IT'S ALWAYS a joy to go to CNN.com and look at the top stories. Despite stories on the plunder of Wall Street, obligatory police beat coverage, the election stories still manage to jump off the page.
I must admit that it's not surprising anymore, simply disappointing. It's like a father talking to his son. "I'm not angry, just disappointed." Because instead of looking forward toward tonight's debate through discussing the issues, journalists are instead as focused in as ever on the horse race.
Here are the three headlines (one of which I somehow missed on first glance) in descending order of prominence ...
- "Debate No. 2 comes as attacks increase"
- "Obama widens lead in national poll"
- "How Palin spoofs could impact election"
I don't even have to waste my time reading the stories. The second headline is pure horse race journalism, covering the race and not the issues. The third is shedding light and giving more attention to something that should probably be ignored. The first actually mentions the debate, but the "as attacks increase" part undermines the possible step forward. It barely makes an effort to report on something meaningful but fails to be the story that asks and answers the critical questions: "What questions should be asked tonight?" "Who will hold the candidates accountable for what they say?"
The debate coverage in general has been a problem. Barack Obama exceeded expectations. Sarah Palin exceeded expectations. We should have no less than the highest expectations for people running for the highest office in the land regardless of their background or experience. What will the media say of Obama tonight? Will they scrutinize him and John McCain as they should? They must.
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