Will the Media Cover This One?
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has some major ethical issues regarding his nondisclosure of a huge payoff from a sweetheart land deal. There are also questions regarding whether the land payoff was part of a quid pro quo for Reid's intervention on behalf of a lobbyist.
Power Line (above) and Captain's Quarters have the analysis.
This may receive some scattered mentions in the mainstream press -- such as the stories about Reid hanging up on an AP reporter -- but you can bet that if Reid were a Republican the media would be swarming this story just as they have the Foley story, in an attempt to influence the election.
When it comes to mainstream media coverage of Reid's problems, I'm betting it's going to be very low key.
Thursday Update: Captain's Quarters has more.
Rush Limbaugh wants to know where all the screaming Democrats and media members are who are supposedly so concerned with corruption in Congress. Apparently they only care if a Republican is involved.
posted by Laura @ 11:15 PM
6 Comments:
Just as Republicans only care when Democrats are involved.
Actually, I don't think you make a good point there -- in recent history Republicans faced with scandal have been quick to resign, leave office, etc. -- witness Bob Livingston, Newt Gingrich, and of course Mark Foley. Foley was *gone* instantly and his colleagues (and Republicans across the country) would not have countenanced his staying in office. *I* certainly care if a Republican commits immoral or criminal acts -- I want him *gone*.
Democrats, on the other hand, happily leave people in office who are convicted of crimes or involved in highly questionable issues -- witness Alcee Hastings, an indicted & convicted former judge; Barney Frank; Bob Menendez, currently running for office; or the Representative whose name escapes me at the moment who carried on with minors and received a standing ovation from his colleagues.
Best wishes, Laura
Laura, I think the low amount of media attention this is getting might have to do with the fact that it's difficult to grasp, and not sensational. This sideways land deal might in fact be shady, but it's not something people can easily "grasp." Molesting children is. The media knows this; I don't think it's because they are biased that they are not reporting it so much. When that Democrat congressman was stealing money and hid it in his freezer--THAT got news cycles because it had zing. :)
That's an interesting point to consider, Jim. S*x is definitely "flashy" and sells as entertainment -- but that doesn't let the media off the hook if they don't want to do the heavy lifting on a financial scandal because it doesn't get the same ratings or sell as many papers.
However, the point you make also raises a question -- the Rep. with the frozen funds (grin), William Jefferson, is another example of a Democrat who, rather than retiring in shame, is still in office -- and running for re-election!
Can you imagine the media ruckus if it were a Republican Congressman? I don't think he'd still be in office. And I don't think his fellow Republicans would *want* him in office.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts -- Laura
Laura,
I heartily agree that the media should be held accountable.
And I DID NOT KNOW that William Jefferson is still running for office! This is precisely the result of the fact that I get my news from sources that slant leftward (I admit it). It's part of the reason why the left and right are struggling just to talk reasonably--our networks of information are completely disparate.
I'm trying to turn over a new leaf, and am purposefully seeking out news from contrary sources. I'm going to look into this and blog about it. Thanks. :)
Thanks for your additional note, Jim.
The Jefferson story is an interesting contrast with the Robert Ney story -- House GOP leaders have pledged to expel Ney from Congress. It seems to me that overall Republicans are more willing to "clean house" than Democrats. And I think the media is more willing to push for this as well.
I appreciate your interest in reasoned discussion and exchange of ideas. Thanks for your thoughts.
Best wishes, Laura
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