Elizabeth Edwards: Media are giving Americans only ‘Cliffs Notes’ of campaign news.
Elizabeth Edwards: Media are giving Americans only ‘Cliffs Notes’ of campaign news.
In an op-ed titled “Bowling 1, Health Care 0” in The New York Times today, Center for American Progress senior fellow Elizabeth Edwards laments that for the last month, the news media’s coverage of the Democratic presidential primary has focused on the “rancor” and “money spent” as opposed to “information about the candidates’ priorities, policies and principles“:
I am saying that every analysis that is shortened, every corner that is cut, moves us further away from the truth until what is left is the Cliffs Notes of the news, or what I call strobe-light journalism, in which the outlines are accurate enough but we cannot really see the whole picture. […]
Did you, for example, ever know a single fact about Joe Biden’s health care plan? Anything at all? But let me guess, you know Barack Obama’s bowling score. We are choosing a president, the next leader of the free world. We are not buying soap, and we are not choosing a court clerk with primarily administrative duties.
“Watching the campaign unfold,” Edwards said, “I saw how the press gravitated toward a narrative template for the campaign, searching out characters as if for a novel.”
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There is an aspect about this issue that is often omitted. The capitalist corporate media’s role is to provide content to attract the viewers their advertisers covet so they may profit. This is their priority rather than providing critical information so that people may make important decisions about their lives.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:03 amstewarjt Says:
Which is why the Fairness Doctrine was so important. It balanced the profit incentive against the American public’s need to be fully informed.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:09 amBring back Edward R. Murrow.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:12 amMs. Edwards is Exactly correct, and an American treasure. The voters need to hear from “grown ups” like her, if we are to get this country back on the Right Track.
borrowing from xaxnar’s diary at the daily kos:
http://www.dailykos.com/ storyonly/ 2008/ 4/ 26/ 0025/ 57752
“One of the greatest crimes that has been taking place over the last few decades is the deliberate destruction of belief in: the public good, the positive role of government, and the importance of good science and long term thinking. It’s been traded away for political and financial advantage. Instead, we’re supposed to believe in market forces, faith, and the power of magical thinking and authoritarian leaders. It has been aided and abetted by traditional media that no longer asks the hard questions it is supposed to ask, and that wouldn’t understand the answers if it did.”
April 27th, 2008 at 11:12 amJudging by his performance today, Steffi got the message last week, that he was too heavily invested in putting forth GOP talking points. Today, he’s discussing democratic primaries, and didn’t have on even one republican. We’ll see how he does on his “roundtable,” though.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:23 amThis confuses me. No law or even pardon can shield anyone from war crimes charges. According to international law and the Geneva Conventions it does not matter that the Justice Department “gave them legal cover”. That’s bullshit.
This whole story smacks of propaganda to make people think that what was and will be done is “legal”, when in fact it is not.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:27 amIndeed.
Just look at Newsweek’s current cover:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/134409
Obama lacks “The Bubba Factor” apparently.
The press latched onto to a Sam Adams marketing gimmick–”Who Would You Rather Have A Beer With”–as the defining issue of the 200 race. It was resurrected in 2004, and now Newsweek is putting it fron and center again.
The question, if the press had any wit at all, ought to at least be “Who Is Going To Drive You to Drink?” or perhaps “Who is Sober Enough to Not Drive This Nation Into a Ditch. Again?”.
The executives in the MSM are treating this election just like the last two despite the credit crisis, the fuel crisis, the housing crisis, the health crisis, the dollar crisis, the energy crisis, the envirnomental crisis and the legal crisis.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:30 amThe old-time journalists (Murrow, Cronkite, et al) would be in trouble today. Their corporate bosses would stifle them. Only gossip, inconsequential news, and sound bites are the topics of the msm. Real news is complicated, critical, and may anger viewers; profits from advertising may suffer, therefore, fuel the petty fights, provide viewers with lots of “gotcha” interviews and all they need at home is the popcorn.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:32 amWhen the msm devoted certain hours to providing news as a public service - with no consideration for profit - there was a certain amount of integrity in the industry.
Cartoonist Al Posen said it: “Them Days Are Gone Forever.”
Didn’t we learn in 2000 about the stupidity of voting on the basis of who’d you like to have a beer with?
