McCain engaging in Big Lie politics (Martin Schram)

[struggle4progress]

Published: Friday, September 19, 2008 4:13 PM EDT
It's time to tell two truths about Big Lie politics - and one about the news media, whose job is to make sure that you are not deceived by the lies.

... Truth One: Big Lie politics is flourishing, yet again, in Campaign 2008. It is being done, of course, because it works: The lies and distortions, once uttered or aired, are repeated; and every time they are recycled some false notions stick in the heads of some of the people. Big Lies have won elections and may do so again.

Truth Two: While Democrats and Republicans have both perfected the craft of the Big Lie, the practice has not been fairly balanced in 2008. Most egregious deceits and distortions have come from one side, in messages and ads either made or approved by a man I have long respected for his ethics and (I thought) honesty: John McCain.

Truth Three: The Big Lie works mainly because my colleagues in the news media are still not very good at exposing the liars, their lies and their willful, cynical strategies that seek to deceive you before you vote. While political journalists are focusing on fact checking and truth-telling more than ever, they have been working under a misunderstanding of what it means to be fair and balanced.

Journalists operating under the well intentioned premise that to be fair, each report must be balanced by presenting samplings from both sides. Such as lies from the left as well as from the right. But in 2008, Big Lie politics hasn't yet happened that way. No matter. Often major untruths are paired with minor exaggerations - and all are covered as fairly and balanced equal offenses. Usually, the reports begin with a sentence that says all sides are making statements that stretch the facts ...

http://online.indianagazette.com/articles/2008/09/19/opinions/syndicated_columnists/10002410.txt