Why does the media hate John Kerry?

[CoffeeCat]

I've noticed that John Kerry NEVER catches a break with the media.

When he was Swiftboatted--the media repeatedly gave insane amounts of time to those liars. That's how
the lies became accepted as truth. More importantly, the media NEVER truly investigated the truth about
Kerry's Vietnam service. If they would have--the Swift liars would have been debunked in a nanosecond.

Now, we have a repeat performance. Kerry botches a joke, which was clearly about the pResident and not the
troops. Again, the Republican machine swoops in to perpetuate the lie that Kerry disparages the military.
Then the real damage is inflicted, as the media provides Republicans with multiple platforms on which to
cement the lies.

Again, the media could have taken this current opportunity to point out that Kerry is being "swiftboatted" again. They
could have drawn parallels between this incident and the "swiftboatting"--and show how the lying Republican
machine works. They had another opportunity to expose Republican games/lies, instead they give the Republicans
a platform. Instead of exposing the Republican lying ploys, they're talking about how this is a repeat for KERRY,
and that he's bungling his own words, AGAIN.

I love Kerry. I think he is highly intelligent and an incredible negotiator and a true diplomat. I also think that
when he bungles things (as all politicians do), the Republican machine kicks in and the media travels along as a willing
accomplice. They propagate the messages of the Republican machine, and Kerry seems to get beaten down every time.

I'm wondering...has Kerry ticked off the media, or is there some reason that they want to keep him out of power? Has
he spoken out for media deregulation? Has he authored or supported legislation that would affect the media in
any way?

[blm]

1. I posted earlier with the WHY - It goes back to June 2003

Kerry Seeks to Reverse FCC's "Wrongheaded Vote"

Commission Decision May Violate Laws Protecting Small Businesses; Kerry to File Resolution of Disapproval

Monday, June 2, 2003

WASHINGTON - Senator John Kerry today announced plans to file a "Resolution of Disapproval" as a means to overturn today's decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to raise media ownership caps and loosen various media cross-ownership rules.
Kerry will soon introduce the resolution seeking to reverse this action under the Congressional Review Act and Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act on the grounds that the decision may violate the laws intended to protect America's small businesses and allow them an opportunity to compete.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Kerry expressed concern that the FCC's decision will hurt localism, reduce diversity, and will allow media monopolies to flourish. This raises significant concerns about the potential negative impacts the decision will have on small businesses and their ability to compete in today's media marketplace.

In a statement released earlier today regarding the FCC's decision, Kerry said:

"Nothing is more important in a democracy than public access to debates and information, which lift up our discourse and give Americans an opportunity to make honest informed choices. Today's wrongheaded vote by the Republican members of the FCC to loosen media ownership rules shows a dangerous indifference to the consolidation of power in the hands of a few large entities rather than promoting diversity and independence at the local level. The FCC should do more than rubber stamp the business plans of narrow economic interests.

"Today's vote is a complete dereliction of duty. The Commissioners are well aware that these rules greatly influence the competitive structure of the industry and protect the public's access to multiple sources of information and media. It is the Commission's responsibility to ensure that the rules serve our national goals of diversity, competition, and localism in media. With today's vote, they shirked that responsibility and have dismissed any serious discussion about the impact of media consolidation on our own democracy."

[CoffeeCat]

3. Holy buckets...

...there it is.

Obviously, it was something--and there it is.

I'm stunned.

The media is so quick to prop up certain Dem candidates, but not Kerry. Now, we see why.

The media can't prop up Hillary fast enough. I'd bet anything that she's sided with big media
every time.

Wow. That's for that. I need some time to process this. It's very sad.

[blm]

19. This is the Kerry media distorted and hid from MANY voters, even Dem voters who

would NEVER get to know him fully.

Corpmedia also chose to give only 3 hrs to the conventions where Kerry could be more fully described, and those 3 hrs were given ONE to Kerry, ONE to Edwards, and ONE to Bill Clinton.

Bill Clinton was given NINE HOURS of primetime in 1992 for people to hear and learn about him.

