I got mad last night. Really mad. The latest contortion of Obama's words is six shades of crap.
Then this morning, we flipped on "This Week" just in time to hear the following segment intro (paraphrased in the absence of transcript): "Obama's comments. Clearly a mistake. But just how bad a blunder is it?"
Really? Clearly? How about taking a logical stance and posing the real question like, "Doesn't this seem like much ado about less than nothing?"
Instead, we get the loaded question followed by a roundtable of DC insiders talking about how Obama insulted working class Americans (as if any of these panelists had actually bothered to talk to working class Americans in Pennsylvania or elsewhere). The lone exception at the table was Donna Brazile (who actually is one of the most unpretentious, down-to-earth women I know) trying hard to keep her cohorts chained to reality but, sadly, being outnumbered and overrun.
As this contest continues over the next few months - and it will - I challenge the big voices to be more critical. Don't let every little dust up dictate where you take your coverage and commentary. Stop. Breathe. Think about what you're calling news. Not allowing yourselves to be manipulated is tougher than regurgitating readymade talking points, but you may find it more gratifying.
