While Thursday’s New York Times reported that the anchors from all three network newscasts will be joining Barack Obama on his trip to Iraq, they showed no such interest in following John McCain during his visit to Iraq in March. During the week of March 16, McCain’s trip received only four full-length stories during the combined ABC, CBS, and NBC evening news program coverage. Three of those stories were on NBC’s "Nightly News," one of which focused on McCain’s mistaken comment about Iran funding Al Qaeda in Iraq. ABC’s "World News" did only one full-length story on McCain’s Iraq trip, which mentioned the gaffe. The CBS "Evening News" was by far the worst, devoting only 31 words, a grand total of 10 seconds, to the Republican nominee’s Iraq visit during the entire week of evening news coverage. Read Media Research Center press release here.
Even the Times article acknowledged that McCain’s Iraq trip received little coverage: "Senator John McCain’s trip to Iraq last March was a low-key affair: With a small retinue of reporters chasing him abroad...But the coverage also feeds into concerns in Mr. McCain’s campaign, and among Republicans in general, that the news media are imbalanced in their coverage of the candidates." See the previous NewsBusters post by John Stephenson for more on the Times article.
The Times article also pointed out that:
The imbalance has appeared in various analyses of the news coverage. The Tyndall Report, a news coverage monitoring service that has the broadcast networks as clients, reports that the three newscasts by the networks — which have a combined audience of more than 20 million people — spent roughly 114 minutes covering Mr. Obama since June. They spent about 48 minutes covering Mr. McCain, who made the rounds of the evening newscasts in satellite interviews last week.
In addition, the article quoted senior vice president of CBS News, Paul Friedman, who attempted to justify the lopsided coverage:
"This is Senator Obama’s first trip — his positions and the public’s perception of him on national security issues are important." Mr. Friedman said Mr. McCain and the Republicans had helped make the visit a bigger story because they had repeatedly questioned Mr. Obama’s credentials, keeping a running count of the number of days that have passed since Mr. Obama last visited Iraq, in 2006.
—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
The news is always full of
July 17, 2008 - 11:58 ET by Chris NormanThe news is always full of what Obama said, what others said about him, where Obama was, who is supporting him, and what he will do as president - at the end of all that, the anchor might say, "Oh, and John McCain spoke today in South Nowhere..."
McNotObama '08
The only reason that these
July 17, 2008 - 12:06 ET by rwesleyThe only reason that these anchors are going now is because Iraq has been secured by the troops on the ground. These chickens wouldn't have dared to go in March with McCain for fear of being captured by insurgents.
The RNC should sink big bucks into pointing this out and showing the success of the surge - which Obama bad-mouthed along with his fervent supporting Senators.
RNC IS the problem Wesley
July 17, 2008 - 12:47 ET by PSPCplIt will never happen. Much like military intelligence, "RNC leadership" is an oxymoron and that is a real problem for us as well as McCain. I think that Rush is very much on the mark when he refers to them as the country club blue bloods (kissing cousins to the limosine liberals). They want peace with the Dems at any price and have sold all of us down the river. There has to be a massive house cleaning at the RNC before we can even think about taking back Congress and the White House. As Captain Marko Ramius said in the movie "Hunt For Red October", "A little revolution once in awhile is good thing, don't you think?"
why shouldn't they go with him?
July 17, 2008 - 12:12 ET by SouthJersey1953After all, aren't the three MSM anchors key members of B(censored middle initial)O's campaign staff?
3 blind mice
July 17, 2008 - 21:02 ET by Snilwar4Yes, I agree, they are on the payroll. I can only hope that some how, the whole dog and pony show runs off the rails.
I do have one reoccuring thought(nightmare) that McCain will continue to laud this man as if he really is someone of substance. If he would just say nothing it would be an improvement; am I the only one that feels this way?
Howdy Snl4... Simple
July 17, 2008 - 21:15 ET by bigtimerHowdy Snl4...
Simple answer...
....NO.
I have posted same sentiments elsewhere over time and today.
America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
McCain
July 17, 2008 - 21:34 ET by Snilwar4Oh well, maybe he will win in spite of himself. Thanks for the reply.
"...concerns...that the
July 17, 2008 - 12:17 ET by mattm"...concerns...that the news media are imbalanced in their coverage of the candidates."
