"Bush remained above the fray while Dems took pot shots"

[donhakman]

"President Bush remained above the fray while Democrates continued to take pot shots, but now President Bush is going into high gear..."

Thus speaketh Katie Couric at 7 AM on NBC's Today show.


In one run on sentence the editorial newstainment writers for NBC discount every issue and charge the Democrats have leveled against the administration/cabal and elevates Bush to a pristine status.
Every news story has a lead in introduction which in essence tells people what they are to think before a story is covered.
They call this introduction, framing the story. The tone in framing a story is more important than facts.

While facts are often so thin as to be transparent, on NBC news fluff programs like the Today show, the tone is so thick it sticks to your mouth like peanut butter.

I can only surmise that when word comes down from GE that their news department reflect the appropriate tone, the talking heads practice the appropriate tone in thier voice for indignation toward the Democrats and affection for Republicans. After all announcers can only control the way something is said and never what is to be said.

This tone seemed so glaring this morning perhaps because I watched Dennis Miller prostrate himself before Speaker Hastart and other various Republican Senators and Congressman last night on cable.

The way Deniis Miller agreed profusly with Hastart that this administration has reduced spending, "if truth be told" and not increased it, made me think that Dennis may die of an ulcer within the year. When an intelligent person cowtows to such brazen manipulation of the truth and plays yes man to every concievable lie in the book, there are bound to be consequences no matter how hard they may try to conceal it.

As media tone remains supreme while facts quickly evaporate, I believe it is important to attack the efemoral tone and call it what it is whenever you smell it.

Thats right, attack the tone. Issues are distorted but the tone like an ugly face is out there for all to see. Even politicians should halt proceedings and point out the tone. People know the game is one of manipulation so go ahead and point to it. The audience can only agree that they felt the "tone" as well.

Basicly thats what Reagan did when he would say "there you go again".
So I propose you fight tone with tone and point at those who are clothed in nothing but spin and naked of facts.

Its fun to see an audience catch on and laugh at the nakedness of your opponent.



......................................................................
By Don Hakman: An expert in public relations, propoganda and clinical hypnosis, now retired and resides outside Washington DC.where he pursues graphic arts.

[papau]

1. I agree - Katie changed her approach to the election last week

I didn't think she would allow it - but I guess she'd rather not fight GE/NBC now that the NBC writers are on board the get biased early plan.

[donhakman]

2. I was never a fan of Katie

however, every NBC talking head including the ones they prop up in front of the White House would conclude their blurb with "..and President Bush continues his offensive..."

As for Dennis, you should have seen the show last night.
It was particularly funny to see Dennis hear the control booth voice in his ear yelling "shut up". He would look startled and then rub his hand down his face to regain a sombre expression.

His shtick was to state an opposing point of view in a denigrating and strained humorous manner and allow the guest to pile on and the guest would then state any proposterous thing completely unchallenged.

Sure it was probably his first show on the MSNBC but it was as stilted as an infomercial.

All corporate owned news shows try to create an entertanment feel with as much sizzle they can muster when covering issues that may in fact be inherently boring.
Government by corporation and corporate media puts things like "tone" far ahead of facts and repercussions.

[yellowcanine]

3. "Above the fray" Bush managed to travel to primary states on public's dime

How many states did Bush just happen to have official business in within one week after the primary there - and oh, btw, also raise a little campaign money while he was at it? Taxpayer funded campaign events seem to be the norm for Bush - I know other presidents did it as well but he seems to have lowered it to a new depth.