News Roundup for 2/23/09

Pretty much any network news anchor

-Headline of the day-
"'Self-censoring' journalists gave visual nod to GOP: study."

Turns out that liberal media elites are so afraid of being called liberal media elites that they cut Republicans a whole bunch of slack. Clever of the commie media to disguise its lefty bias by favoring the right. Cunning.

According to the report, "A book by two Indiana University professors details their study of the three broadcast networks' -- ABC, CBS and NBC -- presidential campaign coverage from 1992 to 2004. According to the analysis, the coverage favored Republican candidates in each election." Hell, I could've told them that. But I guess media critics have to study something.

The book -- Image Bite Politics: News and the Visual Framing of Elections -- found that Democrats suffered more from negative sound bites and unflattering photos, while Republicans were more likely to be given the final word on talking head shows and news reports.

"We don't think this is journalists conspiring to favor Republicans. We think they're just so beat up and tired of being accused of a liberal bias that they unknowingly give Republicans the benefit in coverage," said coauthor Maria Elizabeth Grabe. "It's self-censorship that journalists might be imposing on themselves."

Might be? Hell, they seem to revel in it. During the stimulus debate, Republicans outnumbered Democrats on talking head shows 2 to 1. Before that, Republicans dominated talk shows because "their party was in power." If these guys were to "self-censor" any more, they'd dress up in elephant costumes.

It's time for the media to follow the public's lead and say, "Screw Republicans -- they're all crazy anyway." Seriously, what amount of their audience do they think they'd lose nowadays? Republicans don't watch the news anymore, they're too busy hanging on Rush Limbaugh's every word. (Raw Story)


-cartoon time with Mark Fiore-
Hey kids! It's time for a little "tough love" with Knuckles...


click for animation

Hope! Hope! Hope! Change! Change! Change! (MarkFiore.com)


-Watch TV, get hammered-
Wonkette has put together their "Historical First-Ever President Barack Obama Congressional Address Drinking Game" and it sounds like it might just kill someone. If you hear one of the words of phrases, you've got to take one of the following actions:

-“Bipartisan” or “bipartisanship.” -- One shot, feel up somebody else’s girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse.

-“Same old politics” and/or “politics as usual.” -- Two quick gulps.

-“Discipline.” -- Take a very careful shot.

-“Infrastructure.” -- Two sips and check the fridge for supplies.

-Any mention of the Taliban: Put a “burqa” (pillowcase) over the heads of any women and gaily drink with your male friends.

Some I'm just plain not doing. For example, "Camera stops on various 'opposition' figures such as Cantor: If you’re male, do a line of meth and try to get another 'straight' guy to blow you in the bathroom" or "Any variation of 'best days are ahead.' -- Finish all the booze in the house, weep." Still, I promise not to judge you if you do.

Full rules at the post. BTW, I am in no way responsible if anyone actually does any of this stuff. Seriously, you, your liver, and your reputation are on your own. (Wonkette)