Topic: Robert Gibbs

34 chapters across the catalog

Unconstitutional Botox
Episode 291 1:53:15 - 1:55:52

291: Unconstitutional Botox

RIAA Lobbyist Judge and Robert Gibbs at Facebook

Beryl Howell, a former lobbyist for the RIAA, has been appointed as a federal judge to rule on file-sharing cases. Additionally, former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is in talks to join Facebook's communications team. The hosts argue that Gibbs is being hired as an "input device" to facilitate government communication with the social media giant.

GaGa vs Bieber
Episode 274 1:01:36 - 1:04:15

274: GaGa vs Bieber

Jay Carney and the ABC News Connection

Jay Carney, a former Time Magazine journalist, is named as the new White House Press Secretary, replacing Robert Gibbs. The hosts point out Carney's marriage to ABC News journalist Claire Shipman as evidence of the "compromised" relationship between the administration and the media. They also joke about Robert Gibbs's appearance and Diane Sawyer's recent broadcast behavior.

By Executive Order
Episode 271 35:12 - 39:34

271: By Executive Order

White House Press Briefing and Executive Order Distractions

Adam Curry describes monitoring White House press briefings via a Roku box to find "the bear in the background"—significant news hidden by distractions. He identifies a brief, off-mic exchange involving Robert Gibbs regarding a new executive order as a signal of a major regulatory shift.

What's My Line?
Episode 267 1:36:47 - 1:44:41

267: What's My Line?

Valerie Jarrett Influence, Robert Gibbs Resignation

Valerie Jarrett's appearance on "Meet the Press" is analyzed, with the hosts suggesting she is the primary power broker in the Obama administration. Jarrett discussed the START Treaty and the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," despite the latter still requiring a lengthy certification process. The resignation of Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is also covered, specifically President Obama's comment that Gibbs' $175,000 salary constituted "modest pay."

Moon Base on Mars
Episode 265 1:10:37 - 1:14:19

265: Moon Base on Mars

Barack Obama Smoking Habit, Robert Gibbs Tweet

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs claimed on Twitter that President Barack Obama has not smoked in nine months. The hosts express skepticism, analyzing Gibbs' phrasing that the President has "done enormously well in quitting" as an admission that he has not actually stopped.

Chatter on the Interwebs
Episode 264 1:23:08 - 1:30:46

264: Chatter on the Interwebs

Robert Gibbs and Obama's Smoking Habits

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is scrutinized for his contradictory statements regarding President Obama's smoking habits. Gibbs claimed he had seen no evidence of the President smoking in nine months, despite previous admissions that the President was "working hard to stop." The hosts interpret Gibbs' stuttering and body language as evidence of lying, suggesting the President remains a smoker under high stress.

Madoff has left the building
Episode 260 2:08 - 4:58

260: Madoff has left the building

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on President Obama's Smoking

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs addresses media inquiries regarding President Barack Obama's ongoing struggle with cigarette smoking. The discussion follows a new Surgeon General report emphasizing the extreme dangers of secondhand smoke. Gibbs explains that the President smokes for enjoyment and relaxation to manage the pressures of the office, while the hosts criticize the secrecy surrounding the habit.

Madoff has left the building
Episode 260 12:48 - 18:34

260: Madoff has left the building

Bill Clinton Takes Over White House Press Briefing

Former President Bill Clinton makes a surprise appearance in the White House press room to advocate for a tax agreement, eventually taking over the podium as President Obama departs for a Christmas party. The hosts comment on Clinton's physical appearance, describing him as ashen and thin due to a vegan diet. They analyze the awkward power dynamic and Clinton's use of a "bullets and ricochet" metaphor regarding political governing.

Checkpoint Nation
Episode 225 1:10:26 - 1:13:31

225: Checkpoint Nation

Mainstream Media Demographics and Robert Gibbs

Nielsen data shows the median age of mainstream news viewers is rising into the 50s, suggesting the "old model" of television is dying. The hosts also discuss White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' criticism of "professional liberals," which led Cindy Sheehan to call for Gibbs to undergo drug testing.

