Washington Post and CNN media critic Howard Kurtz has been sounding the alarm over pro-Obama bias in the media. On his Reliable Sources program on Sunday, he put this question about coverage of Obama’s transition to one guest:
Isn’t there a bit of a free ride to Obama right now, since he gets to seize the spotlight and talk about his appointees, to talk about his policies, but he can’t really be blamed for any of the problems right now?
So Obama’s press conferences are being covered—by the, umm, press—AND reporters aren’t blaming him for the problems of the current administration? That is bias.
And last week Kurtz added this snappy item to his column, under the heading, “Obama Adulation Watch”:
Associated Press: “Many women recoil at the thought of baring their arms in sleeveless dresses or blouses, but not Michelle Obama—half of the fabulously fit new first couple.”
Someone’s suggesting that the Obamas are physically fit? When will it all end!?!?
Well, the AP quote is the kind of comment that belongs in a PARADE magazine puff piece … and, of course, PARADE belongs in the recycle pile without being opened.
I think the real question is whether Kurtz would find it “adulation” if a politician that met with his approval were similarly described.
What’s your guess on that one?