Obama speaks on his bicycle helmet dilemma: safety or Dukakis goofiness?

[DeepModem Mom]

CNN: June 13, 2008
Obama’s helmet dilemma: safety or Dukakis goofiness?
From CNN Political Producer Alexander Marquardt


Sen. Barack Obama goes for a bike ride in Chicago, Illinois, last Sunday.

(CNN) – As Barack Obama relaxed last weekend following his 15-month fight for the Democratic nomination, he struggled with an internal debate before going on a bike ride with his family – should he wear a helmet?

“I knew that the (Associated Press) was going to take a picture, and they were trying to portray it like Dukakis wearing that tank helmet,” Obama told donors at a $2,300-a-plate fundraiser in Chicago hosted by F.K Day, the president of World Bicycle Relief. “But I wanted to make sure that the children who saw that picture knew that even the Democratic nominee for president wears a helmet when he goes biking,” he said to hearty applause.

1988 Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis infamously donned a helmet for a photo-op in an M1 Abrams tank. It backfired and the picture was used by opponent George H.W. Bush in ads mocking Dukakis.

But despite scoring points from the bicycle-friendly crowd that included former Tour de France winner Greg Lemond, Obama acknowledged that the helmet didn’t make up for his stylishly-questionable get-up that included a polo shirt tucked into his jeans and sneakers.

“Now, obviously the rest of my apparel was apparently not up to snuff, because I got a hard time from all sorts of blogs,” he said, “Who said I looked like Urkel.”

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/13/obama%e2%80%99s-helmet-dilemma-safety-or-dukakis-goofiness/

NOTE: See this post by DUer krkaufman, who uncovered the cropping of the AP photos, eliminating the image of a helmeted Sasha Obama riding in tandem behind her father:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=108x132577

After viewing video of the bike ride with the tandem, and then seeing the cropped photos, krkaufman suspected a deliberate attempt to make Obama look "dorky." krkaufman called AP, and was told the cropping was for security reasons.

[tekisui]

1. I did wonder why Sasha was cropped out.

[DeepModem Mom]

3. AP told krkaufman it was for security reasons. krkaufman saw a brief video clip...

with the tandem, and when he saw the still pictures he suspected a deliberate attempt to make Obama look "dorky." Thanks -- I've edited this info into the OP.

[krkaufman]

67. Speaking of the VIDEO CLIP ....

View it here, should you be so reclined.

[Cronus Protagonist]

10. The kid is not fair game for the media circus

And I don't think Obama was using her for that purpose either.

[tekisui]

13. I don't think he was either, I just thought it was strange.

We've seen her in lots of pictures and it is obvious that he had a tandem add-on.

[SwampG8r]

82. i hate to be the one who says it but....

the children become public figures too
just like chelsea clinton
jenna and barbara bush
amy carter
julie nixon
linda bird johnson
caroline and john jr kennedy

its not a nice thing but its the way it is
from what i have seen though
i think obamas kids have a strong enough family structure to withstand it
and parents strong enough to help them deal with it

i see these girls and im not worried they are good strong american young women

[Zuiderelle]

2. Well, in my opinion, the Urkel-look works for him. Plus, it was a very wise move.

Without helmet, he would have been crucified.

[tridim]

8. "Urkel-look"

:rofl:

It's better than the "Chimp look" or "Old-coot" look any day. America loved Urkel.

[Cha]

39. Have you seen Urkel lately..a real hottie..

and I thought he was adorable growing up!

[Drunken Irishman]

43. Exactly. The fire strom would've been 100 times worse had he not had a helmet on!

[cyndensco]

55. Really. Obama is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.

I was happy to see him wearing a helmet. Helmet-usage was always a problem in my house - my husband refused to wear one though I (and the law) required the use by my young sons.

Parent by example. Go Obama!

[blm]

81. That is exactly what the media does - Kerry is a SERIOUS competitive cyclist since childhood

yet the media would act as if there was something wrong with a mna for wearing cycling clothes to bike in a race because they wanted to create a negative narrative going.

But Lance Armstrong got Athlete of the Year HOW MANY TIMES?

NOW that they don't have to protect Bush boy from Kerry the media can afford to be more fair when they discuss cycling and its rigors with Kerry.

