Olympic Ads, Olympic-size ego, and Genocide
Next week, Athletes from around the world will compete in a myriad of events. President Bush will attend the Opening Ceremonies, as will many other foreign leaders, despite the moniker “Genocide Olympics” entering into global consciousness.
Few dispute the complicity of China’s government in propping up the Khartoum regime. Organizations like Save Darfur, to the Enough Project, and Dream for Darfur, along with President George W. Bush have declared the situation in Darfur a genocide.
But tomorrow’s leaders have opinions too. Both Senators Obama and McCain have spoken out forcefully regarding the ongoing genocide in Darfur. Both have spoken in defense of the Dalai Lama and decried oppression of the Tibetan monks. The ‘Genocide Olympics’ issue is one laden with political beacons that must be navigated precisely.
Senator Barack Obama, despite his reported $5 million purchase of air time during the Olympics, declared on July 7th, via the Hindustan Times:
“I would have wanted to see serious progress by the Chinese government before I make a commitment to attend the opening ceremonies. In the absence of some sense of progress, in the absence of some sense from the Dalai Lama that there was progress, I would not have gone,” the senator from Illinois said.
Obama said that Washington failed to exert serious pressure on the Chinese government to arrive at a solution during its talks with Tibetan spiritual guru the Dalai Lama.
“We were not aggressive in encouraging the Chinese government to make serious concessions in its talks with the Dalai Lama,” he said at an interactive session in St Louis, Missouri.
However pure Senator Obama’s intentions regarding the Olympics - the purchase of air time during the Olympics begs questions about just what sort of message he’s sending. Does Senator Obama seek a standard for himself, that applies to no one else? Will his campaign’s direct purchase from NBC - which, coincidentally is owned by GE - another corporation with ties to state sponsors of terror, utilize the time to inform the American people about China’s complicity in the Darfur Genocide, or talk about the Dalai Lama? Or will the Obama campaign simply play standard bio ads - as he did during the Superbowl?
The Obama campaign has not returned a comment for the record, despite acknowledging the request. So, that’s a ‘no comment.’
Senator John McCain also discouraged President Bush’s attendance at the Opening ceremonies. To be clear, I have placed repeated calls to his campaign for commentary on the propriety of Senator Obama’s ad buy. On Monday, I expect to have a statement for the record - but we shall see. The obvious follow up question, beyond what the campaign thinks about the Obama ad buy is this: Has the McCain campaign purchased air time during the Olympics as well? From NBC? Or a cable buy that would include NBC’s Olympic coverage?
Senator John McCain has gone on the record about Darfur, previously - in an Op-Ed he wrote with former Senator Bob Dole in 2006.
Throughout the world, people of conscience were shocked by and ashamed of our failure to stop the genocide in Bosnia and Rwanda. We must not repeat these mistakes. In Darfur, the moment of truth is now.
Senator McCain’s wife, and potential First Lady Cindy McCain recently returned from Rwanda - her first visit since 1994, when she was in-country during the slaughter. She has spent a lifetime devoted to human rights issues - and the uplifting of women and children in third world and war-torn countries. Unlike other political figures, Cindy McCain has done much of her work without notice or a phalanx of enthralled media and adoring fans. When Doctors without Borders ( ou, en Français -Médecins Sans Frontières - MSF) called Mrs. McCain in 1994, she went herself. Dubbed The Quiet Humanitarian by The Wasington Post, Cindy McCain - and her husband, have demonstrated a lifetime of service in this arena.
Their record contrasts greatly with Senator Obama’s recent foray into international affairs. Surely, his supporters are not suggesting Senator Obama’s five hours in Paris, and a couple of meetings with Sarkozy and Kouchner (founder of Doctors without Borders/MSF) imparted Jeffersonian-level knowledge of Human Rights intricacies. By purchasing the air time directly from NBC, Obama’s campaign demonstrated a blatant hypocrisy, or perhaps it is as simple as being ill-prepared to serve.
The perspective of folks within the Human Rights arena should also be taken into consideration. I have spoken with senior representatives from ONE - whose focus is on the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals. I have also spoken with senior representatives at Save Darfur, and am regularly speaking with folks from the Genocide Intervention Network, Dream for Darfur, and other human rights experts around the country. Many of the folks were in absolute agreement on one thing: they are drawing a distinction between the Opening/Closing Ceremonies and the Games themselves. They wish to be supportive of the athletes - but be very clear that the spectacle being staged by the Chinese government is not an appropriate venue for our leaders to support.
