With liberal politicans, reporters pan for gold. With conservative politicians, reporters dig for dirt.
The media spotlight that has been used as soft backlighting to illuminate President Obama and other liberal darlings doubles as a tightly-focused laser beam to attack Republicans.
Just look at the recent issue of Newsweek magazine with its cover photo showing former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wearing, of all things, running shorts. If you think that would be more appropriate on the cover of a magazine about running, you'd be exactly right -- it was a photo originally intended for Runner's World .
It's not exactly a dignified pose for Palin for the cover of a news magazine -- but, then again, it apparently never was Newsweek's intent to portray the conservative as dignified.
Newsweek Editor Jon Meacham said: "We chose the most interesting image available to us to illustrate the theme of the cover, which is what we always try to do. We apply the same test to photographs of any public figure, male or female: Does the image convey what we are saying?"
It absolutely does convey that. Because what Newsweek is saying through that photo is, "We loathe Sarah Palin and what she stands for, and we're going to view her -- and present her to the public -- as condescendingly as possible."
Liberal talking heads love to paint Palin as politically divisive. Pardon? What's she done that's so divisive? Support traditional American values? Since when is that a problem?
A dominant question among the scrum of pundits is whether the Palin Newsweek cover is sexist. Quick answer: It is. But set that question aside to address a more obvious question: How does picturing Palin in jogging attire have any bearing on or connection with her politics, or Evan Thomas' essay in the magazine?
It doesn't.
Remember, too, that this is the magazine that admitted it received a flood of letters on its recent Al Gore cover story -- and a whopping 74 percent of those letters were critical of Gore -- but Newsweek ran only complimentary letters.
But that's life these days in the mainstream media's self-constructed world -- reality, trimmed to suit. It's where Obama and other liberals are gazed upon through rose-colored glasses, but Palin and other conservatives are scrutinized under electron microscopes.
In Mediaworld, the media fret over Palin being somehow divisive as a potential political candidate. But when polls indicate actual division -- numbers showing that half the country is against Obama and his policies -- the same media never think to use the "D" word.
In Mediaworld, 11 Associated Press staffers are assigned to pick apart and fact-check Palin's new book, Going Rogue . But how many AP reporters were tasked with fact-checking either of the books Obama has authored? Zero.
In Mediaworld, The Washington Post's Sally Quinn can unashamedly defend the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama's erstwhile family pastor and rabid America-hater. But when it comes to Palin, Quinn uses her blog "On Faith" to question the depth of Palin's Christianity.
In Mediaworld, when Democrats are thrown into disarray over Rep. Bart Stupak's anti-abortion amendment that passed the House, it's described by Politico.com as a "family feud." That's all. But when Republican factions are sparring over the future of the GOP -- horrors! It's called a "civil war" in the Los Angeles Times!
In Mediaworld, Palin's family often has been publicly picked apart amid coping with such difficult issues as daughter Bristol Palin's teen pregnancy. But Obama's family? Sorry, citizen -- when the president says his family is off-limits to press scrutiny, the press meekly obliges.
We understand the media's fear. Sarah Palin embodies a conservative values system that horrifies liberals.
But what's really frightening is how the media take those values and reflect them in a funhouse mirror back to the public, trying to pass that off as the truth.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Sarah Palin is a funhouse mirror politician. 'nuff said.
It is all in Republicans' heads. The media asks the same questions of politicians on both sides. Republicans just cannot take it when dolts like Palin cannot answer simple questions.
The media is owned by the liberal politicians, for the most part. Hateful, often false, portrayal of honorable people and equally false, but supportive, stories of Dems. It's the way the government press works. Because FOX and talk radio don't follow this policy, the government controlled media also preaches hate toward them. So,what 's new? Palin scares the left so bad they are focused on her every move. Right now, their silliness is making her very rich.
