What is CNN trying to say with this image?

November 17, 2000 2:02 PM

What is CNN trying to say with this image? I uploaded it to my web space just in case the image changed at some point during the day. However, if you're quick and visit CNN's website right now, you might just get a glimpse of the least subtle political message this side of "Psst, Vote for me! My dad was president!"
posted by likorish (16 comments total)

HE'S DOING KARAOKE!

dear lord, what is this country coming to?
posted by Andrea at 2:04 PM on November 17, 2000

I'm confused, I thought they were the Clinton News Network. Why would any action that they take be seen as anything but out-and-out advocacy of American socialism?

Oh, wait, I get it. This is just one of those things they drop in every once in a while to prove that they "aren't" liberal. Like anyone would believe it.
posted by dhartung at 2:04 PM on November 17, 2000

Gore looks like he's having a tantrum. (His hands are clenched: 'Fightin' Al can't flow and get loose on the mike' is what it makes me feel.) Bush, by contrast, is trying to work this thumbs-up, sunny grin -- part R. Reagan, part 'what, me worry?'

Totally a minor thang-thang, but, like, at least have the gavel in the center upright between the two men, or pounding that little wooden block a gavel usually pounds!
posted by allaboutgeorge at 2:12 PM on November 17, 2000

Well, CNN sure was quick to proclaim Bush the new President on Election Night (the first one), immediately launching into fawning coronation mode, complete with lingering dramatic shots of jubilant Bush supporters. The subsequent backtracking reminded me of the scene in Austin Powers where Basil Exposition tells Austin the Cold War is over:

"Well, finally those capitalist pigs will pay for their crimes, eh? Eh, comrades? Eh?"

"Austin, we won."

"Oh, groovy, smashing, yay capitalism!"

posted by Byun-o-matic at 2:16 PM on November 17, 2000

It looks like Algore is singing, but in reality he's screaming into the mic: "Help me! Dubya is about to smash me with a giant gavel propelled by his telekinetic thumbs!"
posted by kindall at 2:17 PM on November 17, 2000

Actually, Byun-o-matic, the first network to call Bush the president-elect was Fox "We Distort You Deride" News. And the person at Fox News who made the call was John Ellis, George W. Bush's cousin.
posted by rcade at 2:32 PM on November 17, 2000

Perhaps it's a Flying Circus homage? I half expect to see a giant foot come down and squash them both.
posted by highindustrial at 2:36 PM on November 17, 2000

I think Bush and Gore are both stupid. What's the point of even talking about them?
posted by cell divide at 2:48 PM on November 17, 2000

It's that same CNN intern that's been getting psychedelic with Photoshop for the last week. The idea of some stoner artist kid sneaking this past the editorial squares is just hilarious.
posted by Optamystic at 2:50 PM on November 17, 2000

I'm with Optamystic. Whomever is in charge of the Bush-Gore leadoff images is having a whale of a time this week. It's fun to just go to http://www.cnn.com/images and pick them out at random.
posted by kevincmurphy at 2:57 PM on November 17, 2000

I just looked at it again, and now it looks like The Shrub is about to give a Caesar-style "thumbs down" to Gladiator Gore.
posted by Optamystic at 3:50 PM on November 17, 2000

Ka-BOOM!
posted by pnevares at 4:08 PM on November 17, 2000

Monkey Party!
posted by mathowie at 4:15 PM on November 17, 2000

It's a cleverly-coded commentary on the influence of special-interest money on politics. Gore is auctioning off Florida, Bush is signaling his bid, and the gavel is about to pound to close the deal.
posted by grimmelm at 9:34 PM on November 17, 2000

Yah, those face-offs are going to be missed when it's all over. Heck, every once in a while they throw in a normal shot of a judge or something. It breaks my heart.
posted by dhartung at 11:54 PM on November 17, 2000

Everyone now, Bang, bang, W's ...

posted by geronimo_rex at 9:57 AM on November 20, 2000