April 27th, 2008 at 11:34 amNow we are presented with it again - who can drink boilermakers, who can bowl, who wears pantsuits and who wears flag pins - it’s enough to make a person crazy with frustration.
oops… ignore #6
April 27th, 2008 at 11:38 amIt’s a huge mistake to think this shallowness is a recent development. Yes, the 24-hour news cycle and its constant need for feeding has contributed to it, but the media’s willingness to regurgitate press releases is nothing new. 20 years ago, Mark Hertsgaard wrote “On Bended Knee: The Press and the Reagan Presidency” and covered it very well. Little has changed since then.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:41 amThe solution:
April 27th, 2008 at 11:44 amseems the edwards’ could’ve put this to rest a while back with an endorsement…
of course, that was when most figured the anti-corporate edwards’ would back
the candidate of change, barack obama, not the corporatist hillary clinton…
just sayin’…
April 27th, 2008 at 11:55 amThe expression “Garbage In-Garbage Out” sums up the state of discourse in the US on any topic but most especially the political discourse.
Bad information leads to bad decisions. Stupidity is elevated by ignorance and then becomes the norm.
The outcry against the ABC debate was an encouraging sign that more people are mad as hell and are not going to take it any more, but rather than acknowledge the criticisms ABC just crowed about the viewership numbers (which though inevitable they clearly felt was due to their own efforts).
Thanks to the internet the people have alternative sources for information, but only if they have the time and/or make the effort to seek it out. Nonetheless it is a trend–yet still a trend the priviliged MSM fails to acknowledge and adapt to.
Having promoted ignorance as a norm, the executives of the MSM has become ignorant itself.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:56 amCitizenX, it was a good comment even on the wrong thread. ;)
April 27th, 2008 at 12:00 pmGummich: Little has changed since then.
Which is why we need a new Fairness Doctrine, but one acknowledging The media profit from their denial to report the truth, something like “The Media Bias Doctrine.”
April 27th, 2008 at 12:02 pmWow! Far out, dude…
“Strobe light” indeed! Another effect they have is to mesmerize - a.k.a. debilitate - all those within range, which is exactly what the ball-chasing puppies of the MSM want.
Lizzy for VP!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:06 pmLook, the media does not want to do in depth stories. It is too expensive and would require the news departments to take positions that would be contrary to their master’s interests.
1. An in depth story on health care, the economy, foreign policy and other such interests requires substantive research as well as substantive time to present.
2. In depth stories providing adequate detail to understand the issue will also pretty well suggest the conclusions to be drawn from the story. E.g.: McCain’s budget proposals and his reliance on the much discredited belief in the Laffer curve (tax reductions increasing tax receipts.) However, the stories are nothing more than top level he said/she said tidbits which do nothing more than confuse or to provide false validity to clearly wrong arguments.
3. It is easier for the networks and for the “people” to concentrate on these “defining” issues such as haircuts, wealth (somehow all wealthy people can not serve the interests of the poor if they Democrats), flag pins and such other trivial matters that somehow allow you to see into the very soul of the candidate to determine their qualification for the highest office in the land.
Of course, this permits Roger Ailes, Rupert Murdoch, GE and other powerful interests to shape the will of the electorate to match their corporate needs. The right wing has long since learned the lessons of Hitler, Stalin and other propaganda machines in shaping public opinion.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:16 pmDoes the Tube predict the future? Please watch the 1976 movie “Network”. It was predicted, shouted and eventually happened. The next question is, How are we going to change the system ? Should laws be put in place for knowing distributing propaganda by political parties. Should Fox be tried for slander after watching the Rev. Interview on PBS? It is apparent that Mr. Wright is a very well respected American. And while his protractors condem ten seconds of a sermen he gave, no one bothered to play the whole sermen for the public to see. After viewing the complete sermen, I regretfully have to agree with Mr. Wright. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The lies and distortions have brought this country to its knees. We the people will have to get involved, push the issues to the forefront of the debate and leave the tabloid news to MSM. Thank god for the internet.
It sad when you take Authority as the truth when
the TRUTH should be the authority.
Take those words to heart and we will see a change begin in our lives.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:19 pmMcCain’s Media: The media render the RNC obsolete
By: John Amato @ 4:30 PM - PDT
Ain’t life grand? Jamison Foser:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/ 2008/ 04/ 26/ mccains-media-the-media-render-the-rnc-obsolete/
sing: “and, that’s what it’s all a-bout.”
