I have to hand it to the Republicans. They can really control the media. Why are we letting them get away with this?
Example #1: TANG documents
We all know Bush went AWOL the last 2 yrs. of his TANG service. We probably know why. I'm not sure the CBS documents are forgeries or not, but we've allowed the story to become about them. This may end up backfiring eventually (it's keeping the story in the news), but it's muddying the waters. There's even talk that Dan Rather may have to resign over the controversy.
My question: why wasn't there talk of "journalist" resignations regarding the SBVT allegations?
Example #2: Iraq
We've allowed the Bush administration to define John Kerry's Iraq policy as "incoherent" and "shifting." Journalists have been repeating the idea that Kerry needs to define an Iraq policy.
My question: why aren't we pushing the idea the Bush needs to define an Iraq policy? We should challenge him to come up with plans to address the concerns in the latest intelligence estimate.
Example #3: Kerry's campaign
Republicans have been pushing the idea that Kerry's campaign is in trouble. Democrats have been complicit in this, voicing concerns all over the media. Now they're pushing the idea that John Edwards is not doing enough for the campaign.
Should we go along with this?
--------------------------------------------
The point of this isn't that I know what the answers are. I don't think we can all get lobotomies to repeat the DNC line. The point is that we need to change the debate. Push Bush on the defensive. Don't buy into the Republican/SCLM spin. Refute it whenever possible.