Blogging the Political

To all those readers (if indeed you exist), who may be wondering just how important this assignment is for our class- Well, really, only Prof. Adler can tell you that (or you could look at the syllabus and get back to me). I can, however, give you some idea of its importance in the world at large.

Political blogs are becoming quite important sources of information and opinions in this day and age of instant searching and digital media. While traditional sources of media, such at newspaper, magazines, and television no doubt retain their appeal and importance, blogs are filling the gap in coverage our media simply cannot do itself. As Antoinette Pole explains in her book, "Blogging the Political," blogs have become, and will likely continue to be, superb sources of information and coverage, often of issues and events not discussed in main stream media. She points to such events as Sen. Lott's remarks at Strom Thurmond's 100th B-day celebration, which were originally picked up not by a newspaper or television program, but rather by a "lowly" blog. For days, his remarks were circulating the world of blogs before being picked up by main stream media. Another example she notes, is that many politicians, public policy makers, and political candidates are now creating, maintaining and utilizing blogs. Obama used his blog during the campaign to successfully rally volunteers and voters. His internet presence, much of which emanated from his blog and website, are considered key sources of his victory in 2008.

I encourage anyone interested in the future of politics or the media to read this book.
"Blogging the Political" by Antoinette Pole
Available at Amazon.com and other booksellers.

The movie “Good Night and Good Luck,” about the fight between newsman Edwin R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy, is an excellent example of the relationship between the press and politics, where the press takes on the role of a watchdog. It should be noted, however, that this film is also an excellent reminder of another relationship, one equally important, and some would say parallel to the first relationship. In the United States, where the power of the government, and the government itself, rests in the hands of the people, the relationship between the people and the press counts a great deal. The press finds itself in the middle of the people and the government, forced to be both watchdog and spokesman, unbiased and opinioned.

The film begins and ends with a speech given by Murrow. In his speech he outlines various problems with the role the press was playing, and continues to play, in its relationship with the people.

There are those who might make the argument that after fifty years, Murrow has been generally disproven, and that we are fatter now, more insulated, more complacent and more indifferent than ever before. In the last fifty years, has not media become even less the instrument of intellect Murrow hoped it could be? The answer, sadly, is yes, but not for the reasons you might think. Our press is less the instrument of intellect than it was, not because the public- fat and lazy, with an appetite for satiated desires and not for thought and work- demanded it, but because the press made the conscious effort to appeal to the masses, rather than to make the trends the masses found appealing.  

The Press, The Government, The People and why they all need to work together!

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