# Obama Armbands

> Media bias reaches a breaking point as the Obama campaign blacklists dissenting journalists while global markets brace for a government-backed overhaul of the financial system.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 54
- **Published:** 2008-11-01
- **Length:** 1h 36m
- **Topics:** [Media Bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-bias.md), Congo Minerals, BBC Scandal, [Bank Bailouts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-bailouts.md), Aga Stoves, Aviation Weather
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands

## About this episode

The Obama campaign has reportedly removed three journalists from its campaign plane after their respective newspapers endorsed John McCain, replacing them with representatives from Ebony and Jet. This move by the Barack Obama team, alongside a Pew Research Center report showing 80% positive coverage for the Democratic candidate, signals a significant shift in press access and media objectivity. As the 2008 election nears, the influence of billionaires like George Soros and Warren Buffett on the media landscape suggests a departure from traditional partisan splits in national newspaper ownership.

International tensions rise as China deploys 750,000 workers to the Congo to secure cobalt and palladium through aggressive infrastructure-for-resource swaps. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signals a new global economic order through government-backed covered bonds following the nationalization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In the UK, the BBC faces a massive public outcry and the resignation of Russell Brand after inappropriate messages were left for actor Andrew Sachs. Additional reports indicate that $60 billion in federal bailout funds are being diverted to executive bonuses at major banks rather than consumer lending.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak break down the high-production values of the 30-minute Obama infomercial and the suspicious prevalence of Aga stoves in UK real estate. The duo explores the logistics of flying private aircraft into Le Touquet and the dangers of cumulonimbus formations at 42,000 feet. The program concludes with a recommendation of the documentary Hacking Democracy to prepare for potential voting machine vulnerabilities on election night.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/transcript.md.

### 1. Introduction to No Agenda, Gitmo Nation East and West (0:02–0:52)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from their respective locations in Guilford, Surrey, and Silicon Valley. They discuss the concept of "Gitmo Nation" and speculate on how the upcoming election might change the political landscape. Curry notes his return to the UK news cycle after traveling.

Keywords: [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [surrey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surrey.md), [guilford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guilford.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Chapeau Restaurant Review, San Francisco Dining Experience (0:53–9:33)

A detailed review of Chapeau, a French restaurant in San Francisco, highlights a mix of high-quality food and inconsistent service. The experience included confusion over reservations, a missing palate cleanser, and incorrectly cooked meat. Despite service errors, the meal is described as reasonably priced for the quality provided.

Keywords: chapeau, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [opentable](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opentable.md), [french cuisine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/french-cuisine.md), [restaurant review](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurant-review.md), service quality

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Chateau Canon 2005, Rare Wine Discovery and Dessert (9:33–15:37)

A bottle of 2005 Chateau Canon from the Canon Fransac region of Bordeaux was discovered on the restaurant menu for $60. The wine is noted for its rarity and distinctive flavor profile. The meal concluded with a dessert featuring banana, strawberry, and kiwi infused with basil oil, which is described as an exceptional flavor combination.

Keywords: chateau canon, canon fransac, [bordeaux](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bordeaux.md), [wine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine.md), 2005 vintage, basil oil

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/3.md)

### 4. International Travel Logistics, UK Water and Sewage Billing (15:38–20:08)

Travel between San Francisco, Amsterdam, and London resulted in a significant accumulation of physical mail and administrative tasks. A specific grievance is raised regarding UK utility billing, where customers are charged for both incoming water and an equivalent volume of wastewater. A six-month bill totaling 191 pounds is analyzed for its estimated usage metrics.

Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), water bill, sewage tax, utility costs, cubic meters

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/4.md)

### 5. BBC Controversy, Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross Scandal (20:09–24:23)

A major scandal involving BBC presenters Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross erupted after they left inappropriate messages on actor Andrew Sachs's voicemail. The incident led to Brand's resignation and a 12-week suspension for Ross, the BBC's highest-paid entertainer. The public outcry has sparked a broader debate regarding editorial controls and the funding of public broadcasting.

Keywords: [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [russell brand](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russell-brand.md), [jonathan ross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jonathan-ross.md), andrew sachs, faulty towers, [media ethics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-ethics.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Media Bias Analysis, Pew Research Center Election Report (24:23–28:59)

A Pew Research Center report is cited to demonstrate significant media bias in the coverage of the 2008 presidential election. The data suggests that 80% of stories regarding Barack Obama were positive, while only 20% of stories regarding John McCain were positive. This perceived lack of objectivity is linked to the declining circulation of traditional American newspapers.