If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen!!! OOPS I said kitchen. I bet that was sexist too. Give us a break ACES.
imdstuf on Mon Nov 23, 2009 1:29 AM Google Obama and Blgojevich and see the results. Obama, Emmanuel and Axlerod helped reelect Blagojevic dispite the fact he was under federal investigation for corruption. One article by ABC. Look up Obama and Rezko one article by Chicago Sun Times. 11 reporters were assigned to fact check Going Rogue...None have been assigned to check Dreams of my Fathers. There are numerous errors in Dreams but nobody in the elitist Media cares, there is even mounting evidence that Bill Ayers ghost wrote Dreams. Goggle errors in Dreams of My Father then do that with going Rogue. The media even uses "the I can see Russia from my poarch "SNL skit by Tina Fey to laugh at Palin and Obumbler can't even get a web site up! Yeh give me a break. Michele Obama got a heavy six figure job as Obumbler funneled money to the hospital where she worked but no investigation of nepotism by the press..I could go on for hours ....all in Republicans heads?
Oh, by the way, America notices, that is why the eltist media is going broke...
onlythetruth, why is it Dems only choose names that mean the opposite of what they imply? Did you notice that all Dem named bills always have opposite meanings? "fairness doctrine", "health care", "stimulus"....?
You'll never see the AP make that point, carcraft. (2:29)
PREDICTION: No matter the media coverage, if the Republicans run Sarah Palin for President in 2012, Obama will be a 2 term President. Rant on AC, by 2012 you're contributions to the "Mediaworld" will be EVEN LESS influential than they are today. GGpap
johnston.cliff on Mon Nov 23, 2009 2:31 AM Thank you! Just a little teaser about the Failure of American eltist media. The Emails of the Climate Research Unit of Britians University of East Anglia were hacked and released on the web. The E mails demonstrate that Global warming is far from settled and much data has been manipulated....Sorry Al Gore...It seems the only News Paper to mention it is the Wall Street Journal...BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA American news services, printing every thing you don't need to know BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Oh by the way, much of what I know about CRU and Obumbler comes from foreign news sources...
prediction, If the Repubs run a 3 legged mule in 2012, Obama won't be a 2 term president. The 3 legged mule might not win, but Obama has shown he's incapable of leadership and the presidency is no place for a second rate puppet.
Yeah, carcraft (2:44) Newsmax also mentioned it as did FOX radio. Who knew the government controlled media wouldn't find it creditable?
Interesting thing I read about Obumbler and Afghanistan..It appears he may be nagotiating with the Taliban..maybe that is why he won't increase troop strength as McCrystal wants...
GGpap hit the nail right on the head. Palin was interesting when picked as a running mate because the choice so angered the Dems. Her inexperience was AND IS still apparent. I was hoping that the Repubs could use it to highlight the inexperience of the DEM candidate, but they failed to do it. Didn't matter. The Repubs lost when they picked the head of their ticket. Chances are they would have lost no matter who they picked, because of the long war and the economy. I will not vote for Palin if she wins the ticket. If the Repubs pick her, I am sure the Pres will see a second term. That said, News Week was blatent in its disdain for Palin or anyone conservative, as is most of those in the media. I'm sure you'd have never seen anything like that for a liberal candidate. If you think that the media is "Fair", watch their coverage and see how many refer to protesters as "Tea Baggers". I'm amazed that "journalist" would use such a vulgar term in mixed company, let alone when "reporting the news".
So, robbie, would you vote for a 3 legged mule over Obama?
Didn't see one on the ticket...
The Republican/Tea Bagger party has been divided and conquered by the Democrats. Moderate Republicans vs extreme right wing, neo-con Tea baggers. The infighting has left both wings frazzled, frustrated and confused. The Republican/Tea baggers are still attempting to scape goat, blame and project their incompetence, screw ups and shortcomings onto Democrats. The Reagan-Bush and Bush-Cheney Admins. left America with a whooping 11 trillion dollars debt and a 1.7 trillion dollars a year deficit. But the Republican/Tea Baggers try to blame the Democrats for running up a huge deficit and debt. Projecting is a strange human behavior pattern and is a clear indication of serious mental illness. Small businesses don't need tax cuts to expand. They need customers to buy the products sitting in their warehouses.. The stock market is roaring back. The Dow is up nearly 3000 points since President Obama was sworn in. The housing market has stablized, The number of workers being laid off has been reduced by two thirds... President Obama and the Democrats are doing a great job.. Re-election is assured. Sarah palin make stupid remarks and then attempt to scapegoat and project them onto Democrats...
