You’ve seen it (or heard about it) by now but a lot is being made about the New Yorker cover featuring Barack Obama and his wife.

 

Apparently, it’s meant as a satirical showpiece for a glowing article attacking the scare tactics being used by opponents of the presidential hopeful, but it is already causing a media firestorm. Obama’s camp is attacking it and apparently many think it’s in low taste, whatever the intent of it is. Of course, The New Yorker is defending it as satirical art.

 

Whatever your opinion of the cover is, The New Yorker has achieved their goal. They are now a media player (at least for the present) in the Presidential campaign. However, it’s a little disingenuous for them to play innocent as to why people may be offended. They knew what the reaction would be, and they love the results.

 

The any attention is good attention adage is more prevalent now than ever before. No one remembers the intent, the purpose or the consequence. They just remember your name. The New Yorker may take a beating for awhile. However, this will soon blow over and I imagine the New Yorker will still be on the forefront of most people’s minds; which is exactly what they wanted when they published the cover.