Free Press

Free to make shit up, that is.

That bastion of the liberal press, CBS, has a headline claiming Barack Obama "Slams Bush." But when you click through the headline you get less than you were hoping for.

In the keynote address of the Democratic National Convention, Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama, a newcomer to the national political stage, accused President Bush of failing to level with the American people before ordering the invasion of Iraq.

"When we send our young men and women into harm's way, we have a solemn obligation not to fudge the numbers or shade the truth about why they're going," said Obama, who is heavily favored to become just the third black elected to the Senate since Reconstruction.

What? That's it? I was hoping to read about how Obama spent his entire speech tearing Bush limb from limb. I was expecting to hear about how Obama ripped the head off a George Bush voodoo doll while screaming "Dubya is the devil."

Oh yeah, Obama didn't say those things. And he didn't Slam Bush or accuse him of failing to level with the American people either.

Instead Obama spoke inspiringly of the promise of America. He spoke passionately of the positive, honest manner in which John Kerry would lead the country.

And from a positive and patriotic speech CBS keys in on a single sentence line and declares the entire speech Bush bashing.

To which I ask this: How is merely pointing out the strong and positive leadership qualities of the Democratic candidate a slam against Bush? There's only one way such an interpretation is plausible. Only if you are already conflicted about the motives and truthfulness of George Bush can the admirable characteristics of John Kerry be threatening to you or construed as a "slam" against Bush.

An interpretation of Obama's speech (or any speech I've seen so far) as "Bush bashing" says much about the insecurities of the person or group making that claim. The convention speakers I've seen have been exceedingly positive and upbeat. They've spoken almost exclusively about John Kerry's strength of character, wisdom, devotion to service, seriousness, honesty, patriotism, and positive vision for a stronger, better America. If these things are Bush bashing, what does that say of your opinion of your standard bearer?

I guess with a free press you get what you pay for.

Update: 1:10 a.m. Apparently Marvin and I have the same idea. Though he beat me to the punch by a few hours I didn't read his spot on comments until just now.