On Jan. 29, we the viewing public was privileged to experience great television as President Obama answered questions put to him by some of his most outspoken critics in the Republican Party at their retreat in Baltimore.
Some questioned why the Republicans agreed to televise the exchange since it so obviously worked to their disadvantage. Since the president often speaks with a teleprompter, Republicans may have thought he would be hesitant and inarticulate and therefore would reinforce negative impressions already held by so many.
Instead, what was televised was the image of a confident president answering impromptu questions with no notes and showing an amazing knowledge of the different subjects posed to him; he responded often with delightful humor.
This remarkable exchange, two hours long, was shown in its entirety by CNN, CNBC and MSNBC. However, Fox News showed only a portion of the program,
denying its viewers the chance to form a more favorable opinion of our president. Fair and balanced? You decide.
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DOLORES GAFFANEY
SILVER BAY
