Comments on: Elizabeth Edwards: Media are giving Americans only ‘Cliffs Notes’ of campaign news.

By: christopher wiwi

christopher wiwi — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:49:38 +0000

#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.

By: marcg

marcg — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:24:39 +0000

Mrs. 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?
Gee, 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.

By: dixie blood

dixie blood — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:23:10 +0000

Cal 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Your statement is 30 years old and out of date.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???

By: Cal Malenky

Cal Malenky — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:11:20 +0000

If it bleeds, it leads. The sad truth of our contemporary media.

By: LoraS

LoraS — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:10:58 +0000

wmhogg———————————————————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.

By: DallasNE

DallasNE — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:57:06 +0000

Good 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.

By: wmhogg

wmhogg — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:27:38 +0000

I wish we could hear more from Elizabeth Edwards. She has the sincerity, intelligence, and charm that would be envied by any political candidate.

By: JMOHR

JMOHR — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:20:07 +0000

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.

By: Marie

Marie — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:48:47 +0000

rainlillie
Many of Edwards’ workers/supporters have gone to Obama. I think I heard a count of more than 50 so far.

By: williamf

williamf — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:30:42 +0000

The 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.

By: Freedom Rebel

Freedom Rebel — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:50:14 +0000

#19 JMOHR Says:

I’m truly glad your back… Great Post… You were missed..

By: Jim37

Jim37 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:35:36 +0000

Elizabeth 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
Fax: 212-819-0816
E-Mail: irena.briganti@foxnews.com

Thomas Tyrer, Senior Vice President
Communications & Cross-Platform Operations for Fox Networks Group
Phone: 310-369-0008
Fax: 310-969-4334
E-Mail: thomas.tyrer@fox.com

Brian Peterson, Director
Corporate Communications for
Fox Cable Networks
Phone: 310-369-0009
Fax: 310-969-4334
E-Mail: brian.peterson@fox.com

Teri Everett, Senior Vice President
Corporate Affairs & Communications
Phone: 212-852-7647
E-Mail: teverett@newscorp.com

Reed Nolte, Senior Vice President
Investor Relations
Phone: 212-852-7092
Fax: 212-852-7145
E-Mail: rnolte@newscorp.com

Craig Felenstein, Vice President
Investor Relations
Phone: 212-852-7084
Fax: 212-852-7145
E-Mail: cfelenstein@newscorp.com
Joseph Earley, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 310-369-2969
Fax: 310-369-8471
E-Mail: joe.earley@fox.com

Scott Grogin, Senior Vice President
Corporate Communications
Phone: 310-369-4733
Fax: 310-369-1283
E-Mail: scott.grogin@fox.com

Ann Burkart
VP Corporate Communications
Phone: (310) 969-7220
E-Mail: Ann.Burkart@fox.com

David Asman, Fox News Host : Phone: 212-301-3944; Email:
david.asman@foxnews.com

Ian Rae, Exec. VP News : Phone: 212-301-8552; Email: ian.rae@foxnews.com

Jane Skinner, News Anchor : Phone: 212-301-5023; Email:
jane.skinner@foxnews.com

John Moody, Sen VP News : Phone: 212-301-8560; Email: john.moody@foxnews.com
Justin Schmidt, Chicago Bureau Chief : Phone: 312-494-0428; Fax: 312-494-0445

Kathy Ardleigh, Sen. Politics Producer : Phone: 212-301-3186; Email:
kathy.ardleigh@foxnews.com

Ken LaCorte, Los Angeles Bureau Chief : Phone: 310-571-2000; Fax: 310-571-2009

Kim Schiller Hume, Wash DC Bureau Chief : Phone: 202-824-6389; Fax:
202-824-6426

Shepard Smith, Fox Report Host : Phone: 212-301-3711; Email:
shepard.smith@foxnews.com

Thom Bird, Fox News Sen. Producer : Phone: 212-301-3250; Email:
thom.bird@foxnews.com

Todd Ciganek, National News Editor : Phone: 212-301-3352; Email:
todd.ciganek@foxnews.com

Bill O’Reilly, O’Reilly Factor Host : Phone: 212-301-3320; Email:
bill.oreilly@foxnews.com

Brian Knoblock, International Editor : Phone: 212-301-5486; Email:
brian.knoblock@foxnews.com

By: darlineishere

darlineishere — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:27:31 +0000

The 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.

By: And the beat goes on

And the beat goes on — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:20:47 +0000

Make 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.

By: Freedom Rebel

Freedom Rebel — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:56:48 +0000

“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..

By: rainlillie

rainlillie — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:48:22 +0000

I 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.

By: katy

katy — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:42:25 +0000

McCain’s Media: The media render the RNC obsolete
By: John Amato @ 4:30 PM – PDT
Ain’t life grand? Jamison Foser:

Last week, Politico reported that John McCain has an “unorthodox strategy” to capture the presidency — he “will rely on free media to an unprecedented degree to get out his message.”
[...]

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.”

By: NOLIESPLEASE

NOLIESPLEASE — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:19:06 +0000

Does 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.

By: JMOHR

JMOHR — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:16:56 +0000

Look, 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.

By: draftedin68

draftedin68 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:06:31 +0000

Wow! 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!