What's to stop the media from just saying Bush is the winner?

[Melodybe]

We all have probably wondered about it, but what is there to stop the media from just proclaiming that Bush is the winner?

The whores have just as much to lose for this election as Bushco, a Kerry win means that their long reign is over, no more media conglomerates, no more deregulation, a re-instatement of the fairness doctrine.

Who would know the difference if they said it was close but Bush is the decisive winner?

[olacan]

1. fairness doctrine

If the fairness doctrine is brought back who do you think Air America will add to their lineup?

[cheezus]

4. AAR would make a fortune reselling their shows to AM radio

most talk radio is right wing. the fairness doctrine would be a financial boon to AAR

[Old and In the Way]

2. I won't believe a Kerry loss.

If Kerry loses, our Democracy is dead. They best think long and hard what the damage will be if we lose confidence in our election process.

The upside is I've heard exit polling will be re-instituted (let's hope that doesn't become part of the scam)....and every Democrat will be voting with their eyes wide open.

I also don't see another Florida Republican mob scene without 10X Democrats getting in their faces.

[lukasahero]

3. There may not be many

but there are still some respectable journalists out there. Too many for me to believe this could happen.

My bigger fear is that the media is setting up the election to shrub's advantage via the polls. If so many Amerikans believe that the election is so close, they will be less likely to question the stealing of it.

[Vickers]

5. Well, their integrity for one thing

*snort*

Sorry, I almost got it out without laughing.

[genius]

6. They have no integrity. That's their back-up plan.

[no_hypocrisy]

7. Uh, those pesky trial lawyers maybe?

[MadHound]

8. Don't laugh on this one,

But I think that their anchors and reporters would blow the whistle on this, at least on some networks.

Look at it this way, Brockaw, Jennings and Rather are big time liberals, as are many many reporters. While their corporate masters have kept these big names in check for the past few years, Brokaw and Rather are retiring soon, Brokaw after the election, Rather possibly as soon as next spring. With nothing left to lose, and several grudges that they still hold against the 'Pugs, I don't think these two will roll over, no matter what. That will keep their respective networks mostly honest. Jennings, though not retiring, is still a big enough name that he can keep ABC in line, as can Barbara Walters, who is also retiring soon.

And remember, at least the appearance of impartiality has to be kept up in the case of most networks(excepting Fox, of course). So the corporate masters behind the cameras can't afford to be too heavy handed, otherwise they will be caught out as the blatant partisan whores they truly are. I don't think any network head is willing to sacrifice not only his career, but the network itself in order to pull Bush's ass out of the fire.

I think we could very well see an interesting and telling dichotomy come the evening of Nov 2, with Fox immediately calling the election for Bush, while the others wait and watch until the real numbers are in, and then calling for Kerry. We just my be watching the demise of Fox as a credible news source(I know, I know, they're not credible to anyone around here anyway, I'm talking about the real world)