Joe,
While I don't interpret the current economic situation or forecast like you do, our opinions of Palin's public performance do seem to agree. Your use of the term "Tea Bagger" makes my point beautifully. I am guessing you thought the News Week cover was on the spot.
Blah, Blah, Blah, with the AWM and its foolishness about a non-minorty female with an empty head. The aticle attempts to offer some media bias against Palin and how so-called reporters has scrutinized her, well, here is a comparision: The President was hounded out of his chruch because of the pastor, who spoke the truth about American's inhumane treatment of its citizens throughout its history, but Palin attended a church that honored witch doctors and practiced vodoo rituals and the non-minority media is silent. Nothing! (and there is a video clip) so, why not have that clip running 24/7, like Rev Wright speaking the truth about America being played every 5 minutes on U know who. Also, Palin's spouse was a card carrying member of a separatist group that wants Alaska to leave the Union, which she was dishonest about, but nothing from the AWM. Why not show images of his card from the group, just like the birthers obsess over a birth document. Have the non-minority pundits, who works for the AWM, ask the question: "Americans want to know why Palin wants her state to leave the Union?" The reason this kind of reporting won't happen is because of, U know what. What a complete joke!
Justus, as a supporter of Rev Wright, you contribute just as much to the problem as those that posed in their robes in Mississippi. Your knowledge of Palin's church is complete in only one thing... its lack thereof. Racism and prejudice cannot be defeated by being more racist or more prejudice than the other.
It's funny that the libs are still so scared of her. I love these continued "lack of experience" references by folks that still support Obama. Here is a hint, as a governor she has executive experience. Senators are legislators, even if they actually vote yes or no.
It's fear, fear, fear of Palin. She produces an aura of fear among liberals and that's the reason of the criticism of her. The coming Republican victory in next year's elections is becoming obvious and she will be the benefactor. If you don't think charisma can win elections, look at Obama. The Newsweek article stated, "Palin causes derangement in many of her supporters and critics." Read that as she is exciting. Obama played off the same enthusiasm with women swooning over him. The next election may be charisma v. charisma.
One thing about it, we'll never see Michelle Obama on a magazine cover in running shorts. She would have to wear a pair of Charles Barkley's old baggy NBA shorts that went to his knees to fit over her ample dorsal anatomy.
They should leave the ditzy broad and her bum husband alone. I'm tired of hearing about them. It's not even fun poking at her anymore. She's just sad, let her fade away.
Compare the Newsweek Cover of Sarah Palin to the Editorial Cartoon that the Augusta Chronicle ran on the day of Sen. Ted Kennedy's funeral showing a [filtered word] tap dancing on Ted Kennedy's coffin and tell me which was less dignified. As with everything, the Right Wing Media is being hypocritical as usual. If you don't think it was a classy photo, blame Palin. Posing in front of the American Flag that way showed poor taste and a lack of judgment on her part.
Palin is a good looking woman. I'm not certain what the beef is with her posing in shorts. I can see how she would scare lefties, though. They're used to their candidates looking like Hillary. Does anyone remember the picture of her "dancing with Bill" in bathing suits? UG!!
That photo was taken for a RUNNERS MAGAZINE. Newsweek couldn't even ask her to pose for a photo of their magazine. How lazy.
Obumbler's lack of executive experiance and any activity other than feathering his nest is showing now that he can't vote present on issues! Obumbler is dithering while Afganistan desends into turmoil and US troops lose their lives. The trial of terrorist in New York will be the death nail in Obumblers political coffin it will be a mockery of justice...Contrasted with Palin helping run a company and increasing it's worth to over several million, having been a mayor and a member of Alaska's Board of Natural Resources and finally Governor of Alaska Palin understands you do need to make decisions..Palin can also probably get a website to work properly...BWAHAHAHAAHAHA Somebody regestered to vote in New Hampshire district 00 since even people in none existant districts need representation....
imdstuf, well said but what else can you expect from a simple mind