Political Media Blinded by Blocs

Furthermore, many in the media too often crop quotes to make them more damaging. In the previous example on MLK, the quote about Kennedy was deleted.

Another example of snipping involved Obama. His infamous statement on rural voters being "bitter" and "clinging" to god, guns and anti-immigrant sentiment. In the full context, he attempted to give advice on how to win over skeptical voters in rural Pennsylvania, almost all of whom are white. Interestingly, the media never suggested Obama's comment was racist, even though it clearly reinforced biases about rural Americans.

Voters can and should double check the media on quotes. It's simple enough to Google a quote and find the entire reference in most cases. Just make sure the source is independent.

How should the media judge character issues vs. racist attacks? Patrick Eagan, professor of Politics at New York University, suggests a focus on intent:

"We have entered an unprecedented political season with the first viable African American candidate. When discussing racism, the media has to look at the intent of a political statement. If the statement intends to inflame prejudice, clearly the media has to be critical."

Eagan's suggestion offers the media a fair criteria. Judge each statement on its merit and decide if it "stokes people's fear," says Eagan.

This should be obvious, but the media often misses it.

African-Americans overwhelmingly supported Obama in South Carolina by more than a 9-to-1 margin, and he has maintained this monolithic support since. This should not come as a surprise. African-Americans have identified strongly with the Democratic party after the passage of the Civil Rights Act and voting for Obama was an easy choice. As Eagan said: "Minority groups, like Asians and Latinos, on the bottom of the power structure normally vote to protect their group interest."

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