CNN’s Tapper, Fox Pundits Question Obama’s Absence from Paris Unity Rally
Several world leaders attended today’s unity rally in Paris to show support after last week’s attacks, but President Obama did not. Instead, Attorney General Eric Holder app and some cable news hosts and pundits are questioning his absence.
Here’s just some of the tweets from reporters and cable news personalities about Obama’s absence:
Sad that 50 world leaders could show solidarity in Paris but President Obama refused to participate. The cowardice continues.
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) January 11, 2015
Don't be shocked Obama is absent, after all, he released GITMO 5 in exchange for a deserter. The 5 are blood brothers w/ Hebdo terrorists
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) January 11, 2015
Is it just me or does it feel like Obama should be at this big March in Paris?
— Ben White (@morningmoneyben) January 11, 2015
More than 50 world leaders are marching in Paris against jihad. Obama chose not to attend. What does that tell you?
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) January 11, 2015
This is really embarrassing – WHERE IS PRESIDENT OBAMA? Why didn't he go? pic.twitter.com/pp7wsmiLOM
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) January 11, 2015
Where is Pres Obama? pool report says he is at WH today ("lid called")
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) January 11, 2015
Notice what most of the above names have in common? Yes, they work for Fox News. But CNN today also took note of Obama’s absence, both online and on the air.
Jake Tapper found it rather striking, speaking as an American, that the U.S. isn’t “better represented” at the rally. Holder’s presence is one thing, Tapper said, but “I’m a little disappointed personally… that there isn’t more of a display of unity here.” (He repeatedly clarified he was just sharing his own opinion and not saying anything on behalf of CNN.)
You can watch that moment here, via CNN:
Now, there have been people making counter-arguments as to why Obama not going isn’t a big deal, including this one:
1) I'm getting this right-wing meme on Paris: 'Where's Obama? He doesn't care!" Reality: security footprint for outdoor showing by any POTUS
— James Fallows (@JamesFallows) January 11, 2015
2) would have totally changed nature of event, made it "all about him."
— James Fallows (@JamesFallows) January 11, 2015
[image via screengrab]
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