McCain, Brown, King and Everybody

I usually avoid writing about CNN because we're divorced and I worry that positive or negative, whatever I say might be perceived as conflicted, my impartiality questioned.

This time, that's a risk worth taking, thanks to a bit of spitefulness by John McCain that is so spiteful that while it may appear petty, it is anything but...it is unAmerican.

When he canceled a previously scheduled appearance this week on CNN's Larry King Live show Wednesday night, he did so as retaliation for a tough interview the night before by one of the network's other anchors, Campbell Brown.

Campbell (more disclosure: I know and like her) had the AUDACITY of aggressively questioning campaign spokesperson Tucker Bounds about the selection of Sarah Palin as vice presidential candidate.

Someone in the campaign bunker decided that could not be tolerated... that CNN needed to be put in its place... as an example to all that this legitimate inquiry cannot be allowed.

Never mind that Campbell's line of aggressive questioning was perfectly valid and in our country's best tradition. As far as the McCain camp seems to be concerned, all this challenging journalism is getting out of hand. All these reporters and their news organizations need to be intimidated, this skepticism crushed. So Larry King had to kiss his interview with John McCain goodbye. After all, the Bush White House successfully used the same tactics to keep the media in line during the run up to Iraq.

In fairness, we should note that McCain is not the only one who has played favorites. Time after time, we've watched Democrats pander to their base by blowing off Fox News. Also, in fairness, there have been far too many instances, where TV hosts and other self-promoters have crossed the line into cheer leading for one candidate or another.

Frankly, it all needs to stop. We don't need Barack Obama seeking assurances before finally appearing on Bill O'Reilly's program this week. And we sure as hell don't need John McCain pulling the plug on CNN because he didn't like persistent questions about Sarah Palin.

Palin should have an easy time of it tonight. In keeping with the rules of the. "Expectations Game", all she will have to do is recite her lines in a coherent fashion to dispel the notion she's weird.

Even so, the scrutiny will go on and should go on. One must be consumed by ideology to resent the digging into McCain's selection process and Palin's qualifications. The appearance of haste and poor preparation can only be dispelled by answering the impertinent questions...not by trying to kill the questioners.

Comments

[Lois Laney]

Mr. Franken, your concern for the appearance of a conflict of interest is one of the many reasons I so admire you, and your body of work. That said, you have been one of the best reporters on the media over the past two decades (at least), so PLEASE don't hesitate to keep bringing in the sunlight ... it's still a marvelous disinfectant.

That same axiom is aptly applied to the coverage of Sarah Palin.

McCain left the vetting process to the press. Rather than punishing the American electorate by restricting his access as a means of retribution, he should show the honor he says he has and accept responsibility for the media frenzy he's created.

McCain, however, seems to want to eat his cake and have it, too. He wants to have his running mate, but without scrutiny. He wants another Republican term of office, but without any accountability for the last two Republican terms. He wants us to trust him, but without giving us specifics on how he's going to bring us through the problems we're facing as a nation and a world.

We need more sunlight, and less concern about appearance.

[lbt]

Since when is it wrong to ask tough questions. The public deserves to know about the decisions she made as a governor. Campbell Brown was absolutely right in asking those questions. There is a reason why Tucker Bounds couldn't answer. Let's talk about that. This is our country we are talking about and Palin may be running it one day. Isn't it the Republican's whose slogan is Country First? Well, lets put it first and get some answers on the issues at stake.

[TheQuestion]

Probably McCain knew he had no answers to these good question and needed an excuse to back out.

For yourself
For your family
For your country
For the world

Obamba - NOW !

[Clavis]

You're not *really* comparing CNN to Fox News, are you?

[Chalkeater]

I don't agree with comparing King to O'Reilly. King's a notorious butt kisser of anyone who is famous. O'Reilly's a notorious bag man for the RNC. I wonder if Fox News will apply the same standard to McCain that they have to Obama - "If you can't handle a few tough questions, are you ready to be commander in chief?"