Is there a pro-Obama bias in the media? Only if you at it from a certain point-of-view according to "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams.
Despite allegations of just the opposite, the wall-to-wall coverage of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama's trip to the Middle East then to Europe wasn't a sign of bias - it was just the media attempting to "educate" according to Williams.
Williams appeared on CNBC's "Closing Bell" on July 28 to promote the broadcast of his interview with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be aired on the July 28 "NBC Nightly News." "Closing Bell" host Maria Bartiromo asked Williams if the media were treating Democratic presidential hopeful as a "darling." Williams dismissed the allegation.
"I think it is in the eye of the beholder," Williams said. "As I always say, there was that great New York clothier Sy Syms. We all grew up listening to those radio ads in the New York area and what did he used to say? ‘An educated consumer is our best customer.' The journalism needs to be judged on what we covered of that trip, how we covered it, what we said. It was a big story last week. The crowd I covered in Berlin was a big story, as was the visit to Paris and London and the Middle East before it."
Williams told Bartiromo the coverage of each would even out - even though the coverage was very light when presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain made his Middle Eastern trip with Sens. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn. and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., back in March.
"So, I think it will all even out," Williams said. "We'll certainly approach the entire campaign with fairness. And obviously, we try to keep our coverage of Sen. McCain the same way."
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Yo!...Newsflash
July 28, 2008 - 16:34 ET by bigtimerYo!...Newsflash Williams...
You're damned right it is in the eye of the beholder...and we can see just fine...even-one eyed!
You and your buddies in the msm are biased hypocrites...simple as that.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
The Brothers Grimm
July 28, 2008 - 17:17 ET by ThisnThatWilliams would have made a good 3rd brother Grimm, with his penchant for fairy tales such as this. Or, perhaps, he's the re-incarnation of Wilhelm Grimm (the younger brother). Hmmm, Williams -- Wilhelm. Could be a connection here.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
My Eye Sees...
July 28, 2008 - 18:10 ET by deerjerkydaveMy eye sees 2 to 1 media coverage of Obama over McCain for the last year straight.
My eye sees all three network anchors following Obama on his world tour.
My eye sees a media blackout on the John Edwards scandal.
My eye sees NBC reporters giving over $100,000 to Democrats this year and hardly anything to Republicans.
Yep, this beholder sees plenty of bias.
Beholden! Look into the eyes of Chris Matthews, would ya?
July 28, 2008 - 16:36 ET by Gary HallOh yea. Sure. Hey Brian Williams - did you look into the eyes of Chris Matthews when he felt that tingle going up his leg.
Oh Rathers. (;~/ gary
"It was a big story last
July 28, 2008 - 16:41 ET by Schnikeys"It was a big story last week."
If I may ask, what about it in particular made it a "big story", and who got to make the final determination that it would end up on the news as frequently as it did?
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"It could be the answer to our age-old, philosophical question, 'Why are we here?' PLASTIC!"
Duh.....uh....
July 28, 2008 - 16:52 ET by Army BratI am so thankful that the MSM is here to edicate me about the wonders of the Obama. I am now much smarter about him than I was when I was stupider about him.
Thank you agin...
Yours trooly.
Dumb ass Public guy.
Happy Trails...
Yes, Brian, an "educated
July 28, 2008 - 17:02 ET by motherbeltYes, Brian, an "educated customer" may be your best customer, but you need to realize that they should be educated on everything, not just the things you want them to know.
Exactly WHY was it such a big story that Obama went on a handshake tour of Europe, that you and two other network anchors had to go with him? Admit it: it's a big deal because you guys made it a big deal! You create a DeMille epic out of what is basically an educational field trip, and then insist that it was an epic tale, so you had to go all out with it.
What other political candidate has gone to Europe to make campaign speeches to the folks back home? He created a bigger-than-life circus, scheduling public speeches designed to accomodate big crowds and you guys all dutifully heeled and went along, tongues hanging out at the prospect of crumbs from his hand.
Yeah, I'd say that's bias.
Obama's theme song
If you think his European
July 28, 2008 - 17:16 ET by ThisnThatIf you think his European Vacation was annoying, look at what the MSM is lining up now. Here's their headline: "After a whirlwind international tour, Democratic candidate will convene with government and business heavyweights in hopes of 'restoring balance to the economy.' "
You see? The MSM template is (A) Everything is broken, and (B) Only the Messiah can fix it. Get ready for another round of Educating Barrack.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Not to worry, TnT...when
July 28, 2008 - 18:12 ET by motherbeltNot to worry, TnT...when he's inaugurated, the entire universe will be restored to "balance."
PS: I really hope they inform him that even he, the Great and Powerful Obama, can't control the economy.
Obama's theme song
Mr. Obvious
July 28, 2008 - 16:59 ET by nkviking75Williams: "The journalism needs to be judged on what we covered of that trip, how we covered it, what we said."
And when you reach the blindingly obvious conclusion, put it out of your mind. You're wrong.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Williams is dead wrong on
July 28, 2008 - 17:07 ET by buddycWilliams is dead wrong on this. The job of the media is to report impartially and render opinions but to not confuse the 2. Williams is stupid but he works for NBC what would you expect?
