November 21, 2009
Should Sarah Palin let the Argus Leader interview her?
This morning the Sioux Falls Argus Leader found yet another angle to hammer away at Sarah Palin. They had a reporter dial up the media in all the cities she's visited so far on her new book tour and found out she isn't taking local interviews.
In her new book, Sarah Palin complains that presidential candidate John McCain's staff kept her away from the media. But on the first four stops of her book tour, Palin repeatedly has ducked local reporters.
The Argus Leader surveyed 12 local newspapers and television stations which requested interviews with Palin in the first four metro areas she visited on the tour: Grand Rapids, Mich.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Indianapolis; and Cincinnati. None of the 12 news outlets was granted an interview. The tour includes a Dec. 6 stop in Sioux Falls.
For contrast they point out Mike Huckabee did 100-200 interviews on his book tour. The Argus Leader suggests if she does run in 2012 this "may come back to haunt her." I doubt it. Bill O'Reilly had 4,120,000 viewers the other night whereas MSNBC's Chris Matthews had just 597,000. Leaves one to wonder if the only people still going to these left-of-center sources for "news" are those who hate her anyway.
I've been interviewed by the Argus Leader enough times to know they don't really need the actual person to write the story they want to write. So, why bother? Had to laugh the other day reading that the Associated Press assigned 11 reporters to "fact-check" Palin's book but they assigned ZERO to fact-check Obama's book, Biden's book or this Hellth Care Plan. Just this week Newsweek lifted a picture of her from an August issue of Runner's World and used it for their cover shot. The silence you hear is the aborto-feminists outrage over this blatant sexism. These two very current examples would have been important context for the Argus Leader's story this morning on her disdain for media. Too bad they left these examples out.
And so I'm not crying for the Argus. I've written two full-length books published by a major publishing house (2004, 2009) - these books are in Christian bookstores across America, in Europe and Africa. And yet the Argus Leader declined to give even a mention when notified of these new books written by the pastor of arguably one of Sioux Falls more visible churches. No matter that I send them thousands of advertising dollars a year. It shouldn't have been too much to ask considering they regularly do stories on other local people who self-publish poetry or a short story. Even so, I didn't cry over it as I know that they know I've taken the opportunities I've been given over the years to shed light on their biased reporting. With the shoe on the other foot here I'm thinking- - what do they expect?
Take the weekend poll I just put up in the upper right column here on whether or not Sarah Palin should grant the Argus Leader an interview. Leave your thoughts here in the comment string.
There is a remote chance Palin will get to meet her biggest supporter in South Dakota - me. I would certainly share highlights from that here at Voices Carry if the Argus needs a quote.
Comments on Should Sarah Palin let the Argus Leader interview her? »
Amy @ 9:12 am
I think there are only so many hours in the day and Sarah Palin is reaching out to the people who have been faithful to and supportive of her, by doing these exhaustive book signings. She is the most abused person in US politics EVER and most of that abuse has been instigated by supposedly unbiased reporters in old media. Why on earth would she subject herself to more of that? She is going directly to the people, unfiltered by the haters in old media. As Steve said, the argus really doesn't need to do an interview to make up their story. We quit subscribing YEARS ago and I only check the website to see if our companies ads are correct - ads that I do not buy as I am not the decision maker.
ANYWAY - Sarah Palin is so smart, and above all, such a devoted Christian, so in whatever area she may lack - as we all have lack - the Spirit of the Lord is her helper.
I fell a little tiny bit bad for all the people, like my sister and her friends in the Socialists Republic of Boulder for instance, who have believed the lies and have become such haters. When Sarah Palin comes into her own in this nation the haters will finally be rendered speechless. I cannot wait for the day.
Amy @ 9:13 am
And by the way - YOU Steve are NOT her biggest supporter in South Dakota - I AM.
David Laughlin @ 10:21 am
Sarah Palin has been villainized and lied about and misquoted. Why would any mature thinking person ever think that news media would ever report on the facts without adding their opinion.
Opinion is the finance of print media, and their opinion always has an agenda that is not beneficial to the majority of Americans.
The Argus Leader has proven time and time again that their moral compass is more in tune with a well funded minority than with the majority of South Dakotan's.
When we "cowardly", "do nothing". "non following the teachings of our Saviour" Christians finally realize we are more than punching bags for those who have no interest in eternity. we might finally find the FAITH and COURAGE and HONORABLY stand up, take the charge, and act as the LEADERS and heirs to the kingdom we really are. We might quit thinking only of today, maybe someday the guts to do what really matters will overtake us. That day will be a glorious one.
I fear no matter what sarah palin does the news will do what it will and the numb ignorant masses will continue to believe the spoon-fed lies that put the majority of people in power that have power.
So regardless a fair report is not expected.
Some Dude @ 12:33 pm
She is the most abused person in US politics EVER
No. That would be Abraham Lincoln, in his day. Your sense of history doesn't go back very far.