Viraj's Weblog

This morning on Democracy Now I heard this:

... On Friday, the veteran journalist Helen Thomas asked White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs about the Obama administration’s dealings with Blackwater.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs: “I asked for an update, which I have not yet gotten, on where we are in different contracts. I would—as it relates to CIA’s use of contracting, I would point you specifically to them for responses on that.”

Helen Thomas: “I don’t think they would tell us.”

Gibbs: “They may tell you, Helen. If you use that sweet voice on the phone, you never know what you could get.”

Thomas: “I want them to stop killing people.”

Gibbs: “You should let them know.”

Thomas: “You should, too.”

I should point out there was various giggling after the 'sweet voice' comment. Now substitute Helen Thomas with a much younger woman, some news starlet from CNN. How do you think Gibbs' words would be taken? He probably would be accused of sexual harassment. Or how about a male journalist?

But of course to a much older lady, these words can't be taken seriously. And neither can Helen's. It's grossly apparent that they treat her like a teddy bear in the room, something to show that the 'liberals' are allowed in, but really they are just cute and cuddly bears. She is the old grandma that is always in the room. Sure she may say some uncomfortable remarks, but awwww, isn't she cute? Next question?