Romney Cries About Left Wing Media Conspiring Against Him

[L.K.Eder]

ah, that famous study again.

here it is: The Media Sectors | Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ)

Fox News: The programming studied on Fox News offered a somewhat more positive picture of Republicans and more negative one of Democrats compared with other media outlets. Fox News stories about a Republican candidate were most likely to be neutral (47%), with the remainder more positive than negative (32% vs. 21% negative). The bulk of that positive coverage went to Giuliani (44% positive), while McCain still suffered from unflattering coverage (20% positive vs. 35% negative).

When it came to Democratic candidates, the picture was more negative. Again, neutral stories had a slight edge (39%), followed by 37% negative and 24% positive. And, in marked contrast from the rest of the media, coverage of Obama was twice as negative as positive: 32% negative vs. 16% positive and 52% neutral.
But any sense here that the news channel was uniformly positive about Republicans or negative about Democrats is not manifest in the data.

the least biased is not necessary the one that seems to be most balanced.

it can be a false balance.

 

[L.K.Eder]

and for people who actually interested in the study, and don't rely on excerpts presented by right-wing blogs

here is the conclusion:

A First Look at Coverage of the 2008 Presidential Campaign
Conclusion
October 29, 2007
Once again, the game of politics—rather than the ideas or even the background of the personalities—has dominated how the press has presented the race for president.
What is new in 2008 is how quickly this has begun, nearly a year before the first votes will be cast. The early start to the race, and even the large number of candidates running, has not changed this strategic lens of the press. Simply put if one were to have imagined that this earlier beginning made the first polls even more a reflection of name recognition than they once were and thus the tactical maneuvering of the candidates less meaningful, that notion has not taken hold in the American media.
One other finding of this study is that the news media also appear to be preoccupied with the head-to-head contest of the first major African American candidate and the first serious female contender for a major party nomination on the Democratic side.
But the prospect of a dramatic ideological realignment in the GOP, in which a candidate with more moderate history on social issues is the leader in national polls in Giuliani and a formerly moderate Republican is leading in Iowa in Romney, did not similarly capture the press’ imagination.
There are other factors that may have tipped the press’ gaze more toward Democrats. The Republicans candidates with large war chests announced later than Democrats, and that would explain part of why Republicans received less news attention in the first five months of coverage. But it does not explain all of the difference, for even after the GOP race had begun, Democrats continued to get more exposure.
That tilt toward Democrats and elite candidates was truer of some outlets more than others. One news operation studied stands out as offering a contrast to these trends--The News Hour on PBS. It took a measurably different approach, focusing on all the candidates and offering audiences a broad look at their agendas for the country.



As for the more critical tone for Republicans, there are various possible explanations. The strategic context of the Republican candidacies did not always cast them in a positive light. On the plus side, Romney’s fundraising, like Obama’s, exceeded predications. The result was relatively positive coverage even though his national polling was in the single digits.
But the failure of John McCain’s campaign to gain traction led to negative coverage for his candidacy.
A good deal of the negative coverage of other Republican candidates may well have resulted from press skepticism about their chances for the nomination. Giuliani continues to be regarded possibly too liberal for the social conservatives. Romney’s religion and his former support for abortion rights is also a potential stumbling block with socially conservative Republicans. These perceived flaws of these and other candidates probably accounts for the positive treatment of Fred Thompson, who initially offered the prospect of filling that void on the right. That in turn was fueled by Thompson’s name recognition in the polls – due in significant part to his acting career.
But if, in the early stages of the race, the 2008 presidential campaign represents a possible shift away from the Republican party of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush and a generational struggle in both parties, neither of these more idea-oriented themes are heavily evident in the early press coverage. If American politics is changing, the style and approach of the American press does not appear to be changing with it.

 

[Claudette]

And yet, independent academically sound research from the 2008 campaign found FNC the least biased and most balanced of all the major outlets. Go figure.

Yapping like puppies about one outlet while giving every other outlet a pass because you agree with their bias is laughably hypocritical.

You got that right.

LMAO You just gotta love it. FOX is the only right leaning outlet out there so to the left they are evil incarnant and biased as hell.

Of course the same doesn't apply to the rest of the media which is lefty big time. Thsoe guys are right on and fair and balanced.

As I said. LMAO.

In one sentence you call them "right leaning" and in the next you call them "fair and balanced."

Hmmmmmmmmm

Right leaning FOX.

Fair and balanced the rest of the LSM. As I said LMAO.

