A collection of "The Faces of Political Scandal," assembled by ABC News yesterday (HT to an e-mailer), once again demonstrates the media's relative reluctance to identify the membership of Democrats involved in scandal.
Of the 14 politicians identified, seven are Democrats and seven are Republicans. Five of the seven GOP members are identified as such, while only two of the seven Democrats were flagged. The montage also has a couple of surprising factual errors.
Here's the detail, slide by slide:
- Current Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich -- Party not ID'd, while containing a quote with a Republican frame of reference ("Gov. Blagojevich has taken us to a new low," U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said. "This conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave.").
- Soon to be former GOP Alaska Senator Ted Stevens -- Party immediately ID'd.
- New York Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel -- Party immediately ID'd.
- Former Detroit Democratic Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick -- Party not ID'd.
- Former Florida Democratic Congressman Tim Mahoney -- Party not ID'd. The entry contains an odd statement ("He conceded his congressional race to Mark Rooney Nov. 4, 2008, in light of the scandal") that seems untrue, given that Rooney won by a 60-40 margin. This brief AP story on Election Night has no indication of an advance concession.
- Former New York Democratic Governor Eliot Spitzer -- Party not ID'd.
- Former New York GOP Congressman Vito Fossella -- Party ID'd in third sentence ("'My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry,' said the conservative Republican.").
- Former Ohio GOP Congressman Bob Ney -- Party ID'd immediately.
- Former Florida GOP Congressman Mark Foley -- Party ID'd immediately.
- Former California GOP Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham -- No Party ID'd.
- Soon to be former Louisiana Democratic Congressman William Jefferson -- Party ID'd immediately.
- Soon to be former Idaho GOP Senator Larry Craig -- Party ID'd in first sentence.
- Former Illinois Governor George Ryan -- No party ID'd.
- Former Democratic President Bill Clinton -- No party ID'd. Incredibly, the network gets the start date of the Lewinsky scandal wrong ("Monica Lewinsky's "relations" with President Clinton famously produced a scandal that shook the White House and Clinton's presidency in 1995"). The story didn't break until January 1998, with Matt Drudge's famous "Newsweek Kills Story on White House Intern" post.
Overall, this is yet another shoddy and inconsistent party identification performance by a major media outlet.
Cross-posted at BizzyBlog.com.
—Tom Blumer is president of a training and development company in Mason, Ohio, and is a contributing editor to NewsBusters
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It is not shoddy...
December 11, 2008 - 09:12 ET by JTPIt is intentional.. It happens too many times to not be intentional.
"I need more cowbell!" SNL
The shoddy ....
December 11, 2008 - 09:32 ET by Tom Blumer.... is in the two obvious errors (Mahoney and Clinton).
The seems-intentional is in the inconistent party IDs.
The really interesting part of the Dems whose party was ID'd is that they are both African-American Congressmen. Hmmmm.
Wow, talk about bias!
December 11, 2008 - 16:34 ET by needle"The really interesting part of the Dems whose party was ID'd is that they are both African-American Congressmen."
This is [political] bias with a [racist] bias! Great catch!
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
dems started the
December 11, 2008 - 22:16 ET by TruthMongerdems started the kkk
now blacks live on the dnc "political plantation"
Dominate education now
TM... Yep...the majority
December 11, 2008 - 22:26 ET by bigtimerTM...
Yep...the majority do...that has been the plan Stan for decades now...and it seems to be working just fine and dandy for the leftist machine...and will continue to do so until the 'R' party quit apologizing, state the real facts when campaining, not retreating, after-all they aren't going to lose anything if they did so, and carry on.
If they don't start fighting the msm, the school system/unions and what they teach, show some spine, no one will listen.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
The good part is that it is
December 11, 2008 - 10:17 ET by kgThe good part is that it is actually being reported in the news. Democrats who claim the Republicans are the corrupt ones need to learn how the media covers up for corrupt Democrats. MSNBC has been just making jokes about the latest scandal and of course it is all in fun. They are working really hard to make lite of the situation.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
When do we start picketing the MSM
December 11, 2008 - 09:21 ET by legacyrepublicanC'mon everyone. Our rants are being ignored.
When do we start to picket and protest the MSM and let them have it?
At least let me throw some rotten tomatoes at Couric.
Re: the Lewinsky scandal
December 11, 2008 - 09:32 ET by SickofLibsRe: the Lewinsky scandal date...
I know times are tough, but ABC should seriously consider getting an internet connection.
Wrong State
December 11, 2008 - 09:39 ET by considerthisLarry Craig is a Senator from Idaho. Not Utah.
fixed
December 11, 2008 - 09:56 ET by Tom BlumerMy five layers of editors missed that. :-->
What do you expect?
