I didn't see the Clark interview on MTP, but I usually watch his media appearances online when they are archived (no tv here). However, more than one peson here has noted that Russert's heart seemed to have not been in it... that perhaps he respects the General.
Well, I can tell you one thing. The corporate media in this country is a heck of a powerful tool. Unfortunately, they "frame the debates" more than anyone, and they feed the populace what they pick and choose, and the populace gladly eats it up as "the way it is." This is incredibly wrong, but that's where we are at this moment in history. If any one element of our society keeps us from getting out foot in the door of the White House and the House of Reps, it is the media.
As the elections draw nearer each day, the media will be taking a more and more prominent position on (when you boil it down) who they will collectively endorse. If we come up with a candidate that the media actually respects, we're that much closer to getting it done. Do not underestimate that hurdle.
Is Clark the guy? Hell if I know. It takes more than surviving an interview with Tim Russert to say that the media likes you, but it's a good sign. If the media does take a liking to Clark, would having him in the VP slot allow some of that media goodwill to carry over to the presidentail candidate? Maybe.
I'm not saying that we let the media pick our candidate, but how they react to our guys is one of many issues to consider. Democratic principles come first, but we need to keep their media-relations skills in mind as well. We'd like to think it doens't matter, but it does.
This poll asks about the media's opinion. They aren't supposed to let their opinions shape the news, but they do.