The Media Hearts Obama

John McCain's campaign sent out this e-mail this morning:

It's pretty obvious that the media has a bizarre fascination with Barack Obama. Some may even say it's a love affair. We want you to be the judge. We've compiled two videos of the more outrageous moments of this not so secret love affair. Follow this link to watch the two videos and vote on which one you think is better. Your vote will determine which video we put on the air.

The media is in love with Barack Obama. If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny.

Regards,

The McCain Campaign

Actually, it's just one video, set to two different songs. Check them out here.

I suppose those in McCain's camp have determined that since there's nothing they can do about the media's "love affair" with Barack Obama, they might as well have some fun with it. And it's not a bad strategy. By treating this serious issue -- media bias and the death of objectivity -- with lighthearted humor rather than heavyhanded condemnation, McCain doesn't risk taking himself too seriously. But he's still able to make the point, and that has the effect of undermining whatever the media hopes to accomplish with its pro-Obama coverage.

Of course, on the other hand, you have to consider that these journalists are human beings. They are Americans, too, and they have just as much right and responsibility to be engaged with their government. Regardless of how jaded they may be (and almost assuredly are), there exists the possibility that, just like anyone else, they may be inspired by a candidate.

While this explains their swoon, it certainly doesn't excuse it. As I wrote last year when MSNBC's investigation of political contributions revealed that journalists give in larger measure to Democrats than Republicans:

The bottom line is that journalists are called to a higher standard when they assume the public trust of their posts.

It’s always been part of our job, humbly accepted by those who assume these duties and rightfully expected by those who read and watch us. If journalists can’t help themselves from being more activist than reporter, they’re in the wrong line of work.

Journalists need not check their personal opinions at the doors of their jobs. Indeed, no one is without bias; that’s a simple fact of humanity. What sets journalists apart is their ability -- and commitment -- to recognize their personal leanings and account for them when telling a story, so that the story is as fair and accurate as it can be.

One doesn’t meet that lofty measure by writing checks for political purposes. That’s always been the case. The difference now is that a disturbing number of reporters don’t seem to understand that basic principle of fairness -- or care.

(Need an example of that last line? Watch Chris Matthews on that McCain clip.)

You can read the rest of my column here.