Fair coverage, or same ol' bias?
For the past few months, the news from the campaign trail has been focused on the photo finish in the Democratic Party. But now that it's just down to Barack Obama and John McCain, will the media coverage even out as it should?
Don't count on it. Obama's every move still grabs enthusiastic top billing. When McCain does make the headlines, it's usually hinged to Obama's latest move, like Obama responding to a McCain policy point or statement that didn't make page one in the first place.
We're past the point of gushing about sunny hope, inspired youths and vague promises of undefined change. We need a stark comparison of the candidates' platforms. Voters might see a clearer picture if Obama had agreed to the nine other town-hall meetings proposed by McCain, but in an ethical world the media should be bringing to the people the equitable coverage and unbiased reporting that would truly aid in making an educated ballot decision.
Well you guys certainly caught my attention this time around. Just for kicks and giggles, maybe you should pull some of the Daily News' coverage of Obama and Hillary prior to and immediately following the February 5 primaries. "Obama is coming to California! Oh, and Hillary is coming too. Obama, Obama, Obama, Obama." Then later "Hillary wins in California. (Hey, let's run a big photo of Obama!) Obama, Obama, Obama, Obama." (Note: I realize that much of what was printed originated from the AP or similar source, but the local stuff originated locally, and it was all biased in the same manner.)
What kind of fair, ethical and unbiased reporting can we possibly expect these days? Not to pick on McCain, because the same is true on both sides, but the same press people accompany him everywhere he goes. They buy each other coffee and doughnuts. They go to the ranch for barbeque and swinging on a tire hung by a rope from a tree. They are friends and buddies. Just the perfect environment for biased reporting.
And the Washington press corps? Their coverage of the Bush administration, the details we heard during the Scooter Libby trial and the contents of Scott McClellen's book gives them plenty to be embarassed about. But they basically shrugged it off. They're part of an exclusive club. They go to dinners and sing rap songs with Karl Rove. They are celebrities!
And I've heard reports that the broadcast media expects a $5 billion (with a "b") bump in campaign advertising revenue this year. I don't believe in conspiracy theories. In fact, I hate them. But that seems like a perfect environment to help the bottom line by fueling things along. I suspect a lot of bean counters were just giddy about the prolonged democratic contest.
Maybe I have become a jaundiced old coot, but anymore I keep my expectations low. By doing so, I can become elated when I do find some thorough, accurate and unbiased reporting.