Having observed the disconcerting willingness of the mainstream media to play along with the McCain campaign's aggressive attempts to undermine Obama's presumed fitness to lead the nation as Commander-in-Chief in recent weeks it seems we may have reached a turning point. For quite some time the media has agreeably aired tendentious narratives with a very 'Gee whiz' insouciance as to the actual content, not to mention replaying videos purported to be 'campaign ads' which ran in very limited broadcast markets but received millions of dollars of free exposure with cable and broadcast news audiences. One wondered how long this would continue and now perhaps there is a sign of some reluctance to doltishly play along.
Consider today's piece from Jake Tapper, no Obama loyalist, to say the least, on the McCain campaign's most recent effort (emphasis added throughout):
We, in the media, have given a lot of airtime to the TV ads of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., this week, starring, as they do, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.There's been evidence emerging that McCain's campaign isn't really running these ads anywhere, according to the Campaign Media Analysis Group.
"These were basically video press releases," CMAG's Evan Tracey tells the Wall Street Journal.
OK, so that's kind of dishonest of the McCain campaign.
Jake Tapper - Did Obama Say Iran Is a 'Tiny' Country That 'Doesn't Pose a Serious Threat'? ABC 27 Aug 08
OK, there's a self-evident piece of punditry for a start. Only about eight weeks too late, but never mind. Second thoughts but no contrition on the part of the national media, but you get that. But it gets better:
Today's new McCain ad -- "Tiny," which you can watch HERE -- crosses a new line into dishonesty, however, beyond whether or not it's actually airing anywhere.The script reads: "Iran. Radical Islamic government. Known sponsors of terrorism. Developing nuclear capabilities to 'generate power' but threatening to eliminate Israel.
"Obama says Iran is a 'tiny' country, 'doesn't pose a serious threat,'" the ad continues. "Terrorism, destroying Israel, those aren't 'serious threats'? Obama -- dangerously unprepared to be president."
This is a dishonest representation of Obama's words.
Jake Tapper - Did Obama Say Iran Is a 'Tiny' Country That 'Doesn't Pose a Serious Threat'? ABC 27 Aug 08
Huh? Did one read that correctly? You bet. I wonder if we are turning a little corner here, every little bit helps. Jake Tapper continues, impressively, with a full quotation of Obama's original comments in his article and provides a video link as well, which you can see here. Ironically, it's really worth watching. And his conclusion?:
That is not even close to Obama saying Iran is a "tiny" country that "doesn't pose a serious threat."Not even close.
Jake Tapper - Did Obama Say Iran Is a 'Tiny' Country That 'Doesn't Pose a Serious Threat'? ABC 27 Aug 08
Wow. Simple, straightforward and unequivocal demolition of the McCain campaign's 'video press release' at first point-of-contact. Bet they think twice about trying that again. And let's hope this is an indication that the 'honeymoon' is over and the media, at least the print media, has woken up to the fact that they are being played like a violin by someone with a tin ear.
Incidentally, one usually includes a feedback link when the media drops a clanger so it seems only fair to provide one when they are actually doing their jobs, and let's hope to see more of the same for many cycles to come. You may contact ABC here and show your support for genuine journalism.
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