Dems cannot further the media perception when they go after Obama on stuff like this - FIGHT IT. They will say whatever it takes and get some weakminded Dems to agree with their perception. DON'T FALL FOR IT AGAIN.

>>>>>>>

June 13, 2008, 12:40 pm
John Kerry Eyes the Pack, With Envy



By Robert Mackey
Sen. KerrySenator John Kerry on his road bike in Boston in July, 2004. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

23 Days to L’Étape. Today’s training: a recovery ride ahead of a couple of long rides this weekend. Felt pretty strong during last night’s endurance ride and had a chance to ride briefly in a large group of triathletes training in Central Park.

Knocking down a rumor that he might be among the thousands at the starting line in Pau on July 6, Senator John Kerry, a serious cyclist who climbed Alpe d’Huez last summer, told me today that his busy schedule of election-year duties will keep him from taking part next month. “I am not doing the Étape this year, though I wish I was… it’s going to be a great series of climbs,” Senator Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, said. “I’d love to try to do it,” he added, holding out the possibility that he might find a way to give the Étape a go next year.

Mr. Kerry explained that he has been a cyclist and a cycling fan since childhood. “I was introduced to the Tour de France when I was young, because my dad was in the foreign service, so I’ve followed it for years,” he said. He has also participated in cycling events closer to home, in both Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, but knows first-hand how tough some of the Tour’s most famous climbs can be.

Having willed himself up both the Alpe d’Huez and the equally tough Mont Ventoux last year, the senator said he had an answer of sorts to the question posed last week by Jonathan Vaughters, our guest-blogger, as to why any non-professional would climb these mountains voluntarily. “For me, it’s a great challenge, and it’s beautiful, and part of the enjoyment is getting through these periods of suffering,'’ he said. “You get to a place where it’s really clicking … and it’s exciting, but challenging and intense.”

I asked him about the fact that some American sports fans with little first-hand experience of the sport seem to underestimate just how very tough cycling can be — meaning cyclists enjoy a less macho reputation here than in Europe. Senator Kerry, who has played a lot of other sports and run a marathon, said that in his experience, climbing on a bike is “as hard as anything you’ll ever do.”
>>>>>

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. Its the law in California

and a good one

[Cronus Protagonist]

11. Only for children

And it's payola for the equipment manufacturing lobby.

[On the Road]

79. No Serious Cyclist Would Ever Say That

Not wearing a helmet gets people killed every year, both kids and adults.

[Cronus Protagonist]

90. Wel, tough shit, I'm a serious cyclist and I said that, so what does that make you?

If a serious cyclist cycles in downtown traffic more than three days a week like I do. I've found a police whistle is most effective in avoiding accidents, and a foam helmet is absolutely useless in the event of a car crash anyway.

[On the Road]

91. Riding in Traffic Without a Helmet is Suicidal

I was in an ER once and witnessed a young person being brought in who had been riding without a helmet and crashed. He was dead on arrival.

When I say serious cyclists, I am talking about people who know equipment, race, do their own repair, take long-distance trips, are long-term fans of the Tour de France, or have some similar connection to the cycling world. Cycling is dangerous, and everyone in this group knows of multiple horror stories.

Not wearing a helmet would have been an incredibly bad decision for Obama.

[Cronus Protagonist]

93. All I said was it was teh law in CA only for children

Adults are not required to wear headgear. Serious cyclist wear motorcycle helmets, i they wear any. These foam pouffe things are almost useless. I've been cycling in traffic for 30+ years and never had an accident. Of course, if one is going to be an idiot, perhaps helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, leathers and leather boots might do about as much good as they do for motorcyclists... in other words, very little.

[Romulox]

5. To heck with that: Wear a helmet EVERY TIME you ride a bike!

“But I wanted to make sure that the children who saw that picture knew that even the Democratic nominee for president wears a helmet when he goes biking.”

Damn straight. I personally wear a helmet not only to protect myself, but to set a good example for kids, and I applaud Senator Obama for doing the same. Not dorky in the least, imo.



The rest of the outfit, well...

[americanstranger]

14. Right on. My wife and I wear them every time we ride.

Better your brains stay in your head than scrambled on the curb or sidewalk.

