David Brooks' latest op-ed on Barack Obama is a disgusting example of how the mainstream media covers the campaigns, which has been described in loathsome detail by journalist Matt Taibbi. First the media build up Obama to god-like proportions, and then they reserve the right to knock him down again.Brooks consistent use of the general "they" to refer to Obama's alleged legions of over-frenzied, hope-addicted supporters is a journalistic cover for: "I did no research, I talked to nobody, and got no quotes for my story." By coining the name of a phenomenon ("Obama Comedown Syndrome") without offering any evidence to support it, he is substituting bald assertion for facts. What Brooks may in fact be describing is the media's ennui: I wouldn't be surprised if they really were tired of talking about Obama as if he were JFK, Jesus Christ, and Muhammed Ali all wrapped up in one. God knows I am. But I don't blame Obama for it.
To be fair, Obama never claimed to be a miracle-worker; nor did he ask to be made into some super-human answer to everybody's political prayers. The mainstream media made him into that. And perhaps they'll decide to yank that distinction away from him in a matter of weeks or months. Who knows? That's their right as America's cynical king-makers.
In any case, it's a superficial distinction, and it's unfair to Obama himself and to the other candidates. Every candidate should be judged by the same standard. Building up Obama only to knock him down again is a cynical ploy by the media to drum up public interest & TV ratings, and to demonstrate their power over our elections.
So, in reply to Brooks and his pals, allow me coin a term: MBS ("Media Bullshit Syndrome"). I'm seeing it all over the country.
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