Being in the jouralism industry, I'm hoping I can use this blog to point out some techniques the media uses or answer any questions people might have.
Anyhow, I've been watching a lot of Fox News, because as anyone can tell you, I'm for listening to every side. Even though I identify with Obama, I watched the entire Republican debate -- I have a passionate distaste for those who only have one view and stick through it no matter the facts.
That said, the programming on Fox News is in such poor taste, I find it impossible to watch with an open mind. For example, one of their favorite tactics is known as "Attack the Quack." You bring on your show the opposition's most crazy or most poorly spoken person, ask them a question, and prove your superiority by how well you are able to "out-debate" them. Fox loves to bash the legitmacy of Al Sharpton, yet you see him talking on Fox News every other day. Why? Because then the station is able to say(without actually saying) "Al Sharpton represents all liberals, and look at what an idiot he is."
To clarify this example, let's pretend Fox News is liberal. After last night's debate, they should bring on Sen. Brownback, Huckabee, and Rep. Tancredo, who don't believe in evolution. They are creationists, believing the Earth was created by God 5 to 6 thousand years ago, and that either dinosaurs never existed or that mankind and dinosaurs walked the earth together (much like the Flintstones). These men are running for President of the United States. But, I digress. You could then bring on several well-published scientists on evolution, and several religious leaders that believe in God and evolution (Pope John Paul II's official position, if you didn't know, thank you Vatican II). The Republican candidates would look like complete imbiciles, and viewers would be left saying "What are Republicans thinking? They are just a bunch of religious zealot quacks."
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I agree with you Rob. Although one may lean towards one side, that person should be open to suggestions and listen to what the other side has to say. As we know, I am the conservative opposition on here as of now, but that doesn't mean I am against Obama (although it does mean I am against Heavenly Hillary). This brings me to Guliani. Granted he may not be the best candidate and he will definitely not win because of his views, I still think it is nice to see somebody that doens't support or oppose a large issue just based on what party he/she aligns himself/herself with.
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