Media cut it down for Gore, and cut even more for Kerry, even as Kerry was going up against a president who had been given four solid years of positive coverage above and beyond what any president had ever received.

[laundry_queen]

49. whoop, there it is.

I've never been so discouraged and disgusted in my life. If ever there was any doubt about what is going on, there is none now. It's painfully obvious.

[wisteria]

10. Wow, I wasn't aware of this myself. n/t

[SouthernBelle82]

12. That could be it

But here I thought Kerry was the DLC candidate and had no problems! :sarcasm:

[patrice]

16. He's also a strong supporter of Alternative Technologies, read that

"anti-Business" if you're heavily invested in the technological/energy status quo.

[niallmac]

43. very enlightening. Thanks! nt

[rosesaylavee]

50. Wow.

Bookmarked. Thanks for posting.

[brentspeak]

2. The "liberal" media wasted no time headlining the manufactured controversy

They gave the Republicans as much talking-head time on this as they wanted.

[sui generis]

4. One Word: "Charisma"

or the lack of it.

"the media" loves charming, eloquent, distinguished "youthful" guys.

Our society despises both "the old" and "the old trying too hard to not be old", and that sentiment is both promoted AND perpetuated by the media.

Plus, Kerry rubs many people the wrong way, regardless of their respect for his intellect or senatorial decorum.

Fer cryin' out loud Kerry, don't apologize. The media LOVES to crucify our apologists; an apology is blood on stumbling prey, which is clearly something the other side knows at a visceral level.

If he never says the words "I'm sorry" again for the rest of his life it would be too many times.

[emulatorloo]

7. well then, explain Dick Cheney and George Bush

nothing charismatic about either of them. Both of them are horrible speakers. Both of them are unattractive by any objective standard.

Media likes to cover-up for the republicans and pretend how great and charismatic they are.

2004 coverage was certainly a great example of that. Time and time again Bush's gaffes and idiocies were left on the cutting room floor, while Kerry's best sound bytes from speeches and the debates were left on the cutting room floor.

When they would report on speeches, bush's good clips were played, with him getting off a Karl Rove scripted zinger. Then they would show footage of Kerry speaking, and some talking head would poorly summarize what he said.

Anyway -- that's just typical of how they cover Dems and Republicans.

[sui generis]

18. there is also a double standard

AND remember how much money runs through media organizations, and where it comes from and who stands to gain from deregulation, noncompetition, etc.

Our "charisma" has to outshine all of that, and it is an unfortunate fact that many of us don't like.

If Kerry had come on board promising the line the pockets of big media he could have an ass growing on his forehead and they would make him look good, but this way if he so much as clears his throat they'll crucify him.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. You hit on the main point

this culture HATES intellectuals, and prefert the rather chummy down to earth stupid folks

[SouthernBelle82]

14. Wrong

That is such bullshit. Kerry is a very charismatic guy. Lots of people have been reported saying they thought the same thing of Kerry until the saw him live and met him and changed their minds. Even my own mother has changed her mind after watching Kerry speak even if it's just on tv. Kerry is a very thoughtful and intelligent guy and I like that about him and he doesn't treat me like I'm stupid and couldn't understand him. He has more respect for me than Bush could ever. The media said the same thing about Al Gore which is also untrue.

[sui generis]

15. honey I wasn't asking for a judgement of my opinion EDITED

just sharing it.

I'm sorry if you don't like it. Most people in America don't get to meet Kerry live. I answered the question. I did not say what it was I believed.

I accept your apology in advance Miss Belle.

sorry edited to add that I am being tongue in cheek. :P this is where fifty open windows at a time will get you.

[Blue_In_AK]

25. Call me an effete snob

but I personally think John Kerry has more charisma in his little finger than ** has in his whole administration.

[sui generis]

27. no I'M the effete snob

the rest of you are just amateurs.

:rofl:

Seriously guys, there is more than one reason, so if we pick just one we'll be at least half wrong. If we restate this in terms of problems and solutions how does our perception of the dynamic of Kerry and the media change?

Because if the media on Kerry is the problem, then what does Kerry need to do to solve it.

