There is a formal name for this tactic, as devised by the acolytes of Bath House. Do an internet search on the terms "stray voltage" together with "Plouffe".
Basically, the strategy is to deflect and divert attention away from issues hazardous to the political health of Bath House to some other lurid, controversial issue, thus starving the first issue of publicity.
You really shouldn’t be talking about bath houses and Obama at the same time.