News networks refer to McCain's "Low Road" tone and risk for backlash

[jefferson_dem]

Seems the networks are not promoting McCain's bullshit without some even-handed analysis of the risks, at least.

Evening News Roundup
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008



Politics led ABC and NBC. All three programs gave heavy coverage to McCain ad invoking Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

ABC: Led with the presidential campaign “getting nasty.” Recapped blizzard of attack memos and charges between campaigns, highlighting McCain ad comparing Obama to “empty celebrities” Spears and Hilton and Obama response ad. Report also mentioned GOP concerns about McCain’s tone. Stephanopoulos said the McCain team is working to define Obama before Obama can define himself.

CBS: Led with falling gas prices. Six minutes in, ran piece on “air war” between McCain and Obama. Covered McCain ad that “turned celebrity against him” and reported that Obama “took the high road” in responding. Also ran preview of Obama ad “Low Road.”

NBC: Led with McCain celebrity ad. Described it as an attempt at “defining the opponent” that could have “some backlash.” Covered Obama camp’s various responses and previewed “Low Road” ad. Chuck Todd gave his take on the veepstakes and said it is “possible that Obama announces next week.”

http://thepage.time.com/2008/07/30/evening-news-roundup-133/

And then this, from tomorrow's NYT --

The intensity of the recent drive — which has included some assertions from the McCain campaign that have been widely dismissed as misleading — has surprised even some allies of Mr. McCain, who has frequently spoken about the need for civility in politics. The sentiment seeped onto television on Wednesday with Andrea Tantaros, a Republican strategist, saying on MSNBC that the use of Ms. Hilton in Mr. McCain’s commercial was “absurd and juvenile,” and that he should spend more time promoting his own agenda.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/us/politics/31campaign.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

[Cha]

1. Thank the Universe for small nuggets..

I wouldn't have been surprised if they all led with "falling gas prices" and mccain's ads played over and over again.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

2. That seems the be the minimum expectation these days.

[Cha]

3. They've set the

tone and dared anyone to object.