SOS to TV watchers: TV's goal is to sell. About eyeballs. Obama's ascention in polls is NOT GOOD

[NRaleighLiberal]

for the TV folks. So those of you who are brave enough to watch - be prepared for an increased level of bullshit and spinning to make this look like it is a horserace. No one watches a sports event blowout....and it appears that we are on the precipice of just that. Great for us, great for freedom, great for the world - but none of that matters to the people pushing products and ads at the watchers.

Do not be surprised at anything that you see in the coming weeks. It will, in most cases, not resemble the truth!

[GodlessBiker]

1. Indeed. Who watches the last quarter of a football game when he score is 50 - 3?

The media will do what it can to make this appear like a horse race so viewers keep tuning in.

[MSU_Spartans]

2. True, but there MAY be a twist here

Everyone loves watching a good trainwreck. If Palin messes up tonight, the media may concede the election, and start bagging on her nonstop. They'll profit any way they can.

[Mother Of Four]

3. I've said before-

There is nothing better for the media than a horserace-
UNLESS it's a disaster.

The way this is shaping up to be, is a disaster so the Media will adjust to get the best ratings out of it.

Most don't watch the race for the speed, they watch it for the potential wreck of epic proportions.

[NRaleighLiberal]

5. Yep - good point to both of you re the attractiveness of the trainwreck!

And the wreck begins tonight!

[Labors of Hercules]

4. I respectfully disagree.

This financial crisis has increased substantive ratings across the board. The ratings show that viewers are moving away from the horserace bullshit because the MSM played that card way too often.

Why do you think KO and Rachel are cleaning house?

[NRaleighLiberal]

6. Point well taken. I am not a TV watcher, so am open minded about the logic here!

Am quite content to live this election via DU, TPM and a few other sites.

[OneGrassRoot]

7. Good point. I think the viewers in general (for now) are ...

moving away from the bullshit. Palin's candidacy did us a favor in that regard. It made everyone except their base wake up to how STUPID everything has become, especially in contrast to the financial meltdown suddenly in everyone's collective face.

I think this is also why Bushco can't trot out a Bin Laden sighting/tape or other manufactured "be afraid!!!" moment. People are on to them. People are on to McCain, especially after his stunt last week of "suspending" his campaign.

Whether the American public continues to deny the BS factor being blatantly shoved down our throats is another story. On November 5th, we could have another Britney/Paris/Anna Nicole crisis on our hands!

Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of BS still being pedaled to those who aren't news junkies as we are, but the blatant, in-your-face shoveling of it has subsided, thanks to Palin. She puts a face on the BS, and it ain't pretty. ;)

[ginnyinWI]

8. I made the rounds of all the channels this morning and it's true.

CNN, MSNBC, the networks, C-span. Lots of BS everywhere. Talking up McLame/Palin. Even the span had someone saying she's a hockey mom---clicked it off and it will stay off until the debate or else just before. And in the interests of avoiding Tweety, it's going to be CBS for me.