- as

[frazzled]

17. Testify

I am personally in favor of helmet laws. (Even if they are somewhat unenforceable, they nonetheless send a strong message).

I have seen the traumatic head injury done to a bicycle accident victim without a helmet, and I have also seen a close family member survive a serious accident totally intact. The doctors told him he was the poster boy for helmets: he may have punctured a lung and broken a few ribs and gotten really badly road burned, but body surfing into a curb head-first, he sustained no head injuries because of a good helmet.

[hedgehog]

52. Similar thing happened to my daughter - she managed to flip the

bike and rupture her spleen riding down a steep hill, but the helmet saved her face and head!

[PoliticalAmazon]

6. He has to set an example for his daughters. Really, the MSM is ....

making themselves look petty and unprofessional with this type of coverage.

[Cha]

18. The m$$m already look petty and unprofessional so

they're lowering the bar as we type.

[krkaufman]

64. Which is especially, sadly ironic given the other news from the day ...

Tim Russert dies of heart attack

... and the man's recent declaration, during MSNBC coverage of the final day of the Democratic primaries ...

Tim Russert on his hopes for the 2008 elections

RUSSERT: I just wanted to make one quick comment because I have been thinking a lot about the speeches we heard and what presidential elections can mean to a country. Everybody has hopes and dreams and aspirations about how we see our country and how we see our world. And I do think that John McCain and Barack Obama are really going to paint very different pictures. We saw the beginning of that tonight. And it's going to be really extraordinary for us as a country, as a people, to have this chance to listen to this. And when I heard Obama begin to talk in these patriotic themes about how he envisioned the country and the world, I automatically called up John McCain saying, we always have to be conscious and aware of something beyond ourselves, something more important than ourselves. We have two very idealistic men. We have two very patriotic men. But we have men with very, very different senses of what our country should be in the surrounding world. And if we can have an election with huge differences on big issues, it will be so important for our country and our democracy and it can really add even more to this already historic election.

Here's hoping we can have an election -- and election coverage -- of which Tim Russert would be proud.

[Overseas]

7. Glad he's using a helmet.

It is not a Dukakis thing. It is not a tank, for heaven's sake. It is a bicycle and helmets help avoid brain damage from accidents.

[krkaufman]

61. ... where the context of riding tandem with his daughter has been removed.

Were the daughter in the pics, the context would be entirely different.

[Romulox]

9. Obama's bike looks too small for him, fwiw...nt

[SwampG8r]

83. back tire needs air too

what kind of man rides around half inflated?
















:sarcasm: :hide: :popcorn:

[grytpype]

12. That dorky bike is what I would be worried about!

And I agree it looks too small for him, he needs to raise his seat a bunch.

/biker
//always wears helmet

[TahitiNut]

15. I wonder if any DUer could survive even a week of such scrutiny.

I find the petty and self-congratulatory comments about a weekend bike ride appallingly hypocritical. There's apparently not a damned thing any candidate could do that wasn't grist for SOMEONE'S self-serving ax. Between "the seat's too low" and "his feet aren't peddling correctly," there's more than enough room for "get a fucking life, asshole!"

(Sheesh!) Do people sit on their front porches and swill a long-neck while speaking disparagingly about their neighbors like this? (I sure hope such assholes don't move next door to me.)


God bless him for spending time with his kids and modeling a healthy activity responsibly done. God bless the guy who doesn't think every activity requires another 'outfit' Made in China. I get so disgusted with 'fashion' Nazis - why the FUCK can they get hung up on that dreck when people are going homeless and hungry??

[Romulox]

25. People pay $250 for a proper bike fitting!

Virtually everyone on this thread is applauding Obama on this issue. I think you are just picking up on "bike talk", which cyclists of all political bents are notorious for...

[TahitiNut]

30. Idiots pay money for all kinds of insane things.

So what?

[Romulox]

32. Right. Like arthroscopic knee surgery

:hi: :rofl:

[TahitiNut]

33. So, now Obama's going to need arthroscopic knee surgery due to a weekend bike ride?

Nevermind the people making mountains out of molehills ... when YOU do it with dust bunnies. Can you post even more insanely self-centered posturing? (Sheesh!)