On Thursday, August 7th at 3PM Eastern - I will be joined by M. Allyn Brooks LaSure, of the Save Darfur coalition, to discuss the urgency in Darfur - and the importance of being informed about the facts on the ground. We’ll discuss Mia Farrow’s amazing work, and her activities in Eastern Chad and in Darfur during the Olympics.
The stakes for our nation are very high this November. Vote wisely.
—Media Lizzy
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
How the heck did this get on AOL Hot Seat? What a biased poll. At any rate, who cares if a political candidate buys air time during the Olympics? The money goes to American broadcast companies. You also have no clue what Obama will say in the ads. Come back to us when you have something worthwhile to spew about.
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Media Lizzy, How can myself and others who know Obama is NOT the messiah vote when you only give that as an option???? To give those of us who know he is not, but would like to be included in your poll a fair option in the future. I believe it is nothing wrong with his spending 5 million to advertise without being labeled as the Messiah. The Replicrats have certainely said enough that is unfair and untrue and please don’t leave out very costly….I am sure the powers that be had, if not final say, input in where the Olymipics would be held…..Our country is in such hock with China how can those who have made these deals in borrowing money now request consideration be made to boycott, doesn’t even factor in…..This blog only leaves me wondering just what exactly is the goal with these types of polls…….
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
One more thing: I say Republicrats because all of this stone throwing and playing what we used to call the dozens is mostly what I am hearing….What happened to debating the real issues that are affecting the, what used to be the middle class of our country….Our youth will suffer because of the corporate greed and dancing around the issues which will impact their future…..I am not pleased with either Maccain or Obama….
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
The poll mocks Obama, why was not a simple “YES” and option . . . he is the Messiah is term that mocks him
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I am now convinced that no one has any sense of humor left - especially the Messiah followers.
We all know they have NEVER said anything disparaging about McCain or the Republicans.
Not to mention I have rarely seen a Hot Seat Poll by anyone that didn’t have some humor (mocking) involved. Calm down folks!
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
There is only ONE Messiah. You should take this off to reword it immediately - unless you work for the McCain camp!
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I THINK YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THE WHOLE SITUATION, BUT LIKE SO MANY REPUBLICANS, ITS NOT IN YOUR MAKEUP TO SEE THINGS AS THEY REALLY ARE. OBAMA AND A LOT OF POLITICIANS ASK THAT THE PRESIDENT BOYCOTT THE SERVICES, BUT SINCDE HE DIDNT, WE HAVE TO SHOW A UNITED FRONT AS A COUNTRY. OUR KIDS ARE GOING TO BE COMPETING AND WE AS AMERICANS NEED TO SUPPORT THEM, NOT BUSH. OBAMA CHANGED HIS MIND, LIKE ANY HUMAN BEING CAN AND SHOULD WHEN THE SITUATION CALLS FOR IT. HE IS NOT BUSH, WHO DOESNT HAVE A MIND TO CHANGE. AND IF HE HAS THE MONEY TO ADVERTISE, WHY THE HELL NOT????
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I totally agree that this is a biased rant clearly backed by republicans. The poll last week that suggested the majority media is biased against Obama it’s true. It swamps him with coverage that is mostly negative. For the poll to suggest a choice between Obama’s the messiah, a clear disrespect for his Christian Faith which forbids comparing oneself to God, or the other choice of “hypocrisy.” How blatantly biased and unfair can you be? When conspiracy buffs said the media was unduly controlled by the republican right, they were dead on. Barack’s first act as president should be to reign in this out of control press.
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Try giving better options in your surveys. Neither is adequate in giving a true answer. Try leaving off the irrelavent junk after yes and no or reword altogether. I would answer No he’s not a messiah, and sometimes he and McCain are hypocrits, that’s what politicians are.
August 2nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I’ve enjoyed these polls–until now. I can’t answer this one because it’s so ridiculously worded. What nonsense. I guess if this is how republicans are going to operate, I’d better vote for democrats and reason.
Jo
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
So the problem is tha McCain doesn’t have the money to compete and you want to make it a negative against Obabma, be careful Lizzy many of us speak Rovian.
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Who cares what a Media Lezzy has to say? What a biased, twisted bit of nonsense, and to hide behind a fake name, what a crock of Repugnantklan nonsense. It takes the empty headedness of a right-winger to compare a stand like “the pResident of the US should not attend the opening ceremonies” with advertising on US television. Must John W. McSameasbush abstain from advertising on television programs which might support a woman’s right to control her reproductive organs because of his weak, questionable support for the dangerously radical extremely right-wings of the anti-woman anti-choice anti-freedom of the Reptilican party?
