Not So Fast, National Pundits
As a former journalist and current political junkie (and participant), I am disappointed by the rush of members of the media at overstating the results and fallout of last week's Iowa presidential caucuses.
Yes, in the Democratic caucus, Barack Obama earned an impressive victory, and John Edwards edging out Hillary Clinton for second place was a surprise and strong showing for Edwards, but let's not jump to conclusions (for the record, I am currently a Bill Richardson supporter). The race is a long one and by no means decided or over, and Clinton, while finishing third, is by no means on her way out or lacking support. Nor should Mitt Romney or the other Republican candidates be judged losers because Mike Huckabee won in Iowa.
I am most saddened by how much of the media is going overboard and using the results of one caucus to all but set the agenda of the presidential primaries. This is a case where the media is creating and becoming parts of the story, something it should not do and indeed does not do as much as some people accuse media outlets of doing. And it is certainly not the falsely accused "liberal media" acting here, but a media driven by profits and fleeting, spectacular headlines.
On the other hand, at times I still miss covering elections and politics; life can be strange.
Yes, in the Democratic caucus, Barack Obama earned an impressive victory, and John Edwards edging out Hillary Clinton for second place was a surprise and strong showing for Edwards, but let's not jump to conclusions (for the record, I am currently a Bill Richardson supporter). The race is a long one and by no means decided or over, and Clinton, while finishing third, is by no means on her way out or lacking support. Nor should Mitt Romney or the other Republican candidates be judged losers because Mike Huckabee won in Iowa.
I am most saddened by how much of the media is going overboard and using the results of one caucus to all but set the agenda of the presidential primaries. This is a case where the media is creating and becoming parts of the story, something it should not do and indeed does not do as much as some people accuse media outlets of doing. And it is certainly not the falsely accused "liberal media" acting here, but a media driven by profits and fleeting, spectacular headlines.
On the other hand, at times I still miss covering elections and politics; life can be strange.
posted by Kevin J. Hosey at 10:21 PM
2 Comments:
Hrm... between Britney Spears and politics...
Good point, Beth; both the media's presidential primary coverage and fanatic attention paid to Britney Spears piss me off; what wasted time and resources.
And with the New Hampshire primary results in, I am fightig the "I told you so" impulse, mainly because I am mourning Bill Richardson pulling out of the race.
Post a Comment
<< Home