Naaaahhhhhhhhh! That wouldn't be, would it?
Imbalanced my @$$! It's more like blatant advocacy.
MSM
July 17, 2008 - 21:21 ET by Snilwar4I think the main stream media plus Hollywood are like that movie Puppetmasters. If you hang around this insanity too long you become just like them. It's the only explanation for the homogeneous BS that comes out of their mouths. Flip the channel from CBS,NBC, MSNBC,ABC and CNN during the evening and they all make the same points. It's Orwellian. I watch it and can't believe how far this country has sunk in 40 yrs. Unbelievable.
Now I hear Katie Couric...
July 17, 2008 - 12:23 ET by zachlindNow I hear CBS News anchor Katie Couric is following Mr. Obama to Iraq. Given all the problems Lara Logan piled on CBS News during her adventures in Iraq do you think CBS Corporate will require as part of Katie’s travel package, birth control pills?
Susan Estrich says:
July 17, 2008 - 12:37 ET by TexndocThis is from a Real Clear Politics article today from Susan Estrich. I've always liked her because I honestly feel that despite the liberal in her, she doesn't spin.
"So how can Newsweek have the race at a dead heat? How come, even in the polls where Obama is leading, his lead is in single digits? Is it that people still don’t know enough about him? No candidate in my lifetime has ever gotten better press coverage, more adoration from the media."
She's worried. You see, it doesn't always play like they desire it to. I say Katie better stock up on her black funeral dresses to wear on air in Novermber (in case the ones worn in 2000 and 2004 don't still fit.)
Hmmm?
July 17, 2008 - 12:50 ET by Copperhead RidgeCould it be that the media coverage of BHO is hurting his polling numbers? Could it be that American voters, who are just now starting to pay attention to the presidential race, are realizing who this guy is and for what he stands?
It's impossible for members of the media -- and I know several -- to admit that liberalism is distasteful to large segments of the country.
If the GOP had a decent conservative running, I'd be laying bets that Barry Hussein would tank (reference humor intended) like Dukakis did in 1988. McCain offers no clear alternative and refuses to campaign the way that's needed to win. I still can't bring myself to say that I'm voting for McCain, and if I do, it will be to keep a leftist out of the White House.
I hope the media keeps touting Barry because they can't help but expose him for what he really is -- a liberal.
Local level Democrat politicians in Kentucky refuse to discuss the presidential election. It makes them squirm everytime Barry blunders or lets the lid off of his true political philosophy. I have a blast listening to them.
Eff it
July 17, 2008 - 17:21 ET by pbanks7I still say the best McCain bumper sticker for conservatives would say:
Eff it! [pictograph of person holding nose] McCain 2008.
MSM - shaping all the perceptions you need to believe, then confirming it with a poll.
McCain Travel vs. Obama Travel
July 17, 2008 - 12:51 ET by okiehawk44I seem to recall when McCain made a quick trip south to Colombia that he was chastised by the media for being out of the country when America was having problems with its economy etc.
Now BO is going on a much longer trip, much further away (as if that matters) and all done when America is having problems with its economy etc.
McCain is chastised vs. MSM is accompaning Obama -- Double standard here media or what?
My Thoughts Exactly
July 17, 2008 - 13:58 ET by deerjerkydaveI had this same thought as well. BIG media need to start reporting their expenses as campaign contributions. They're not much better than Moveon.org or any of these other left wing media groups.
And,
July 17, 2008 - 17:26 ET by pbanks7No mention of his non-votes and absences when controversial votes come up. Real tough on the issues huh? The true record of reaching across the aisle (unfortunately for conservatives, but maybe helpful in this election if he stresses it), belongs to McCain.
MSM - shaping all the perceptions you need to believe, then confirming it with a poll.
They'll talk down the
July 17, 2008 - 21:48 ET by BigSky1970They'll talk down the economy. They have 22 minutes to fill.
Media bias
July 17, 2008 - 12:51 ET by lhbarnesThe MSM bias is shameful.
Obama will probably be safe in Iraq
July 17, 2008 - 12:54 ET by nkviking75Since Obama and his party seem determined to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Iraq, he'll probably be very safe while he's in the country. Why should AlQaeda fight for Iraq when Obama will hand it to them?
