Photo of Obama Smoking is Photoshopped

Puppycow · 4th July 2008, 03:29 AM

You know, I just realized that a certain picture of Obama that I've seen floating around the internets (including the avatar of a poster in this forum) is apparantly photoshopped to show Obama smoking a cigarette.

I had heard he smokes, so I assumed the picture was legit, but then (weeks later) I saw the version without the cigarette.

MRC_Hans · 4th July 2008, 03:36 AM

Mmm, my immidiate thought was that the one without the cigarette might just as well be the photoshopped one, but looking at the pictures, I agree with you. The cigarette is pretty obviously an edit-in. No shadow, no forming of lips, no smoke.

Hans

boloboffin · 4th July 2008, 08:46 AM

Next comes the explanation that while the photo is forged, it shows the truth of the situation, right?

NoZed Avenger · 4th July 2008, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by boloboffin

Next comes the explanation that while the photo is forged, it shows the truth of the situation, right?

You mean the truth that "there are idiots on the internet" ?

Well, to the extent more proof was needed, etc. etc.

Brainster · 4th July 2008, 12:36 PM

Mrs Obama asks us to remember that this isn't going to feed her kids.

Jimbo07 · 4th July 2008, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by NoZed Avenger

You mean the truth that "there are idiots on the internet" ?

I'm here! What did I miss?

Oh... wait...

Tricky · 4th July 2008, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Brainster

Mrs Obama asks us to remember that this isn't going to feed her kids.

Mrs McCain asks us to remember that smearing Obama with photoshopped pictures isn't going to win her husband the election.

quixotecoyote · 4th July 2008, 03:23 PM

.3% below the average smear tactic effectiveness!

corplinx · 4th July 2008, 06:24 PM

All the cigarette does is make him look cool.

JEROME DA GNOME · 4th July 2008, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Tricky

Mrs McCain asks us to remember that smearing Obama with photoshopped pictures isn't going to win her husband the election.

How is this a smear?

He does smoke, yes?

chipmunk stew · 4th July 2008, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by JEROME DA GNOME

How is this a smear?

He does smoke, yes?

Nope. He promised Michelle and his kids he'd quit before he ran for president. I think he still chews nicotine gum.

JEROME DA GNOME · 4th July 2008, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by chipmunk stew

Nope. He promised Michelle and his kids he'd quit before he ran for president. I think he still chews nicotine gum.

Nicotine gum, is that like taking methadone?

Cleon · 4th July 2008, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by JEROME DA GNOME

Nicotine gum, is that like taking methadone?

No.

Klimax · 5th July 2008, 01:24 AM

Is not out there better photo than this?It is of small quality,so it can be taken both ways.AT least to me.

Puppycow · 5th July 2008, 01:45 AM

Originally Posted by Klimax

Is not out there better photo than this?It is of small quality,so it can be taken both ways.AT least to me.

I think it was made slightly off-focus on purpose, so that the manipulation would be less obvious. The original is clearly in focus. It's obvious to me that the one with the cigarette is the fake.

Klimax · 5th July 2008, 03:11 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

I think it was made slightly off-focus on purpose, so that the manipulation would be less obvious. The original is clearly in focus. It's obvious to me that the one with the cigarette is the fake.

I've got similar effect with cheap videocamera,that is why I ask.(JAQing

)

LawnOven · 5th July 2008, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Klimax

I've got similar effect with cheap videocamera,that is why I ask.(JAQing

)

It definately looks like a photograph, taken with a flash, and not a video still, if thats what you mean.

There's the blown highlights and strong shadows.

Klimax · 6th July 2008, 03:16 AM

Originally Posted by LawnOven

It definately looks like a photograph, taken with a flash, and not a video still, if thats what you mean.

There's the blown highlights and strong shadows.

Not neccesary video.For reference I had Panasonic: NV-GS 18;180 and 320 in this order and the last one is still serving.

