We’ve all watched the scene on any of the political programs. Whether it be one of the broadcast network Sunday morning shows, or the daily shows on cable. A host sits at a table with a handful of political pundits speculating on each candidates campaign strategy. They go on and on about things like who is the best fund raiser. As if that, in and of itself was some sort of important indication of how qualified a candidate was to be president. They delve into speculative conversations about how one or the others misspoken statement or latest sensational revelation will effect the polls. And then there are the polls. This usually consists of some supposed expert yammering on and on about how this poll compares to that poll. And then an endless comparison to past polls. This followed by a completely conjured up editorial of “what it all means.” But are they telling us anything that will help us get an idea of just who these people, who would take the reigns of the most powerful nation in the world, are? I’m afraid the answer is a resounding NO!
Candidates are making speeches every day, but you never hear them unless you are there to hear them live. I’m amazed how much time the evening news spends letting us know where each of the candidates are that day. Who cares, I want to know what they are saying. And I don’t want that to only be their polished web site pitch. I’d like to see more of those small town meeting settings where a candidate stands in a room with a bunch of voters answering questions unscripted and on his or her own. I’m sick of the biggest campaign news item of the day being some sensational revelation like Guiliani’s wife was married three times. Who cares unless she murdered her ex-husbands and buried them in her backyard.
It is this correspondents opinion that the news media is letting us down in their coverage of the presidential campaign. They’ve become so self absorbed and blinded by ratings and fame, they’ve lost track of their responsibility to the people.
I’m really looking forward to the Democratic debate Thursday night. It will be the first time we’ll get to hear from the candidates in a common forum. Unfortunately, the media has to control the scene, putting time limits on the candidates. Of course keeping their precious schedule is paramount. Never mind that "we the people" are trying to make this most important decision.
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Devin Barber, Politics Correspondent
Devin’s column, “Left Of The Right” published every Tuesday and Thursday to Gather Essentials: Politics is a Blue Collar Democrats take on current political news.
Devin was raised by proud Roosevelt Democrats. Being the son of parents counted among the throng of Americans displaced by the Great Depression has given Devin a deep rooted passion for causes dealing with the poor and the working class.
You can find all of Devin’s columns at http://gather.com/leftoftheright
You can keep up with Devin’s postings and his Gather activity by joining his Gather network. Just click here: http://kiwina58.gather.com and then select the orange “Connect” button on the left-hand side of the page.
You can find Devin and other Political Correspondents, plus celebrity content and plenty of other politics experts at Politics.gather.com.
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Comments: 16
Is it just too early for the media to be able to cash out on campaign news?
I do check dozens of web sites checking out candidate positions. My point is that most people don't. They don't have time or the know how or what ever. If these corporations want the privelidge of using our airwaves, they need to be held accountable.
Speaking of the "debates", do you think we'll ever see anything but a carefully-choreographed, multi-talking-head interview?
Or,put them all on a tropical island and have them "Survivor" it.
Organizations that endorse Candidates send out questionnaires. The media can get copies, but they have to ask. The organizations don't just endorse on the basis of the answers, they also pay attention to what the candidates say in public and make comparisons. Then they tell their members who they think best represents them.
The problem Devin describes is one of Journalistic and Political ethics. Journalists should stop trying to tell us what we should think, and Politicians should stop trying to tell us what they think we want to hear. Most of us don't have very many issues. Mostly we are concerned about our personal prosperity, security, and liberty. There is a noisy few who want total anarchy, and another bunch who want the government to be responsible for everything. Ultimately we live in a world that demands our attention, and care. Each of us is responsible for two things, managing the risks to our selves, and avoiding putting others at risk. Accomplish that and you will fulfill the Vulcan ideal,
"Live Long and Prosper."
Spock.
Unfortunately, those of us that care about the more important issues are usually too busy with our lives to be able to carry out either of these agendas, which leaves the special interest groups to click on news links, etc.
If you are so down on the "correspondents" here, why do you keep coming back for more. You need to understand; our points of view are not as simple as you premise. As I'm sure yours is not.