Doomsday is Tomorrow
Episode 216 39:50 - 46:13

216: Doomsday is Tomorrow

Arizona Immigration Lawsuit, White House Press Relations

Rahm Emanuel explains that the Department of Justice, led by Eric Holder, made the ultimate decision to sue Arizona over its immigration law, SB 1070. The hosts criticize Emanuel for comparing the interview process to "dealing with children on their homework," a rhetorical tactic they claim is also used by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs to marginalize journalists.

Post Traumatic Sex
Episode 213 35:53 - 39:02

213: Post Traumatic Sex

Rod Blagojevich Trial and Valerie Jarrett Senate Seat

Testimony in the trial of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich suggests that Barack Obama may have been involved in discussions regarding the appointment of Valerie Jarrett to his vacated Senate seat. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs declined to comment on the ongoing trial despite previous denials of presidential involvement.

What do you call Soy milk?
Episode 207 1:14:34 - 1:19:33

207: What do you call Soy milk?

Obama "Kick Some Ass" Comment and Media Racialization

President Obama's comment about looking for "whose ass to kick" regarding the BP oil spill sparked a heated debate on CNN about racial stereotypes. Pundits discussed whether the President was "going street" or if critics were using racialized language to describe his display of anger. The media coverage is described as a deliberate attempt to stir up racial tension rather than focusing on the administration's policy failures.

Trains To FEMA
Episode 202 38:40 - 41:14

202: Trains To FEMA

White House Press Corps Vole Debate

A minor incident involving a rodent running across the White House lawn during a presidential address becomes a topic of debate for the press corps. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs faces questions about whether the animal was a mole or a vole. The hosts mock the media for focusing on trivialities while major global events are occurring.

Liz Cheney vs. Sarah Palin
Episode 175 19:32 - 25:51

175: Liz Cheney vs. Sarah Palin

Robert Gibbs, White House Press Briefing, Taliban Capture

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is criticized for his arrogant briefing style and his new Twitter presence. A specific Associated Press article by Matt Apuzzo regarding the capture of a Taliban leader in Pakistan is highlighted as a potential intelligence plant designed to shift political rhetoric rather than report objective facts.

Zug Haiti Connection?
Episode 173 27:46 - 31:30

173: Zug Haiti Connection?

Tea Party Hijacking, Sarah Palin, and Ron Paul's Warning

The Tea Party movement is described as being hijacked by neoconservative influences and figures like Sarah Palin. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is criticized for mocking Palin's use of "palm notes" during a speech. Congressman Ron Paul expresses concern on the Rachel Maddow show that the movement he helped start is being co-opted by the same establishment forces it originally opposed.

Botulism Vaccine Coming
Episode 171 45:08 - 50:44

171: Botulism Vaccine Coming

Rachel Maddow's Wrong Segment and Media Mind Control

Rachel Maddow's "Wrong" segment is analyzed as a form of media mind control that uses visual stamps to dismiss Republican viewpoints. A specific instance involving Lindsey Graham and Greta Van Susteren discussing legal defense strategies for terrorists is highlighted. Critics argue Maddow relies on White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' statements as absolute truth to "debunk" speculation.

The Science is In Part Two
Episode 156 1:19:35 - 1:21:46

156: The Science is In Part Two

Media Crawls, Ministry of Truth Propaganda

The hosts discuss the psychological impact of news crawls on CNN and Fox News. They suggest the "lower third" text is a form of propaganda that influences viewers' brains even when the sound is off, potentially fed directly by government officials like Robert Gibbs.

350 Protests
Episode 153 43:37 - 46:37

153: 350 Protests

Robert Gibbs on Climategate and Copenhagen Deals

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs dismissed the "Climategate" hacked email controversy during a press briefing, asserting that the science of climate change is no longer in dispute. He emphasized that President Obama's early arrival in Copenhagen is intended to "seal the deal" on international climate agreements. The hosts critique Gibbs' dismissive attitude toward the thousands of scientists who question the consensus.

350 Protests
Episode 153 46:38 - 50:53

153: 350 Protests

Robert Gibbs and the Honorable Title Dispute

Reporter Lester Kinsolving questioned Robert Gibbs about being introduced as "The Honorable Robert Gibbs" at a state dinner, a title usually reserved for judges or high elected officials. Gibbs responded with sarcasm, mocking the reporter's age and suggesting he writes his own flattering introductions. The hosts cite this exchange as evidence of the administration's growing arrogance and "Ministry of Truth" behavior.