The Ron Burgundy President

That's how Don Surber describes the rookie president who the mainstream media is discovering is addicted to his teleprompter:

The president’s problem stems from his media-generated reputation as a world-class orator who could give a rousing set-piece speech, charm an audience and provide off-the-cuff answers to complicated questions thrown at him by reporters, opponents and voters. There were signs during the campaign itself that this might not be quite accurate, but just how inaccurate it was didn’t become obvious to the general public until after he entered the Oval Office.

It turns out that candidate Obama was at his best not in the hurly-burly give-and-take, but in delivering set pieces he could read from a teleprompter. When separated from his teleprompter and forced out on his own, he was far less sure-footed and a good deal less exciting. This happened more than once during the primaries, but reporters following him didn’t really cover it — and the fact that on his worst day he seemed more articulate than his Republican opponent in the general-election campaign that followed got him through Election Day with his reputation intact.

As president, however, he’s on his own, even though it turns out he’s so addicted to the teleprompter that one is tempted to believe he relies on it in private conversations with his wife and kids. He uses it for large speeches, news conferences and small gatherings. It turns out that he is to past presidents as news readers are to actual reporters. He reportedly even wants a video screen installed on his podium so that aides can provide answers to questions during press conferences. This is in such marked contrast to the image and reputation cultivated during his campaign and accepted by his adoring supporters that he now seems even less articulate than would otherwise be the case.

The whole article is here. If Obama was a Republican he and his teleprompter would be a standing weekly gag on Saturday Night Live. However, they haven't gotten over their idol worship so it may take awhile for them to catch on.