Greg Dworkin made me conscious of this more than anyone—the national media focus on the “horse race” among candidates, not on issues. That focus is debilitating, misleading, and useless!
On MSNBC a moment ago, the tiresome Andrea Mitchell was discussing with three reporters/”analysts” whether Biden can overcome Bernie’s money and popularity. Not a word about their differences. Not a word about the issues. Not a word about their respective strengths and weaknesses as candidates.
Worthless. Garbage.
On the best (maybe) of the networks—MSNBC!
At least CNN is doing good town halls last night with candidates. I don’t watch CNN during the day so maybe they’re similar to MSNBC in their daytime reporting. (MSNBC is worthwhile thanks to Nicolle Wallace, Melber, Chris Hayes, Maddow and O’Donnell’s shows. Also Joy-Ann Reid and Ali Velshi.)
I will now protest (and boycott when feasible) the nets and print media when they do horse-race reporting. I will continue reading The Guardian and the BBC. And the NY Times and Post columnists who deal with issues. And other media who focus on issues.
The more of us who do so, the more likely the media are to change.