Mitt Romney’s first debate this Wednesday night will no doubt be the biggest moment of his political career. But does the hyper focus of this fact, highlighted by a new video released from the Democratic National Committee shed too much light on the tactics of the government media to derail Mitt Romney’s campaign?
The DNC’s choice to isolate sound bytes and news clips emphasizing the importance of Mitt Romney’s performance this week as a make or break moment for his campaign sets the stage for a well crafted media narrative that we can all expect to see upon the slightest mistake or weakness that they can pin on Mitt Romney and use it as a tool to blow up in epic proportions against him.
Looking back at George Stephanopoulos’ commentary after the final 2008 debate between candidates Obama and McCain provides insight towards what we can expect to see from the government media this time around.
Obama did not get ruffled. He handled McCain’s attacks extremely well. He was cool, he remained calm, and he did a good job of explained [sic] his positions…
In terms of style, Obama won the battle of the televised split screens. McCain had several reaction shots during the debate where he rolled his eyes, seemed exasperated with Obama, and on the edge of anger.
On the other hand, Obama remained cool under pressure, smiling through the attacks. That’s the demeanor Obama’s had throughout the three debates that has served him well.
Ultimately, McCain didn’t do enough to stop people from voting for Obama. Over the course of three debate [sic] the Obama campaign met their goal of reassuring the American people that he’s ready to serve as president.
Stephanopoulos continued by emphasizing the “ultimate” victory for Obama in that and both prior debates was “staying cool under pressure,” not for his ability to present winning solutions to the American people about problems facing our country.
The DNC’s new video also gives rise to the question: If the government media are not working with a narrative to reelect President, wouldn’t it be not worth highlighting that this is most likely the biggest moment in his political career as well? After a tremendous victory in 2008, his first four years in office have proved that he was all talk. George Stephanopoulos was right, President Obama won because “he was cool,” not because of his ideas, and this debate would be just as much a make or break moment in the President’s political career if they only treated it as such.
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