First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Joey Goebbels, Germantown WI — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:29:21 GMT

First Read: "-- the New York Times today raises this conversation starter: that the “news media are imbalanced in their coverage of the candidates.” "

Gee, you think? Reporting is one thing. Cheerleading is another. Down right campaigning for the man like Williams and others are doing is a yet another tragedy for our so called 'unbiased' media.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Jason Wilcox, Grantville, MO — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30:48 GMT

Let the hand waving and excuses start again for why the newsies are campaigning for Obama.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

James Jonah Jameson — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:31:37 GMT

The double-edged sword: McCain has been given free pass, leaving wife, Phil Gramm, No knowledge of foreign countries/cultures/religious affiliations, birth control and oh don't let me forget; flip flopping telling Obama that he needs to do what Obama has been doing for the past umteen years. McCain has switched, re-switched and double switched and that has not been given no weight as compared to Obama. Obama has made strides in reaching out to the nation and that is not reported, instead you report on negative this and negative that. New Yorker has made him take time away from campaign, but that hasn't stopped him. FOX and Jackson has taken away from important issues, but that hasn't stopped him. Let's get real, everyone can try to shake him but he is made up of the sterner stuff.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

obama 08 — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:33:35 GMT

First Read what are you smoking this morning?

Are you seriously saying that Obama gets better media coverage???

Everything that comes out of his mouth get sliced and diced over and over again.

And then McBush makes some RIDICULOUS comment or statement and we BARELY hear about it.

If Obama said HALF of the stupid things that McBush has said then he would have been laughed out of the race.

Get a freaking clue First Read. We are not as stupid as you hope that we are. We understand that you in the MSM are trying your hardest to make this race seem close, otherwise your jobs would be BORING and the BIG GUYS upstairs would get a little hot under the collar.

We ain't falling for it. Go ahead and continue making fools of yourselves with shoddy reporting and laughable "journalistic talents".

Your children must be proud.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Andy Stenson, Rochester NY — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:34:28 GMT

How did AlGore manage to pry himself away from that house of his that consumes energy like a foundry? Private jet up the coast to Washington for his big speech. Maybe fly out to the Hamptons when that's done for a long weekend of just deserved R&R.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Linda. Boston, MA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:36:17 GMT

Chuck, while I agree with your assessment that the extra coverage on Obama also comes with extra scrutiny, it still frustrates me that you all refuse to even acknowledge that the MSM's narrative is determined by how close the race is. Most of the unequal coverage is due to the fact that if Obama gets too far ahead, then the race isn't interesting enough for all the pundits to pontificate on. When Obama's ahead, you bring him down. When it's close, you look to increase the gap. It's self-serving and, ultimately, dishonest. At least Chris Matthews was honest enough once to admit that he had a vested interest in the political drama.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

sotiredofignorance — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:36:44 GMT

The obligation that the nominees of both parties have is to consider qualifications in case the Vice President (heaven forbid) should need to step into the Presidency. Old Politics suggest that they should pick someone that enhances their ability to challenge in an area that the nominee might need help in. Not sure the Old Politics play here.

My guess is that McCain will play it safe. I don't think Romney helps him, by the way, the right wing will not like his religion. I have a very personal experience and reason for finding a Mormon unacceptable too.

Don't know what Senator Obama will do. I hope he gives due consideration to Senator Biden.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Marcia Prance, Morgantown OH — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:37:50 GMT

Will Big Al talk about the new 15% tax on every man, woman and business to support his so called climate change plans? Think that would have a Global Impact on the economy? Hope you all like soup and bread and long lines to get it.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Ron Indiana — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:39:31 GMT

It's not a riddle. McCain needs to select a VP that might be able bring in a swing state like Michigan. The problem he has with Romney is that he will lose as many as 5 percentage points in Bible best states of evangelicals if he picks Romney. McCain is not a change agent to take any swing states away from Obama.

Obama has a slightly different issue. He needs someone who is on the same page as he (is on.) Obama may not need the VP for geographic reasons. Why? He now has seragates to work for him in Virginia, Penn, Ohio, Indiana.Obama did not have too many seragates during the primaries. It was mostly Barack and Michelle. Obama will pick someone with foreign policy experience, someone who thinks along similar lines as he (Obama)thinks. Me thinks Biden protests too much. Still think it will be Biden.

