In recent weeks, noticeably after the mid-term elections, President Bush has been out promoting his new book Decision Points. He has been receiving a lot of free media lately because of the book and outcome of the mid-term election. In the article "Bush on Water boarding: 'Damn Right"', President Bush's interview with Oprah Winfrey is discussed and is an example of the some of the recent articles about him and his book, which is free media. All though the book is suppose to restore some of President Bush's ethos, it seems to be doing the opposite. In this article, water boarding and the OK by president Bush to the CIA to use it on terrorist is called into question. In other articles I have read throughout the week also call into question some of Bush's decisions, furthering his free media about the book. One of the other criticisms was how he said Dick Cheney wouldn't be his friend if he did not pardon Scooter Libby. This already hints at the weak character of President Bush, which is a whole different topic, but regardless its all free media for President Bush and his new book. In addition to Oprah Winfrey, President Bush has appeared on the Today show, Letterman, and has done several interviews for papers such as The New York Times. This is all examples of free media for President Bush and his new book.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/05/bush.book/index.html
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I've also noticed the insane amount of Free Media Bush has received. Last night while watching Football Night In America on NBC, Al Michaels interrupted and showed a clip of the interview with Matt Lauer. Now, I've seen all kinds of advertisements, but they spent a majority of the half time showing Lauer's interview with Bush and continuously stating that it was his first interview in two years. Normally I wouldn't mind, but they took it further than that. The whole SUnday Night Football broadcast was bombarded with advertisements about how you could see an exclusive sneak peek during half time. I tune in to see the National Football League, not NBC's view on politics.
ReplyDeleteNoticing all the free media President Bush has had just shows how there is equilibrium between celebrities and political figures. When Brad Pitt is coming out with a new movie you will see him on all the same free media. Letterman, The Today Show, and The Daily Show are all forms of free media with their guest. President Bush writes a book to increase his bank account he goes to forms of free media to market the book. Despite the political view of President Bush, televisions shows all across different networks are advertising that they have President Bush for an interview.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a perfect example of how Presidents become branded and can stretch their work as a politician into entertainment and into a business built on them. It always has amazed me how Presidents live after their four or eight years in office, they truly become celebrities and have the world as their domain. Whether they want to write books, give speeches, or even cameo in movies they have free media to their disposal and continue to live a very rich and wealthy lifestyle… that is when they aren’t getting many things for free. Bush is really just reaping the benefits of being a past President and will continue to reap the benefits as money will always follow that title.
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