Bernie, I agree. Those know-it-alls , from whichever side of the political spectrum, who deem themselves competent to tell us all the right way or the wrong way, are just as complicit in the dumbing-down of the collective as we are who listen to them. A free media is a wonderful thing, but not as a substitute for a free will.

KC, they aren't competent to tell us right or wrong. Unfortunately that doesn't stop the masses from listening to them. Too many have turned over their choice - or worse yet, don't really care as long as the happy meals keep coming and the SUV's have full gas tanks.
I've never said or even thought Gore would have saved the world. I'd bet money we wouldn't be making the mess we are now in Iraq though. You and I will never agree about what you refer to as an election. It's a good thing we agree on the important stuff.

The general perception seems to be that IF things had turned out differently in previous elections, the sun would be shining all over the world. You might consider that if things had shaken out differently, things could also be immensely worse than they are today. History is hindsight, today (and all the todays past) is dynamic. Our scant understanding of current political situations, global warming, plight of the polar bears, is leading people to wildly different conclusions. And everyone thinks they are RIGHT. The way of the world, get used to it.

My friends, we are in the 25% who actually study the candidates and are concerned where they stand on issues and make our decision based on a set of values. How the other 75% make a decision is my point. Yes, the media has had influence for 3 decades, but look at all the exponential changes that have occurred in the American way of live. It is far different now than it has ever been. So many now expect instant gratification. There is so much information available, but how is that ciphered? IMO, it is seen and heard in small “bits and bytes” on TV, radio, newspapers and the internet and comprehensive articles or programs are ignored by most.
Pug, good satire about the “Fairness Doctrine”.
L-A just watch the ABCNBCCBS coverage of the “O” “get to know the world trip”, then let us know how conservative or liberal they handle him.

Bobber, it might be the "general perception" but it isn't mine. Nor will I ever be content to simply roll over and "get used to it."
azbob, I don't own a television and don't watch network news, so my perception of how the networks cover politics is based on what I read about how they cover politics.

Leah-Ann, WOW no TV, but that's good. Check out their web sites where their "key points" will covered. Then check out their coverage of the opposing canidate. Open, unbiased mind now!

It was my impression that when writing revisionist history, no chance should be missed to proclaim the innocence of Alger Hiss, or to deny that he was a communist, despite the facts?

A "media and Hollywood" thread seems an appropriate place to note this!

he he, Leah-Ann. I do consider you wildly different than the average person (average? Like, IQ=100?) so your perception would definitely be different. There are more of "them" than there are of you, and they each get a vote (according to their perception). I don't suggest rolling over, but I do suggest getting used to being outvoted. Martinis help.

Bill O', Rush,Lou Dobbs, Olbermann and all of the other talking heads on the idiot box are just "entertainment" for ratings. They aren't any different than an episode of American Idol, Green Acres or the Beverly Hillbillys. Too bad some folks don't get it.

The general population is so busy wrapped up in their cell phone and mall visits that they could really care less who is President. And the President of the USA doesn't really change how things are run in their neighborhood, so why care???

The Republican vs. Democrat national security angle has been blown way out of proportion by the Wizard of Oz Karl Rove in the past two elections.

McCain or Obama will do a much better job than GWB.

Pass the Martini's over Bobber!

Ah, Bobber, my good friend - let's wait a few months and see who gets to buy the martinis, shall we!

azbob, why would I want to watch the network news, whichever way they might be biased?

reaper, you are almost always correct!