge:

The evening began in routine fashion, with Mr. Obama holding a large rally in northern Virginia. Then, he was scheduled to travel by motorcade to Dulles International Airport and fly to Chicago. The motorcade arrived, but Mr. Obama did not, stirring alarm among reporters who had been aboard the campaign plane for 45 minutes as it sat on the tarmac.

Shortly before takeoff, one part of the secret was divulged. Robert Gibbs, the campaign’s communications director, said Mr. Obama would not be flying to Chicago as previously scheduled. He gave no reason for this mysterious pronouncement and there was little time for questions, considering that the engines had started to whir.

Sunlen Miller, who covers the Obama campaign for ABC News, filed an urgent dispatch via Blackberry to report that the senator had abruptly changed plans and had given the slip to those who were traveling with him all day. “I sent it as the wheels were going up,” Ms. Miller said of her message, recounting the agitation and confusion among her fellow travelers as the 757 lifted off.

It wasn’t until after the plane landed in Chicago — sans the presidential candidate — that Mr. Gibbs confirmed a meeting had taken place between the rivals. Details? None given.

Not only did Senator Obama lie to and trick his press peeps, but think of all the fuel wasted to fly them to Chicago on an unnecessary trip! Think of the CO2 emissions! How many twirly light bulbs must Americans install to make up for this one, worthless trip? Thousands of airline workers have been laid off because of high fuel prices. Think maybe conserving jet fuel might be appropriate?

06/06 01:20 PMShare