I get it. You're the world's greatest expert on riding a bicycle. You're PROUD and you're LOUD. Big fucking deal.

[Romulox]

36. LOL. You seem determined to pick a fight no matter what I say.

Sorry for having the temerity to attempt to engage you in light conversation! :silly:

[Romulox]

53. Just went back and read through this exchange.

I really don't understand the level of hostility... :shrug:

[senseandsensibility]

63. Don't feel bad

I've been running into a lot of that lately, too. I try to be a positive poster and I never challenge anyone, but often I get attacked. It does seem more prevalent just in the past couple of days or so. Just thought I'd let you know you're not alone.:)

[SwampG8r]

86. i dont attack anyone but mccain

but i will defend myself against anyone

i think its a form of PTSD lol

:hug: :toast:

[krkaufman]

66. Yes, I'd like to see a Venn diagram analyzing those criticizing Obama's appearance in this pic ...

... and those deriding Obama as "elite." Which is it gonna be? Oh... right... whatever the hell is convenient to the juvenile storyline being pushed.

[SwampG8r]

84. i myself

am glad to see a guy running who loves his kids enough to spend as much time as he seems to always find
says a lot about him to me
and the interaction between them is always loving and positive
reminds me of my daughters softball coach lol
coach dave for VP

[Major Hogwash]

92. I totally agree. Most people commenting on Obama that way probably don't own a single mirror.

Because whether they know it or not, they look the same way when they ride a bike, if ever.

[Cha]

16. Good ol' our

krkaufman!

I gave a high 5 to a friend in the co-op, I hadn't seen in while..we're happy it's Obama but, the first thing he said was did you hear what faux said about Michelle and Obama when they were doing their "pound" or "dap" celebration? "Yes, she wondered whether it was a terrorist jab or not?" I told him that pundit got fired. He was glad about that.

It's the media stupid in our case..I told him they were john mccain's base.

[Mrs. Overall]

19. Why isn't the press going after this pic of McCain riding his bike when he was a younger man:

Riding a bike in a tie with a funny little cap??

[nomorewhopper]

21. lmao

[ContinentalOp]

34. Hey now...

Any guy who rides a penny farthing around Yosemite is already a million miles cooler than McCain in my book.

[krkaufman]

70. Oh, dude, I *SO* wish I could Photoshop. That'd be so perfect ...

... however harsh.

[nomorewhopper]

20. i am a cyclist and huge bike nerd and i think

that obama looks great! nothing like seeing a father taking his little girl out for a bike ride.

and he's right. it's a great image to show the world. cycling is an amazing sport, amazing transportation, and an amazing hobby to share with your children! go sasha!

[zulchzulu]

22. Holy crap! George Bush wears a helmet too!!!

Finally! Some REAL NEWS!

:boring:

[Romulox]

24. Then on this narrow issue, I applaud both W. and Obama!

Toe clips, on the other hand, suck.

[ContinentalOp]

35. Yeah but Obama's problem is this:

He refuses to ride a red white and blue bike while wearing a red white and blue helmet and riding his bike in circles around an American flag. Can we really trust the guy to be commander in chief if he doesn't bicycle alongside an American flag at all times?

[Ysabel]

48. i probably ought to read all the other posts before i post heh...

[Vinca]

40. But we know Georgie-boy hasn't always worn a helmet . . .

the brain damage is a dead giveaway.

[Ysabel]

47. lol yeah and he just happened to ride by a flag on some country road...

[whistler162]

23. Can you picture the furor if he hadn't worn a helmet!

[RichardRay]

38. I was frankly fearful that the reason for the cropping...

was that Sasha was on the trailer/bike without a helmet on! That would have caused a uproar.

[Median Democrat]

26. Obama Does Not Look Very Elite In Those Pictures, Compare Bush

He looks almost as dorky as I do with my kids, since I don't have the special biking shoes, european biking pants, like President Bush:

<>

I am sure that any self-respecting blue collar American who bikes with his kids will make sure to get the spandex biking pants and european style biking jersey replete with logos, rather than bike in jeans and a polo short through their neighborhood with, god forbid, a kid trailer.