NV-GS 18 was taking "photographs" as a still picture on DV tape.And all three have bit cheaper CCD senzors wich are producing sometimes visible noise.When filtering out it,similar effect is sure to happen.(Just filtering like FFT-like is good "producer" with bad parameters)

If I take a look to archive I might be able to find good example of nonfiltred picture where this happened as well.(And no flash-have not bought it and applies only to latter two models)

P.S.:I could make mistake as most of archive was lost.

Rob Lister · 6th July 2008, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Cleon

No.

yes. That's exactly what it is like.

joobz · 6th July 2008, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by Rob Lister

yes. That's exactly what it is like.

No, from a pharmacological stand point it isn't.

1.) methadone and heroin are completely different chemicals. Nicotine IS the chemical in cigarettes.

2.) Methadone's longer halflife is used to reduce the severity of withdrawal and also block (via receptor competition) the rush of injected heroin. Nicotine gum directly feeds the nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine gum does not block the effects of inhaled nicotine and can add to them. Nicotine gum's sole function is to break the actual habit of smoking by seperating nicotine addiction from the smoking habit.

Meadmaker · 6th July 2008, 08:27 PM

The pathetic thing here is that someone would bother to fake the photo.

Cleon · 6th July 2008, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Rob Lister

yes. That's exactly what it is like.

I repeat: No.

David Wong · 6th July 2008, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by Meadmaker

The pathetic thing here is that someone would bother to fake the photo.

Unless a supporter did it because it makes him look cool as hell.

aerosolben · 7th July 2008, 04:28 AM

CLEARLY unqualified to be President. Do you want your children to start putting cigarettes in their ears?

Klimax · 7th July 2008, 06:00 AM

After one easy experiment,it is clear that it is manipulated picture.
(I just forgot

to check for horizontal flip!!!

ETA:

chipmunk stew · 7th July 2008, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by aerosolben

CLEARLY unqualified to be President. Do you want your children to start putting cigarettes in their ears?

Funniest parody of the week award.

The Painter · 7th July 2008, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Meadmaker

The pathetic thing here is that someone would bother to fake the photo.

Yeah!!! Who would do such a thing?????

aerosolben · 7th July 2008, 04:04 PM

Photoshop is an important component of all political discussion on the Internet.

4th July 2008, 03:29 AM	#1
Puppycow Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 6,323	Photo of Obama Smoking is Photoshopped You know, I just realized that a certain picture of Obama that I've seen floating around the internets (including the avatar of a poster in this forum) is apparantly photoshopped to show Obama smoking a cigarette. I had heard he smokes, so I assumed the picture was legit, but then (weeks later) I saw the version without the cigarette.
	__________________ I can't come to bed yet, honey. Someone on the Internet is wrong. -XKCD Philosophy is questions that may never be answered. Religion is answers that may never be questioned. -Anonymous Religions are God's way of telling us that He doesn't exist. -Pat Condell

4th July 2008, 03:36 AM	#2
MRC_Hans Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: N55.47'36" E12.30'21" Posts: 10,485	Mmm, my immidiate thought was that the one without the cigarette might just as well be the photoshopped one, but looking at the pictures, I agree with you. The cigarette is pretty obviously an edit-in. No shadow, no forming of lips, no smoke. Hans
	__________________ The time is always right to do what is right. (Martin Luther King JR.)

4th July 2008, 12:36 PM	#5
Brainster Philosopher Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,063	Mrs Obama asks us to remember that this isn't going to feed her kids.
Brainster Philosopher Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,063	__________________ 1960s Comic Book Nostalgia Check out my (Republican-oriented) Political Blog. Visit the Screw Loose Change blog.

4th July 2008, 01:38 PM	#6
Jimbo07 Illuminator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,235	Originally Posted by NoZed Avenger You mean the truth that "there are idiots on the internet" ? I'm here! What did I miss? Oh... wait...
Jimbo07 Illuminator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,235	__________________ This post approved by your local jPac (Jimbo07 Political Action Committee), also registered with Jimbo07 as the Jimbo07 Equality Rights Knowledge Betterment Action Group. Atoms in supernova explosion get huge business -- Pixie of key

4th July 2008, 03:23 PM	#8
quixotecoyote Howling to glory I go Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 6,300	.3% below the average smear tactic effectiveness!
	__________________ Ladewig: I'll start worrying about the media's liberal bias the day I hear of labor negotiations described as management demands and union concessions. Thank you for the avatar xkcd.