Oh, by the way, Chuck Todd called Chris Matthews "Boss" last night. Chris seems happier on Hardball. Did Chris get a promotion? What is the politics at MSNBC? We all would like to know.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Class Warrior, D.C. — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:39:47 GMT

Yes, Teflon John has been given somewhat of a free pass by the msm; And, yes, had Mcbrainless said the Sunni-Shia thing in front of, say, Greg Craig, or an anchor, it would've been MUCH bigger news.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Timber Reed, Oregon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:40:43 GMT

Extra scrutiny of Obama's words shouldn't be a problem for Barack. The man doesn't say anything of any value. How much can anyone twist the Hope and Change mantra of this guy?

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

GP Chicago — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:40:45 GMT

52 million....compared to 22 million.

Small donors support obama and the country has spoken

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

NObama — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:42:01 GMT

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Diane from Illinois — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:42:14 GMT

First Read states: “news media are imbalanced in their coverage of the candidates.” WOW! That's a shocker, isn't it? We've been saying that for MONTHS now. There is no such thing as "fair and balanced" journalism anymore. If McCain got HALF of the coverage for all his recent gaffes as Obama receives this race would over now.

Concerning the RNC: I've got news for them if they think the only "shot" at winning anything is the Presidency........they don't have THAT either. They have a flawed candidate. He's old, out of touch with America and has the wrong ideas on how to move this country forward. He's stuck in the 1950s. Their only "shot" of winning the Presidency is to have a different candidate. And it's too late for that. People want a change, not more of the same. When McFossil votes 95% of the time with the failed Bush policies, we would be getting more of the same. The RNC has No chance of winning many seats NOR the Presidency in 2008. Period.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

J. Barnhart, Missouri — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:43:44 GMT

Double edged sword, riiiight. Barack could give the sig heil salute, and the lefties in the MSM would say he was waving at a homeless person.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

A Charles, LA, CA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:44:18 GMT

McCain if he's smart would launch a rural America tour while Obama's travelling the globe. Get a bunch of intimate talks lined up. Him around a table, drinking beer with real people.

Otherwise he is toast!!! The rest of world can't wait meet O. It will be like when the pope visits. 3 anchors covering him, When he gets to Germany over 100,000 people will come to see him.

Obama is starting an undeniable wave. After the trip will be the convention. And what can McCain do about it?

He better start whining like Hillary about the media coverage.

Even his VP pick will be neutered. Anyone with a 3 digit IQ knows it's Romney. He'd be dumb to pick anyone else with the economy the way it is & MI possibly in play.

By Sept 1 this race will be summarized as Obama and the old guy, if McCain doesn't pull a miracle out his a**.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Cindy Lou, TX — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:45:06 GMT

I agree that the media attention on Obama is a double-edged sword. While I'm very much looking forward to seeing videos/photos of the crowds coming out for Obama around the world, I know the media will magnify every mistake Obama makes, no matter how small. I only hope the coverage will be balanced in terms of positive and negative. Spinning every story to find the negative angle is draining for me as a viewer.

Further, I wonder if the MSM is afraid of McCain's volatile temper. You're right--the shia/sunni gaffe McCain made several times was not covered in the same way as Obama's mistakes.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

BJ, CA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:45:35 GMT

McDouble with fries will take us into a war with Iran.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Amy B Portland, ME — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:48:01 GMT

"Doesn't that mean it's likely they'll pick running mates with whom they bond more than they will via some electoral idea? Discuss!"

Discuss! You are funny. And I don't mean that sarcastically. OK:

My biggest hope is that Obama will pick a running mate he clicks with on a personal level. It should be a person competent enough to be his right hand, who will challenge him when he needs to be challenged, but who not set up an alternate center of power in his administration (see Cheney).

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Nashville_fan — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:48:21 GMT

"While Obama raised much more than the $30 million-plus that the Wall Street Journal reported last week, Obama’s $52 million is about what he should have raised for a candidate who is opting out of public funds for the general."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Translation: The media had it all wrong last week. To cover up for our running with a bogus fundraising story, we will raise the expectations for next month to unprecedented levels to cover our behinds.

P.S. WOO-HOO! Obama raised $52 million! Way to go TEAM OBAMA!