[krkaufman]

71. Yeah, I'd like someone well-versed in cycling to itemize the bike, apparel and accessories ...

... in this Bush picture, and then we can see just how much of a "regular guy" ol' Georgie really is.

[Median Democrat]

72. Bush's Bike is a Trek Fuel 98 - $2,300

Yup, Bush rides a $2,300 Trek Fuel 98. That's right, Bush is a man of the people unlike that elitist Barack Obama with his elite Urkel style riding gear.

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2002&Brand=Trek&Model=Fuel+98&Type=bike

[krkaufman]

73. HOLY CRAP! That's even higher than I expected.

Thanks for the tip.

[SOS]

27. A father and daughter go for a bike ride

and the crypto-fascists try to make political hay out of it.
This country is in deep trouble.

[unpossibles]

28. as someone with a seven-stitch scar in his forehead and a two-stitch one next to my eye

always wear a helmet.

[Sparkly]

29. I think Obama is virtually incapable of looking goofy.

I don't see what the big deal is about helmets!

[Ysabel]

49. i think obama looks great this non-issue is really ridiculous...

edit: because my typing (multiple typos) today is worse than usual...

[OwnedByFerrets]

31. Dont you just love a person

who thinks before he does things.....especially those things that could be harmful.

[IDemo]

37. At least he didn't do a face plant. Unlike SOME presidential bike riders..

[ekelly]

89. Holy Crap! That mark on his face looks like

Louisiana......dontcha think?

Branded for his sins against humanity.

[faithfulcitizen]

41. LOL- too funny!

[chimpymustgo]

42. THe helmet is NOT the problem. The tucked in polo shirt with belt and uncool jeans IS.

At least he's not wearing those silly bike pants Kerry wore. It's the whole outfit that screams URKEL.

[ecstatic]

50. He should have worn a tshirt and sweats or shorts

Depending, of course, on the final destination.

[seasat]

44. If he'd dressed in full biking gear, they'd have called him elitist.

I think the media are pissed because he didn't show up in spandex with a full racing setup. IMHO, they wanted a picture they could use like John Kerry's wind surfing to continue their meme. Instead they get a guy showing up dressed like I would if I took my kids on a bike ride. He looks like an ordinary dad on any week end afternoon out with his kid.

[backscatter712]

45. Big whoop!

If Obama looking dorky on a bicycle in a helmet and polo shirt is the worst we have to worry about, we're home free!

[Madam Mossfern]

46. I don't think it looks dorky.

Would some prefer that he risk a serious head injury?

[IndependentDem]

51. the "polo shirt tucked into his jeans" is dorky...

but hell I want my president to be a bit dorky.

[L0oniX]

54. Some areas have bicycle helmet laws. Those laws are not always enforced.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

56. He's setting a good example and it looks fine.

Obama's bicycle helmet is not nearly as unfortunate as this accessory on McCain.




Now THAT'S embarrassing!

[MagickMuffin]

57. Look you else wears a helmet, ALL bike helmets are strange looking

[Orsino]

58. A real president sets a good example.

That's a good example.

[MaineDem]

59. I think it's good he brought up the Dukakis image

Blew any sort of comparison right out of the discussion.

He looks just fine!

[lojasmo]

60. His outfit looked silly

But I don't care. At least he didn't look completely out of touch like Kerry did.

[ShortnFiery]

62. They look "just fine" to me ... the negativity is superficial, if not wholly manufactured. eom

[Alcibiades]

65. I often tuck my polo short into my pants

I had no idea this was considered bad by some. I'm a suburban dad, not a rock star. What are we supposed to wear, leather thongs?

Obama looks like a regular guy, except he's probably more fit.

[stillcool]

68. oh fer chrissakes...

I'd like to see John and Cindy McCain on a bicycle.

[krkaufman]

69. I've since received an email from the original AP photographer, Alex Brandon ...

... and he stated that he doesn't believe he shot any pics with Sasha in-frame.

> Dear Karl, Please contact our New York headquarters at 212-621-1930 or www.apimages.com
>
> I don't believe I shot any with his daughter in the frame.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Alex Brandon
> Staff Photographer
> Associated Press

As you can see, no explanation was given by the photographer for the omission of Sasha, but I've sent a followup asking for more info.

p.s. I just checked the apimages.com website per the photog's suggestion, and the only pics available are the pics we've seen.

