The BP oil spill is a disaster of many kinds—one that stems from disdain for procedure and regulation and maybe even environmental laws—as well as a PR disaster. But what a PR disaster it is.

BP has failed to plug the hole spewing oil and the holes spewing lies. Testifying before congress, CEO Tony Hayward mumbled apologies but offered no new information, no satisfying explanation or real solution. And this after the company failed to show the proper concern and responsibility just after the blast—instead feigning complete optimism. Then there’s Hayward’s oh-so-sensitive “I’d like my life back” statement. I doubt anyone, especially those with loved ones who were killed in the explosion, much appreciates that sentiment coming from that party. (more…)

Two days after its author’s appearance on “Oprah,” Going Rogue is Amazon’s #1 best seller, which means Sarah Palin admirers have gotten an early start on their Christmas shopping. Whether the book’s recipients will actually read it is another matter. This is, however, no reflection on the literacy of Palinites. Or not much of one. (more…)

Who knew Gore Vidal was into scrapbooking? His picture album, Snapshots in History’s Glare, reveals a side of the literary lion we’d never seen before, and frankly, I’m disappointed. I had never taken Vidal for the sentimental type. (more…)

President Obama publicly addressed school children this past Tuesday to encourage them to stay in school and continue to work hard to achieve their goals. Thousands of parents freaked out.

Sound the alarm! He’s corrupting our children!

The thing is, to kids, the President is not a bastion of hope for a faltering American economy, nor is he a socialist pushing some dangerous  healthcare agenda. He’s just the president. He’s the guy who has George Washington’s job.  When the President reaches out to tell kids to study rather than bet on a career in the NFL, that is a harmless message.

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Whatever else might be said about the Kennedys, they are masters of media relations. Not always, of course, for this gifted but troubled brood has had its share of blots on the escutcheon to scrub clean. The Chappaquiddick calamity was only one of many, after all, and even taking that disaster into account, no one has ever handled embarrassment with greater skill and insouciance. Perhaps it has something to do with practice. (more…)