Wonder what lines the Republican Party views as particularly salient, in their ongoing quest to mislead the public and tear down President Obama? Wonder no more! Politico is happy to publish them as true, to keep you “informed”! In perhaps its most egregious offense, Politico acknowledges these “stories” are just that, and will only catch on if someone pays attention to them.

The Obama White House argues that all of these storylines are inaccurate or unfair. [. . .] But [these stories] all are serious threats to Obama, if they gain enough currency to become the dominant frame through which people interpret the president’s actions and motives.

Politico, of course, will happily pay them the requisite attention to establish that currency. What observer effect?