 

[ClosedCaption]

ah, that famous study again.

here it is: The Media Sectors | Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ)

Fox News: The programming studied on Fox News offered a somewhat more positive picture of Republicans and more negative one of Democrats compared with other media outlets. Fox News stories about a Republican candidate were most likely to be neutral (47%), with the remainder more positive than negative (32% vs. 21% negative). The bulk of that positive coverage went to Giuliani (44% positive), while McCain still suffered from unflattering coverage (20% positive vs. 35% negative).

When it came to Democratic candidates, the picture was more negative. Again, neutral stories had a slight edge (39%), followed by 37% negative and 24% positive. And, in marked contrast from the rest of the media, coverage of Obama was twice as negative as positive: 32% negative vs. 16% positive and 52% neutral.
But any sense here that the news channel was uniformly positive about Republicans or negative about Democrats is not manifest in the data.

the least biased is not necessary the one that seems to be most balanced.

it can be a false balance.

I always wonder what is the point of lying when it can be easily exposed as a lie. Looks like MSNBC has the most positive ratings from both sides. Now is the time when the RW's switch to "I dont believe polls" mode after touting this poll as proof

 

[L.K.Eder]

ah, that famous study again.

here it is: The Media Sectors | Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ)

Fox News: The programming studied on Fox News offered a somewhat more positive picture of Republicans and more negative one of Democrats compared with other media outlets. Fox News stories about a Republican candidate were most likely to be neutral (47%), with the remainder more positive than negative (32% vs. 21% negative). The bulk of that positive coverage went to Giuliani (44% positive), while McCain still suffered from unflattering coverage (20% positive vs. 35% negative).

When it came to Democratic candidates, the picture was more negative. Again, neutral stories had a slight edge (39%), followed by 37% negative and 24% positive. And, in marked contrast from the rest of the media, coverage of Obama was twice as negative as positive: 32% negative vs. 16% positive and 52% neutral.
But any sense here that the news channel was uniformly positive about Republicans or negative about Democrats is not manifest in the data.

the least biased is not necessary the one that seems to be most balanced.

it can be a false balance.

I always wonder what is the point of lying when it can be easily exposed as a lie. Looks like MSNBC has the most positive ratings from both sides. Now is the time when the RW's switch to "I dont believe polls" mode after touting this poll as proof

the numbers show the coverage in the respective media of D- or R- candidates, not approval by people polled divided into D and R.

 

[California Girl]

And yet, independent academically sound research from the 2008 campaign found FNC the least biased and most balanced of all the major outlets. Go figure.

Yapping like puppies about one outlet while giving every other outlet a pass because you agree with their bias is laughably hypocritical.

You got that right.

LMAO You just gotta love it. FOX is the only right leaning outlet out there so to the left they are evil incarnant and biased as hell.

Of course the same doesn't apply to the rest of the media which is lefty big time. Thsoe guys are right on and fair and balanced.

As I said. LMAO.

In one sentence you call them "right leaning" and in the next you call them "fair and balanced."

Hmmmmmmmmm

No, she didn't. She made a sarcastic remark about the left wing media - calling them 'fair and balanced'. Comprehension is an issue for you, I presume.

Fact remains... Fox is certainly no more biased in its coverage than the left leaning media. The only reason you have an issue with it is that you disagree with it. That's the root of the issue... you really hate anyone that disagrees with your media's spin. I don't watch Fox... but I'll support their right to piss off idiots.

 

[Dick Tuck]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

Reporters tend to be more liberal while editors tend to be more conservative. Reading studies of the past elections, it seems that editorial endorsements of candidates tend to be pretty balanced.

 

[Oldstyle]

Romney has "secured" the nomination, but he's still working very hard to motivate his 'base".

Which is telling about the weakness of his candidacy.

Honestly, he looked like he was squirming at the NRA convention.

Poor, Joe...his worst nightmare...a MORMON got the nomination! What to do...what to do...

 

[SniperFire]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

If you watch some of these 'mainstream' outfits - ABC News, for example - you would think some of their anchors are former Democratic Whitehouse Spokesmen or something.

 

[Oldstyle]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

Reporters tend to be more liberal while editors tend to be more conservative. Reading studies of the past elections, it seems that editorial endorsements of candidates tend to be pretty balanced.

