The Obama Hate Machine

December 19, 2011
Radio talk show host and political commentator Press explores the money-and media-fueled propaganda machine currently being used to weaken President Obama. In the introduction, Press discusses the origins of some of the most prevalent charges against Obama, namely that he is a Muslim, a Socialist, and not an American born citizen. An interesting outline of the history of presidential criticismâThomas Paine famously accused Washington of being either "an apostate or an imposter"âprovides an appropriate context for the current discussion. Press goes on to summarize more than sixty of the anti-Obama books published since his election, noting how frequently critics choose "not to challenge his policies but to undermine his personal credibility." And, of course, Press dedicates ample space to the Koch brothers, the notoriously anti-left billionaires that the author believes are the masterminds behind the "Hate Machine." Press also lambasts the mainstream media for their complicity in fueling anti-Obama rhetoric and laments that journalists are content simply to repeat claims (sans commentary) made by fringe Republicans as if they were facts. This book provides an unsettling glimpse into the unsavory side of corporate interests and an irresponsible media.

June 15, 2012

Press, a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and liberal author, gives an impassioned account of the right-wing conservatives' assaults on Barack Obama. He points out that while political attacks on Presidents aren't new, the scope and volume of these current rants are unprecedented--more than 60 books have been published by conservatives and liberals since Obama took office. All the usual charges are present--he wasn't born in America; he's not a Christian; he's a communist/socialist; and the more recent declaration that he's just like Hitler, Mussolini, or Stalin. Billionaires Charles and David Koch are mentioned at length as the primary source of the attacks and the de facto founders of the Tea Party. VERDICT Press's arguments will not change established opinions. Joe Barrett, winner of five AudioFile Earphones Awards and an Audie Award finalist, does an impressive job narrating, especially when he reads quotes from conservatives Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck. Recommended for libraries that want to balance their Obama collection with a liberal view.--Deb West, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PAWise guys & family ties: Puzo and Trigiani offer two views of the Italian American experience

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