Yes, we can.

[scaeagles]

This is becoming comical.

The NY Times publishes an Op Ed from Obama, yet rejects one from McCain.

Investors Business Daily has published information about the donations from media to political candidates -

The contributions add up to $315,533 to Democrats and $22,656 to Republicans — most of that to Ron Paul, who was supported by many liberals as a stalking horse to John McCain, a la Rush Limbaugh's Operation Chaos with Hillary and Obama.

What is truly remarkable about the list is that, discounting contributions to Paul and Rudy Giuliani, who was a favorite son for many folks in the media, the totals look like this: $315,533 to Democrats, $3,150 to Republicans (four individuals who donated to McCain).

Let me repeat: $315,533 to Democrats, $3,150 to Republicans — a ratio of 100-to-1. No bias there.

Including Paul and Guiliani, the ratio is actually only 14 or 15 to 1. Journalists can and should be allowed to contribute, so I have no problem with that. I just don't think most can keep their bias out of their reporting, as is partially evidenced by this -

Chris Matthews seems to think how he feels is actually news rather than opinion. I don't care if he wants to tell how he feels, but don't call it journalism. On Leno, when defending the "Obama makes a tingle go up my leg" comment, he said

You know, some journalists only report what a guy says and what they hear and what they see, I report all senses... And I have to tell you..., I was there watching one of Barack's speeches on TV.. and there's something he said about black and white in America...... I just think it's inspiring! I admit it!

That scares me actually, as it is a redefinition of what journalism is. How the journalist feels is not part of the story, it is opinion.

I will credit the three anchors. They have actually asked Obama some tough questions.

All that said, though, this made me laugh.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

"Media" are companies. Companies can donate to whomever they want. They like Obama. SURPRISE! (er, I mean, duh.)

Journalists have reported "feelings" before. It's just that the feelings this man inspires are 10x more powerful than any politician has inspired in the last 40 years. I feel the same way. I can't explain it, and yeah, it has little to do with specific policy. I totally admit that. However, as I've said a few billion times, I hated politicians, and politics, and the government, and I felt completely disenfranchised and hopeless. I have not voted for a true candidate in 10 years. But this guy....this guy is something else, something I can't explain.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

All that said, though, this made me laugh.

There's some great stuff in there

At the mention of his name they quickly laid aside their intrigues and beat their uranium swords into civil nuclear energy ploughshares.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

"Media" are companies. Companies can donate to whomever they want. They like Obama. SURPRISE! (er, I mean, duh.)

Oh - of course. I even said that the donations in and of itself that isn't a problem. The issue is that I think it clearly comes out in their reporting and the bias is evident. This is fine for pundits and those who offer opinions for a living. For those who try to pass themselves off as journalists, though, like in the Matthews example, this is problematic.

[Scrooge McSam]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

That scares me actually, as it is a redefinition of what journalism is. How the journalist feels is not part of the story, it is opinion.

Welcome to 8 years ago. May your journey through the dark years be easier than mine, and bring much less loss of life.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

All that said, though, this made me laugh.

That is hilarious!

[Kevy Baby]

I was going to post this in the WTF story thread, but chose here instead. It does not affect my political views at all, I was just amused by the error.

Oops! Wrong Larry shown on campaign gear
Republican Sen. Larry Craig shown on button alongside Obama

LEWISTON, Idaho - Some Democratic campaign buttons made for distribution in Idaho show an unlikely pair: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican Sen. Larry Craig.

But don't expect the staunch Republican to throw his support behind Obama or for the presidential candidate to ask Craig to change his mind and run for Senate again. Apparently the button manufacturer picked a picture of the wrong Idaho Larry.

The whole story.

The picture:

[innerSpaceman]

But McCain made a big fat gaffe when he whined about it so publically that Obama's getting all the press. Awww, poor Johnny. Big Bad War Hero Cwies that TV Doesn's Wike Him.


Not as big as his gaffe that started the whole thing, though. What did he think Obama was going to do when he said the senator hadn't been to Iraq lately. Um, d'uh, set up a trip to Iraq and other hot spots pronto, and have the press slathering for it the whole way. Thanks for the tip, Johnny! Now please keep losing the election by yourself, so's I have less work to do!

[scaeagles]

Yes, indeed, McCain isn't playing it well at all in terms of handling the media bas.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I heard that McCain admitted he has no idea about modern technology, how the Internet works, etc. I can't say this is a huge deal for me because I really don't expect someone of his generation to be into all that, but I wonder, is this a big deal for some of you guys? My only problem with it is that there are going to be some big decisions made regarding net neutrality in the next 4-8 years (not that I'd trust a Republican in general with such decisions [/broad brush])

[Tenigma]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I heard that McCain admitted he has no idea about modern technology, how the Internet works, etc.

That's OK, he's admitted he has no clue about the domestic economy, either.

But gosh darnit, he knows about them commies!

PS: But yeah... one of the politiblogs I read mentioned the fact that he doesn't even read email.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Tenigma

That's OK, he's admitted he has no clue about the domestic economy, either.

Or where the border of Pakistan is, for that matter. At least he understands the importance of the sanctity of marriage though, between one man and one woman - or at least no more than a couple of women.