If the problem truly is a double standard with sub-problems inside that, how do we step out and fix that? Right now merely noticing the dynamic does nothing to prevent it from happening. Claiming that Kerry has no responsibility whatsoever for how the media treats him isn't entirely honest either.

I've met Kerry at two separate political event dinners, one hosted in a private home here in Dallas. He is very nice, and very charming and when he's not "under pressure" to say the right thing to the most people, he comes across as natural and relaxed. But something happens on the other side of the front door; as an example I am reminded of how easily people who wear toupees are mocked for not being themselves. Kerry may indeed snowboard and windsurf and hunt and do drag on halloween for all I care, but does Kerry do that for Kerry or for some artificial image? If he's doing it for himself, then don't photo op that crap. Don't pretend to be a comedian if you're a serious politician unless you write your own jokes and someone else who DOESN'T like you thinks they're funny.

If Kerry just stopped worrying about the political angle and the devastatingly witty observation so much, he might actually say something brilliant in shorter sentences with fewer words that the media could NOT deny.

Anyway, it's not a rant - it's a fact that many democrats have a laundry list of reasons that Kerry turns them off. In problem/solution method, what is that list? Solutions always involve more than just having an opinion about who has bad information.

[Mass]

28. The media defines what charisma is.

In 2000, they decided that Kerry had too much charisma and would shadow Gore if he chose him as VP.

In 2004, they decided he had no charisma.

Same thing for other politicians.

So, they use charisma as their reason not to support somebody, but I think that you will find the real reason at post # 6.

[sui generis]

30. and from #7

"If Kerry had come on board promising to line the pockets of big media he could have an ass growing on his forehead and they would make him look good, but this way if he so much as clears his throat they'll crucify him."

I don't have charisma, I have color :blush:

[bunny planet]

35. Right, the media was really easy on Hubba Bubba, all his eloquence, charm,

and youthfulness meant nothing to the media, they went after him 24/7 for all the years he was in the WH. And he passed legislation that enabled the media to become even more of a monopoly and they still went after him.

[FightingIrish]

5. They would rather pounce on a statesman who can't

tell a joke than a pResident who is a joke.

[montanacowboy]

6. The same reason they destroyed Al Gore

and the same reason they destroyed Howard Dean; they hate everything the Dems stand for which is to put their sleazy corporate asses in a sling -

return of the Fairness Doctrine - rolling back this media consolidation abomination - all the things they hate and despise and all their whores spewing venom -

this will never change until we get both houses of Congress and hold hearing after hearing after hearing - but hey, don't hold your breath on that

Nov. 8th we will wake up to find out that if it wasn't for John Kerry the Dems might have held onto one house......and the mighty wulitzer will continue playing

[acmavm]

8. Yeah, I like your explanation the best. I also think it's the truth.

[Canuckistanian]

45. Whoever rises to the top must be destroyed

It's a simple formula.

If Christ himself came back and ran for President on the Democratic ticket, they'd ridicule him for his beard and sandals and criricize his "bleeding heart" attitude about helping the poor.

And most certainly, they'd ask questions like "Did he really rise from the dead or did he fake it"?

[blm]

53. Whoever rises to the top who isn't working for them will be targeted.

How dare they succeed on their own power - that would make them too independent.

[JHB]

11. Because the national media is run like junior high cliques...

...and only conservative Republicans can be in the "cool (and rich) people" clique that runs things.

Anyone else who threatens to get "in" gets pantsed and has their undies run up the flagpole for all to see.

[patrice]

20. Bingo!! You hit the nail on the head. This is the essence of MSM.

Bitchy, gossipping, bul-lies.

[blm]

22. And that's why GOP gained control of their allowances in the 80s and 90s.

And thus controls their scripts.

[truebrit71]

13. Because. He's. A. Democrat.

Whomever is, or looks like being the front-runner against the ruling Nazi Party gets destroyed...

[OzarkDem]

51. Bingo

The media and big corporations have already begun the game of attempting to choose the Dem's next presidential candidate. They gave him the "Dean" treatment. Any Dem presidential candidate who looks as though they won't be willing to kowtow to special interests is given their version of (pardon the phrase) a high tech lynching.