P.S.S. Obama gets more media coverage and 75% of it is made up media drivel about patriotism and "can he take a joke". And now the media covers the media coverage and tries to imply that its and advantage for Senator Obama. Nothing like being followed around by a pack of jackals rooting for John McCain to boost your campaign.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:49:55 GMT

Just because the press covers Sen. Obama more still doesn't excuse the amount of free passes given to Sen. McCain. McCain is the press' favorite and that is easily seen by the reluctance to report on his daily gaffes and missteps. I believe that the American media is there to attempt to derail Obama and distort his words much like they have done recently in showing incredible intellectual dishonesty in claiming the Iraqi withdrawal is some kind of 180 degree switch in Sen. Obama's position. To those who aren't brain-dead lemmings, there is a difference between strategy and tactics. Bush/McCain have no far reaching strategy except to stay and run like scared rabbits anytime a situation emerges on the ground. Obama has a strategy to begin to withdraw our troops with a goal of 16 months, take the fight to the true enemies who attacked us in the border regions of Afghanistan, and he will have the "generals on the ground" offer their best counsel to ensure that his strategy is implemented taking in concern the safety of American lives. The good thing about this foreign trip will be to watch the foreign media broadcasts side-by-side with their American counterparts and immediately detect the corporate slant.

In other mostly unreported MSM news, Sen. McCain has a problem with a religious advisor. A Catholic group has asked for the advisor's ouster but I haven't heard a peep from the MSM about this. Let it have been some religious advisor that went to 5th grade with Sen. Obama and we would have a front page story with the title "Religious MELTDOWN!" I've been noticing the new line of attack from the corporate media on Obama dealing with his humor. How low will you guys stoop to bring him down? Sen. Obama has a great sense of humor. I thought the Cousin Cheney story, "fired up ready to go", "Annie Oakley", Brush the Dirt off yo Shoulders, "You will not be the next NBA star or Li'l Wayne" commentary, and many more were very funny. Of course after corporate spin, he gets made out to look like he's talking down to someone or being a masogynist(sp?). Meanwhile Sen. McCain makes "Ape Rape" jokes, "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Iran" songs, and thinks the deaths of foreign citizens is funny but that's just good 'ol McCain being McCain. The bias is truly at a putrid level now. Imagine if Obama would have made any of McCain's "jokes", he would be done. Attack his "Americanism", his patriotism, and now his humor--what's next?

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Obama CHANGE you can believe in DAILY — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:50:45 GMT

Obama has a slightly different issue. He needs someone who is on the same page as he (is on.)
--------------------
Ron in IN: That might be a little hard to do when Obama changes the page everyday. When he said "turn the page", he wasn't joking!

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Not Diane — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:51:24 GMT

Diane, you're not even interesting any more. Cutting and pasting propaganda from left wing blogs here is not cool.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Linda, Allen, TX — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:53:21 GMT

Bill Clinton watch. Who cares?!!!!

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Lyn — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:53:29 GMT

I hate to point this out since I know that you guys can count.... if he needs a total of $250 million from June to Nov as you state (50 million a month) and he has now $72 million in the bank he need only average around $33 million a month between now and Nov to reach $250 million total. But please don't stop always rasing the BAR higher for him in hopes he won't make it so you have something else to "rag" on about him. I suspect he can raise $30 million amonth without breaking much of a sweat espicially since the GE donors have not really kicked in yet. BTW I'm not talking about just Hillary donors but his own big donors according to you provided over $120 million in primary cash.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Linda, Allen, TX — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:56:56 GMT

"Doesn't that mean it's likely they'll pick running mates with whom they bond more than they will via some electoral idea? Discuss!"

As long as Senator Obama does not pick Hillary Clinton, I will be happy with his choice.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

gmhussein, Jupiter, Fl — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:59:06 GMT

Ron Indiana, regards Chris Matthews, if he seems happier, although I no longer watch him as he is too much of a blowhard, it may be because he no longer is in competition with Tim Russert. A month or so before Tim died, there was an interesting piece on Matthews in the NYT sunday magazine in which it alluded to Matthews professional jealousy of Tim Russert and how insecure Matthews was in his dealings with Russert and the respect Russert had from the viewing audiences.

