Reply #20: The media, as you point out is the problem [View All]

[karynnj]

"I know Kerry is charismatic, but the problem was that AA didn't see that and believed what the media said about him "

This is a problem and obviously Kerry knows it. What's harder is how to change that or why it happened. I am troubled by the constant feeding of RW memes by the media, even now a year and a half later. Yesterday, this week's NEW YORK magazine repeated as gosbel Joe Klein's allegation that Kerry did not speak on Abu Ghraib because it polled badly, ignoring that Kerry denied not speaking out. (I intend to try to write a LTTE) A simple search of the NYT archives backs Kerry.

The truth actually shows that the opposite is true, Kerry went against the polls on this. Kerry didn't need a poll to tell him what the reception to mentioning Abu Ghraib would be, but he chose to carefully raise the issue. That Joe Klein chose this as the issue shows he is a slimeball, given Kerry's history. The fact that the media is mindlessly repeating this charge is beyond sick. Possibly, we can help by complaining whenever and wherever we see this. This could do two things - actually correct things and demonstate he still has support.

To get back to your quote, I think people tend to take the media's opinion of people. Clinton (and W) played with the media and flattered them. The media helped them in their attempts to win people. The media did not help Kerry. Kerry had to win people over by going past the media and meeting people, which is harder.