Media Uses Headlines As Political Platform

My, how the headlines have changed since that blessed day on January 20.

'Iraq election hailed as great success,' was splashed across the top of MSNBC's website on Saturday. This is not only newsworthy, but significant to Americans. The headline is neither misplaced nor overstated.

It is, however, strikingly bizarre following years of negative, downbeat stories by MSNBC regarding Iraq during the Bush years.

Also notable is the blurb toward the middle of their web page about a certain "George Obama", half brother to our very own Barack Obama. George Obama was arrested for alleged marijuana possession. This is a story worth mentioning. It was placed where it belonged and was given the proper amount of attention.

However, had this been George W. Bush, imagine how MSNBC would've placed these stories. The two would've been switched around and, under no circumstances, would the blurb regarding Iraq been titled, 'Iraq election hailed as great success'.

The media ought not to put themselves above the likes of slimy politicians. In many ways they hold the same imperious power and have the ability to set the tone for and persuade the thoughts and minds of their audience.

George W. Bush had an abysmal approval rating in part because of media outlets such as MSNBC and CNN . Americans have only the words of journalists with which to base their opinion.

True, Bush may not have been the most popular president regardless of coverage, but the mainstream media was on a witch hunt in their portrayal of Bush. They knew the power they had over their audience, they used and will continue to do so until we begin to see beyond their misuse of power.

Note: The word "Obama" appeared three times in 'Iraq election hailed as great success'. After years of dedication to spreading democracy, I'll let you guess how many times the word "Bush" appeared in that same article.

Palin Targeted with More Media Manipulation

"Palin attacks media over 'very scary' reporting". What a headline. This from MSNBC following the release of an excerpt of a documentary featuring Sarah Palin.

As they attempt to use journalistic word manipulation to make Palin sound foolish once again, they all but confirm her accusations. What Palin calls "very scary" is the fact that the reports from anonymous bloggers were taken as fact. As MSNBC did throughout 2008, they continue to spin Palin's words in a direction that suits their standpoint. MSNBC makes Fox News actually look "fair and balanced".

Perhaps she wasn't ready for the job. But, she was never given the proper platform or line of questioning that would allow voters to understand her views as well as her leadership abilities. When an individual is immediately put on the defense, it is near impossible for them to appear steady and confident.

Barack Obama fielded issue-based questions. Palin would've been required to study the encyclopedia, A to Z, to properly answer the questions directed at her during the campaign. Even more notable, Palin was a vice presidential candidate. She was asked the most difficult questions of Obama, John McCain and certainly, Joe Biden.

Palin was absolutely not prepared to take on the role as vice presidential candidate. Arguably, no one could've been prepared to cope with the shoddy reporting and backlash she experienced throughout 2008. Her abilities continued to be in question as the media persecuted her to the detriment of her candidacy.

The hope that Palin would return to Alaska and keep a low profile for a few years is obviously not a reality. She will unlikely be able to turn her image around with continued coverage from the very unfair and unbalanced mainstream media.