One word for
July 28, 2008 - 17:24 ET by bassndudeOne word for Brian...Moron!
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Getting a bit presumptuous aren't we, Brian?
July 28, 2008 - 17:37 ET by ThalpyGetting a bit presumptuous aren't we, Brian? The issue was, in fact, THAT you covered the trip. Remember your basic math: zero plus zero= zero.
"So, I think it will all
July 28, 2008 - 17:43 ET by Chris Norman"So, I think it will all even out"
When?
McNotObama '08
A DIM BULB
July 28, 2008 - 17:54 ET by SgthulkaBrian Williams - The Ted Baxter of our age.
McCain goes for the dumb vote
July 28, 2008 - 17:58 ET by the strugglerI just witnessed Smerconish on David Gregory's show saying non-college educated people are dumb.
Kinda reminds you of the bumper sticker "My kid can beat up your honor student."
Smerc is a fake,
July 28, 2008 - 18:03 ET by bigtimerSmerc is a fake, butt-kissing, so-called conservative for msnbc...and a dumb-a$$ to boot...I cannot stand him...he started coming on msnbc years ago now on the Imus in the Morning show...
I usually try to catch that show...had it there early on, but the Senate stopped their quarum call...had to listen for about an hour now.
Glad I missed the show from what went on in the Senate...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT,
July 28, 2008 - 18:39 ET by ThisnThatSmerc is a fake, butt-kissing, so-called conservative for msnbc...and a dumb-a$$ to boot
Your restraint is something to admire and emulate. We could all take lessons..... BTW, how's your French? [not that this site would tolerate that, but just wondering nonetheless] :-)
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
TnT... Your restraint is
July 28, 2008 - 18:51 ET by bigtimerTnT...
Your restraint is something to admire and emulate
...Who Moi?
LOL...
...that's about it...Well there is always that merci beaucoup...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Port wine will do that to you
July 29, 2008 - 05:51 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsSmerc is a fake, butt-kissing, so-called conservative for msnbc...
Smerconish used to be a conservative, now he has become a metrosexual (shaved head, waxed back, guys day out at the salon, 'Obama said he would get Bin Laden, really, he said so!!'). Too many glasses of port methinks.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
Nothing better than 20-year
July 29, 2008 - 06:22 ET by ThisnThatNothing better than 20-year old port, IMO. Unless it's 30 or 40-year old port. Expensive stuff, though. $170 for a single bottle of the stuff is way out of my range.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Port wine will do that to you (part 2)
July 29, 2008 - 06:46 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsLOL, just kidding above. I like a good port also, but buy the less expensive too. I like this LBV one myself.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
Any port in need
July 29, 2008 - 20:30 ET by Dan The Man 2MD 20/20 works for me
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
William's is a joke. This
July 28, 2008 - 18:05 ET by mostlymoderateWilliam's is a joke. This guy looks like he is constantly going to the bathroom; he has that straining look on his face that just makes me sick. The nonsense this guy spews is the icing on the cake. Somebody light a match.
That's just him trying to
July 28, 2008 - 18:15 ET by motherbeltThat's just him trying to look serious and "earnest."
Couric does the same thing.
Obama's theme song
WOW, MB, so you have
July 28, 2008 - 18:34 ET by ThisnThatWOW, MB, so you have actually seen Williams and Couric? Hopefully not in the same day -- or week, even. I'm amazed -- I didn't think mere human beings could survive long after being exposed to that sh...er stuff. I think the NB staff can do it because they take shots or something (drugs? booze? anti-depressants?) .... :-)
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Well, there's another
July 28, 2008 - 18:11 ET by SchnikeysWell, there's another argument related to Williams' that I also believe is true:
"A lack of Pro-Obama bias is in the eye of the beholder."
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"It could be the answer to our age-old, philosophical question, 'Why are we here?' PLASTIC!"
Nope, Brian, this
July 28, 2008 - 18:43 ET by Chris NormanNope, Brian, this obfuscation just won't fly this year like in the past. You've become too blatant and overstepped "prudent" bias. In the past you may have gotten away with this lame line - it's hard to keep a records and quantify a tone of voice, a raised eyebrow, a subtle difference in descriptions. However, with Obama, your bias has become the three ton elephant on the screen - no eye can miss it -unless intentionally. "Eye of the beholder" - my fanny.
McNotObama '08
Ask the crazy person if he
July 28, 2008 - 18:41 ET by DaBirdAsk the crazy person if he is crazy. He'll always say no.
Ask the driver with multiple accidents if he's a bad driver. He'll always say no.
Ask the racist if he is racist. He'll always say no.
Ask the drug addict if he's addicted to drugs. He'll always say no.
Ask the alcoholic if he's an alcoholic. He'll always say no.
Ask the nightly news anchor if he's biased. He'll always say no.
When you are in the belly of the beast, it is impossible to get a true persective of who, what, why, when and where you are. One must step out of your world to see what is really going on. Give it a try Mr. Williams, I think you'd be quite surprised as to what you would learn.
