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Does the press pick presidents? Yes. More accurately, media hype is what drives the popularity of a given candidate. The more the media writes or talks about a given candidate, on either side of the aisle, the more the public becomes familiarized with said candidate. The more notoriety a candidate gains, the more money he or she is able to raise. Polls demonstrate the link between candidate name recognition and dollars raised. This familiarity and popularity carries over to the debates - events sponsored and run by whom - the media.

Regardless of where the debate can be viewed, FOX News Channel, CNN or any other network, questions are geared toward "front runner" candidates and typically second or even third tier candidates are relegated to almost ingratiating themselves into the debate as if they were mere afterthoughts. This is the case with the likes of US Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and former governor Mike Gravel (D-AK), as well as former candidates Tommy Thompson (R-WI) and Jim Gilmore (R-VA).

Regardless of their ideas, these candidates and former candidates are relegated to the periphery. Only the overwhelming minority of people who are paying attention 14 to 15 months prior to the 2008 general election have any idea who all current 16 candidates are and what some of their main ideas are or stances on major issues.

Again, regardless of party, if the media gave an equal amount of coverage to all candidates, the people could actually formulate opinions about those wanting to occupy 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue come January 20, 2009. Greater media attention leads to greater public knowledge of certain candidates, who in turn reap the financial rewards necessary to plow forth through the 2000 presidential race that has now started earlier then ever with a primary in South Carolina potentially slated for December 2007 - yes, a mere four months away.

How bad has it gotten for "fringe" candidates who are not "media darlings?" At a Democratic debate in Iowa on Sunday, August 19, US Rep. Dennis Kucinich (who I do not support) quipped, "I've been standing here for the last 45 minutes praying to G-d you were going to call on me," in response to a query about the candidates' belief in G-d.

My current of choice is also a second tier candidate from the other side of the aisle.

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