4th July 2008, 08:46 AM	#3
boloboffin Guest Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 5,005	Next comes the explanation that while the photo is forged, it shows the truth of the situation, right?

4th July 2008, 08:55 AM	#4
NoZed Avenger Bitter Whiner Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,793	Originally Posted by boloboffin Next comes the explanation that while the photo is forged, it shows the truth of the situation, right? You mean the truth that "there are idiots on the internet" ? Well, to the extent more proof was needed, etc. etc.

4th July 2008, 03:21 PM	#7
Tricky Radical centrist Moderator Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Group W bench Posts: 27,290	Originally Posted by Brainster Mrs Obama asks us to remember that this isn't going to feed her kids. Mrs McCain asks us to remember that smearing Obama with photoshopped pictures isn't going to win her husband the election.

4th July 2008, 06:24 PM	#9
corplinx JREF Kid Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 8,839	All the cigarette does is make him look cool.
corplinx JREF Kid Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 8,839	__________________ Terribad Moderation Creates Stupibad Posting

4th July 2008, 06:31 PM	#10
JEROME DA GNOME Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: The Land of Pleasant Living Posts: 9,034	Originally Posted by Tricky Mrs McCain asks us to remember that smearing Obama with photoshopped pictures isn't going to win her husband the election. How is this a smear? He does smoke, yes?

4th July 2008, 06:41 PM	#11
chipmunk stew The Spikey Mace of Love and Mercy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Media, PA Posts: 6,612	Originally Posted by JEROME DA GNOME How is this a smear? He does smoke, yes? Nope. He promised Michelle and his kids he'd quit before he ran for president. I think he still chews nicotine gum.
	__________________

4th July 2008, 06:44 PM	#12
JEROME DA GNOME Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: The Land of Pleasant Living Posts: 9,034	Originally Posted by chipmunk stew Nope. He promised Michelle and his kids he'd quit before he ran for president. I think he still chews nicotine gum. Nicotine gum, is that like taking methadone?

4th July 2008, 08:23 PM	#13
Cleon King of the Pod People Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 14,362	Originally Posted by JEROME DA GNOME Nicotine gum, is that like taking methadone? No.
	__________________ "Intolerance does not flourish without ignorance to feed it." - kittynh "A jerk who is right is still a jerk." - Ducky My blog

5th July 2008, 01:24 AM	#14
Klimax NWO cyborg Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Starship Wanderer - DS9 Posts: 4,129	Is not out there better photo than this?It is of small quality,so it can be taken both ways.AT least to me.

5th July 2008, 01:45 AM	#15
Puppycow Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 6,323	Originally Posted by Klimax Is not out there better photo than this?It is of small quality,so it can be taken both ways.AT least to me. I think it was made slightly off-focus on purpose, so that the manipulation would be less obvious. The original is clearly in focus. It's obvious to me that the one with the cigarette is the fake.
	__________________ I can't come to bed yet, honey. Someone on the Internet is wrong. -XKCD Philosophy is questions that may never be answered. Religion is answers that may never be questioned. -Anonymous Religions are God's way of telling us that He doesn't exist. -Pat Condell

5th July 2008, 03:11 AM	#16
Klimax NWO cyborg Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Starship Wanderer - DS9 Posts: 4,129	Originally Posted by Puppycow I think it was made slightly off-focus on purpose, so that the manipulation would be less obvious. The original is clearly in focus. It's obvious to me that the one with the cigarette is the fake. I've got similar effect with cheap videocamera,that is why I ask.(JAQing )

5th July 2008, 01:32 PM	#17
LawnOven robot Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Matsuyama... well close to it anyways Posts: 1,302	Originally Posted by Klimax I've got similar effect with cheap videocamera,that is why I ask.(JAQing ) It definately looks like a photograph, taken with a flash, and not a video still, if thats what you mean. There's the blown highlights and strong shadows.
	__________________ Principia Discordia