Nice try there, Brian
July 28, 2008 - 18:42 ET by jwm45Nice try there, Brian "Dresden" Williams, nice try...
not difficult to see
July 28, 2008 - 18:57 ET by FAQsIf McCain had given that same speech in Berlin the headlines would have been "Free Concert Draws Big Crowds For McCain."
FAQ... Absolutely
July 28, 2008 - 19:37 ET by bigtimerFAQ...
Absolutely RIGHT!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
And it would probably be
July 28, 2008 - 19:41 ET by Chris NormanAnd it would probably be true. So, why don't they just report the truth regarding the Obama campaign? Why do they improve on the truth?
McNotObama '08
Magic numbers
July 29, 2008 - 05:54 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsIf McCain had given that same speech in Berlin the headlines would have been "Free Concert Draws Big Crowds For McCain."
And the 20,000 person crowd, instead of being inflated to 200,000 would have been deflated to 2,000.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
PIG STILL A PIG
July 28, 2008 - 19:31 ET by Der AlteA pig is still a pig even in the best suit so williams can just can that Sy Syms analogy. Besides, whaterver Syms sold was made of whole cloth and not the "Emperor's clothes" that he sells every night for the "annointed one". Baloney is still Baloney no matter how you serve it!
Mmmmm - baloney. I lived
July 28, 2008 - 19:46 ET by Chris NormanMmmmm - baloney.
I lived in Sacramento for years, and there used to be (maybe it still exists) a regional mens clothing store where in his radio ads, the owner would talk about how other clothing stores would "cut a suit to shreds to make it fit" - which reminds me of the way the media reports the news... There, take that mens clothing store analogy, Mr. Williams!
McNotObama '08
Mmmmm - baloney.
July 28, 2008 - 19:57 ET by Chris NormanMmmmm - baloney.
I lived in Sacramento for years, and there used to be a northern California mens clothing store where, in his radio ads, the curmudgeonly owner would talk about how other clothing stores would "cut a suit to shreds to make it fit" - which reminds me of the way the media reports the news... There, take that "folksy" mens clothing store analogy, Mr. Williams!
McNotObama '08
Berlin / Obama was a BIG Story ?
July 28, 2008 - 19:37 ET by JayTeeWilliams, you're obviously a very in-experienced News person...
The SURGE working in Iraq was a BIG story.
Obama skipping the Hospital tour for the Troops was a BIG story.
In the late 1980's, Regan's Berlin WALL speech was a BIG story.....way back when.
Today, the BIAS of the Media sucking up to Obama is a HUGE story...
You can shovel Manure all over it, but the BIG story is gonna Grow right thru the BS.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
The network anchors
July 28, 2008 - 19:50 ET by MidAmericaThe network anchors cannot be biased. Here's why. They make judgement calls as to what is news and how it's to be reported. But... if we disagree with their story lines we are making judgement calls and that is not what we are supposed to do. We are to listen and educate ourselves. Bias assumes events have alternative interpretations than what they have presented. The anchors do not believe we have the knowledge and training to interpret news rationally. That's why their delivery is always with a seriousness that implies 'listen carefully, this is important'.
The eye of the beholder eh?
July 28, 2008 - 20:46 ET by RESTLESS 1This past trip by Obama netted no fewer than 3 network anchors, oh wait, ALL of them. Meanwhile, McCain's been over there 5 times, and I wouldn't know it if it weren't for the blogosphere. Then, when they did cover McCain's overseas trips, they sent interns with camera phones. Suuurrrrreeee. No bias at all.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
What if the beholder's eyes
July 28, 2008 - 21:24 ET by CJK51What if the beholder's eyes are pasty white compared to his Oopma Loompa-colored flesh? From what I've seen, they aren't interested in educating, simply gushing over a joke of a candidate.
An educated consumer is the MSM's biggest enemy
July 28, 2008 - 21:33 ET by jefflebowskiWilliams or NBC doesn't want educated viewers. Because if they are educated on issues, they won't waste their time with the MSM's propaganda. Thank heavens not all of us are sheeple and thank heavens that we now have alternatives to the steady diet of BS that they MSM feeds daily.
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Wrong, Brian, its not 'In the Eye of the Beholder'...
July 28, 2008 - 21:46 ET by R D Helm...ITS IN THE FACE OF THE VIEWER, 24/7!!!!
LOL-Does Brian Williams actually see a blue sky when he looks upward?
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD... NOT with those
July 28, 2008 - 21:57 ET by bigtimerRD...
NOT with those rose-colored glasses he wears 24/7.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Evenin,' bt.
July 28, 2008 - 22:01 ET by R D HelmWow, I notice you are on a bit of a roll tonight.
LOL-I mean, you are everywhere! :-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
Back at ya' RD... Well,
July 28, 2008 - 22:05 ET by bigtimerBack at ya' RD...
Well, I've been pretty ill...feeling better today...
Glad of it too...lol.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Olberman & Maddow
July 29, 2008 - 08:21 ET by ChuckM from PAKeith Olberman and Rachel Maddow discuss McCain & Obama bias:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25892122#25892122