The Media's Role In Bringing Down a Phenomenon

[ericgtr]

Looking at today's headlines on CNN their lead story in the Politics section is Analysis: The Wright effect on presidential race with the same pride one might have after having won a prize for their hard work. Both MSNBC and CNN also tout that the polls are shifting with the same enthusiasm.

For several weeks the focus of the media has been the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Senator Obama's controversial preacher of 20 years who has been quoted as saying "God Damn America". Wrights hotly contested words have been aired in an endless loop in the media with no end in site.

The appeal of Wright still peaks the interest of the country, especially since coming out last weekend and proving that he is, at the very least, controversial as well as fueling a fire that had finally smoldered.

McCain went out of his way to seek the endorsement of Pastor John Hagee, who claimed Hurricane Katrina was a punishment from God because they were going to hold a gay pride parade in New Orleans. While it may not be "God Damn America" it's certainly God Damn New Orleans and God Damn gay people.

While the coverage of Pastor Hagee is virtually no where in the main stream media the focus on Wright takes the headlines. Why is this? An angry black man is much more compelling than a conservative white pastor who's belief system is a throw back to the 1950's south. Hagee and McCain get a free pass.

Rush Limbaugh can freely incite race riots in Denver during the upcoming Democratic Convention in Denver. It does beg the question, what if Wright would have made the same statement?

Race is evident and in the forefront in this election cycle. How it will turn out is up to the people and whether or not they choose to let the media influence their decision.

[FrenchieCat]

1. Enough about Wright! We know that the cable Corporate Triplets have been pastorbating......

However, I am tired of it being brought here to DU.

The polls are rebounding for Obama as we speak.......

To the horror of the Cable channels.

[CBHagman]

2. Did you coin the term?

"Pastorbating"! That's a good one. Yes, that's precisely what the &!@#!! media have been doing.

[opihimoimoi]

3. Afer all, the GOP runs most of the media.....Pastorgate?? Good one.

[tularetom]

4. Obama was making it look too easy

The MSM got caught sleeping on their Hillary coronation story and Obama stole a jump start before they realized WTF was happening.

The media fears Obama. He is an unconventional type candidate who does not need their support. But I don't think the Wirght thing will have much impact from here on out. Anyone who was bothered by it was not gonna vote for Obama anyway. The wall to wall media coverage will ultimately boomerang on them by creating a sympathy factor for him.

Let them keep it up. It just makes them look like assholes and doesn't have much impact anymore.