At the time of Tim's death, Matthews lauded him well, but also made a reference to Tim being a competitor of Matthews. Small point, but it underscored for me what I had previously read. I enjoy your posts, thank you for your insights.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Houston — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:39 GMT

Consider: Just how big of a gaffe would have McCain’s Sunni-Shiite mistake been had the network anchors all been there to cover it?
--------------------------------------------

Huh? Journalists have to be standing right in front of McCain when he makes a stupid gaffe in order to notice it? Lots of us non-journalists knew about it through this new-fangled invention called the the "Internets." You know, it's a series of tubes.

If you bend over backward any further to justify your biased anti-Obama pro-McCain covnerage, you're going to have to see a chiropracter

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Julie, Houston, TX — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:53 GMT

I'm still laughin' at the mccain camps notion that obama gets all the media attention. Well McCain, I think you should be thanking god for that because if Obama would have "misspoken" or made the "gaffes" that you have - the media would have been on him like white on rice - but you skated off with barely a mention. Naw, McCain, pipe down, believe me, if you had to tollerate the media scrutiny that obama did you would have been out of the race a long time ago. Also, if you were a personality that the country could get exited about, and if you drew the crowds that Obama does, yeah, then you might garner the additional coverage. But, the reality is, McCain is about as exciting as watching paint dry. I haven't listened to many of his speeches, because I can't stay away. McCain, pipe down and count your blessings, you've been given a gift.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Ed, Watertown MA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:04:19 GMT

Your competitors at ABC News are reporting the UBS Bank helped wealthy Americans illegaly hide their money offshore from the IRS.

Since Phil Gramm, the Chief Economic Advisor to John McCain is the Vice-Chairman of UBS, what to you want to bet this is one of the reasons why Cindy McCain has refused to release her tax records?

Just another example that the GOP is no longer conservative, it's now a wholly owned subsidiary of Big Business.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Bill Steed, Mobile, AL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:05:28 GMT

I can't believe all the yahoos on here complaining that McCain is getting a pass what a joke. Matthews and Olbermann are openly rooting for Obama every night.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Stacey — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:06:11 GMT

MSNBC seems to be devoid of shame. I'm so sick of these 42-long empty suits going on and on about nothing. They love McCain because although they talk tough they really are chicken-hawks. They won't actually fight a war but provided nothing but deafening silence before and during this tragic engagement. They might want to show their patriotism by doing their job -present the news in a truthful and substantive way.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Trent J Atlanta, Ga — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:07:04 GMT

Can we all come to an agreement to stop with the “McBush”, “McAncient”, “McDont want to vote for a Republican” stuff! I am an ardent Barack Obama supporter, but this stopped being cute months ago!

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

camie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:07:51 GMT

everybody is trying to find something wrong with obamas trip overseas and no one has criticizm when mccain went overseas...another example of unfairness in the media

Awkward Exchange between McCain’s press aides and St. Louis Reporter
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/awkward-exchange-between-mccains-press-aides-and-st-louis-reporter/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

NICK BARTOW, LESTER, PA. — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:08:04 GMT

I pledged to myself to give 100.00 bucks every three weeks to OBAMA. This friday is put up or shut up and i must admit that i thought this pledge was a little over the top but todays numbers give me much to smile about and reinforce my pledge. The american people are speaking loud and clear. CHANGE IS ON THE WAY
NICKB

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Nashville_fan — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:08:12 GMT

Is it possible for the news media to cover Senator Obama's trip abroad AND the Bush/McCain FLIP on strategy with Afghanistan/Iraq at the same time? Or is that like walking and chewing gum for you guys?

The Bush Administration is meeting with Iran, planning to reduce troop presence in Iraq, and send more troops to Afghanistan - just like Senator Obama has been advocating all year.

Please cover this story. It is real and it is important. All Americans should know that Senator Obama was RIGHT AGAIN on Iraq/Afghanistan policy.

The Bush Admistration, John McCain and the media were WRONG about Afghanistan and Pakistan. Just admit it.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Amy — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:11:28 GMT

Ya think? The real hilarious part is when the actual vote is in it isn't going to resemble what you guys have been touting. Barack is the only one who seems to understand he DID NOT WIN ANYTHING BY A LEGIT LANDSLIDE...