December 11, 2008 - 09:39 ET by Spinningplates2Should they simply say when a Democrat is caught, "Well one of our own was busted today."
Also, a question for you Lefties who like to post here; what do you mean when you call someone like Rob Blogoavitch a "Dino" (Democrat in name only) do you mean that they are Pro-Life and Pro-gun rights?
Nah, I think they mean he is
December 11, 2008 - 09:48 ET by motherbeltNah, I think they mean he is corrupt...you know, like Republicans. ;-)
No, they mean that
December 11, 2008 - 09:49 ET by dmntd1No, they mean that Blagojevich was embroiled in scandal, which means he's not REALLY a democrat. THEY don't do anything scandalous.
Conversely, they could mean he's a dino, as in dinosaur, hailing to the era of Mayor Daley (the first) and Al Capone.
Ya know, I got a huge kick out of a comment I read somewhere recently, about how if we lined up all of the crooks in politics, the Republicans would far outnumber the Democrats. I wonder if that image has been carefully cultivated by the continued failure of the media to accurately identify the Democrats as they get caught, or if the people that claim that are truly oblivious to the scandals of the Democrats.
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy." - Winston Churchill
They are so obvious, and
December 11, 2008 - 09:50 ET by motherbeltThey are so obvious, and they don't even care.
I also think that for Congressmen they sometimes use the "Rep. John Doe" in the hope that people will think the abbreviation stands for "Republican."
Oh, and I have had this thought for years, ever since it happened:
Why is it the Lewinsky scandal not the Clinton scandal?
PS...I think the "Lincoln" related to Illinois, not Republicans.
because...
December 11, 2008 - 09:59 ET by MazziIf they called it the Clinton scandal, they would have to number it, and the school system has dumbed people down so much that they dont know how to read Roman numerals. If we called it Clinton LIX, the great unwashed would be snickering and texting that to all their buds....
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Why is it the Lewinsky scandal not the Clinton scandal?
December 11, 2008 - 10:01 ET by Tom BlumerThat's easy -- because there are so many Clinton scandals:
- Whitewater.
- Loral/Chinese missile tech.
- Chicom campaign contributions.
- Paula Jones.
- Kathleen Willey.
- Gennifer Flowers.
- Many, many more.
Perhaps calling the Lewinsky thing the Clinton Perjury Scandal would be the ticket.
Yeah, you guys are right...I
December 11, 2008 - 10:06 ET by motherbeltYeah, you guys are right...I didn't think of that! LOL
Starting to Make Sense
December 11, 2008 - 09:53 ET by considerthisYou know the more I think about this the more sense it makes.
Say you were in a club of people who wore green jackets and the people who weren't in the club wore purple jackets. If you were with your own group and you wanted to talk about someone who was also in the group, you would merely say his name because saying, "the dude in the green jacket", does nothing to distinguish him in your mind since to you everyone has a green jacket.
But, if you were referring to someone in a purple jacket you would say, "the dude in the purple jacket", because he is different from your group and to you it would be a noticable distinguishing difference.
This would also explain why the news is so skewed to the left. The MSM surrounds itself with the left and therefore automatically assumes they are always talking to people who think exactly like them (people in their green jacket club). So they feel no need to point out the persons party because in their deluded minds the nation is "unified" behind the Democrats & Obama. (53% = Unity, don't cha know)
Could be totally wrong, but it is a different way to think about it.
A valid point ....
December 11, 2008 - 10:02 ET by Tom Blumer.... which serves to prove that ideological imbalance in the newsroom DOES affect coverage, despite the high-and-mighty claims to the contrary.
The MSM
December 11, 2008 - 10:08 ET by littlemissmuffinThe MSM is nothing but a propaganda machine spewing out what they are told to say. Can't say anything that might remotely damage "That One."
"If we conservatives moved to those seven non-existent States, the government couldn’t find us and tax us to death!"
That was Bernie Goldberg's
December 11, 2008 - 10:09 ET by motherbeltThat was Bernie Goldberg's point in "Bias".....that the media are so immersed in their own opinion soup, so to speak, (they can go months without ever hearing an opinion contrary to their own) that it all just feels "normal" to them.
Corruption and Incompetence
December 11, 2008 - 10:27 ET by iveseenitallBarry's administration will be the most corrupt and incompetent since U.S.Grant's. Watching him re-introduce Al Gore the other day, praising his phony science, and then reading about the Illinois governor demonstrated how bad this is going to be. But I didn't see Obama or the media even mention our final "victory" in Iraq. The terrorists have been defeated there, but here they are in charge. The lunatics have taken over the asylum. The Chicago thugs are ready to move into the White House as we watch our money in the hands of ignorant, slimy crooks like Barney Frank and Chris Dodd. America is in deep soup. Bad times are coming as Barry uses his full Muslim name when being sworn in. Sad.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
When to trust a Liberal.
