by Charles Sumpter

Created on: August 25, 2008

We do not have to like it, but the truth shall set us all free, isn't that how the saying goes? Believe it or not, the media has a tremendous influence on who gets the nomination. Never before have we seen the media so entralled with every aspect of the presidential campaign season, especially this year's. Through the long 20 month process, the media has followed the candidates from the day they announce their candidacy to the day they either suspend, out right cancel, or accept the nomination at their respective conventions.

One major issue is the fact that the media picks their favorite way before anything can be decided. Consequently, they give that candidate the most air time and attention, denying other maybe lesser known candidates the opportunity to get their name out there. This process may effectively kill the candidates chance of ever getting further in the campaign.

In the days of youtube, there is nothing a candidate can do or say that will not get around to millions of people. One must watch what they say and do if they want to stay in the running. Often times, a candidate has no choice. In fact, a candidate may have not said or done anything wrong, but the spin placed in by those in the media can make something much more than it really is.

The press is there when a candidate is on vacation, shopping with the family, making a speech and eating dinner at a roadside diner. There is no escaping the press and their barage of questions. Candidates in this year's presidential election have all committed the fatal gaffe while on the campaign trail. Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain (R-Ariz) has probably made some of the most interesting. Most recently, telling a reporter that he would have his staff get back to them on the amount of homes he owns. A century ago, that might have not had the impact that it does today, but it was astronomical, and Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama (D-IL) had a field day with it.

The recent conflict in the nation of Georiga inflicted upon them by Russia was seen as the first attempt for the candidates to flex their worldly might; and the press was all over it. During the conflict, Senator Obama was vacationing in Hawaii, a state that he calls home and which has many of his family members including his grandmother who still live there. Obama issued a statement that critics have said was weak on content, but strong on rhetoric. Others have painted Senator McCain's response as loud and strong. Senator McCain is known for his solid stance on Russia, even at times referring to the nation as the Soviet Union (another one of his gaffe's). I'll give McCain credit on the idea that the U.S. does not and will not condone the acts committed by Russia, but it almost sounded too presidential, as if he was the president already; but I'll still give him kudos on that.

As for Senator Obama, you cannot blame the man for taking a much needed break from the hustle and bussle of campaign life. The press jumped on him for being in Hawaii, However, for some, Hawaii is a vacation spot, but for others it is home and it was for Obama.

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