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Nj — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:15:15 GMT

So when does MSNBC and the rest of the media start telling the truth about McShames Gaffes???

This is becoming a JOKE

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

William Beavers, IL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:16:27 GMT

The Democratic Solider:

MSNBC -FR - why are you posting Maggie White's from Dallas, TX explicit racial comments?

Do you want to start a racial war? - Isn't things touchy as is.

============

Don't know about Maggie, but it appears Jesse Jackson is attempting to stir things up a bit.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:16:52 GMT

The Press Corps...including Mr. Brian Williams who pratcially slobered all over McCain when he interviewed him in early June are there to play the gotcha game called..."CATCH THE GAFFE". It's a new game where the first reporter to get the clip wins some kind of bonus points with their Cable News Network back home - maybe it's a $1,000 gas card..I don't know. This does not fool me. This is the "gotcha politics" we have been in these past 25 years or so.

I will watch the coverage of the Obama Trip on C-Span...unfiltered and without all the bloviating talking heads arguing over every word Obama utters.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Truth fan — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:18:04 GMT

Obama's Yes I Can and McCain's No I Can't moment.

http://tinyurl.com/6mwo9n

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

NObama — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:18:44 GMT

I have a very personal experience and reason for finding a Mormon unacceptable too
---------------
sotiredofignorance: then, you won't mind when people say they won't vote for Obama because he sat in a racist, hate-filled church for 20 years and even embraced the pastor as his mentor. I've had many LDS friends over the year. Believe me, I'd rather vote for a Mormon than somebody like BO who would embrace that hate in his church. I'd don't embrace the LDS beliefs, but they have a strength in family and supporting their community you wouldn't see at Trinity church where they're too busy hating.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Janet Salmons, Boulder, CO — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:18:57 GMT

Mr. Jameson-- I agree! Let's see some REAL McCain coverage by the media! Stories that would be plastered across the airwaves about anyone else just seem to slide by. The American people need to know the story-- and implications for the country.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

gmhussein, Jupiter, Fl — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:20:25 GMT

I am in complete agreement with J. Trent in Atlanta, (one of my favorite cities) I feel as a ardent supporter of Barack Obama, I should honor him by being respectful of his opponent. When you reduce your ridicule or criticism to juvenile name calling your dilute the message of Senator Obama. Even as I drive my car with the Obama sticker, I am mindful to be polite at all times.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Houston — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:21:09 GMT

This whining about "imbalanced" coverage is ridiculous. Sure, Obama has gotten more coverage than McCain, but almost all of it has been NEGATIVE. The Times reporters won't tell you that, even though everyone knows it. "Journalists" don't like little details like that because they don't fit in with whatever bogus narrative their peddling at the moment. Ever since Obama took the lead in the primaries, there've been vicious daily attacks in the corporat media on Obama for flip-flopping, for not having a sense of humor, for being an angry black radical, for being "too liberal," "too naive," and on and on. Now the same Obama-hating media are complaining that they themselves have been giving him too much coverage. One thing it takes to be a journalist, apparently, is gall.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

mcm in vt — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:21:27 GMT

Whenever Obama makes a gaff the media always seems to be able to justify it.

In general, they can't can't give him enough ink.
Again this week, another cover story from Newsweek.

Enough. Stop reporting on the man and start reporting the substance.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Carly from California — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:23:12 GMT

If the media covered all the flip flops of McBush, there really wouldn't be time for any other news.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Jean, Asheville, NC — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:23:27 GMT

"How many of heard that last week Obama proposed a new tax on carbon emissions?" NObama
Hey Nobama when are (you) and the rest of people like you going to realize "someone" has to pay to have a clean world to leave their children and grandchildren. I would gladly pay more taxes if it means we don't have to rely on fossile fuel - fight wars and damage our planet. Because in the long run, we are paying way more to destroy our planet and support foreign fuel than we would pay in taxes for a cleaner world and safer world. (and I'm not even getting into the health issue and what we all pay for health care for people who are sick because of our burning of fossile fuel.) Stop being so short sighted!!

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Kahn, Md — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:23:27 GMT

the New York Times today raises this conversation starter: that the “news media are imbalanced in their coverage of the candidates.”

Gee, NYT, when did you realize that? And, why have you allowed your newspaper to be a part of it?

