I read a book by David Broder on how the structure of newscasts help shape public opinion and awareness. His most telling example was the McCarthy era.

In the interest of "fairness", every negative article on McCarthy had to be countered with one or more positive articles. If they weren't the McCarthy folks screamed "media bias" along with "commie plot" by the "pinko" journalists and editors. The print media were terrified of him.

As Broder comments, McCarthy did not deserve "fairness" in terms of volume. If 10 people had salient arguments against that process to one person favoring it, maybe 10 articles to one would have been appropriate. Broder said the media was culpable in that they gave McCarthy the appearance of credibility while trying to stay "fair".

All it takes is a cursory glance at McCain's strategy to realize he is headed into a very dirty campaign. It is the job of the media, in the interest of "fairness", to point out the lies and distortions. And then we all sit back and listen to the neocons gripe about the biased pinko press, how Democrats will do anything for power.

Jo Stafford had a hit song in 1951, "Shrimp Boats (is a'comin', their sails are in sight"). Well, "Swift Boats is a'comin', their tales are in sight" as the Rs continue to do absolutely anything to stay in power. And pointing out the dirty play of others is "fair", more than fair.

Arf