Masking media bias

Bias in television news is blatantly obvious. During the coverage leading up to the election, it was possible to tell whether or not a newscaster was an Obama or a McCain supporter based on their body language, tone and comments. At this point, most U.S. citizens feel that the news is biased, so why do networks go to such great lengths to deny it?

Most people are familiar with Bill O'Reilly's so-called "No-Spin Zone." Unfortunately, the information that is delivered during the hour-long program is full of nothing but spin -- essentially transforming news into right-wing propaganda.

More recently, CNN has added the new show "No Bias, No Bull" hosted by Campbell Brown. While one could argue that this show is less one-sided than "The O'Reilly Factor," CNN is still well-known as a "liberal" network. It is apparent that the show's claim of being bias-free is, in fact, bull.

The act of simply labeling news unbiased in no way guarantees accurate news. So why do these networks make this feeble attempt to mask bias? Why do they go out of their way to make these claims when they make little to no attempt to hide bias in their news stories and reporting?

FOX: a source of misinformation

I don't know how FOX news gets away with it.

On Thursday, FOX picked up the story about Ashley Todd -- the McCain supporter who was allegedly attacked by a black Obama supporter. As soon as I heard the story, I was shocked that it was being aired.

The story had so many holes, it was impossible not to see through it. First of all, there were no witnesses -- she was allegedly attacked at an ATM, however the crime was not caught on the security camera. Coincidence? I think not. Not to mention, THE "B" WAS BACKWARDS!!! She obviously carved the letter into her own face while looking in the mirror.

My point is, there was absolutely no evidence that could prove that the 20-year-old was telling the truth, yet the story ran anyway. I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised. It is FOX after all. But seriously, who could see this story and not realize that it was a hoax right away? Oh, I guess John McCain couldn't. I mean, he did call Todd right away to offer his sympathy.

I just don't understand how news organizations, such as FOX, can justify airing a story that so obviously had no truth behind it. Especially since it could have had such damaging ramifications to the Obama campaign.

I think it's fair to ask, why did FOX choose to run this story? Was it solely to bring negative publicity to Obama's campaign?

Obama the Socialist

Throughout this election, Obama has been consistently referred to as both a leftist and a liberal. Unfortunately, the use of these words has caused many voters to remain wary of Obama. This is because there is a stigma against left-leaning politicians in the U.S. -- and John McCain knows it. In his latest desperate tactic to tarnish Obama's image, McCain is now using the dirtiest of words to describe his opponent: socialist.

In yet another unfounded criticism of Obama's policies, McCain claims Obama is not the middle-of-the-road Democrat he has portrayed himself as throughout his political career. Instead, the senator from Illinois is a radical leftist, whose policies will lead the U.S. down the path of socialism. Where did McCain get this idea? Well, his claim is based on the fact that Obama told 'Joe the Plumber' that we wants to 'spread the wealth around.'

I guess Obama is not only buddies with Ayers but he has been seen with the likes of Fidel Castro as well.

For many Americans the word socialist conjures up the worst of images. Today, the words Obama and socialism floated around talk radio shows and television news programs, quickly associating Obama with the ideals of Karl Marx. For many voters, this association evokes images and fears of the Cold War, instilling in the American people the absurd idea that if Obama were elected, Americans would be stripped of their freedoms -- health care and property would be nationalized, food rationed, and freedom of speech abolished.

But in reality, Obama's policies are far from being socialist. McCain's ridiculous statement is just another low blow.

Sifting through the media fodder

Television news shares too close a resemblance to entertainment shows, especially during campaign season.

The news is dominated by gossip and rumors about political candidates. Did Obama intend to call Palin a pig? Did Palin cheat on her husband? To be honest, I don't care. It's not important to me and I don't think these issues are worthy of being called "news."

Ever since Palin came on to the scene, the media and its viewers have been talking about one scandal after another. I must admit, most of it is entertaining for a little while, but when these little rumors dominate every news station to the point where the real news (if you can call it that) gets thrown to the side, that's when it gets to me.

Unfortunately, in the U.S. people only look to television news to get information about their candidates. I hate it, but that's how it is. I just wish the news would stop dwelling on meaningless rumors and talk about issues that matter and affect this country. That way viewers could at least attempt to make an informed decision come election day. I just hate the idea that someone out there is going to vote for McCain because they think Obama called Palin a pig.

I was standing in line at the grocery store and the women behind me was talking about how she won’t vote for McCain because Palin had an affair. That’s all fine and good. I’m not a McCain fan. But how about making your decision based on something a little more substantial? Let’s say because she's anti-abortion or she believes in creationism.