by Feature08

Created on: July 30, 2008

To understand the so called bias in terms of the media's coverage of Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, is to understand the presidential contest in terms of what rides on each.

If John McCain were to win the elections in November, that would make him the 44th president of The United States. If the honor goes to Barack Obama, that would make him the 44th president, and first African American to earn that distinction. It cannot be denied that Obama's campaign, win or lose, is history in the making and is naturally more enticing to reporters and the general public who feed this furor.

However, the intense media coverage of Barack Obama's every move actually plays sharply in favor of John McCain. For every moment that Barack Obama is followed, held under the microscope and challenged to defend his comments, are moments when John McCain is not.

As a result, we have not witnessed John McCain under pressure as he has not had to account for much. Even then, McCain blunders are quickly mended with vague, generic apologies, while Barack Obama has had to explain at length any and all missteps.

As McCain continues to fly below the radar, raising his voice and appearing only long enough to complain about his lack of coverage, little attention is paid to the fact that he is often the one leading the claims of unfair coverage.

The problem lies not with the media, but John McCain's own campaign, which appears unable or unwilling to create enough interest in their candidate. Or, maybe that is McCain's strategy.

For example, as Obama traveled abroad, feeding the media with tons of presidential like images of himself giving a major speech to hundreds of thousands in Berlin, McCain too addressed Germans; in a local bar. With cameras in place, could he not have easily given a speech on any of the major issues facing the country instead of giving a spoof like performance?

The fact that McCain chooses instead to deflect attention on to Obama should be of concern to the public. It was John McCain who harped on Obama's so called lack of experience with foreign relations, and it was he goaded Obama into a trip he now mocks. Based on these tactics, one has to wonder, does he really want to debate Obama in a series of town hall meetings, or is his challenge intended to draw attention to Obama's refusal?

Does John McCain intend to manipulate the media straight to the Whitehouse, or will he at some point, demand a real turn in the spotlight?

Learn more about this author, Feature08.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.