Bernie Goldberg calls it a slobbering love affair: the mainstream media?s infatuation with Barack Obama. After reading Game Change, the bestselling expos? on the 2008 presidential campaign, I consider that description an understatement.
Aside from the numerous bombshells the authors drop on our nation?s top political figures ? from John Edwards? ego-driven dalliances to Harry Reid?s racist remarks to Sarah Palin?s index cards (sorry, you?ll have to read the book) ? what jumps off the page most is the media?s obsession with Obama, and the Clintons? dumbfounded response.
In nearly every chapter, Hillary or Bill drop an F-bomb complaining about how the media are sticking it to them while giving ?the one? a free pass. It?s both ironic and illustrative of how quickly the fourth estate can turn on you. In a contest between the silver-tongued Obama and the crotchety Clinton, the decision of favorable coverage was obvious, journalistic ethics be damned.
For North Carolina readers, the Edwards’ chapter (“They Looooove me!”) is fascinating. Most of the revelations have been spread far and wide ? such as the myth of Elizabeth Edwards’ sainthood ? but one interesting aspect is that Edwards tried several times to cut a deal with Obama to be veep or attorney general. Edwards comes through as an ego-maniac and a liar ? both accurate attributes.
With apologies to Palin fans, she doesn’t come off looking too good, either. At best, she was thrust onto the national stage before adequately doing her homework. After reading the chapters on Palin, I looked up her interviews with Couric and Gibson for a reminder of why she took so much heat back then. It’s obvious. She might be right on many policy issues, but if she can’t communicate them effectively in a hostile atmosphere, it’s worthless.
For political junkies like myself, Game Change?s 436 pages are well worth a read. Just take it with a grain of salt. Every player comes off looking the fool, with the exception of Obama ? proving that even now, the media has a hard time painting him with negative colors. And all the dirt was provided on deep background, meaning none is sourced.
Still, it?s a good peek into the inner lives of politicians and the workings of their campaigns.
