Pundits and July 16th Political News

Jul 16, 2008

Ugh. Let me just start with that...UGH. I'm afraid I had to do it again. It's just the most appropriate bit of onomatopoeia to describe my hatred of these presumptive and postulating pretend journalists. The come in many forms these days, at least in my eyes. Bill O'Reilly = pundit. Lou Dobbs = pundit. Keith Olbermann = pundit. Tucker Carlson = pundit.

Here's what drives me up a wall even more: the definition of a pundit is "a learned person, expert or authority" or "a person who makes comments or judgments, especially in an authoritative manner; critic or commentator." It seems a little dicotic to use the same word for what seem to be very separate ideas. The television version of a political pundit, without a doubt, falls under the second version.

Let me be clear that I love lively debate in politics; however, I have a hard time with propagandists. Two men bickering across a table holds very little appeal to me. Two men with true authority in their fields, such as campaign advisors, talking opposite of each other with a mediator draws my interest. My primary reason for watching these men talk politics is that they are held accountable for what they say and for their claims. If they slip up on national television, their political party or candidate they work for or candidate they endorse may lose some ground in a political race. The "pundits" are allowed to yammer on without a filter and may pose theories with little or faulty information. As long as they are advertised as such, they have no journalistic protocol, since the need for fact-checking seems secondary to inciting emotion from viewers. I will listen to an opposing viewpoint so long as they are not out there to offend me or my views. I want to hear the facts that lead them to their beliefs. It's possible that they know something I don't, so tell me! I want to know more. I want to make the most educated choice possible, which can only occur if the properly informed people are giving their views. Yes, I have chosen to use the word "view" since politics is primarly a difference in viewpoints. That's why we have these two parties and third parties to show the different views on government.

As a registered voter, I want to encourage everyone to register as well and to educate yourself on the issues. I know there's still a lot more for me to learn, but I'm prepared to do my part.

I'd love to hear from everyone who reads this and learn what sort of political issues matter to you and why!


JULY 16th POLITICAL NEWS

VP Contenders
Former Indiana Senator Sam Nunn (D) and current Indiana Senator Evan Bayh (D) appeared with presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) at a news conference and were questioned individually concerning their chances at being Obama's running mate. Both remained humble concerning the subject, though neither ruled out the possibility. Bayh said that it was an honor to even be considered for the role.

These are Spirit Fingers!
The Republicans handed out their "Spirit Awards" this year to Congress members who showed excellence in speeches regarding oil, be it drilling or any other issue concerning the industry. Winners included Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), Phil Gingry (R-MD), and Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA). Democratic Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA) brushed off a CNN reporter and made light of the idea when asked why the Democrats did not have their own version of the awards.