Interesting Al Gore going to speak about energy again. How many of heard that last week Obama proposed a new tax on carbon emissions? Now, that's not a direct tax to you, but it will raise the cost to you for every type of energy you use. Thanks, Obama, for making things even tougher for those of us who are struggling. We'd like to buy some of those $600 earrings like your wife buys.
NObama (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 9:42 AM)
------------------------------

What does earrings have to do with an Adminstration who spent the surplus. I hate to say this but the only why we are able to get out of this is to raise taxes to the pre bush levels. I last 6 years i have a easy time money wise, but to see other hurting. If taking an extra hundred dollars out of my check we help then do it. I guest i just have to cut back on 360 games and jordans. If you care about your country that mean you sould car about the citzens. Help them, not big business....

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Jack Rowley Atlanta, GA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:23:44 GMT

The only person that the media is obsessed with is John McCain. The media in this country is complety owned by the GOP and refuses to publish anything that would place any GOP member in a negative light. The also insist on posting everything about Obama in a negative light.
Take the example of the money raised. Just a week ago there were giant 40 pt headlines about how bad his fundraising supposedly was. When the truth comes out about how great it really was, barely a peep.

The press in this country has abandoned it mission and is no better than Izvestia of Pravda during the 70s and 80s. It is simply a mouthpiece for the ruling GOP.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Josephine, Phila.,PA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:23:48 GMT

All I can say is that if we recall history, Adolph Hitler was voted into office by the people of his time. They, too, thought he was "the answer to their prayers." American voters, take a better look at what's going on. American press, dig more deeply into the past on candidates and DON'T apologize or back pedal when the stuff hits the fan. There's been too much of that going on recently. Get back to journalism should be about. We need an unbiased, unapologitic INDEPENDENT American press AGAIN. You've let us down. Get your act together, please!

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Terry, IN — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:23:56 GMT

What really irritates me is that there's no coverage of substantive events such as the summit Obama held yesterday. He has held several on different issues. The MSM keeps talking about how the public doesn't know much about Obama, or that he doesn't offer specifics on how he would solve problems. Watching the summits (which are streamed on CNN-Live) allows one to understand the depth of Obama's knowledge, wisdom, and openness to considering others' ideas. It really makes his thoughtful and mature style of leadership apparent. He's all about brainstorming rather than being a dictator.

Covering such events would offer the voters useful knowledge rather than constant gaffes & "gotcha" moments.

Why doesn't McCain hold any such summits? All we see of him is staged town meetings where he rambles on with his often conflicting, erroneous, talking points.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:24:28 GMT

Since the GOP donors have abandoned the House and Senate candidates can we finally admit that Sen. Obama is the strongest candidate? Watch for the different GOP state parties to push that panic button in the next few months. It's going to happen first in states like Iowa, Montana, and Indiana (where McCain's poor organization only has a phone number while Obama is opening more offices). I also look forward to see more Republicans make more commercials in the mold of the Gordon Smith ad. It is going to be great to see President Obama be given the mandate to govern with all of these senate and house pickups. I wonder what the new fundraising mark is going to be according to the MSM...60 mil, 70 mil?

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

bias - it's just tape — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:24:44 GMT

nashville fan and ck steele seem to have nailed this one...

Imbalanced coverage does not mean "air time" or # of reporters following a candidate around. It is what the editorial board/producers choose to air and how how often.

50 reporters can tag behind Obama and only report/question/analysis potential shifts and gaffes.

5 reporters can tag behind McCain and never question or offer analysis of his shifts and gaffes.

You do cover each other more now. Endless cycling from the am to pm shows - appearing as guests and reporters - with each other. Incest usually breeds bad stuff.

And FR says:

In fact, as Rick Davis bragged last week, money isn't going to be the issue many thought it would be just two months ago. Why is this? It appears many Republican donors are buying into the argument that the ONLY shot Republicans have of winning anything is the presidency. And this is hurting Republicans running for the House and Senate...
****************************************************

Does this seem news worthy to anyone? I know it was a gift from the daily emails that provide you with your talking points for the day, but maybe you could have shared it some real reporters. It ought to be worth a paragraph or two. Or maybe the campaign gave you another shiny object to share with us...later.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Jack, Indianapolis — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:26:27 GMT

I can not believe what I am reading. YOU, the press have given McFossil a free pass on EVERY stupid thing he has said.