December 11, 2008 - 11:12 ET by Spinningplates2To be a nit picker, if a Liberal tells you he is going to raise your taxes if he gets the chance; then you better believe it.
Discrepancy is overstated
December 11, 2008 - 10:24 ET by JerDiscrepancy is overstated...
Ordinarily, U. S. Congressmen and Senators will have their party affiliation noted. Such is not always the case with governors and local and other state officials. These examples generally reflect that fact. Exceptions are that for some reason Democrat Tim Mahoney and Republican Randy Cunningham--both current or former Congressmen--are not party identified.
Spitzer, a former governor, is not initially identified as a Democrat, but the accompanying articles leave no doubt about his party affilation. As noted, ex-governor Ryan is not identified as a Republican.
Blagojevich and Bill Clinton? Really...one would have to be a blithering idiot or comatose to not know they are Democrats.
Jer
Jer - you'd think a idiot would know Dems controlled Congress
December 11, 2008 - 10:50 ET by Dee Bunkbut most Obama supporters didn't know that. The media only focuses on Republicans for anything that's bad & people assume that anything bad comes from Republicans
Hi Dee...
December 11, 2008 - 16:40 ET by JerThe media only focuses on Republicans for anything that's bad & people assume that anything bad comes from Republicans
If there is one thing one may rely upon with respect to the various media, it is that they will go into a feeding frenzy over a juicy political scandal--especially if it involves sex--whether it be Republican or Democrat.
Ratings and sales figures always trump any ideological leanings.
Jer
The media only focuses on
December 11, 2008 - 17:32 ET by Dan The Man 2The media only focuses on Republicans for anything that's bad & people assume that anything bad comes from Republicans - This is true and evident when Wolf Blitzed said Repulicans are mostly scandalous. And tehn you have teh problem of looking up scandals by party when they are not identified. I believe it is intentional, industry wide.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Dan, I don't think you have
December 11, 2008 - 17:51 ET by JerDan, I don't think you have paraphrased Blitzer's remarks quite correctly, but they were nevertheless still absurd and irresponsible. So I have to agree with you on that point.
Jer
Hey there Jer
December 11, 2008 - 17:46 ET by Dee BunkDon't you remember how they wouldn't post about the Edwards affair despite an eye witness but reported "rumors" of a McCain affair? Sure they love sex scandals but they still protect dems when possible.
There's a big time double standard. It's always been there to some degree but has become extremely worse since the election of 2000.
Dee...
December 11, 2008 - 18:09 ET by JerI'll go with "small time" double standard--maybe. :-) I can't forget the press ignoring Gringrich's blatant dalliance, while simultaneously reporting every morsel of Clinton's sexual peccadillos.
I think the mainstream press was slow to go after the Edwards allegations because of their tabloid origin, and, after he dropped out of the race--and holding no political office--the relevance was seriously diminished. As for McCain, the story really never had traction. I believe even the original NYT article only contained a very veiled and ambiguous implication about a possible liason.
Jer
Oh come on Jer - the press were all over Newt Gingrich
December 11, 2008 - 18:20 ET by Dee Bunkon every aspect. He was one of the most demonized Republicans ever. They aren't treating Pelosi with anywhere near the scrutiny.
Exactly right
December 11, 2008 - 16:50 ET by bigtimerExactly right Dee...
Remember that video of the O supporters being questioned about O and such...when they asked the supporters if they agreed with his pick of Palin for VP...they agreed!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Right BT - someone would have to be living under a rock
December 11, 2008 - 17:48 ET by Dee Bunknot to know that
Hey Dee... As an
December 11, 2008 - 17:56 ET by bigtimerHey Dee...
As an aside...glad to see you here.
I posted somewhere since this all broke I wished you or futbol were around. ;-)
I haven't been here all that much myself recently, just in and out.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Thanks BT
December 11, 2008 - 18:14 ET by Dee BunkI've been reading the NB articles but only going to the comments sporadically. Too much going on & just not in the mood to deal with some of the characters here.
I have been venting on twitter - you still have to get on there some time. It doesn't take much time & you find out about a lot of stuff. There's a big movement now and a ton more conservatives have joined. Mark Finkelstein even joined the other day! Mike Bates and WTH are there also. I should do another post on it.
The thing I like most about it, if someone bugs you you can just block them.
Dee... You are right
December 11, 2008 - 18:27 ET by bigtimerDee...
You are right about twitter, I just don't have the time to go everywhere I would like either these days....too much going on also.
I do want/plan on looking into this myself, I haven't forgot about it...just planned on waiting until after the first part of Jan. but heck I may do so sooner.
