CitizenSugar -- Breaking News, Together.

CBS News Edits Out McCain's Misunderstanding of Iraq

LibertySugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:30:40 -0700

John McCain may mock the media's love affair with Barack Obama, but CBS attempted to give him a generous pass by editing out McCain's incorrect account of crucial events in Iraq. Last night CBS replaced the plainly wrong assertion that the "surge" prompted the Sunni (Anbar) Awakening, which happened before the idea of a surge even existed, with a completely different answer.

Get Flash to see this player.

Here's how it actually went down:

Katie Couric: Senator Obama says, while the increased number of US troops contributed to increased security in Iraq, he also credits the Sunni awakening and the Shiite government going after militias. And says that there might have been improved security even without the surge. What's your response to that?

McCain: I don't know how you respond to something that is as — such a false depiction of what actually happened. Colonel MacFarland was contacted by one of the major Sunni sheiks. Because of the surge we were able to go out and protect that sheik and others. And it began the Anbar Awakening. I mean, that's just a matter of history.

The record overwhelmingly shows that McCain was wrong. For example, the military official cited by McCain actually discussed the Anbar Awakening four months before the surge was even announced. To see how McCain's camp responded,

Media Watching Media: Are You Glad There Is More Scrutiny?

LibertySugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:45:01 -0700

By using the term "Obama's Baby Mama" to refer to Michelle Obama, Fox News has once again caused outrage. Earlier this week we discussed how a Fox News host referred to the celebratory fist bump exchanged between Barack and Michelle, as a "terrorist fist jab." There seems to be a trend: news stations are making the news. Today's Wall Street Journal examines how activist groups and everyday citizens are not letting these offensive statements slip by. The article states: In a campaign that includes the first viable African-American presidential candidate, the lines of appropriate speech have become fuzzy. News organizations are under pressure from a broad network of self-appointed watchdogs, including organized groups like Media Matters and individuals. These watchdogs are likely to remain vigilant about gaffes, misstatements, and potentially biased language through the November vote.

Since this campaign season has started, news organizations have issued at least 10 apologies. Even if you don't find anything wrong with poorly chosen words on television, do you think the public benefits from at least knowing about these incidents? Source

Media Watching Media: Are You Glad There Is More Scrutiny?

Finally! If we let it go, people will internalize this nonsense "news" as truth.

Yes! But, the media will continue to sensationalize race, etc. for ratings.

They can complain, but everyone has right to say ignorant things.

I think critics should calm down. The left and the right are both guilty of this.

No! This is just a clever tactic by the left to demonize people they disagree with.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Arianna — Iraq Is McCain's Viagra: You Like a Dose of Huff Po?

LibertySugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:00:23 -0700

Last night on The Colbert Report, Arianna Huffington explained that John McCain's passion for Iraq is "his Viagra." Ariannna, the supreme ruler of the liberal site The Huffington Post, discussed how she fell out of love with her former hero McCain, while promoting her new short-titled book: Right Is Wrong: How the Lunatic Fringe Hijacked America, Shredded the Constitution, and Made Us All Less Safe. The Huffington Post is not shy about its agenda — and love for Barack Obama. The fact that the site features unabashedly left-leaning opinions, often written by public officials or celebrities, probably means you either love it or hate it. I actually spend more time reading the comments, which are often fiery, but surprisingly nuanced.Do you enjoy a regular dose of the Greek-born populous Arianna? Or, do you find The Huffington Post too partisan of a pill to swallow?

Arianna — Iraq Is McCain's Viagra: You Like a Dose of Huff Po?

Yes! Arianna features stories that get ignored in the mainstream media.

Go team blue! I love that someone sticks up for the left!

No thank you! It's just elite opinion that tells its readers what they want to hear.

I don't always agree, but the honest opinions get me thinking outside the box.

Other. I'll tell you in the comment.

Where I'm Clicking Now: Chris Matthews Foot-in-Mouth Watch

LibertySugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:15:22 -0700

As my love/hate relationship with political MSNBC host Chris Matthews continues, Media Matters has chronicled the downs of our up-and-down affair. Media Matters, an online nonprofit, monitors and analyzes misinformation in the US media. Repeat offender Chris Matthews has his very own page. Some of the recent highlights:

On April 25: Sen. Barack Obama "can't walk into a dinette [sic] with five or six guys there, white guys, in some cases. He can't just shake hands and hang out."
On April 22: One of the grandees of the party would say "we need some ethnic balance. He's got that interesting, sort of Middle Eastern Hussein in his name. Let's put a Jewish running mate with this guy."
On March 31: Regarding Obama's bowling form, "it isn't the most macho form there, I must say, but who knows?"

There are many, many more. Go check it out! Do you think TV hosts impact the political system when they make irresponsible comments, or can the public see through distasteful remarks?