Fun New Lows in Journalism
This is just embarassing. Newsweek publishes an article, in the form of a letter full of campaign tips for Barack Obama– written by Karl Rove.
It would be one thing if Rove was a freelance political consultant who worked for either party, or who had a specific ideology or issue that was his focus. But no. Rove has been a Republican political operative since he was 17 years old– for forty years. During his years in the Bush White House, he explicitly talked about his goal of permanent Republican control of the government.
But now, he’s generously giving advice to a democratic candidate. Because Karl Rove Kares.
Of course, the article is a hit piece. It’s sly, no doubt, but it’s hard not to see it’s intent. It fluffs up every potential Obama controversy, props up every trivial smear, slants every poll stat as a point on a downward spiral. An unbiased observer would probably come away from this article thinking that Barack Obama has a lot of work to do if he wants to be a popular political candidate.
However, I don’t really blame Rove for this. Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, Rove gotta stab baby kittens in the eye with a shrimp fork. He’s evil and should be launched into the sun, but we shouldn’t exactly be surprised when he tries to do evil things.
But jesus Newsweek, this is pretty fucking embarassing on your part. Clearly this “author” has a conflict of interests, clearly he has an agenda, and you publish his piece anyway? Go put on your Shame Hats.
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The role of the media is to sell the media. It is entertainment, no more no less. Hillary on Wild Bill O’Reilly? He was treating her like she was a human being, which is more than the many others do. If you are interested see my post on “Media and Political Obfuscation.” Interested in your thoughts.
Comment by Neil — May 2, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
“We’ll tell you any shit you want to hear.” –Howard Beale, Network
Truer words have never been spoken.
Comment by Eric — May 11, 2008 @ 7:54 pm