Letters to the Editor
-
Members of the Same Club
Glenn writes so compellingly about the complicity of our media in the rise of Forces of Evil, a/k/a the modern conservative movement.
Watching Dave Letterman last night and taking in George W McCain's act it suddenly occurred to me: McCain is a media personality, like Letterman, but with no talent. In fact, as I thought about it, it seemed like McCain was like a local news anchor: glib enough to be on TV, and expert in reflecting the sensibilities of the audiences.
Indeed, McCain, like most Beltway-insiders, is principally a media personality, much like a diet guru, fitness expert, or hey -- right-wing Congressman. Members of this club are not interested in substance -- is HRC or BHO's the better health care plan? -- but are only interested in performing their roles as authoritative, trusted experts. How to get and stay in these roles -- by succeeding at a series of lesser jobs in lesser markets -- is their only real concern.
Was it really Walter Cronkite's insightful analysis that made him the most trusteed man in America, or was it his lush baritone and just-right Serious-Person demeanor?