Yes you read that right – Obama’s casting call, which is just what it was when MTV was looking for participants who would throw him specifically, softball questions.
John Aravosis reports that “MTV wants ‘light’ questions for Obama at today’s youth townhall. Why?”
Nick Seaver said: “At 4pm ET today, President Obama is participating in a “youth town hall” with MTV, CMT and BET. Last week I submitted my name to be a participant and was called back for the second round of “casting” (their word, not mine) with a representative from one of the networks.
After asking what topics I was personally interested in, they asked what question I’d want to ask President Obama if I were in a room with him. I gave a sample question to give them a sense of where I’d go, but not anything specific (something about the role that federal policy plays in preventing bullying in light of the recent attention to suicide). The next question was: What lighter question would I ask the President — something related to pop culture perhaps. I hadn’t given any thought to this because, really, what moron blows this opportunity by asking the President “Mac or PC?” “
The listing was actually found under “Casting Calls” and in the category of “Entertainment Jobs, Nonunion TV/Video, Reality TV & Documentary.”
PRESIDENT OBAMA TOWN HALL, DC MTV, BET, and CMT (prods.) are seeking diverse audience members for A Conversation with President Obama, a town hall meeting with President Obama. Shooting Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. in Washington, DC. Seeking—Audience Members: males and females, 18+, to participate in the town hall. To apply, email townhallaudience@mtvnmix.com and put “Town Hall” in the subject line. To ensure that the audience represents diverse interests and political views, include your name, ph …[more]
We think we can answer John’s question. Obama’s town halls have always been astroturfed and fake, the deck stacked if you will. And now this is proof.