Earlier this year McCain made poverty tours and offered policy speeches. No one cared, Obama retained his lead. It was only when he began offering vicious attacks and daily controversies that he began setting the pace of the coverage. The McCain campaign learned something important about the media: It's an institution that covers conflict. If you want to direct its coverage, give it more conflict than your opponent. And so they have.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Blame the Media?
From Ezra Klein:
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1 comment:
I think there is no doubt that the media latches on to conflict and the "more entertaining" stories (see OJ Simpson and Michael Jackson etc. making the front page of major newspapers).
Additionally, we have discussed at great length both in class and over the web that the media could be a huge player in trying to bring more honesty and integrity to campaigning. Although many of us (myself included) see the need for the changes to be made we simply don't have the power, influence and time to dedicate to a mission of such great magnitude. Furthermore we have discussed that in order for the government to get involved in this it would take an act of Congress and/or an amendment to the Constitution.
I personally would love to see the media embrace their power and influence and help the American people live more honest lives by leading us in the fight against lying and deception in political campaigns.
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