August 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
If Obama is the Messiah,
then he and Oprah Winfrey
make a good pair as I
heard she comes across
as the female Messiah.
August 2nd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I am highly disgusted at the term Messiah being placed in your poll in regards to anyone other than the Messiah. It is such a mockery of those that are faithful and really believe. I am not concerned with your religion or whom/what you choose to worship…however I do not understand why you would choose to mock my faith. The attack is not on the candidate…it is on the ONE I truly put my faith in everyday..that helps me keep my sanity when a loved one has died, or my funds run low or I am ever afraid. I was a McCain supporter until I saw the ad he approved that left him in stiches. It stated at the end, “Obama may be the One”…and what a powerful and awful statement to make…even by a man I would have entrusted my country to, and the safety of my children. The entire ad makes it clear he is only mocking on faith! One Messiah! I am dissapointed and disgusted that you choose to do the same. Instead of worrying about advertisements in the wrong country…consider those that make a joke out of the very fabric this “great” country was supposed to be founded on! In God We Trust…there is nothing funny about that…if it continues to keep you in stitches, then ask the families from 911 how they made it through after their loved one was murdered for only being an American. It was their faith in their ONE!
You are such a dissapointment, and your poll makes you the hypocrite.
Thank you and blessings that one day you will see the light!
EX John McCain supporter.
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
You must work for “fair and balanced” Fox, or some of the majority of the media that is republican-biased to the core. Tell me: What’s “the liberal media”? I’ll admit to the NY Times in > 50% of cases; same for the Washington Post. And, then there’s “The Nation” and frequently “The Atlantic”. And, oh, yes “Air America” and “Pacifica” (assuming that anyone in the large metro areas in which these radio stations are located even cares to take the time to find them). The rest either try to appear “neutral” (but, if you listen/read closely, they “lean right”) or are out-right “right wing”. Remember, with regard to TV broadcast, for example: There’s Fox [enough said]; NBC is owned by GE [which also makes jet engines and other materials for the military]; ABC is owned by Disney [the same entertainment conglomerate that made a big stink about not letting people with beards or mustaches –let alone a USSR leader — into its theme-parks]; and CBS now does the sort of “light news” that probably has E.R. Murrow “turning over in his grave”.
Gee, that means that our domestic pseudo-facists either influence or control most of the information that we get; and then you have the gaul to call the media “left-wing” just to trash a few, mostly ignored, portions of the media that “lean left”.
Bottom line: Advertising is completely amoral. So, you’re trying to compare the pragmatism of reaching a large audience to a person’s moral stance. That makes no sense: It’s the same old “apples and oranges” comparison scenario. And your wording of your questions are them “leading” (due to your personal commentary that you’ve attached to each. So, only those who agree with you will respond. And that will make you feel “vindicated”. Good for you! Now “get a life”!!!!!
August 2nd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
What a crock of SHIT!!! You so called “fiscal conservatives” make my ass hurt!! And Media Lizzy, I think you need someone to lay the pipe to you on a regular basis. What the hell does someone buying air time on TV have to do with the boycott of the olympic games?? And if McCain holds the same issue as Obama on the status of China and the Dali Lama, why does your poor excuse for a pathetic assed political blog have to post such a one-sided, so called question? As Obama pulls further in front of “your boy”, McCain, the negativity seems to grow and grow to a point where it’s almost sad and indigestible. But then, it’s the way Republicans operate when things don’t go their way. Get a real reporting job Lizzy.
August 2nd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
For you to add, “Messiah” after Senator Obama’s name is wrong on too many levels to mention. How do you expect anyone to take what you write serious? There are too many issues and crises facing this country for you to trivialize a running candidate. You not only mock God but the millions who voted for Senator Obama.
Thank you for helping me to make up my mind. I WILL NOT be voting for Senator McCain. Apparently, this attempt to market and define another candidate with the McCain video, “The One” is as tasteless and classless as McCain saying that Senator Obama would rather lose a war than lose an election. When the McCain of 2000 decides to run again perhaps I’ll vote for him then.
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Republicans are totally retarded if they take this garbage seriously!
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 am
Another skillful attack add. Sorry guys you may bruise Obama but with tactics as obvious as this one you are not going to do enough harm to beat him.
Prediction. During the upcoming debates assuming McCain’s health problems do not get in the way McCain is going to have a melt down of Captain Queeg proportions.