April 27th, 2008 at 12:42 pmI like Mrs. Edwards and her husband, but I’m very disappointed that John hasn’t stepped forward and endorsed anyone. That may help a little with the mudslinging going on.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:48 pm“It’s a visual drumbeat,” he said. “People get bored watching TV. You’re trying to get them interested and involved.”
This was said back in 2000 by Alex Castellanos about a campaign ad he created that Al Gore complained about. That statement is still true today. Whether it is a sound bit, visual drumbeat ad, or a news story this is how the Media and Campaign Ad advisors perceive us.
We are just a bunch of bored people who need to be stimulated in some way. This is their idea of getting us interested and involved. Just because most of them have an attention span of a 5 year old doesn’t mean the rest of us do. I get tired of them filtering the news so that they can fit in the tabloid headlines about an actor or a sports figure who is in a crisis or has been arrested. Lately, the big one is what movie star is pregnant. Like that is some new thing. Keep that junk for Entertainment Tonight… I personally don’t want to hear about it.
Let’s admit it, did we not hear more about Michael Vick and the dog fighting nightmare in detail, gory details than we have ever heard about any Politicians Platform on Health Care? Something is seriously wrong when this keeps happening over and over again.
Thank you Elizabeth Edwards for keeping on top of important issues!! Please don’t stop..
April 27th, 2008 at 12:56 pmMake the news or report the news? The extreme lack of full coverage by MSM has had a profound effect on the presidential race and the outcome itself. My friends and I have been outraged by the news blackout of most of the Democratic candidates and their views. There are still some of us who are willing to research what each candidate stands for but most still depend on MSM media to bring them the information. I wonder how MSM decides who to cover and who to ignore? Do they realize that their coverage (or lack of) can actually skew the results? I think much of this is deliberate and resent thre fact that they seem to think they know me better than I do.
Thank you Elizabeth for raising this issue. We really need to hold the press accountable for what they decide to cover (and how they cover it) and what they choose to ignore.
April 27th, 2008 at 1:20 pmThe people in America have a short interest span when it comes to good politics. They will listen, applaud, and repeat juicy gossipy innuendo from daylight to dark….that is when they are not watching Survivor, American Idol, or Big Brother.
April 27th, 2008 at 1:27 pmElizabeth Edwards is correct; however, there are several issues involved. Research has shown the people tend to use emotions to select a candidate rather than details about the candidate’s positions. In addition, people have heard many unfulfilled promised during campaigns, which makes them skeptical about anything a candidate says.
In addition, Congress will have a major impact on any health care proposals. The final details of whether health care is “mandated” for an unemployed person or any of the other differences between Clinton and Obama’s health care plan will be determined by Congress.
I think twisted and malicious attacks designed to harm a candidate is a very serious issue. I think Rev Wright is an honorable man that has been smeared by Fox News and other media to damage Barack Obama. Rev Wright has every right to defend himself and to educate people that do not understand his sermons.
Please watch Bill Moyer’s interview of Rev Wright with an open mind. The sermon discussed in the show where Rev Wright says G** D** America was taken out of context. In addition, his sermon is Biblically sound and was given given by other pastors across the US. The other sermons may have been less dramatic, but the message was the same - an unjust war for vengeance that kills innocent civilians is against the teachings of Christ.
http://www.pbs.org/ moyers/ journal/ index-flash.html
Contact Fox News / News Corporation about the malicious attacks on Rev Wright and other fear tactic issues that were designed to influence voters.
Brian Lewis, Executive Vice President
Corporate Communications
Phone: 212-301-3331
Fax: 212-819-0816
E-Mail: brian.lewis@foxnews.com
Irena Briganti, Vice President
Media Relations
Phone: 212-301-3608
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E-Mail: irena.briganti@foxnews.com
Thomas Tyrer, Senior Vice President
Communications & Cross-Platform Operations for Fox Networks Group
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E-Mail: thomas.tyrer@fox.com
Brian Peterson, Director
Corporate Communications for
Fox Cable Networks
Phone: 310-369-0009
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E-Mail: brian.peterson@fox.com
Teri Everett, Senior Vice President
Corporate Affairs & Communications
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E-Mail: teverett@newscorp.com
Reed Nolte, Senior Vice President
Investor Relations
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Scott Grogin, Senior Vice President
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Phone: 310-369-4733
Fax: 310-369-1283
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Ann Burkart
VP Corporate Communications
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Bill O’Reilly, O’Reilly Factor Host : Phone: 212-301-3320; Email:
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Brian Knoblock, International Editor : Phone: 212-301-5486; Email:
April 27th, 2008 at 1:35 pmbrian.knoblock@foxnews.com
#19 JMOHR Says:
I’m truly glad your back… Great Post… You were missed..