I'm sure Tim Russert is rolling over in his grave.

You all forget what he stood for in reporting?

Sheesh

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Libby J , Arkansas — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:26:36 GMT

Nashville-fan--
Right on!! Obama = foresight and McCain/Bush/Cheney = rearview mirror.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

MAMMA MIA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:27:14 GMT

Yeah! Obsessed with getting him the hell out of the race. Obama is pure genious and I heard this from one of your conservative buddies on chicago public radio.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Robin, Virginia — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:27:25 GMT

Joey, if this was church, I would be in your amen corner

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Nancy R., Boston, MA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:28:59 GMT

First read,

You must be reading the Republican talking points that Obama is getting more coverage than John McCain. That's ridiculous. Every move Obama makes is covered and then run in loops. The press continues to give McCain a free ride.

So Obama is going to Europe and Middle East. Some will say at the urging of McCain which is absurd. Obama just finished the primary season in June while McCain had extra months he essentially wasted taking his weekends off.

Fair coverage is in the eyes of the reader or viewer. The media is definitely not giving Obama more coverage or more favorable coverage. I think they continue to recite the Republican talking points of the day, overlook McCain's gafees (and lack of memory for details) and that's something you folks in the media should take a hard look at.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Bee, Manchester, NH — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:29:16 GMT

Chuck Todd,

This will be the last time i'll be giving you a benefit of doubt on your analysis. I have noticed something serious about your reporting ever since Tim Russert died. Your analysis has been dead wrong and you tend to spin more rather than report the facts.

For example, you said Obama is like George Bush because he hired competent people to run his campaign. Your analysis is disgusting and without merit. For all the talk about factual analysis, you guys have been pretty much wrong. You like regurgitating Republican talking point and by doing so you're putting MSBC rating in danger.

Sometime last week, WSJ reported how terrible Obama's fundraising where for the month of June. I remember Obama saying you guys don't have your facts right, yet, the media talking head keeps giving the public what is not factual. At what point are you guys going to take responsibility for reporting nonsense. If there is anything we’ve come to know in this election cycle is not to report on Obama’s fund raising until he release his numbers. How many times have the MSM been wrong? By my own count, they’ve been wrong on his fund raising 100% of the time. Why would you guys even risk putting your delicate reputation in jeopardy? Stick with the facts and stop reporting spin.

I think the entire MSBC owe the public 100% factual reporting without injecting their wrongful opinion. If MSNBC doesn't want to loose readership and viewers, it is important they get the story right. I have heard enough of the talking head lying to the American people. Comparing Obama to George Bush is beyond pale and no reasonable person can believe that except people like you that live in Belt Way bubble. Obama has already said “he doesn’t want drama” and as far as I can tell Bush’s white house is full of drama and incompetents. Again, stick to the fact and stop reporting spin.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

dwmulenex, savannah, ga — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:29:33 GMT

It would be very nice if the MSM would put together the pattern of McCain's political career from time to time, and go into your tape archives and pull out the videos of McCain contradicting himself on tax cuts, Iraq, Afghanistan, climate change(voluntary cap and trade?), privatization of social security, balancing the budget, torture, warrantless eavesdropping, and so on. By all means do the same for Obama. But letting McCain say he can't recall saying he said he knew nothing about economics should be played as often as Hillary's Clinton's "tale of two Tuzlas." It's just as important, and yet, McCain gets away every day with murdering the truth. Time for Straight Talk, methinks. Get off your duffs, MSNBC and analyze something that last longer than frog sex.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Patty Pittsburgh — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:29:50 GMT

Josephine, take a chill pill. How dare you compare Hitler to Obama or the movement that is taking place? That was a movement of hate and Obama is talking inclusion - a word NOT in the GOP who always go out to divide and conquer.

The GOP doesn't know how to campaign honestly. The party has supported a war criminal. You guys have no morals.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Stating the Obvious — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:30:17 GMT

No one is excited for McCain, how could you be? The voters in November will be voting for Obama or against him. Either way it's all about Obama so that's one reason he's getting all the coverage.

First thoughts: Double-edged sword

Patrick Kiger — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:31:31 GMT

Practically every day McCain says something dumb and it gets buried by the MSM.