Go ahead and put the link on again...I will try to at least look it over and sign up.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT - I'll email you
December 11, 2008 - 19:12 ET by Dee Bunktomorrow with the info. Have to go now and make dinner and then the Bears are on tonight.
Dee... Hey thanks....take
December 11, 2008 - 19:23 ET by bigtimerDee...
Hey thanks....take all the time you need.
I forgot about football tonight...whose playing da' Bears before I say good luck, I may watch too!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Horse manure
December 11, 2008 - 10:47 ET by Tom BlumerSuch is not always the case with governors and local and other state officials. These examples generally reflect that fact.
Four words: Bob Taft. Tom Noe.
Don't try to pull that line on someone from OH. Endless examples of GOP identification over a period of several years could be cited to refute your ridiculous effort at excuse-making. Nice try, no sale.
Horse manure? Thanks for
December 11, 2008 - 17:20 ET by JerHorse manure? Thanks for the heads up. I'll try not to step in it.
Aside from that, well...sorry Tom. I stand by my statement. Frankly, the most surprising fact was that neither Cunningham nor Mahoney were identified. As I said earlier, U.S. Senators and Congressmen routinely have their party affiliation noted.
Look, I'm not insisting that there isn't a statistical imbalance. But I don't think it's anywhere near the avalanche of NB blogs on this issue would lead one to believe. I frequently go behind the alleged examples and discover a good bit of cherry-picking of the evidence, e.g. one or two AP stories may omit the party designation and submitted as exhibits, while a number of related or updated stories containing party identification are ignored.
Anyway, I've been down this road several times previously and have been blasted before and no doubt will be again. So, in closing, let me be clear: I think you and others here--bloggers and commenters--do have a legitimate point concerning unequal treatment by the media. But I also think it has been consistently and considerably overstated.
Jer
Unfortunately the country is full of blithering idiots...
December 11, 2008 - 14:17 ET by Prester John....who don't know:
The names of their U.S. represenatives or senators (let's not even bring up how many people know who their state reps and senators are)
When the American Civil War took place
Who we fought against/with during World War II
Which party controlled both houses of Congress the last two years
And if you go to the Civic Literacy Report we find the following:
http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/2008/major_findings_finding1.html
And we should all be pleased to note that almost 90% of the 2,500+ quiztakers scored less than 70%, with a whopping 71+% scoring less than 60%.
And let us not foget the infamous Howard Stern man on the street interviews which showed person after person saying they had no problem with BHO being pro-life and agreeing with positions that were in fact McCain's, that Palin was his (BHO's) running mate etc.
I just asked a typical
December 11, 2008 - 14:32 ET by Jack BauerI just asked a typical Obama voter, and was very encouragesd by the answers:
Q. When did the American Civil War occur?
O-VOTER. Dude that is so dumb. All war's are uncivil, man, and they were all started by Republicans. I lerned that at school.
Q. Who did the US fight against/with during World War II?
O-VOTER. That was when the Martians attacked right? I saw the documentary a couple a years ago on my iPod.
Q. Which party controlled both houses of Congress the last two years.
O-VOTER. What's Congress? Is it like the Gap? I love parties man. Party on!!
Jack...
December 11, 2008 - 16:53 ET by JerYour quiz merely revealed garden-variety idiocy. Note that I was specifically referring to blithering idiots. :-)
Jer
Note that I was
December 11, 2008 - 17:36 ET by Dan The Man 2Note that I was specifically referring to blithering idiots. - I suppose by your answers it is from very personal experience?
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Tom. Surprised they even
December 11, 2008 - 12:20 ET by Gary HallTom. Surprised they even mentioned Clinton. Just the same, the MSM has limited Clinton's disgrace to the very sad Lewinski affair; has no interest in the audience being reminded of the slimy way business was conducted.
Even the Clinton - D(ic) fawning NY Times knew what was going on... one of the many scandals:
And then the convictions and sentencing of many of Clinton's associates:
Really ....
December 11, 2008 - 12:39 ET by Tom Blumer.... Clinton could have been numbers 14 through 20, or 25.
This is getting ridiculous.
December 11, 2008 - 13:29 ET by wiwfThis is getting ridiculous. KILL YOUR TELEVISION.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
The Muthe’ of all scandals
December 11, 2008 - 16:44 ET by needle“Clinton could have been numbers 14 through 20, or” [more].
Yes, but still, would he ever be ID’ed?!?
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
Labels Important
December 11, 2008 - 15:12 ET by deerjerkydaveRemember that documentary about Obama voters? They all thought the GOP was in control of congress! It demonstrates to me a total failure by the liberal media to inform the public about the truth. Which just shows that they are the propaganda wing of the Dem party.