US: Obama’s ‘spinless’ PR seduces press

Posted by Jean Yves Chainon on January 29, 2008 at 11:19 AM

According to The Washington Post, Barack Obama’s popularity in the presidential campaign isn’t due to lofty spins and slick public relations with the press, quite to the contrary. The candidate’s relationship with the press isn’t ostensibly focused on driving the news agenda.

“The no-spin zone is part of the Obama campaign's identity, with the candidate stealing a phrase from John McCain in telling crowds he wants "a politics that's not based on PR and spin but is based on straight talk,” reported the Post.

"There is no charm offensive from the candidate toward the press corps," says Newsweek correspondent Richard Wolffe. "The contact is limited. . . . They see the national media more as a logistical problem than a channel for getting stuff out."

Obviously, this strategy is a form of PR in itself, especially from journalists’ point of view, who are often tired of having to dig through PR smoke screens. By not constantly catering to the press, Obama is also increasing the attention he gets when he does speak out. But it’s good to see a candidate who’s staying away from the increasing temptation of solely playing showbiz politics.

Source: Washington Post

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