How can American's make an informed decision about the Presidential Race when networks filter their messages?

Question

It was suggested that I repost* this in Politics.

When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was addressing the convention Monday, drawing a contrast between Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly was in a booth far above the delegates interviewing a pollster. O'Reilly waved in the direction of Pelosi on stage with a dismissive hand.

"Now we have Nancy Pelosi bloviating, and I say that in an affectionate way, behind us," O'Reilly said. "It doesn't seem like the crowd is on the edge of their seats."

Fox's viewers weren't allowed to judge for themselves. Same thing for CNN at the time, where Wolf Blitzer was holding court as Pelosi talked. Among the cable news networks, only MSNBC gave Pelosi's speech any real attention.

Three hours later, as CNN analysts were wrapping up the night, several talked about the absence of "red meat" attacks on the Republicans. But Democratic activist Hillary Rosen noted that Pelosi was doing some of that — only CNN wasn't really listening.

Katie Couric and Jeff Greenfield were talking on CBS when Craig Robinson was onstage talking about his sister, Michelle Obama. During a Jimmy Carter tribute, Fox aired clips of demonstrators outside the convention hall. Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill got little airtime.

"How can you cover a convention when you're talking while the main speakers are speaking?" asked PBS anchor Jim Lehrer, whose network lingered more on the speakers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080826/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_tv_s_filter

PS - DNC coverage on Comedy Central in 10 minutes... why not?  Can't be any worse than watching FoxNews or CNN on this thing, at least it will be more entertaining no?

*previously posted here... http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080826174338AAMIoQR&r=w

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

ummmm....they have this new thingie, called "C-Span"?  check it out.

RWLake · Answer

If you want to cast an intelligent vote you certainly can't rely on the media. This means you have to search for information. Check the candidates voting record, (how often did they not vote or just vote present). Look at their past accomplishments. How have they demonstrated they actually act according to what they say. How have they made conditions better. Who are their mentors, supporters. This will give you a feel for their personal views and philosophies. I do not let their speeches influence me in the least. Words are only words. Every candidate will tell his/her audience what it wants to hear. We have already seen that many times in the current political process. Lets also hope that during the up coming debates the correct questions are asked. One concern I have with Obama is simply his limited experience. Although I believe we all want things to improve (and maybe change) I can't see a man with so little experience holding one of the most powerful positions in the world any more than I would think any fortune 500 company would take a 4 yr employee and put him in the CEO seat. Just wouldn't happen. There is so much to learn before ascending to the very top.

? · Answer

I don't have a TV. I read the newspapers to avoid the screaming, scheming commentators, then I go on-line to the BBC and other foreign news sites. The sites for businessmen like Asia On line and the Far Eastern Economic Review are best because businessmen need information that is accurate in order to make decisions. They don't need the spin. then I read between the lines, and make my own synthesis from what I know about history and politics. That is how I do it. Now most of my friends just buy the crap or go with their gut feeling or they call me and ask about Georgia, the Russians and So Ossetia.

bjm_288 · Answer

Excellent question.  Personally, I try to gather as much information from as many sources as possible before making as informed a decision as is possible.  

Although I watch the networks, PBS included, I don't put much stock in the propaganda they spew.  With them, its all about who funds and/or runs them, which happens to be those who lean extremely left.

I've found that the most sensible and accurate news comes from those who do not affiliate themselves with a political party.  These are a couple of excellent links to get the other side of what the networks are saying:

www.michaelsavage.com
www.glennbeck.com

Again, look at both sides of the issue, gather as much information as possible, then make your own decision....don't let others make it for you.

penguin · Answer

Since when did you assume your opinion matters? Check the media coverage of each candidate and you see they are choosing for you because your opinion doesn't matter. You are just not smart enough to make the correct choice. By the way do you have any idea why Rupert Murdoch was kicked out of his own country?

Anonymous · Answer

that's why you watch it on cspan

and bill wont interfere

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How can American's make an informed decision about the Presidential Race when networks filter their messages?

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