Cheerleading and Bias

As I went to the grocery store for an emergency ice cream run during halftime last night, I idly perused the magazines on display while in line. Sadly, I can’t even scan the magazine rack while having politics thrust in my face. Of the three periodicals facing me, two were critical of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) and one was cheerleading for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

Us Weekly proclaimed: “John McCain’s Vice President Sarah Palin: Babies, Lies and Scandal” while People magazine bemoaned: “Sarah Palin’s Family Drama: The Republican VP candidate raising a baby with Down syndrome and coping with her teen daughter’s pregnancy while running for office.” As for OK! magazine, the only other periodical on display? “Barack’s Inspiration: Life With My Girls. OK! takes a closer look at the man running for office and his special relationship with his two daughters.”

Coupled with the news this morning that MSNBC has removed Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann from live election coverage due to complaints about bias, I can’t help but imagine the American people are becoming increasingly frustrated with the overt electioneering on behalf of Obama. I believe Palin’s choice took the media (and political Democratic establishment) by surprise and their continued condescension towards the Alaskan governor could well lead to an unintended consequence: Voter anger and backlash.

So keep it up, People, OK! and others: People are watching and listening to media outlets taking unfair shots at Palin and her family. Let’s just see if the biased and prejudicial chickens come home to roost in the form of a McCain-Palin inauguration next January with voters who have tired of cheerleading and bias in selecting our next president.