Media members are sometimes criticized for blowing a story out of proportion (Michael Vick, Lindsey Lohan, Donald vs. Rosie, etc. take your pick). What really agitates me is when they make up stories simply looking to create controversy. What is even worse is when the media tries to interject itself into being the focal point of the story.
Yesterday, South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson made his first public appearance since nearly dying from a brain hemorrhage in December. With three simple words, "I am back", Johnson greeted supporters and well wishers in Sioux Falls. Later last night, there was an interview of the Senator with ABC's Bob Woodruff on Nightline. It was his first interview since becoming ill.
Ever since the South Dakota media got wind of this last week, they have been trying to stir up the pot by complaining that Johnson was not answering to the local media first. Please! Get over yourselves! When a United States senator is ill for eight months, it is a national story. Johnson, who is obviously still recovering, granted the interview, at least in part, to Woodruff because the ABC reporter has also suffered a brain injury, back when he was covering the war in Iraq.
Any national attention that Johnson can bring to the seriousness and complexity of brain injuries is a good thing. They talked about recovery and rehabilitation. It wasn't as if he was discussing policy. And judging by the last time I was home, ABC comes in just fine in South Dakota. What format do you think they prefer? An engaging one on one interview on national television by a respected journalist who knows what it is like to recover from brain damage. Or a free for all press conference with reporters taking turns asking unrelated questions that might get information, but doesn't really flow and tell the story.
Some of my brethren think that this was an opening volley by the media against Johnson as he considers reelection in 2008. In a world where almost everything is politically charged, I don't think that this necessarily was. I think it really is simpler than that. A few local media are just madthat they didn't get the scoop. It has nothing to do with the people of South Dakota getting the story. It has everything to do with big egoes getting bruised.
At least the Sioux Falls Argus Leader had the honesty to print a storysaying that most South Dakotans had no problem with Johnson going on ABC. Of course they didn't! They know Johnson has always answered to the people of South Dakota. He is not as liberal as I am, but neither is the majority of South Dakota. His voting record reflects some of the best values South Dakota has to offer. He is not afraid to cross party lines if something goes against the principles upon which he was elected.
And don't forget what he was doing when he suffered his hemorrhage. He was on the radio giving an interview on Yankton's WNAX. Doing what he always has done. Conversing with the people of South Dakota.
So as Senator Johnson prepares for his courageous return to Congress, I have one message for the media folks that concocted this would-be flap.
Get over yourselves.