Keywords: [pew research center](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pew-research-center.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [media bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-bias.md), [michael savage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-savage.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Newspaper Ownership Trends, Liberal vs Conservative Media Balance (29:00–34:39)

The historical balance between conservative newspaper owners and liberal reporters has shifted toward a predominantly liberal media landscape. Modern billionaires like Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs, and George Soros are identified as influential figures within this new structure. Current data shows that 80% of national newspapers have endorsed Barack Obama, a departure from traditional partisan splits.

Keywords: newspaper endorsements, [media ownership](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-ownership.md), [warren buffett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warren-buffett.md), [george soros](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-soros.md), [steve jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-jobs.md), [political bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-bias.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Obama Campaign Media Strategy, Press Access Restrictions (34:39–37:41)

The Obama campaign reportedly removed three journalists from the campaign plane whose newspapers had endorsed John McCain, replacing them with representatives from Ebony and Jet magazines. Concerns are raised that a future Obama administration might further marginalize conservative media outlets. Comparisons are made to historical press relations under the Nixon and Bush administrations.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [press corps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/press-corps.md), [media access](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-access.md), ebony magazine, jet magazine, [political strategy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-strategy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/8.md)

### 9. UK Media Perspective, Race and the Bradley Effect (37:41–40:58)

British media coverage of the U.S. election focuses heavily on the issue of race and the potential "Bradley effect" on polling. A specific segment of the debate questions whether Barack Obama's background represents the traditional African-American experience rooted in the history of slavery. This discourse highlights differing international perceptions of American identity politics.

Keywords: [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), bradley effect, [race relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/race-relations.md), [al sharpton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-sharpton.md), [jesse jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jesse-jackson.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Howard Stern Harlem Survey, Voter Knowledge and Satire (40:59–44:26)

A segment from the Howard Stern Show featured a "man on the street" interview in Harlem designed to test voter knowledge. Participants were asked if they supported Obama's policies while being read John McCain's platform, and many agreed with the mismatched information. The discussion notes that such segments are often edited for comedic effect to highlight uninformed voters.

Keywords: [howard stern](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-stern.md), [harlem](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harlem.md), [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), voter knowledge, [jaywalking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jaywalking.md), [media manipulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-manipulation.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Obama Infomercial Analysis, Production Quality and Casting (44:28–48:28)

The 30-minute Obama campaign infomercial is analyzed for its high production values and Hollywood-style art direction. While the pre-recorded segments were praised for their professional casting and visual effects, the transition to a live rally in Florida was criticized as a production error. The broadcast reached an estimated 30 million viewers across multiple networks.

Keywords: obama infomercial, [political advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-advertising.md), hollywood production, [jeff zucker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeff-zucker.md), florida rally

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Political Messaging Critique, Obama vs McCain Branding (48:28–53:34)

The branding of the Obama campaign is described as an "extremely Madison Avenue" effort, utilizing specific fonts, logos, and art-directed convention materials. Critics argue that despite the "hope" messaging, the actual content often focuses on negative economic outlooks and wealth redistribution. The strategy of linking John McCain to George W. Bush is identified as a primary negative campaigning tactic.

Keywords: [political branding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-branding.md), [madison avenue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madison-avenue.md), hope poster, negative campaigning, [middle class](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/middle-class.md), election 2008

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Policy Analysis, Shadow Government and Military Expansion (53:36–58:35)

An examination of Barack Obama's stated policies suggests a potential doubling of the military budget and increased resources for Homeland Security. Concerns are raised regarding "safer internet" initiatives and the influence of advisors like Zbigniew Brzezinski. The discussion speculates on the role of the "shadow government" in directing the actions of the next president.

Keywords: [zbigniew brzezinski](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zbigniew-brzezinski.md), [shadow government](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shadow-government.md), [military budget](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-budget.md), [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md), [internet security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-security.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Avian Flu Funding, Star Trek and Manchurian Candidate Metaphors (58:36–1:01:50)

A policy proposal to allocate $4 billion for avian flu prevention is met with skepticism regarding the actual threat of the virus. The conversation shifts to cultural metaphors for political control, referencing a Star Trek episode about a drugged leader and the classic film The Manchurian Candidate. These stories are used to illustrate the potential for leaders to be manipulated by outside forces.

Keywords: [avian flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avian-flu.md), [star trek](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/star-trek.md), [manchurian candidate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manchurian-candidate.md), [frank sinatra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/frank-sinatra.md), political metaphors, [funding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/funding.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/14.md)

### 15. China in Africa, Resource Extraction and Economic Hitmen (1:01:52–1:09:03)

China has deployed approximately 750,000 workers to Africa, specifically the Congo, to secure minerals like cobalt and palladium for electronics manufacturing. The strategy involves building infrastructure in exchange for duty-free import rights and resource access. This model is compared to the "Economic Hitman" tactics described by author John Perkins, though China's approach is noted as uniquely aggressive.