Our local right wing corporate daily rag already has an editorial pronouncing that Kerry will never, ever be considered a presidential candidate. Baloney.


I'ts not going to work this time. Media reform needs to be at the top of Dems agendas when they regain Congress.

[AtomicKitten]

17. MSM = high school

Pouncing on people when they slip up is what they do, and they loop it over and over and over again.

[LilyLibber]

34. You're right.

To my utter disgust as I monitor RW nutjob radio, I've just heard that Hannity's having a Swiftboat guy on his show today. They have exploited this for everything it's worth, and I hope it backfires. Horribly.

[AbbyR]

38. Unless the idiot in the White House slips...

then they ignore it or it's cute.

[OzarkDem]

52. High school with lots of money

and unchecked power. Actually the same applies for most large corporations, too.

[I_Will]

21. Two words: Media Consolidation n/t

[TheLeftyMom]

23. Because he's smarter than they are and refuses to suck up

n/t

[Sensitivity]

24. Kerry IS historically aloof and distant from the typical back-slapping D.C. comunity

He has the image of a golden boy, goodie-two-shoes that everyone wants to knock down.

[blm]

29. That was the quality he shared with Al Gore. Both elected. Both screwed

over by the corpmedia and their own party.

[librechik]

26. like, dislike, doesn't matter--they have their marching orders

and they can kiss their jobs goodbye if they rebel.

[GreenTea]

31. Why do they hate Al Gore, the Clinton's, etc. because they are Democrat's and

the five media corporations (that's all there is) are ALL huge republican supporters, and ALL are in the top fifteen of donors to the republican party!!

[Done]

32. If bush were to ever mis-speak, I'm sure the msm would be all over it

:sarcasm:

[Generator]

33. He dared to challenge the Emperor

It's NOT done, I tell you. If you notice, Clinton's sex life took up years-Kennedy, John was murdered, Kennedy, Bobby was murdered, and that's just the politicans. So you see, they used to kill them then the realized it's easier to just lie about them. It's all dictated by propaganda. It took a botched war, an ignored terrorist attack that devasted the moral of this country and destroyed the skyline forever of the most well known city in the world, then one of the most unique cities in the world was left to drown and fend (still)) for itself like a third world pocket, and finally some low popularity numbers for even one dude to be allowed to question the Emperor-Keith Olbermann. SOME of the powers that be don't like the Bush crime syndicate. But I think they know as far as playing ball with the powers that be, Kerry's not really on the team.

[blm]

44. You're right - what they used to settle with bullets and accidents they now

settle over the airwaves they now control.

[Catherine Vincent]

36. Your guess is as good as mine.

It's puzzling.

[SoCalDem]

37. It did not start with Kerry..

The media demonized Carter too..and of course the broke the mold with Clinton-bashing.

Anyone who "could" be a threat to the status quo on media could hurt their bottom line.

Media moguls know they can "trust" the repubes..that's why they are always cast as the "victims"..the "moral ones"..the "nice-guy-to-have-a-beer-with".

Democrats traditionally are for the little guy, and that never squares with corporate toadies.

and of course the "coastal" democrats tend to be highly educated..so instead of calling them intelligent, thinking people, it's more "suitable" to the suits..to just call them latte-swilling,tree-hugging,elitist, wind-surfing, brie-eating...LIBruls..:grr:

[AbbyR]

39. I think the media - and the general public are scared of smart people. nft

[robinlynne]

40. The media isn't too keen on democracy either. or the truth. or news.

(as opposed to sensationalism.)

[SammyWinstonJack]

41. They hated Gore and they hated Howard Dean. And they really hated Clinton.

They hate strong Democrats. Or maybe it's just this: "It's not personal, it's just business" :yoiks:

[stubtoe]

42. Because the "Liberal Media" hates ... Liberals?

[Jim Sagle]

46. It's very simple. He's a Democrat.

[Hekate]

47. Because they're a pack of dogs who have abandoned their calling nt

[upi402]

48. media traitors betray America for corporatism

repeat as needed