The quote highlights a situation where Michael Lewis, known for his book "Moneyball," was given special access to write an article about President Obama for Vanity Fair magazine. However, despite this privileged position, Obama insisted on reviewing and editing the quotes attributed to him before publication.
This statement reveals much about both Michael Lewis's influence as a writer and Obama's strategic approach to media representation. By allowing Lewis exclusive access but also demanding control over his portrayal through redlining his quotes, Obama demonstrated a nuanced understanding of how to manage his public image. This suggests that even with high-profile writers and open doors, the former president was vigilant about maintaining control over how he was perceived by the public. It underscores the delicate balance between allowing media coverage and ensuring personal messaging remains clear and consistent.
The quote comes from Ben Shapiro, a prominent American political commentator known for his conservative viewpoints on social and political issues. Shapiro often provides insights into the workings of power and politics in America, making this observation about President Obama's relationship with journalists particularly noteworthy as it adds to the broader narrative of political figures' media strategies.