August 3rd, 2008 at 1:09 am
Greetings to all our fierce commenters,
I appreciate your passion. And I don’t expect forgiveness for my little experiment here. Until moments ago - this article was short, sweet and dry. I asked this question to test a few things out. Obama supporters, you never disappoint. Look at the results - folks are disproportionately identifying Obama’s own words and actions as hypocritical. It’s not complicated.
As for those of you insulted by my use of the term Messiah, I apologize to anyone who was truly offended, If you happen to just be angry at me for furthering a narrative you find politically unfavorable to Obama, toughen up. This is presidential politics, and if you can’t stand the heat - get out the kitchen. You’ve hurled far nastier comments at me tonight. Many of them have been deleted, because they were simply vulgar, or did zero to advance the topic.
As for your attacks on the AOL Hot Seat, take a look at the roster of hosts. We are a diverse bunch - from every political and non-political stripe. Clearly, you haven’t done any research.
Again, thanks to all.
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 am
I can take valid and constructive criticism of the presidential canditates, but reporters and journalists (if you can be called one of those) make me sick with some of the things you say and do. How does advertising on American television during the Olympics equate with President Bush boycotting the openning ceremonies? And then the questions that you ask. Yes because Obama is the Messiah? You are pathetic. I do not believe that Obama is the Messiah, but I believe that he is the right person for America and the world at this time. Is Obama a risk, yes, but so is Mc Cain. Both are risky. Isn’t it a risk knowing that Mc Cain believes in “bomb, bomb, bomb Iran” (His words not mine) Do you think that we need another war? You have a right to support any candidate as an American voter, but as a journalist, you should not be so biased and ignorant. What about the critical issues that we are facing? Can’t you find a question that deals with health care, social security or immigration? We just lost another 51,000 jobs, doesn’t that deserve your attention? I guess not because you have a job - right!
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:52 am
Hey all…The “annointed one” appointed himself to the position. Obviously his handlers can’t take the heat and will “AD” more pollution to the already disgusting climate in China.
Why then be presumptious by running your messianic ads during the Olympics?
To scare more of the USA…. and add to your quest for King of the World?
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:48 am
So Lizzy, why have you taken a good deal of the comments down? Can’t stand the heat, yet you tell us to suck it up. You are a pathetic shill.
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 am
Why dont republicans check their facts.
you can go to snopes or factcheck.org
Most of what talk radio repeats are lies.
and what repubs circulate on the internet.
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 am
[…] Cross posted at HeadingRight […]
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
Ya know folks, ……… this is just another reason NOT to vote for the pegan piece of trash ! He will distroy our nation. He turns his back on the flag and the Pledge, he removes the flag and US inscriptions from his stationary, his plane, and will put us all in a state of new reserection. I live, love and work for in the United States of America, …. not the nation of Islam !
DO NOT VOTE DEMOCRAT !
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:35 am
You’re right Lizzy, all the ‘messiah’s” acolytes never fail to disappoint!! But they are all so boringly predictable.
First hey call us racists. That didn’t work so after they have annointed Obama as their savior and messiah, they then pretend to be all “religiously offended ” at your alleged “misuse” of the word— as IF!!
They fail to understand the blatant hypocrisy in Obama insisting the President boycott the “Genocide Olympic’s” opening ceremony while spending $5 million dollars on ads to run during the Gneocide Olympic broadcast solely to promote his candidacy - and yes I meant as in as “worthy of being ordained”!
Obama’s acolytes would blindly him off a cliff.
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:26 am
Just because the Man is putting an ad out has nothing to do with his opposition to what is going on over there. If he tried but was not able to get that idiot we call President to do the right thing than there is no more he can do about it. Buying airtime for a campaign ad is just another example of his superior intelligence as most of the country will be watching. If you didnt notice he is running for the highest office in the world. Probably a good time and place to run an ad. I thought you were supposed to be smart. I guess your bias gets in the way of your intelligence. DEE DEE DEEEEE. And the messiah comment is just another example of the kind of crap that the McCain camp has been all about this year. He is no messiah just a very smart man that McCain could take some lessons from and obviously you as well.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
The mindless protection of Obama is just amazing. His followers care nothing about his actions and yet have the gall to “claim the moral high road” against all others. And yet, as part of their zest to polish his image, they resort to playground bully tactics by attacking any who fail to fall to their knees and worship at the feet of the “great one” Obummer.
Sorry to let you know this, but most of us who what to see the downfall of Obama are doing our homework. We are checking and rechecking facts. We are educating ourselves to the real truth behind the pretty words. Who cares what party we belong to….Most of us vote for the person and not the party. Yet listen to yourselves….nothing but republicans this and neocons that…that is party talk and not individual thinking.
