Republicans and the Media

The “shot” heard round the world as of late is Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich’s response to moderator John King’s “question” about open marriage. As most of you know Newt’s ex-wife, Marianne, came forward last week (convenient timing) and said Newt had an affair during their marriage, and instead of saying he was sorry, came to her wanting to adjust the rules of their marriage to an open one where he could do as he pleased with whomever he wanted. Mr. King and a team of journalists decided to include a question asking Newt if he would like to respond. As you know Newt said this:

” I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office. And I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate on a topic like that. The story is false. Every personal friend who I had during that period said it was false. We offered several to ABC to prove it was false. They weren’t interested because they would like to attack any Republican.” (VIA CNN.com)

The response from the South Carolina audience was a standing ovation and tons of applause, but what you may not have seen was the PR people behind Newt’s campaign high-fiving one another on serving what one reporter said was “red meat” for a southern audience. As someone who worked in the public relations sector, let me tell you that response was planned, prepared and those who applauded it most likely wouldn’t agree with it if they actually took a second to let what he said sink in. That is, he didn’t answer the question and bashed all forms of media unfairly.

For whatever reason, Newt Gingrich and the Republican Party are not fans of the media. But as a journalist I’m a little confused as to why. I’ve spent the last four years learning how to research and talk to both sides of all stories and to present both sides of the facts to readers and listeners so people can decide for themselves how to feel about an issue; yet Newt seems to be suggesting my peers and I are only writing in favor of pro-liberal issues.

Just to clear up any confusion I want to address some concerns for the citizens of the United States. First of all let me say that without the media, democracy cannot exist. Through online, print, television and radio news sources, citizens are educated on political candidates, issues and more. After educating ourselves, we can educate our lawmakers on what we want. For example this past week there was legislation backed by Hollywood that would change the definition of plagiarism. But after a large backlash from many constituents on social media sites, many lawmakers switched their opinion on the laws and the result was the end of SOPA and PIPA.

Second, the media is largely owned by large corporations. Decisions to write a story or not is largely decided by someone way higher up on the corporate ladder than a journalist. Ever heard of Rupert Murdoch and his News Corp./Fox News empire?

While I would love to say the media is flawless, I can’t because I recognize there are many changes that need to be made, and it’s hard to write from an objective perspective when you have a strong opinion. So when you think the media is reporting unfairly, I encourage you to write a letter to the editor or reporter, but suggest you discuss the issue like adults and do not destroy people’s faith in or suggest the removal of the media.

Back to Newt’s response though, I can’t help but reiterate what many notable journalists have already said: he was asked this question because it would have upset people if the moderator ignored the current event, and Newt led the crusade against President Clinton when he had an affair with Monica Lewinsky. It’s a character flaw Newt has that he thinks more with his “disco-stick” than with his brain sometimes, and since he has chosen to apply for a position that represents the entire United States to the rest of the world, the American people have every right to know not just how he stands on the issues, but about him as a person as well.

Whether Newt wants to admit it or not, his attempt to become the Republican nominee will not be successful if he doesn’t utilize the media. Plus how does he plan to communicate with the people if he gets rid of the media?


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