April 27th, 2008 at 1:50 pmThe problem with MSM is that they think they are relevant. They’re mistaken. They think we take them seriously because they hold the American public in contempt and rub shoulders with the powerful. They want to be rich and powerful too. To fulfill their needs they disregard the greater calling of journalism to have a big house by the sea. Like their rich buddies, the status quo can’t be upset. It must be maintained with “news” that has ED. News is not news with the MSM it is a show and the show must go on.
April 27th, 2008 at 2:30 pmrainlillie
April 27th, 2008 at 2:48 pmMany of Edwards’ workers/supporters have gone to Obama. I think I heard a count of more than 50 so far.
We can only change the system by changing the basic architecture of the communications industry. Media has always been diverse with local ownership and diversification the rule. It was not until radio and television came into being that we saw the beginning of concentrated ownership at the national level. Ownership of outlets still remained local which provided a fairly decent source for local news, commentary on national issues and a check on the fairness of the national networks. Current rules permit big business and wealthy special interests to buy up on control media at both local and national levels. We will see no change until the time honored system of diverse ownership and local control of media outlets has been restored.
April 27th, 2008 at 3:20 pmI wish we could hear more from Elizabeth Edwards. She has the sincerity, intelligence, and charm that would be envied by any political candidate.
April 27th, 2008 at 3:27 pmGood for Elizabeth. This is something that is both obvious and sorely in need of being said. The sad part is that is will meet deaf ears. The media’s only interest is the bottom line. That means that, if anything, expect things to get worse. One would think that the sponsors of these “news” broadcasts would be getting nervous over a boycott of their products with all of the criticism of the programs they are sponsoring with their ad dollars.
April 27th, 2008 at 4:57 pmwmhogg———————————————————I wish we could hear more from Elizabeth Edwards. She has the sincerity, intelligence, and charm that would be envied by any political candidate.
April 27th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I’ll second that one. She is such a classy lady.
April 27th, 2008 at 5:10 pmIf it bleeds, it leads. The sad truth of our contemporary media.
April 27th, 2008 at 6:11 pmCal Malenky Says:
——————————————————————————–
If it bleeds, it leads. The sad truth of our contemporary media.
Not true if you’re blood is dark red (a black person just to be clear).
Your statement is 30 years old and out of date.
Our soldiers are bleeding and they are not leading the news. Bleeding means NOTHING to this criminal administration.
If it’s blonde, blue-eyed, white and missing it leads!!!! No blood needed!!!
You don’t even need a death or blood to get the little blonde, blue-eyed white girl IS MISSING STORY on every godamned useless cable channel!!! 24/7!!!
WHAT ABOUT THE DYING IN IRAQ???
April 27th, 2008 at 6:23 pmMrs. Edwards hit the ball out of the park on this one. She’s so right. 24 hours a day all we hear about is someone’s pastor or how someone may have embellished a trip to Bosnia. Or, the wrong use of a word here and there. Or, not wearing a flag pin which was probably made in China anyway. Our media does not give us facts regarding the issues and where each candidate stands. For instance, Joe Biden had a health plan? Who knew?
April 27th, 2008 at 9:24 pmGee, at this rate the only issues we’ll have to lean on come November will be our feelings about abortion, guns, religion and immigration. All those “push button” issues we can easily understand but won’t get us out of debt, won’t put food on our tables and won’t help us pay our mortgages. Hey, wait a minute? Isn’t that what Sen. Obama was trying to say a few weeks ago? We’re not getting the real information we need to save ourselves so we rely on the fringe stuff. Yeah, I thought that sounded familiar!!! You think Elizabeth Edwards would want to run for VP if asked? Nah…she way too smart for that.
#36, Right on! I cannot find any lapel pins not made in America. Ever since Fix news was born I have never trusted anything ever aired on it. I cannot believe CNN has a maroon like G.Beck on it`s airwaves.The MSM in this country is a joke, Igo here (TP) and CAP and Financial Times(FT.com) and other sources to get my fix on the election and news period.MSM does not care what it is reporting only that it makes and influences peoples minds up for them.This country needs more people like Bill Moyers on the tube and more prople like Tom Hartmann on the radio and we would have FAIR and BALANCED news.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:49 am