How sad that the Democrats and other liberal parties can’t see beyond their own talking points.
Grow up
August 14th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
This is unconscionable when they both purchased air time during the olympics. Why don’t we hear about the Lobbyist who was paid $200K for Lobbying our government for Georgia and is flying with McSame? MCShame is bought and paid for. Why don’t we hear about McLame who cheated on HIS wife, who waited so long for him to come home from Vietnam, only to have him screw the drugy heiress? Why is it called the Keating “5″? Not Keating 4? People lost all their money. All of you on this thread who voted for Bush-Cheney, should be ashamed of yourselves, the gaul to try to prop up another puppet of the corporate military complex, you make me sick. Now Mc”fillintheblank” tries to talk tough to Russia, what a warmongering paper tiger, we are stretched so thin because of Bush-Cheney & McNobrain!! YOU KNOW IT’S TRUE!! AND YET YOU DEFEND THEM! WHEN WILL YOU WAKE UP? We have no credability around the world. They’re laughing at us, “ha ha ha ha!! and it’s your fault for putting this embarassment in office. But you don’t care about the truth. Obama graduated top of his class from Harvard Law School, McLame 866-879 from the Naval Academy (and only because of his family), Mcsame as Bush. At least Obama write his own books and reads his own words, not like McPlame who reads only what Schmitty writes. “The candidate does not speak for the campaign”!! (here we go again) They even took away his cell phone, HUH? Go ahead, you all deserve each other, (but don’t try to bring down this country any further), don’t you dare try to call anyone unamerican because they happen to think there’s a better way. btw HAWAII is a state in AMERICA, as American as apple pie. So don’t you dare try to smear someone who was born there. There’s been too much corruption and all you Repugs can do is defend the screw ups. Shame on you. Keep drinking from that corporate cool-aid bar. Your eating right out of their hands.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Rejoice, the Captain of Crazytown is here! Thanks ‘HekofajobBrownie’ for your perfect illustration of the instability and fragility of the mental state of some Obama supporters. I am sure Obama would be utterly and completely proud of you for your finely tuned political acumen, your manners, and delightful way with words.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Thank you, “The Ditzyest of MClizzys” Just keep repeating my name, over and over again. If you say it 5 times fast, it might sink in. (But I doubt it). Don’t think, just vote for “The White Haired Dude”.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:01 am
What strikes me so funny, is that all anyone can say on this thread is, Obama this .. and Obama that … and “Oh, I’ve been so corporate brainwashed (for 8 years), I think I hate Obama”, and “I hate anyone who thinks Obama is a better candidate”. Like Lizzy calling me, “unstable and fragil”. BUT NOT ONE COMMENT HAS EVEN TRIED TO DEFEND McCAIN!! NOT ONE. WHY?? BECAUSE EVERYONE KNOWS HE’S THE OLD PRODUCT.(HE WOULDN’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO FIND THIS THREAD). If your 72 and your reading this, then we are both light years ahead of him. But you or I wouldn’t try to run the country. IT’S A GOOD BET HE WON’T LAST A FIRST TERM, AND IF HE DOESN’T DIE, IT WILL DRAG ON, AND US ALONG WITH HIM (Reagan was in bed his last three years) WE’RE ARE ALL REALLY SCREWED!! AND THAT’S THE BEST CASE SCENARIO. THE OTHER IS THAT MILLIONS WILL DIE. “he makes cheney look like ghandi”-Pat Buchanan. Anyone breathing the last 8 years knows, in his heart-his gut, that we pulled the lever for the wrong guy last time. Now your choice is between the “white haired dude” or the black guy. They are both 100% American, but one is extremely smart- Constitutional law professor smart (smarter than the last 3 Presidents), from a new generation (but 2 yrs older than Bill in his 1st term). and the other will give us more of the same, he will… (packaged in a different box Bush 2.0). Fool me once shame one YOU! Fool me twice shame on YOU!!! If you do it again we are F__ked. But you say I’m brainwashed, because I will take the smart guy, over the same SH_T! You need to take along hard look at yourself… think logically. The oil companies, multi-nationals want you to stay the same, shop the same, do exactly the same(rhymes with McCain?). They’re trying to divide us, it really should be US against THEM. The other is a much better product, but it doesn’t sound right, it feel different, they even want you to fear it. But it’s a much better product, right now anything’s better than the same. It’s like a bad movie. Swallow hard (hold your nose if you have to) but know that anything’s got to be better than the same. It can’t be worse than this Sh_T.