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Military will COLD SHOULDER Obama entourage
July 17, 2008 - 13:21 ET by JayTeeThe reception would be warmer without the MSM...The Military Are BLOGGERS !!!
The MSM turned their back on Iraq.....the Favor will be returned...
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Of course the MSM will follow the Obamessiah
July 17, 2008 - 13:26 ET by jefflebowskibecause after Obama visits the Middle East there will be 1,000 years of peace! Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
I always crack up
July 17, 2008 - 17:35 ET by pbanks7I always crack up when I think of the soldier that said of Hitlary, during her Iraq visit [paraphrasing]: "She's the best First Lady we've ever had! It makes me want to re-enlist right now!" The press thought he was actually serious. No sarcasm here folks. Ubuthih, Ubuthih, Ubuthih, That's all Folks!
MSM - shaping all the perceptions you need to believe, then confirming it with a poll.
Three-blind-network mice
July 17, 2008 - 13:55 ET by pocomocoWell now, isn’t that special.
The three-blind-network mice are heading on a world tour to further prop up the messiah’s run for the presidency. Talk about a case of supreme sycophancy.
In Iraq, let us hope that their heads don’t get lopped off with a carving knife ala Daniel Pearl.
Shameful
July 17, 2008 - 13:57 ET by Gat New YorkWhat used to be the apex of journalism decades ago is now reduced to tabloid sensationalism. Couric, Gibson, and Williams have dropped ay pretense of objectivity and journalistic integrity. They have become a media arm of moveon.org and the Obama circus. They should all be ashamed.
I only hope Obama makes one of his many gaffes and finishes his chances even before he is formally nominated.
→ McCain trip
July 17, 2008 - 14:02 ET by Cool ArrowAnd ho many chances to travel with John McCain did these Obama sycophants turn down?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
I am sure Fox News travelled
July 17, 2008 - 16:07 ET by Roger the ShrubberI am sure Fox News travelled with McCain. I think a beat writer from Fox and Hound did, too...
McCain's Rebuttal
July 17, 2008 - 14:09 ET by AeroSpearMcCain shouldn't be have ill will about the Obama trip to Europe. Rather, he should point out that the MSM coverage is unpresedented (with the big whig anchors being on location) and the main fact to which he should point... who cares about which Presidential candidate the people of Europe would like! They can't vote here however much they would like to.
In fact, I would feel more comfortable with going withever one they don't like seeing as they aren't exactly headed in a great direction due to their own voting.
McCain could also point out
July 17, 2008 - 14:15 ET by Jack BauerMcCain could also point out the United States military has been stuck in Europe for the past 63 years, since the end of WW2.
Oooo, that 100 years is coming up in 37 years. Obama needw to get those troops out in 16 months so they can be deployed to Afghanistan.
Why does Obama want to occupy this poor third world country and kill poor brown Muslims?
The liberal media has been
July 17, 2008 - 15:59 ET by Rush FanThe liberal media has been putting all their weight behind Democrats for many years. With all the free positive publicity Democrats receive and the negative or lack of coverage Republican candidates receive, you wonder how Republican candidates ever get elected.
----------------------------------------------------------------
"They are actively promoting the decline of America." ~ Rush Limbaugh on liberals and Democrats
Will Fox News send someone...
July 17, 2008 - 16:17 ET by Clear thinkerIf all the networks are going to send one of their top people to follow Obama around, why not make it fun.... Fox News Should Send Karl Rove!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Clear....they should send.......
July 17, 2008 - 22:11 ET by BEGRUNTKarl Rove......he could bring his weather machine with him.............LOL
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
BEGRUNT...
July 17, 2008 - 22:19 ET by Clear thinkerThink of the possibilities. All these network guru's sharing an airplane with Karl would want to interview him as much as they would Obama. This would take some of the attention away from Barak. Plus, the secret service would be forced to protect Rove wherever he goes leaving Obama to fend for himself. And, he would be the only one on the plane that would actually ask Obama any questions of substance. It's a win-win-win situation no matter how you look at it. As a bonus, moveon.org would go bonkers if they knew Rove was going with Obama. There could be suicides!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Clear, you have.....................
July 17, 2008 - 22:40 ET by BEGRUNTa great point.....it would really be a distraction for them, and a master stroke for Fox News.......but I doubt they have the guts.....
