PrintOctober 15, 2009
NYT telegraphs lib media strategies
Ever since it ceased being a credible source of news reporting and morphed into something more like a propaganda organ for the left wing of the Democratic Party, the New York Times has kept its figurative finger in the wind to determine which way the leftist agenda is blowing.
The Gray Lady, if you read it analytically, often provides not-so-subtle clues about the newest "talking points" of the left-leaning MSM and the political movements it supports. Today is no exception.
The Times provides us with insight into two major concepts that you will surely be hearing a great deal more about. The first of these relates to an effort to excuse the Obama administration for its totally pusillanimous approach to the threat posed by the crazies in Iran -- especially in light of Hillary's complete failure to interest Russia in even considering action of any sort to stop the mullahs of the Islamic Republic.
Right there on page A10, in an article formatted to signal that it is an objective news report, we find the headline, "Some See Iran as Ready To Strike a Nuclear Deal," under which reporter Michael Slackman presents two full columns of arguments to the effect that Iran really doesn't want to build a nuclear weapon, hasn't actually been trying, and won't be doing so in future.
You have to read it for yourself to recognize the lame arguments, the phony "appeals to authority," and the obvious goal of legitimizing complete inaction with respect to Iran's dangerous ambitions and actions. Be on the lookout to see if this trial balloon turns into White House policy statements anytime soon.
Moving along to page A22, we discover another early indication of Democratic strategy that you will undoubtedly see played far and wide in coming months: an effort to neutralize the attractive and straightforward Minnesota Congresswoman, Republican Michele Bachmann, using the same techniques of ridicule that were so heavily aimed at Sarah Palin (and still are to ensure she's kept down).
With a large photograph and a five-column spread, hatchet-wielding reporter Monica Davey seeks to demean Bachmann in two separate articles. The first loaded with sneering references and snarky depictions, the second reporting the "fact-checking" by a heavily partisan Florida newspaper which purports to show Bachmann up to be a liar.
It may no longer be useful as a source of accurate, complete, and fair news reporting, but The New York Times certainly has a new value as a "leading indicator" of where the left is going with its policies and tactics.
