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by NinevehDinha from Salt Lake City, UT

Last Post 16 hours Ago


McCain vs. Obama
Jul 8, 2008 | 9:49 AM
Category: Political
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The Election is closer than we think, which got me thinking...a lot...about the two choices Americans are faced with.

John McCain or Barack Obama? Although one is Republican, the other a Democrat...this year's election may have less to do with party affiliation. While I believe most Republicans will vote for McCain and most Democrats or Liberals will vote for Obama...some may be swayed to a side they didn't anticipate. Example: I was talking to someone who is a Democrat but also a businessman/CEO of a company...someone who's views are quite liberal. But I asked who he/she will be voting for....the answer? McCain. So I'm wondering how many of you are shifting your views during this election?

Another topic: Anyone noticed how MANY times Obama has graced the covers of Rolling Stone, US Magazine and Newsweek (just to name a few). Anyone get the sense that Obama is getting "favorable" media coverage on a national level? Do you believe that media can sway public opinion during an election?

I did a research paper on this topic (media's impact on public opinion during wars and elections) the year I graduated. I still have saved in a file on my computer, and look back at it from time to time. I'll keep my hypothesis out of this blog, but I invite you to share yours!

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Member Comments Total Comments: 9
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Crossover read my blog view my photos
Jul 8, 2008 | 10:53 AM

The media definitely can sway public opinion. I have heard a few Clinton supporters claim that she lost in the primaries because the media is sexist. I’ve even heard a few say they will never vote for Obama because of the media coverage that Hillary received. I’ve never heard one of them explain how this is Obama’s fault, but apparently that doesn’t matter to them. A bad taste in the mouth seems to mean more than voting on the issues that she stands for. The fact that Obama shares many of Hillary’s positions seems to have escaped these people. That’s just weird, in my opinion.

By the way, Nineveh, I would like to read your paper. Any chance of you reconsidering your decision and posting it for us?
Mariposa_Xochipilli read my blog
Jul 8, 2008 | 12:06 PM

Ditto on your hypothesis being made public. Intelligent points of view are seriously lacking in the current process.

That being said ... I'd like to answer two points raised in your message.

First, I believe you meant there were only two viable candidates remaining. There are certainly more than two political parties and more than two people on the ballot for the Presidency.

Second, the media is potentially the most powerful entity in any democracy. You are privledged to work in a field where how you relay information allows citizens to make informed choices.

Of course, there are those who use the medium to their own advantage ... discrediting the entire profession. Also, sometimes it seems as if the media is reticent to fulfill their duties as public informants when the controversial topic can result in temporary loss of viewership ... ratings become more important than the truth.

I asked a former reporter about why my family's circumstances are so taboo. He said that, if he were here, he'd jump on it because it is the obligation of media to stand up for the little guy. Here, the slander has been so efffective, nobody will so much as look at the documentation. Doesn't seem right, does it?
NinevehDinha read my blog view my photos
Jul 8, 2008 | 12:37 PM

Yes, Mariposa...clearly there are other candidates running for President...but it's McCain and Obama that are in the spotlight...
And yes, I feel privledged to work in this field...but I think there will always be "bad eggs" in any industry.
It's not my job to worry about ratings. I just cover news. I deal with emails and phone calls about stories people don't "like" or find "controversial" all the time. It comes with the territory. So, I don't think we (as a station) shy away from covering controversial topics. I do, however...think we "tread lightly" until we get all the facts. As we should.
Mariposa_Xochipilli read my blog
Jul 8, 2008 | 1:30 PM

I'm sure the other candidates appreciate the uneven coverage. Perhaps we should be hearing their views on issues so we don't miss someone who could competently serve the nation as President.
______________________________________________

Don't get me wrong; I have high regard for the job you personally do. But, how can the media get all the facts when one position is automatically believed and when the actual documented facts are never reviewed?

Documented facts don't take sides; they tell the truth unless intentionally falsified or manipulated.

When a reporter is told something by a person in a postion of public trust and another person says that isn't the case, shouldn't the reporter be willing to look at offered existing documentation before discrediting one person based on the input of the other? Why would someone violating public trust be honest about what they get away with?
spacealien read my blog view my photos
Jul 9, 2008 | 8:40 AM

it's not just the media, it's everywhere. go to an urban outfitters store and look at all the obama t-shirts they have for sail. and nary a single one for mccain.....
Anselm read my blog
Jul 9, 2008 | 5:03 PM

lifeliberty read my blog
Jul 13, 2008 | 5:48 PM

I agree with Mariposa's point about the effect of media coverage on the presidential election so far. The media usually make it look as though it's a two man fight, first in the primaries and then in an actual Rep-Dem runoff.

Perhaps if the media were other than they are it would not be such a foregone conclusion that one of two poor choices is always elected in the end.

They almost always ignore third party candidates - and mavericks from the two main parties too.

No one from the mainstream media has said to Obama: What the hell do you mean by "change"? Isn't it time you got really specific? No one seems to be aware that Democrats actually are best at gettin us into wars not gettins us out.

No one has said to McCain (or Bush): Your policies/ your voting record doesn't sound very "conservative". What are you going to do about the National Debt? etc etc.

The media seem to be two-party, two-dimensional creatures - for the most part.

Personally, when I hear the news anchors bringing up the race between Obama and McCain I always switch the channel or turn off the TV. It is such a boring, pointless exercise at the moment. I did the same when they used to get so excited about the Clinton-Obama Primary infighting.
codromystro read my blog
Jul 15, 2008 | 12:39 PM

The divided states need to become the United States again or finally....we are red states
and blue states and other party's have tried to divide us even more from the two party system. And each with their own agenda.
We need leadership that will unite us and not just take us down the path we have been going on and are destined for for some time to come.
Unfortunately the truth can appear negative at times. And unfortunately we are still dealing with gangster politics.
inmurray_2 read my blog
Jul 16, 2008 | 5:51 PM

In the past I have had trust in our Government. I like to think that Americans are the best informed
and when it comes to politics I believe that we are all hopeful that are elected leaders have the ability to make the changes we need. Whitewash hogwash I am on to this I have a hard time believing either one of the two can deliver the pizza they way we ordered it and on time. Why can't we have the best that taxes can buy. I believe we all know in the back of our minds we need to have the population vote on the major issues to get the changes we expect and or need.
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NinevehDinha

I start off every morning waking up our viewers, and it's always a pleasure! I'm happy to be part of Fox 13's Good Day Utah team. I anchor bright and early from 5 to 6 a.m. You can also catch me on the streets reporting for both GDU and Live at 11.

Member Since: 2/20/2007


 

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