Ah, so ThinkProgress and Media Matters provide both sides to a story? MSNBC isn't biased? The New York Times editorial staff isn't about as far left as they come? Sorry, Dick but if you can't admit that there IS a left wing bias in the main stream media then how do you expect anyone to take you seriously? Mitt Romney is simply addressing the reality of the situation. If it WEREN'T for the main stream media being so slanted in his favor Barry would be getting raked over the coals daily for his failure to lead. Years without a budget? The first credit downgrade in the nation's history? Unemployment still above 8% despite spending trillions on jobs? Gas prices at $4 a gallon? If this were a Republican President he'd be getting ROASTED by the main stream media.

 

[Dick Tuck]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

If you watch some of these 'mainstream' outfits - ABC News, for example - you would think some of their anchors are former Democratic Whitehouse Spokesmen or something.

Some people will always believe that anything that reflects bad on their guy or good on the other guy is biased, rather than looking at the story itself. Some people want media to be propaganda for their beliefs.

It's whining bullshit.

 

[FloridaGirl]

In an interview with Breitbart News‘ Larry O’Connor on Tuesday, Mitt Romney criticized the media for doing President Obama‘s bidding. Citing a “vast left-wing conspiracy,” Romney said he’s facing an uphill battle.

O’Connor said groups like Media Matters and ThinkProgress are coordinating with the Obama campaign. Romney responded

“There will be an effort by the, quote, vast left-wing conspiracy to work together to put out their message and to attack me. They’re going to do everything they can to divert from the message people care about, which is a growing economy that creates more jobs and rising incomes. That’s what people care about.”

Romney added: “Many in the media are inclined to do the president’s bidding and I know that’s an uphill battle we fight with the media generally.” Over the weekend, Romney offered praise for Fox News, saying “true believers” watch the network — also speaking kindly of CNN’s Wolf Blitzer

Mitt Romney Decries ‘Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy’ In Media: Many ‘Inclined To Do The President’s Bidding’ | Mediaite

Anyone who gives breitbart the time of day is a moron and deserves to be laughed at...

You being the biggest moron of them all. I agree with Romney, so many on the media on the left lost the ability for fair coverage of news.

 

[Claudette]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

Reporters tend to be more liberal while editors tend to be more conservative. Reading studies of the past elections, it seems that editorial endorsements of candidates tend to be pretty balanced.

Ah, so ThinkProgress and Media Matters provide both sides to a story? MSNBC isn't biased? The New York Times editorial staff isn't about as far left as they come? Sorry, Dick but if you can't admit that there IS a left wing bias in the main stream media then how do you expect anyone to take you seriously? Mitt Romney is simply addressing the reality of the situation. If it WEREN'T for the main stream media being so slanted in his favor Barry would be getting raked over the coals daily for his failure to lead. Years without a budget? The first credit downgrade in the nation's history? Unemployment still above 8% despite spending trillions on jobs? Gas prices at $4 a gallon? If this were a Republican President he'd be getting ROASTED by the main stream media.

Yup. If Bush were still the Prez they would be all over him like stink on shit. His failings and lack of leadership would be on the air 24/7.

Because is Barry, who they drooled over and are still drooling over, its okay. No big deal. We'll just wait for Romney to get elected then we'll have something to say. After all Romney is a Rep and Barry, sainted Barry, is our boy.

Gotta love the LSM. NOT.

 

[Dick Tuck]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

Reporters tend to be more liberal while editors tend to be more conservative. Reading studies of the past elections, it seems that editorial endorsements of candidates tend to be pretty balanced.

Ah, so ThinkProgress and Media Matters provide both sides to a story? MSNBC isn't biased? The New York Times editorial staff isn't about as far left as they come? Sorry, Dick but if you can't admit that there IS a left wing bias in the main stream media then how do you expect anyone to take you seriously? Mitt Romney is simply addressing the reality of the situation. If it WEREN'T for the main stream media being so slanted in his favor Barry would be getting raked over the coals daily for his failure to lead. Years without a budget? The first credit downgrade in the nation's history? Unemployment still above 8% despite spending trillions on jobs? Gas prices at $4 a gallon? If this were a Republican President he'd be getting ROASTED by the main stream media.

When did Think Progress or Media Matters become mainstream media. This is about as silly as claiming that Town Hall or AIM is not advocacy media.

As for your $4 gas price. I've seen dozens of stories on the price of gas. I expect to see dozens more if the price eclipses the record in June '08. I did see one interesting bullshit story in the Washington Times, that was headlined "Washington Gas Hits $5". It turns out they took a photo of the prices at the Watergate Exxon, which runs about $1 a gallon higher than the surrounding stations. Hell, there was even a Sunoco station across the street that had prices running about $1 less.

 

[Dick Tuck]

In an interview with Breitbart News‘ Larry O’Connor on Tuesday, Mitt Romney criticized the media for doing President Obama‘s bidding. Citing a “vast left-wing conspiracy,” Romney said he’s facing an uphill battle.

O’Connor said groups like Media Matters and ThinkProgress are coordinating with the Obama campaign. Romney responded

“There will be an effort by the, quote, vast left-wing conspiracy to work together to put out their message and to attack me. They’re going to do everything they can to divert from the message people care about, which is a growing economy that creates more jobs and rising incomes. That’s what people care about.”

Romney added: “Many in the media are inclined to do the president’s bidding and I know that’s an uphill battle we fight with the media generally.” Over the weekend, Romney offered praise for Fox News, saying “true believers” watch the network — also speaking kindly of CNN’s Wolf Blitzer

Mitt Romney Decries ‘Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy’ In Media: Many ‘Inclined To Do The President’s Bidding’ | Mediaite

Anyone who gives breitbart the time of day is a moron and deserves to be laughed at...

You being the biggest moron of them all. I agree with Romney, so many on the media on the left lost the ability for fair coverage of news.

Like the phony stories in 2000 which claimed Gore said he invented the Internet?

 

[paulitician]

Is there a point to this post? Romney's assessment was very honest & accurate.

 

[nodoginnafight]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

If you watch some of these 'mainstream' outfits - ABC News, for example - you would think some of their anchors are former Democratic Whitehouse Spokesmen or something.

Some people will always believe that anything that reflects bad on their guy or good on the other guy is biased, rather than looking at the story itself. Some people want media to be propaganda for their beliefs.

It's whining bullshit.

I agree 100%
We don't live in the Information Age. We live in the Dis-Information Age.
With so many media outlets, it is all too easy to wrap yourself in a cocoon of "information" that is biased in a way that just supports your own biases.
Very few will even actually tolerate listening to another point of view and so their biases are never challenged and they never have an opportunity to learn or grow.

 

[SniperFire]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

If you watch some of these 'mainstream' outfits - ABC News, for example - you would think some of their anchors are former Democratic Whitehouse Spokesmen or something.

It's whining bullshit.

Actually, it is fact.

 

[Oldstyle]

Right wingers need scapegoats. They see any media source who provides both sides to a story, exposes bullshit, etc., to be biased. It's a whiny and pathetic tactic.

Reporters tend to be more liberal while editors tend to be more conservative. Reading studies of the past elections, it seems that editorial endorsements of candidates tend to be pretty balanced.

Ah, so ThinkProgress and Media Matters provide both sides to a story? MSNBC isn't biased? The New York Times editorial staff isn't about as far left as they come? Sorry, Dick but if you can't admit that there IS a left wing bias in the main stream media then how do you expect anyone to take you seriously? Mitt Romney is simply addressing the reality of the situation. If it WEREN'T for the main stream media being so slanted in his favor Barry would be getting raked over the coals daily for his failure to lead. Years without a budget? The first credit downgrade in the nation's history? Unemployment still above 8% despite spending trillions on jobs? Gas prices at $4 a gallon? If this were a Republican President he'd be getting ROASTED by the main stream media.

When did Think Progress or Media Matters become mainstream media. This is about as silly as claiming that Town Hall or AIM is not advocacy media.

As for your $4 gas price. I've seen dozens of stories on the price of gas. I expect to see dozens more if the price eclipses the record in June '08. I did see one interesting bullshit story in the Washington Times, that was headlined "Washington Gas Hits $5". It turns out they took a photo of the prices at the Watergate Exxon, which runs about $1 a gallon higher than the surrounding stations. Hell, there was even a Sunoco station across the street that had prices running about $1 less.

I'm in southwest Florida and gas is selling for $3.97 a gallon for regular and $4.19 for premium at the 7/11 down the street. Are you denying the fact that gas is at $4 a gallon and pretty much has been hovering right around that price for some time?

I mentioned ThinkProgress and Media Matters because Romney mentioned them as well. No, I don't see them as mainstream media...but I do see NBC and the New York Times as mainstream media and both are about as blatantly biased to the left as you can get. Funny how you don't want to talk about them...

 

[Dick Tuck]

If you watch some of these 'mainstream' outfits - ABC News, for example - you would think some of their anchors are former Democratic Whitehouse Spokesmen or something.

It's whining bullshit.

Actually, it is fact.

It's a false fact that you chose to believe.