What is "media bias"?

[kentuck]

Someone once said that it is the job of a newspaper to "comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable". http://peterlance.com/wordpress/?p=922

How does that argument fit in today's discussion about "media bias" in the Republican debates? Republicans say there are too many "liberals" moderating their debates and they want registered Republicans instead. In other words, the propaganda value is more valuable than getting the facts or positions on important issues.

What would Republican "questions" look like if they were in charge of the debates? What would they ask about military spending? "How much should we increase defense spending this year"? What would be their question about tax cuts for the wealthy? "Should we do away with corporate taxes and go to a simple and fair flat tax"? What would be their question about social spending on the poor? " "Where do you think we should cut"? Now that would definitely be "comforting the comfortable" and "afflicting the afflicted".

But where are the real differences in the so-called "liberal media"? Do they ask that military spending be cut? Do they truly push for more taxes on the wealthy? Do they really try to save Social Security and vital social programs? They are lukewarm in their attacks on the "comfortable" also. So where is the "media bias". It is everywhere in the media. The very terms 'media bias" and "liberal media" are creations of the powerful and comfortable, in order to keep wealth inequality and unfairness in our society, no matter who is asking the questions at a Republican debate.

[Vinca]

1. Apparently the bias is seen by people who expect applause when discussing people

who can't afford health care dying and boos when a gay soldier in a battle zone asks a question.

[Mike Nelson]

2. FOX "News" defines media bias...

...Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina should be treated like they are equal to Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton? And, isn't Trump a media candidate - he doesn't talk like a liberal...

[kentuck]

3. As individuals, they should be treated "equally"...

Their positions and stands on the issues are what should be scrutinized. Which side are they on?

[tech3149]

4. From my perspective, it's pretty simple

Never truly examine or question existing power structures. Limit the discussion to the point that any true evaluation of foreign or economic policy is out of bounds. Sensationalize every insignificant story to distract people from noticing the important things happening around them. Condition people to never spend more than a minute to consider any issue so that it's impossible to consider the context and greater meaning.

[kentuck]

5. Very true.

Just as they "conditioning" people to accept an Hispanic on the Republican ticket this year... They are working slowly and gradually to get Rubio on the VP ticket. Why? Because they need him.

[CTyankee]

9. well, it didn't do them any good when Rubio LIED blatantly right out of the gate in that

debate. Coupled with snarky Carly's outright LIE it should be pretty telling to us what we have coming. Massive, bald face lying.

[kentuck]

10. I haven't seen much reporting on his lying...?

So, I think he got away with it.

[BumRushDaShow]

6. "What would Republican "questions" look like if they were in charge of the debates?"

Didn't Fox News moderate their first debate back in August? Their biggest mouthpieces had at 'em!

[kentuck]

7. They were not good "Republicans"...

Megan Kelly was attacked unmercifully for acting like a journalist, even if just for a short time.

[BumRushDaShow]

13. LOL

Ain't that the truth!

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

8. "media bias" is any media outlet that disagrees with me. nt

[valerief]

11. There is media bias. It's biased in favor of the 1%--or the .01%, the people who

own the media.

[kentuck]

12. Absolutely!

If you are looking for "media bias", look no further than the PTB and the 1%. The "media" works for them because they are part of them.