Keywords: [congo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congo.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/africa.md), [john perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-perkins.md), [bechtel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bechtel.md), [mineral rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mineral-rights.md), [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Financial Derivatives, Deutsche Bank Oil Short ETN (1:09:04–1:12:18)

An investment in a "double short" oil exchange-traded note (ETN) issued by Deutsche Bank serves as a case study for complex financial vehicles. The prospectus for the instrument is described as being the size of a phone book and intentionally convoluted. These types of derivatives are criticized for their lack of transparency and "house of cards" structure.

Keywords: [deutsche bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deutsche-bank.md), etn, exchange traded note, oil short, dto, financial instruments

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Global Economic Order, Ben Bernanke and Covered Bonds (1:12:18–1:14:34)

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's recent statements suggest a shift toward a new global economic order involving government-backed "covered bonds." This move follows the effective nationalization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The discussion highlights the increasing role of explicit government guarantees in the mortgage and bond markets.

Keywords: [ben bernanke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-bernanke.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [erin burnett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erin-burnett.md), covered bonds, [fannie mae](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fannie-mae.md), [freddie mac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freddie-mac.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Bank Bailout Scandals, Executive Bonuses and Acquisitions (1:14:35–1:17:45)

Reports indicate that $60 billion of the federal bailout funds are being directed toward executive salaries and bonuses rather than consumer lending. Some institutions, like Wells Fargo and Barclays, initially resisted government funds to maintain independence. The Treasury Department's insistence on universal participation is characterized as a move to hide which banks are truly insolvent.

Keywords: [tarp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tarp.md), [bank bailout](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-bailout.md), executive bonuses, [wells fargo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wells-fargo.md), [barclays](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barclays.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Congo Conflict Coverage, News Porn and Charity History (1:17:45–1:22:36)

Mainstream media coverage of the conflict in the Congo is criticized as "news porn" that focuses on suffering without explaining the geopolitical causes. This leads to a retrospective on large-scale charity events like "Hands Across America" in 1986 and "USA for Africa." These efforts are characterized as largely ineffective at solving long-term systemic issues like homelessness and poverty.

Keywords: [congo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congo.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), news porn, [hands across america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hands-across-america.md), [bono](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bono.md), [humanitarian aid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/humanitarian-aid.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/19.md)

### 20. General Aviation, Flying in Europe and France (1:22:37–1:26:10)

A discussion on private aviation covers the logistics of flying small aircraft between the UK and mainland France. Specific locations like Le Touquet and the Champagne region are mentioned as popular destinations for UK pilots. The technical requirements for a preferred aircraft include pressurization and a high service ceiling to avoid weather turbulence.

Keywords: [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md), piper meridian, [normandy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/normandy.md), champagne region, private pilot, airfields

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Surveillance Paranoia, The Aga Stove Conspiracy (1:26:10–1:29:25)

A humorous theory is proposed that a specific brand of stove, the Aga, is being used as a "lure" to get Adam Curry to purchase a house that has been pre-wired for government surveillance. The coincidence of finding multiple houses with these rare stoves is framed as a potential "black flag operation." Curry jokes about finding the transmission unit to stream the surveillance for a fee.

Keywords: [aga stove](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aga-stove.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [bugs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bugs.md), [wiretapping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wiretapping.md), [real estate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-estate.md), [paranoia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paranoia.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Meteorology for Pilots, Cloud Formations and Safety (1:29:26–1:33:38)

The dangers of flying into cumulonimbus (nimbus) clouds are discussed, noting they can reach altitudes of 42,000 feet and cause severe turbulence. Pilots use weather radar to navigate around these formations rather than through them. Personal anecdotes include seeing funnel clouds near Chicago and witnessing the Aurora Borealis from an airplane.

Keywords: [cumulonimbus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cumulonimbus.md), nimbus clouds, [aurora borealis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aurora-borealis.md), weather radar, [flight safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-safety.md), [chicago](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chicago.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Election Night Preview, Hacking Democracy and Outro (1:33:38–1:36:26)

The hosts prepare for the upcoming 2008 presidential election, recommending the HBO documentary "Hacking Democracy" regarding voting machine vulnerabilities. They discuss the possibility of recounts and voter registration anomalies in states like Mississippi. The show concludes with plans for a post-election broadcast.

Keywords: election 2008, hacking democracy, [voting machines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voting-machines.md), [mississippi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mississippi.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/54-obama-armbands/chapter/23.md)

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