Media Bias

I was in California yesterday with my wife and one of our sons, visiting my wife's father.  We watched Chris Matthews on MSNBC (something I don't normally do), and I was struck by how flawed and biased the reporting was. 

MSNBC would have its viewers believe that the election race is static, stuck in a dead-even heat that shows no signs of change. Why isn't Obama ahead, especially in light of Republican woes? Matthews basically implores. 

I suppose it makes for great ratings.  For years, studies of television reporting have told us that the broadcast media are fixated on conflict: knock-down, drag-'em-out conflict is the way to keep people tuned in. So, the mainstream media have an interest in making viewers believe that the race is neck and neck. They have no interest in telling viewers the truth about the current state of the electorate's position.  To wit: Obama is pulling ahead.  Tidily.  [Here's a reason why.] He's even ahead in crucial swing states such as Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

It's a good thing people don't need to rely any more only on the mainstream media to know what's happening in this country.  But most people do.  Too bad for them.