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Photoshop of the network anchors in the tank - the Obama tank
July 17, 2008 - 17:49 ET by TennysonIf you're looking for an illustrative image of our "unbiased" media, here you go...
This is a coup perpetrated
July 17, 2008 - 20:11 ET by ConservativeRexThis is a coup perpetrated by the big three networks. They have taken over the job of the electorate. They have to be considered as being part of Obami's political team. They are in fact the mouthpieces for Obami's campaign. There is nothing we can do about it. We have slipped out of a representative democracy. We have entered a newer more sinister phase of American governance. God help us to remain a viable country.
I expect nothing less than
July 17, 2008 - 20:22 ET by BigSky1970I expect nothing less than Katie fetching Barry's pack of filterless Menthol cigarettes, Zippo lighter and accompanying ashtray, Charlie Gibson washing Barry's feet, and Brian Williams denying media bias three times before kissing Barry's cheek while Bill O'Reilly crows at midnight.
Introducing: The NBC / ABC / CBS Obama Team Logos
July 17, 2008 - 20:43 ET by Gary HallThe NBC / ABC / CBS News official Obama team logos
→ Hilarious Gary
July 17, 2008 - 21:51 ET by Cool ArrowHannity just called those anchors Obama's three press secretaries
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Thanks Cool A. Made adjustments
July 17, 2008 - 22:11 ET by Gary HallThanks Cool A. Made adjustments.. Hopfully Mr. Rathergate won't sue me. (;~> gary
Hey Gary... I love
July 17, 2008 - 22:16 ET by bigtimerHey Gary...
I love it...
I love the adjustments too since I saw it a bit ago...I just haven't been able to get back here and comment until now.
The Obama name at the bottom of each emblem is perfect...
Finishing touches can add so much...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ Obama logo
July 17, 2008 - 22:23 ET by Cool ArrowA triple jump over the shark.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Hey bt and cool A -- thanks
July 18, 2008 - 00:07 ET by Gary HallIt was absolutely the most fun I had since I was awakened this morning at 5:20 AM, with those loving words, "what time is it, honey."
"It's 5:20."
Just why is that my job, I ask? The clock is right there.
gary
BARACK'S TRAVELLING ROAD SHOW
July 17, 2008 - 22:16 ET by RMRThe fact that the democrats have decided that they need to campaign in the Middle East and Europe in order to win the presidency of the United States of America should have conservatives rejoicing, not feeling forlorn.
All John McCain have to do is make it known to all that he will confine his campaign to the United States of America. Because he is running for the presidency of the United States of America, not the presidency of the European Union.
The democrats and the liberal media are hoping that a few days of visual saturation of their socialists European friends engaged in a love-fest of Obama will convince most Americans to vote for him. Lest we forget. These same Europeans have always favored the liberal in every election. Obama is no exception.Hell, they love American liberals so much they gave Jimmy Carter and Al Gore Nobel Peace Prizes.
2 Questions
July 17, 2008 - 21:45 ET by Airforce_5_O1. Does this dillweed know how much danger he is putting our troops in by dragging this media circus into the AOR?
2. Is he flying over or just walking across the water?
But what do I know? I am bitter and cling to my religion and guns.
It's Obama's first visit to
July 17, 2008 - 21:54 ET by balboaIt's Obama's first visit to Iraq, right?
Don't know for sure Bal
July 17, 2008 - 22:04 ET by Airforce_5_Obut I believe it is not.
Just found it. Second time.
But what do I know? I am bitter and cling to my religion and guns.
→ Good Catch AF_5.0
July 17, 2008 - 22:19 ET by Cool ArrowReturning as the conquering hero no doubt.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
→ Right, bal
July 17, 2008 - 22:00 ET by Cool ArrowAnd the three Obama Press Secretaries don't owe anybody an explanation as to why they have never tagged along with McCain on his Iraqi (or Colombian) trips.
It would show a lack of allegiance. I totally understand.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
It is seems logical to me.
November 22, 2008 - 15:57 ET by joeAnneIt is seems logical to me. Obama is the only who deserves it. Actually, I am going to proclaim him when I will go on my little trip with Alaska Cruises. I am sure that I won't be the only one who will do it, but there will be many more. Things will be great and Obama will prove that he deserved to have so many sympathyziers.