I assume this tripe is the WaPo’s idea of engaging with people who are too hip for Beltway pablum. But Digbydday’s right–this YouTube comes off as pathetic parody.

That said, it deserves condemnation even more for its "journalism" than for its lack of self-consciousness. Here’s the wisdom that Dana Milbank offers on the President.

We have some concerns about the tights, Mr. President. Republicans in Congress are already calling Obama timid for his response to the protests in Iran, and it’s hard to sound like a tough guy when you’re wearing red spandex.

Compare that with this take, from the guy they fired, on the same topic.

President Obama, making his most extensive and personal remarks yet condemning the crushing of dissent by the Iranian regime, also stressed today that it’s not his job to satisfy the 24-hour news cycle, with its rapacious appetite for conflict and ultimatums, but rather to advance the interests of the country on his own clock.

Responding to insistent questioning at today’s press conference from NBC News’s Chuck Todd about why he wouldn’t "spell out the consequences" for the Iranian government, Obama shot back: "We don’t know yet how this thing is going to play out.

"I know everybody here is on a 24-hour news cycle. I’m not. OK?"

And when CBS News’s Chip Reid recounted criticism from Republicans including former presidential candidate John McCain that Obama had thus far been timid and weak in his comments about Iran, Obama fired back: "You know, I think John McCain has genuine passion about many of these international issues. And, you know, I think that all of us share a belief that we want justice to prevail.

"But only I’m the president of the United States. And I’ve got responsibilities in making certain that we are continually advancing our national security interests and that we are not used as a tool to be exploited by other countries."

He added: "I think that in the hothouse of Washington, there may be all kinds of stuff going back and forth in terms of Republican critics versus the administration. That’s not what is relevant to the Iranian people…. They’re trying to figure out how can they make sure justice is served in Iran." [my emphasis]

Both are, essentially, beltway insiders commenting on beltway politicking. One manages to diminish the Iranian crisis into yet another horserace pitting Republicans against the world. And the other refuses that frame entirely and reminds readers what the real import of this story is. And, manages to engage those who refuse the pablum passed by the beltway rag, as well. 

Update: Oops–it was dday, not Digby, who did the post on this. Thanks 4jkb4ia.