It doesn't really matter that Edwards won the debate last night.

That's not the story. I've been watching the recap of the debate on various TV broadcasts. And surprise, surprise, they all talk about the "heated battle" between Obama and Clinton - that's the story. There is virtually no mention of the actual issues (or Edwards' command of those issues). But plenty of discussion of HC and BO shouting.

Announcer comes on and says something like...

"Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were on the attack" followed by a brief clip of shouting. (I change channel)

"...HC and BO squared off" followed by a brief clip of shouting. (I change channel)

"...feud dominated the debate" followed by a brief clip of shouting. (I change channel)

"...becomes very personal between BO and HC" followed by a brief clip of shouting. (I check GOOGLE)

HEADLINES: "Clinton/Obama Get Fiercely Personal" "Obama/Clinton Trade Blows in SC" "The Gloves Come Off"

Etc.

That's the story: The Fight. We got us a celebrity death match! Who cares about the issues. Apparently, we aren't electing a president, but a celebrity-in-chief. It's Access Hollywood journalism.
Is it a coincidence that the Clinton/Obama coverage resembles the coverage of the Rosie/Donald feud?

Maybe that's why Edwards' message gets lost. He's just a regular guy talking about the issues. Just like Biden, Dodd, etc did. There's no fanfare or glitz, just determination to do the right thing.

Using both ends against each other probably isn't a very good idea when you're so far behind. Edwards came off as a bit of an opportunist, with not much substance, IMO.

I was so pissed watching the news this morning I made myself late writing this letter to CNN...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4154281&mesg_id=4154281

I'm saying quality time. How about some actual journalism again!

Are you saying that you approve of the calibre of reporting from the media?

Conservatives decry the liberal media. Liberals decry the conservative media. Everyone complains the media is hard on their favorite politician/party and easy on their most-hated politician/party.

Or, are you saying that it's just a matter of perspective? If so, what's your perspective? Is the media doing a good job? Do you approve of their caliber of reporting?

It gives the viewing and reading public exactly what they want to watch/purchase. This necessarily means that they will sacrifice some journalistic credibility to follow the interests and preconceptions of the public; this also means that they can be occasionally manipulated by savvy politicians.

There are good sources and bad sources. I think NPR is great. I like the New York Times. The Economist is usually pretty insightful. Are those flawed? Often. Is CNN atrocious? Of course - but mass media always is. Go to your nearest large library's microfilm section (if they have one) and read papers from the '40s, from the '20s, and earlier. A free media in a free market is always looking for the easiest angle.

Which was part of my motivation for the original post. I want better. I don't buy the argument that is has always been atrocious, but it certainly is now!

We have been experiencing a downward trend in quality for decades. It's past time to reverse that trend.

Thanks :-)

:applause:

I guess I'm going to have to start writing the media too!

AGAIN!

before. Could it be that many have FINALLY begun to see it?? The tragedy is that it's probably TOO LATE! And too bad! While Clinton & Obama have been throwing shit around for so long, John Edwards has been trying to get his voice heard!

However, THEY tagged him ANGRY and INSIGNIFICANT! Too bad America, just too bad!!

It has been clear all along who the media decided will battle for the Dem nomination, they have turned it into a "celebrity grudge match". The problem with this being shoved down our throats is that we have have lost the chance to even hear the other voices and maybe pick the only candidate willing to stand up to their corporate interests. Who knows, maybe it would have turned out this way in the end anyway, but we will never know.

Less marching to the media's beat?

*sigh*

I fired off a bunch of letters this morning to all the news divisions, complaining about this.

But the icing on the cake is when I called both the Denver and Colorado Democratic party headquarters trying to get an Edwards sign for my yard and was told that they only had Hillary signs. Sigh. Even Edwards' own party marginalizes him.

:hug:

:hi:

stupid to know which politician would be best for them.

It's getting to be difficult to be proud of our Country.

There are several scenarios under which he could win the nomination regardless of the results of these primaries in the states. He is the best person for the job.