6th July 2008, 03:16 AM	#18
Klimax NWO cyborg Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Starship Wanderer - DS9 Posts: 4,129	Originally Posted by LawnOven It definately looks like a photograph, taken with a flash, and not a video still, if thats what you mean. There's the blown highlights and strong shadows. Not neccesary video.For reference I had Panasonic: NV-GS 18;180 and 320 in this order and the last one is still serving. NV-GS 18 was taking "photographs" as a still picture on DV tape.And all three have bit cheaper CCD senzors wich are producing sometimes visible noise.When filtering out it,similar effect is sure to happen.(Just filtering like FFT-like is good "producer" with bad parameters) If I take a look to archive I might be able to find good example of nonfiltred picture where this happened as well.(And no flash-have not bought it and applies only to latter two models) P.S.:I could make mistake as most of archive was lost.

6th July 2008, 10:39 AM	#19
Rob Lister Suspended Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 8,525	Originally Posted by Cleon No. yes. That's exactly what it is like.

6th July 2008, 02:16 PM	#20
joobz Tergiversator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Inside the Magical Murder Bag Posts: 11,813	Originally Posted by Rob Lister yes. That's exactly what it is like. No, from a pharmacological stand point it isn't. 1.) methadone and heroin are completely different chemicals. Nicotine IS the chemical in cigarettes. 2.) Methadone's longer halflife is used to reduce the severity of withdrawal and also block (via receptor competition) the rush of injected heroin. Nicotine gum directly feeds the nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine gum does not block the effects of inhaled nicotine and can add to them. Nicotine gum's sole function is to break the actual habit of smoking by seperating nicotine addiction from the smoking habit.
	__________________ "Joobz you can be something else sometimes."- DOC "Hopefully joobz can one day be totally objective and unbiased ..." - DOC

6th July 2008, 08:27 PM	#21
Meadmaker Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Detroit suburbs Posts: 8,113	The pathetic thing here is that someone would bother to fake the photo.
	__________________ Dave

6th July 2008, 08:48 PM	#22
Cleon King of the Pod People Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 14,362	Originally Posted by Rob Lister yes. That's exactly what it is like. I repeat: No.
	__________________ "Intolerance does not flourish without ignorance to feed it." - kittynh "A jerk who is right is still a jerk." - Ducky My blog

6th July 2008, 09:00 PM	#23
David Wong Graduate Poster Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,697	Originally Posted by Meadmaker The pathetic thing here is that someone would bother to fake the photo. Unless a supporter did it because it makes him look cool as hell.
	__________________ Author, John Dies at the End. Available now in hardcover. Editor, Cracked.com.

7th July 2008, 04:28 AM	#24
aerosolben Evil Genius Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 2,201	CLEARLY unqualified to be President. Do you want your children to start putting cigarettes in their ears?
aerosolben Evil Genius Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 2,201	__________________ You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans. - Ronald Reagan Last edited by aerosolben; 7th July 2008 at 04:30 AM.

7th July 2008, 06:00 AM	#25
Klimax NWO cyborg Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Starship Wanderer - DS9 Posts: 4,129	After one easy experiment,it is clear that it is manipulated picture. (I just forgot to check for horizontal flip!!! ETA:
	Last edited by Klimax; 7th July 2008 at 06:06 AM.

7th July 2008, 06:48 AM	#26
chipmunk stew The Spikey Mace of Love and Mercy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Media, PA Posts: 6,612	Originally Posted by aerosolben CLEARLY unqualified to be President. Do you want your children to start putting cigarettes in their ears? Funniest parody of the week award.
	__________________

7th July 2008, 03:44 PM	#27
The Painter Master Poster Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New York Posts: 2,226	Originally Posted by Meadmaker The pathetic thing here is that someone would bother to fake the photo. Yeah!!! Who would do such a thing?????

7th July 2008, 04:04 PM	#28
aerosolben Evil Genius Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 2,201	Photoshop is an important component of all political discussion on the Internet.
aerosolben Evil Genius Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 2,201	__________________ You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans. - Ronald Reagan