A Searching Portrait: Barack Obama's March Madness
by Vera H-C ChanApr 29, 2009
As part of our continuing series, "A Searching Portrait: Barack Obama's 100 Days," here are the grumbles, economic obsessions, and stimulating controversies that dominated March 2009 searches. (Check for January and February posts on those searches.)
Home is where the stimulus is
Readers absorb headline after headline on the "economic crisis" and "stimulus package," and wonder exactly "what is an earmark?" As politicians tussle and experts weed through the back-and-forth on the subject, citizens grimly ask for more clarity on "what is an economic depression economy?"
The biggest Search activity concerns the homestead. The usual crowd-pleasing "economic stimulus package 2008 tax rebates" now pales in comparison to the clamor for details on "fannie mae loans," "financialstability.gov," "homeowner affordability and stability plan," "hud," and the "making home affordable initiative."
The talk circuit
Never at a loss for words, Barack Obama has a mild case of the giggles (or chuckles) on "60 Minutes" and apologizes for a Special Olympics line on "The Tonight Show." He recovers with a March 24 press conference and proves his power by pre-empting "American Idol." Although the economy dominates the conversation (and searches), people take time out to review his positions on "stem cell research" and "education." After the excitement over the White House Easter Egg Roll (and outrage over GM CEO Rick Wagoner's compensation), attention shifts overseas as the Obamas make their first European tour in their official capacity for the G20 Summit.
Getting personal with the president
Obama always has his opponents, and persistent rumors once again resurface, as do queries such as "obama antichrist," "obama birth certificate, and "the obama deception." Other chinks in the armor is No. 44's reliance on the teleprompter (spurring the query, "what is a teleprompter?").
All is not negative: "Saturday Night Live" wins with "The Rock Obama" skit. And even though "notre dame scandal" searches pop up when the university takes back an invite for the president to speak, a lot more people just care about the president's NCAA picks.
Look for the last 100 Days post of April searches on diplomatic etiquette, taxing questions, and the day of the dog.
