Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said something on Fox News's Hannity Wednesday that so-called journalists across the fruited plain should be embarrassed by.
"The media bias towards President Obama is just, it's something we have to accept. It is just the air we breathe in the political environment" (video follows with transcript and commentary):
SEAN HANNITY, HOST: All right. Senator, one of the issues that comes back up from 2008, and I'm not trying to dig up old ground here.
SENATOR MCCAIN (R-ARIZONA: Sure.
HANNITY: Is whether or not you could have been harder in fighting then candidate Obama, in other words, you wanted to run a more respectable campaign, keep it focused on the issues. He ran a pretty negative campaign back then, but that was not the perception. Let me show you two clips and ask you if you think the media in this country is in the tank for Barack Obama, where they in the tank for him then? Are they in the tank for him now? I'll give you two examples. Governor Romney in Poland and then the President being interrupted during a rose garden -- statement that he was making.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Governor Romney, are you concerned about the mishaps on your trip?
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Governor Romney (INAUDIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: What about your dad?
(INAUDIBLE)
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Governor Romney, just a few questions, sir. You haven't taken but three questions on this trip.
PRES. BARACK OBAMA (D), UNITED STATES: It is the right thing to do. Excuse me, sir. This is not time for question, sir. Not while I'm speaking. And the answer to your question, sir, and the next time I prefer you let me finish my statements before you ask that question, is this the right thing to do for the American people? I didn't ask for an argument, I am answering your question. It is the right thing to do for the American people. And here's why. Here's the reason. Because these young people are going to make extraordinary contributions and are already making contributions to our society.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
HANNITY: Pretty glaring difference, Senator. But you have a unique perspective because you went through this in 2008. Explain the impact that you think this has on the perception that people in this country have on their politicians.
Prime Minister Netanyahu who did everything but endorse Mitt Romney. They have known each other for years. And they couldn't have been more -- Romney couldn't have been more warmly received. And at the same time, of course, the media treats him, as you just mentioned and -- but it is what it is. And the people like you can bring it to the American people's attention. But honestly, I don't think it's going to change. It is just going to have to be part of what the Romney campaign is going to have to put up with.
HANNITY: I think you are right. Senator, as always, we appreciate you being with us.
MCCAIN: Thank you.
Although I understand the Senator's point, I don't agree that Romney or anyone else in this country should just "accept" or "put up with" the media being in the tank for Obama or any elected official for that matter.
This bias should be shunned by all that live in this great nation for it is dangerous to the republic.
The role of the press is to inform citizens of the truth and hold our leaders to account for their actions and deeds.
When this ceases, our elected officials feel omnipotent, and that's when they begin running roughshod over the people and our Constitution.
As such, the Romney campaign should not just "accept" or "put up with" the media bias towards their opponent.
Instead, much as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich did during the primaries, they should push back on media attacks and missteps every chance they get, and learn from what's happening in this country as a result of the press's excoriation of Chick-fil-A.
Along with the Tea Party, there is clearly a growing movement of Americans against the corruption and dishonesty rife in the journalism industry today.
This bias towards Obama and against traditional family values is offending folks from coast to coast, and it was evidenced Tuesday by the massive support shown at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country.
The press have clearly misused their power and influence in recent years, and the American people are fighting back.
Smart politicians would be wise to tap into this anger not only for their own benefit but also to help put an end to media bias.
(HT Mediaite)
