holy shit...

but I guess you take from it what you will...

sP

and the same impression that, I hope, most folks got. But the Op's point is that the right-wing media and right-wing supporters opine and report the innocent encounter as something sordid and distasteful. If it were simply a case of "...take from it what you will...", I wouldn't have a problem with the report. But it seems that this incident is rather a case of "...take from it what you want..." which is hardly an honest appraisal of the situation and exemplifies another attempt on the part of deceitful, rotten bastards to demean the reputation of a good man.

But, then...what's new?

i am not disagreeing that many HAVE done just that...but the OP wants this reporter FIRED for reporting what happened simply because the OP doesn't like the words chosen. I find nothing objectionable in the story as written. Looks (and reads) like they were having a good time.

sP

"...but the OP wants this reporter FIRED..."

What the OP wants and what you and I want are two different subjects. No, sir, I don't think that the reporter should be fired. Obviously, you and I got the same impression from viewing the photograph and came to the same conclusion that it was a completely harmless, perhaps playful, encounter of Joe Biden and a small group of bikers.

But here is where we differ, the last part of your statement: "...for reporting what happened simply because the OP doesn't like the words chosen."

Only the OP knows his reasons for his opinion. You can only surmise the OP's reason when you refer to it as "simply because". But that doesn't make it so; nor does it make his reasoning "simple".


I heartily disagree with your assessment as 'nothing objectionable' in the reporter's choice of pictures and of his written description:

"...so Biden pulled a chair in front of himself and pulled her nearly into his lap. He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned in for a conversation...".

I find it highly objectionable for a journalist to select and publish one and only one photograph from a group of photos; one upon which that reporter makes a blatant and callous attempt to demean another person. I find it hard to understand that you don't consider the words "...pulled her nearly into his lap." objectionable.

But, as you say, "I guess you take from it what you will."

and automatically labeling it as something sinister. have you ever published a news story? if you have then you KNOW damned well that selecting a single photo is the norm...even in the days of the WWW and news websites, more often than not a single picture is posted with an article. so he picked one where the two subjects of the statement were smiling and obviously very comfortable with each other (or is THAT offensive or objectionable to you as well).

yep...you see and read what you want. you want something to get pissed about and found it... in less than 20 lines of copy.

sP

Neither you or I can say with such certainty that the OP's labeling the story as something sinister is automatic. I am rather inclined to interpret his post as criticism of the way in which the journalist reported Vice-President Biden's actions. Both the picture and the script seem calculated to be derisive.

One doesn't have to publish a news story in order to "...KNOW damned well..." the norm in newsprint picture selection. No need to shout in caps, neighbor. Just where would a one-picture norm justify choosing a single picture that throws the worst light on a situation? What would justify a reporter's text that glossed over obvious details in a photo and suggest something untoward on the part of the principal being photographed?

You're a bit confused. Let me clarify by stating that I'm comfortable as you reported yourself to be with the photograph the reporter posted. "THAT" (there you go again) is not offensive or objectionable to me. Again, what is objectionable to me is the text "...and nearly pulled her into his lap" when it was obvious that she was sitting in a chair with its back turned toward him.

"You see and read what you want" ~ Agreed. "You want something to get pissed about..." ~ Disagree! I don't want to get pissed about anything, though it does irk me to have a stranger tell me what I want and don't want. I'm slow to getting riled. I was several chapters deep in "Atlas Shrugged" before I decided that it was fuller of tripe than the inside of a cow. Twenty lines of copy won't normally rile me but two lines of tea-bagger copy will raise my dander.

I've enjoyed our chat. It is a pleasant task to debate with a cyber-friend over small issues. There is comfort is knowing (hoping) that the parties involved have the same ultimate goal.

"...take from it what you want..." is a sign of at best poor reporting and the reporter does deserve a dressing down.

onto his lap...she is on a separate chair...that's the only way see why you refuse to see the blatant lies this reporter is promoting.

did you miss the word 'nearly'??? once again...you find the details you are looking for...

sP

Nearly is lost on those reading this...and I suggest you take a look around and see what other stories the AP is running about this...honestly, with Dems like you...

interesting that you agree with such a tactic...

sP

were you there? maybe he tugged her arm and she fell into the seat? just because he did (or didn't do) what is stated here doesn't mean anything was wrong or salacious. you're reading it that way (and granted, there are many others who are making a big deal of it but then again, so are you).

looks to me like they were having an all around good time. Well, the guys looked a little ticked at this point but you see the smiles later...

you would fire someone over how OTHER people react to the story? interesting...

sP

But look at the other stories being written because of this one. The OP is rightfully pissed off because he understands how the pathetci media works...you clealry do not.

the rest is your perception...clearly.

sP

it must be true

People just need a hug and then get back to work.

""

Think again.

http://news.yahoo.com/joe-biden-cozies-female-biker-230553144--abc-news-politics.html

SEAMAN, Ohio - Vice President Joe Biden cozied up with a female biker during a stop today at Cruisers Diner.

The Associated Press snapped this photo of the vice president sitting behind a female biker while he talked with her and two other male bikers looked on.

According to the campaign, the bikers were part of a group called the "Shadowmen," but there were no other details on who the female biker was or what sparked the conversation between her and the vice president, because the pool had been escorted out of the diner before the encounter.

A second AP photo showed Biden grabbing the female biker's shoulders.

so, you have a problem with 'cozied up' and the picture posted? or no? hell, this one is MUCH worse than the other one.

sP

they were just SO offended by the photo of Joe (seriously, on DU.. offended.)

You could tell that there was a chair between them, and I read the description, which is clear that there was no lap involved. And I knew there had to be other pics showing that they were all having fun. But the AP is desperate for a game changer.... well, the corporate media sure is!! Hope that other pic get a lot of exposure. It's a great one, too.

Was that happening? Yes... the photo tells the story. It is in the INTERPRETATION of the photo that lies what you see.

I see a man joking with a woman at a bar.... but why should he be fired? I get it, for taking the photo. How dare the Photo Journalist capture a very good shot? IN fact a very human moment.

There are many photos that tell a human story about these men, and that go on to win Pulitzers. The AP got three shots yesterday that humanize both men and are damn candidates to do just that. The bear hug, the POTUS with the kids and this photo. They bring them down to the human level.

By the way, go ahead and call my editor. I would have snapped that photo and likely it would have run. Likely though it would not have gone national.

And composition.

Best thing that could happen is for some bold biker babe to tell the media to get their damn minds out of the gutter.

umm, no. this doesn't warrant a firing. toughen up your hide ffs.