[Eurobabe]

74. After having a motorcycle accident in 2003

I am very happy to wear helmets whenever I bike AND ski. Alot of adults wear them too. I don't give a shit if it is fashionable or not, it is safe. If I hadn't had on a full face helmet when I flipped over my handlebars from my Suzuki, I would have had to have had reconstructive surgery on my face.

I love my face and my head. :hi: So if that's Urkel, bring it on.



So if that's "Urkel," bring it on. 'Nuf said.

[comrade snarky]

87. Totally agree

I sacrificed a collarbone to the gods of 2 wheeled transport, flying over the handlebars.

I wasn't wearing a helmet at the time and I'm lucky to be alive or at least lucky not to be drooling and soiling myself. In my own defense I was 18 and astoundingly stupid. That was my last ride without one. Bicycle helmets may look dorky but they look a lot better than a traumatic skull fracture. I applaud Obama for being a good example for his kids.

The polo shirt however, ouch.

[Straight Shooter]

75. I wear a helmet.

I don't care how cool it looks for the wind to be blowing through my hair as I'm cruising down the road, when I'm on my bike, I wear a helmet. Better safe than sorry. Believe me, I've seen sorry, and I don't want to go there.

[Raine]

76. WTF is wrong with being "dorky"

that usually refers to someone who is serious and intelligent and doesn't go for fads and looking cool. I prefer a president who is "dorky" verses an IDIOT like what we've had for 8 years.

[LTR]

77. Damn, Obama's got the right answers for everything

“But I wanted to make sure that the children who saw that picture knew that even the Democratic nominee for president wears a helmet when he goes biking.”


“Now, obviously the rest of my apparel was apparently not up to snuff, because I got a hard time from all sorts of blogs,” he said, “Who said I looked like Urkel.”


This guy's freakin' brilliant!

[Puzzler]

78. It's odd reading this thread from a BC perspective.

In BC (where I live), wearing a bicycle helment is the law... for everyone. The police enforce it too.

[Seabiscuit]

80. I think the helmet looks cool and sends the right message; and what's wrong with

him tucking in his shirt? People do that all over, you know. It's getting ridiculous - some people are even calling his jeans "uncool". As if they knew what was "cool".

[CreekDog]

85. In Dukakis' case, it was the tank not the helmet

and he lost that election long before that incident.

if Obama hadn't worn the helmet, he would be excoriated for setting a bad example.

[rocktivity]

88. The press would be giving Obama all kinds of hell if he HADN'T worn a helmet

Wreckless, disrepectful of the law, endangering his daughter. And what's wrong with a shirt tucked into jeans (which lessens the chance of it getting caught on something) if you're just going for a leisurely Sunday ride in the park? If that makes him a "dork," what would the press be calling him if he'd worn REAL cycling gear?




Would they have been happier with an untucked T-shirt?




NO T-shirt?




Or untucked jeans?





If this is the dirtiest stuff they can dig up on him, it's going a VERY long, hot summer...

:eyes:
rocknation

[galledgoblin]

94. I once watched this video on biking in the Netherlands

over there, bikes and other pedestrians are given priority when planning streets and usually have seperate paved and maintained paths, including priority in winter plowing.

they don't wear helmets because they don't need them. it's amazing, standard pedestrian or bike v. automobile accidents are rare, although they are working on improving safety with intersecting driveways.

maybe after 8 years of the Obama administration, we'll be well on the way to getting rid of those dorky helmets!

http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/bike-saf.html#netherlands
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_in_the_Netherlands

[insanity]

96. I love biking in the Netherlands

So pretty and so easy to get around. Cyclists have first priority everywhere.

If this country was more like the Netherlands in a number of ways, we'd be better off.

[bklyncowgirl]

95. He looks fine--at least he has jeans on and not some silly biking outfit

It always bugs me these seeing guys out for a bike ride with their kids dressed up like they were competing in the Tour de France.

[Bassic]

97. Jesus H. Christ, why is this considered news?

I can't fucking believe that this is actually a news story, :wtf: