Why does Obama get more news coverage than McCain?
Click the play button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say.(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When Barack Obama travels overseas to Europe and the Middle East, he won't be alone.
Obama's trip is becoming a media extravaganza. All three network anchors will join him – broadcasting their nightly newscasts from stops along his route. Also along to record Obama's every move, top political reporters from major newspapers and magazines. 200 journalists have asked to join Obama on the trip, although the campaign will only be able to accommodate about 20% of them.
Meanwhile, Republican John McCain has taken 3 foreign trips in the last 4 months, and not a single network anchor has gone on any of them. It's causing some concern among Republicans that the news media aren't giving balanced coverage.
They may have a point. The three broadcast network newscasts, which have 20 million viewers combined, spent about 114 minutes covering Obama since June, compared to 48 minutes for McCain. Obama has been on the cover of Time and Newsweek magazines 12 times in the last 3 years, compared with 5 for McCain. And in the last few weeks, Obama has also landed on the cover of Rolling Stone and US Weekly, along with interview of his family by "Access Hollywood."
The TV executives have lots of reasons for why this Obama trip is such a big deal: it's his first overseas trip since becoming the presumptive nominee, he's a fresh face in politics, the historic nature of Obama's campaign, and the overwhelming interest in him overseas. Those are all valid. But that doesn't mean McCain has to like it.
Here’s my question to you: Why does Barack Obama get more news coverage than John McCain?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Bob from Murphy, North Carolina writes:
Because news is not about news, it is about ratings and ad revenue. Currently Obama is hotter than McCain and has more juice so he creates better ratings and more revenue. It’s all about money, stupid!
Susan from Culver City, California writes:
For better or worse, the first African-American Democratic nominee is a much bigger story than the same-old, same-old of John McCain.
Bob from Cottonwood, California writes:
Real simple: The media hacks like you are selling the Obama con job.
Dave from Brooklyn, New York writes:
What are you asking me for? You’re the news guy. I don’t get to choose what you guys want to talk about.
Tina writes:
Jack, God bless John McCain, he is a war hero. But let's face it, every time he gives a speech I fall asleep. On the other hand, I actually surf channels looking for any coverage of Barack Obama; I can't seem to get enough of him. He makes me feel like there is hope for this country... I imagine that the news media senses the same thing and wants to be there to record it all.
Laura writes:
Gimme a break! Obama is no more exciting than anyone else...he's the same old thing, wrapped in a different type of bow. The reason he gets more coverage is simple and is everything you and your colleagues have denied for months now: media bias.
Brad from Ohio writes:
Not to worry: When John McCain visits Czechoslovakia, the media will follow him in droves.
Mike from Vegas writes:
It's the same reason Wolf gets more air time than you, Jack: charisma.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
He's much more interesting to report on...i mean he's a black man running for president. McCain is more of the same, while Barack really does represent something new and fresh in the world of politics. It is odd though that Barack Obama gets twice as much press as McCain. Guess that means Barack will be our next president!
Obama '08!!
Because he is new......we know all the dirt (or most of the dirt) on McCain.
And American's were very ready for a Candidate that not only has a message of Change.....but also has the vision of how to bring it about.
He is Intelligent, Diplomatic, down to earth, and articulate. Such a refreshing change from what we have now.......and what is being offered up from the GOP.
We simply cannot get enough of him.
The future deserves more news coverage than the past.
It is up to the media who gets the most coverage. Watching McCain is like watching paint dry. Obama has charisma, energy and makes people feel optimistic about America's future.
Thus, the networks show Obama instead of McCain so viewers don't turn the channel.
Steve C.
Laguna Niguel, CA
Like this is anything new? The media have pushed Obama from the very beginning, they ignored the other Dem candidates to death, except for Hillary, whom they demonized.
So, what is the point of this question? The media are simply following the plan. Nothing new.
After 28 years hearing about McCain there's little new, except on the flip-flop. I do wonder how he feels about Budweiser being taken over.
The media likes McCain in the same way they liked President Reagan. As a result, all the misstatements and gaffes get less attention than those coming from the other candidates.
Ed from Texas
Because McCain is a corrupt Bush's hindquarters smooching internet illiterate economy not understanding old geezer who tells lies all day long.
Hmmmm. Maybe the "media" is finally showing some taste in giving someone with some brains more air time than the guy with the connections in Washington.
Hey Jack
Look at it this way, you can either watch paint dry or history in the making!
No matter whether you or Dem or Repub or Indepen watching paint dry is boring!
Cinti, Ohio
Three reasons:
He is totally unknopwn and therefore of intrest.
His campaign is more adept at the internet.
He is presum,ptative next President – but don't undfer- estimate his ability to blow it.
Because McCain has to sleep 14 hours a day.
Many reasons................1.He's the most socialistic,which is apparently cool.2.He's young and charismatic.3.He tends to get more publicity because of his race(nothing against that,it's just a fact).4.He's a great speaker.The media treats him as if he's the 'second comming',and that's what scares me.
For better or worse, the first African-American Democratic Nominee is a much bigger story than the same-old-same-old of John McCain.
Culver City, CA
How many times can we listen to McCain say, "But that doesn't really matter"? It doesn't matter that the economy is a mess, it doesn't matter if we're in Iraq for 100 years. That's pretty much all he's capable of saying so now he doesn't matter.
Because he is making history and the news media loves a good story that involves issues like race. Besides all of those issues, McCain is as boring as LBJ was when he talks.
I don't know...maybe a) he's not boring, b) he isn't advocating tired, failed, old policies and c) he isn't telling us to stay on a course we never should have taken in the first place.
You tell me, Jack. The "mainstream media" seems intent on bringing Obama down. If he burps there's 24/7 coverage of his unseemly manners and faulty digestive tract. If he repeats the exact same statement he made a year ago he's a flip flopper. Whole news segments are devoted to a race that is billed as a dead heat, but when the polls are put up, Obama's 8 points ahead. Supposedly his star is losing some luster, according to the media. Guess that's why he raked in a paltry $50 million in June from small donors. McCain, on the other hand, can talk about his favorite country, Czechoslovakia, ad nauseum and no one mentions there is no country named Czechoslovakia and hasn't been for years. His temper is getting a pass. No one mentions his healthcare plan will quadruple the uninsured. If your wife if about to die and needs an abortion to save her life, he's opposed to that. Same goes if your daughter is raped, but it's never mentioned. I don't know why the media wants McCain to win, but with few exceptions you've all but crowned him.
Because he is like a new puppy in the family. We gladly wipe up the puddles the new puppy makes until..that day. And Obamas day is coming and what a day that will be when the media gets through with him. I still remember when Pres. Bush was the media darling.
Gwinn Oregon
Jack The MSM is fascinated with Barack. Afterall he is articulate, intelligent,witty, and has an uncanny knack for predicting what is going to happen in the World. I think the press is dismayed because he is such a contrast to the present administration.
Jack covering anything McCain puts people to sleep. His speeches, town hall meetings, stances on issues they are all either a bore or same as Bush so we already know. The media wants high ratings and Obama brings that. He has a young energy that even if they don't agree with him people will listen to what he has to say. Oh yea and Obama is making history being the first black nominee for President. This is just not McCain’s year really in fact this isn’t his decade. If McCain wanted to be President he should not have let Bush beat him back in the day, now his ship has long sailed.
Jack,
Like him or not, Barack Obama is making history. He is the first African American candidate for Presdient that may actually get there.
John McCain is the steor typical white male running for President. Same old song and dance.
Jack; Obama represents a fresh look to politics verses an older man in the White House(Reagan). Nobody likes to air old laundry on the line!
Because Senator Obama looks and sounds Presidential and Senator McCain doesn't.
Because Senator Obama hasn't claimed to win wars that haven't been won.
Because Senator Obama brings new ideas and pespectives.
Because Senator Obama is interesting, intelligent, articulate, new, fresh and young.
Because the majority of the rest of the world want Senator Obama to be the next President of the United States of America.
We see it as a change for the better vs. maintaining the status quo.
No one pays attention to Grandpa unless he does something crazy, such as:
– Soil his trousers,
– Offer a 300 million reward for a new car battery.
– Bomb, bomb, bomb... bomb, bomb Iran.
Beyond that, we just ignore gramps and hope he doesn't go insane and cause too much harm.
On the otherhand, we have a highly educated, well spoken, thoughtful candidate with fresh ideas(which have been muddled by the nature of politics) who has serious concerns about the well-being of our country and actually wants to do something about it. Breaking the presidential mold and making history also helps.
It seems all this press coverage nearly implies he will win in November.
Real simple...The media hacks like you are selling the Obama con job.
Jack: Because life is change; Growth is optional and we must choose wisely.
The reason Barack Obama gets more news coverage than John McCain is because what McCain has to say has been said already, by Bush. Barack Obama has bridged the gap between Washington and the American people because he has common sense ideas like talking rather than bombing. Also, it might have something to do with the fact that McCain is boring and Obama is engaging. I am sure CNN correspondents play a game of rock-paper-scissors when determining who will cover whom.
Because there's really nothing too much to talk about McCain and he's probably not going to win which most of us knew that already. And what's so special about being the oldest US president in the US history. Serve one term and that's it!?
Seriously, have you listened to Obama and McCain? Obama gets more press because he is more interesting.
Jack,
I have two takes on this questions: 1) Obama may get more press coverage than McCain, however Obama gets more NEGATIVE press coverage than McCain; 2)Everyone is always saying "we don't know enough about this guy", so, more press coverage is a sure way to get to know more about him.
Obama just seemed to be damned if he does and damned if he doesn't with many people. Sheesh..
You forget two things Jack: He is rating dream for broadcasters and great magazine seller. It has nothing to do with Obama. It has to do with bottom line.of corporate media. Furthermore the republican made this into a big deal by emphasizing in lack of foreign policy. He is certainly showing them.
Well it's the same reason they're aren't ugly fat old people on soap operas. Obama is far, far more telegenic than McCain. Just look back to the televised presidential debates back in 1960. Kennedy was a clean, good looking young man and Nixon came off as a bloated, pasty and sweaty bumbling fool. Care to guess who won the election?
What's most important is that we understand that it isn't an endorsment of the 'liberal media' of Barack Obama. Rather it is just an acceptance that Obama makes for a better looking newscast and, in turn, higher ratings. (Which, in turn, makes for a better bottom line with advertisers). Combine that with a desire for Americans to learn more about Obama, who isn't as well known as McCain , and then it's a no-brainer why the news devotes twice as much time on Obama.
Obama gets more news coverage because what he says makes sense. Looks like the Republicans think so as well–they have recently adopted some of his suggestions (e.g., upcoming meeting with Iranians). McCain doesn't seem to have a central campaign strategy, is a poor speaker, and clearly is too old to be President.
Obama, on the other hand, is fresh and young and appealing. He also campaigns more and works harder than McCain. McCain takes every weekend off.
This is a two sided coin. One side is Obama is new and charismatic. He also has many who are trying to destroy him (example Jesse Jackson, Rev. Wright). The other side is that John McCain is a known. We all know he has a temper, we all know he is older so he makes gaffes in his speeches, we all know the stories he tells over and over and over again about his life. In other words..boring. McCain tells the same jokes so many times that we know them by heart. The news is not only informative but a business. New and unknown is much better for business than old and boring.
I disagree with the premise of your question Jack. I see just as much as John MCcain as I do Barack Obama. But there is a stark contrast between the two candidates. One is a war hero who barley made it out of the Naval Academy, and the other is a Harvard scholar. One is heralded as the best person for our national defense, but he doesn't seem to know the difference between Sunnis and Shiites, and the other was one-hundred percent correct about our going into Iraq in the first place. It's obvious that the reason why these two candidates in the lastest Gallup polls are so close, and it has nothing whatsoever to do about their policies. Americans are not that stupid to make the same mistake twice by electing John MCcain after the Bush debacle; It's all about race, Jack, and even the media knows that Obama is the best choice for this country. Obam probably seems to get more coverage than MCcain because when Obama speaks, people want to listen,
To many, he is like a breath of fresh air to Americans. We have little faith
in what McCain can do for America and TV ratings that cover Obama are
high. A lot of folks I have talked with say they change channels when McCain is on the air. Also, Obama is active and energetic and more interesting to watch.
The reason is real simple; Obama is exciting, McCain is boring. News coverage doesn't gravitate to the mundane and repetitive. The audience wants new ideas, fresh approaches, and clear thinking. Obama is articulate, insightful and charismatic. McCain is old, tired and worn out.
Easy, John McCain is boring as hell! He represents the past and the republican brand is so tainted that if they were sardines, you wouldn't feed them to the dogs!
Unfortunately, we all have a fairly good idea who McCain is, War Hero, Public Servant, not a lot new there to report, and that translates to no news. But the way Obama flip flops, I mean refines his views, daily, is almost better news coverage than Lindsay Lohan's latest trip to re-hab.
McSame flip flops too many times. Still think there is a Czech Republic. Says anything to get the public behind him(I know how to win wars). Bottomline McSame is clueless on how to run his party and how to run the nation. If the media really covered him, his polling numbers would drop.
Jack you need your own show, you doing a great job at CNN.
Bayonne NJ
The man has something worth saying, McBush on the other hand can only say Bomb, Bomb Iran. The old jerk needs to call it quits and go sit on the front porch and try to remember what he did yesterday.
Well to be honest McCain does not have a radical preacher like Jeremiah Wright or a good friend like love em and leave em Jessie Jackson stabbing his campaign in the back every time he turns a corner. With friends and spiritual advisors like those two Obama will be on a rotating 72 hour news cycle the rest of the election. But like any actor actress or politician if people are not talking about you then your just a has been. After November Obama will still have a job in the Senate unless anymore of his friends or advisors decide to chime in.
Jack
Barack Obama is history in the making, John McCain is same o same o. This reminds me of Jack Kennedy vs Richard Nixon, I am sure you remember that one Jack.
Jack, Obama gets more attention from the media for two simple reasons – 1) Obama is exciting and McCain is boring, and 2) McCain is ultimately an irrelevant footnote in this campaign.
Because McCain is old, washed out and no one cares about him!
It's Physics 101. Matter and anti-matter. Senator Obama is the future and that is a critical matter. Senator McCain represents the past and as ugly as that is it doesn't look like Congress, or the Justice Department is going to do a thing about it.
If the International Red Cross report on war crimes results in arrests of Senator McCain's buddy Bush, Cheney and company, there will be plenty of coverage of Republicans but none of it will aid the campaign.
What are you asking me for – you’re the news guy. I don’t get to choose what you guys want to talk about.
Jack
John McCain has been "old news" ever since he became Little Sir Echo on the Bush position on Iraq and the so called "war" on terrorism. Old news don't sell.
Barack Obama is articulate, intelligent, thoughtful, and willing to reconsider and sometimes even change his mind and specific policy steps to be taken in Iraq & the Middle East without changing his fundamental position, which is that we must get the heck out of there and sooner rather than later. In short, he gets more "ink" because he is worthy of more ink.
Pablo in Arlington, Tejas
It's because people can feel that Obama is the right choice. His message & actions give us all hope. Who wouldn't want to follow a message of hope?
For the same reason that he and Hillary were fighting for the nomination and not Edwards, Dodd, Biden, Kucinich or Gravel. People are much more interested in making history than making the correct choice. Don't get me wrong, I think McCain is a worse choice, but we could have done a lot better than Obama. Normally I'd say that the media is just reporting what people want to see, but this goes beyond that. All you guys in the media are just completely in love with Obama, and any dissenters are afraid to say anything bad about him.
Could it be that Obama is just plain better looking?
Come on Jack. Why does the hopelessly liberal media cover the incredibly liberal candidate? Why does an alcoholic drink? You guys are addicted to him. You couldn't be impartial if you tried, which apparently from your statistics, you rarely do.
Maybe because Obama's a lot more interesting. I'm kind of bored listening to McCain's "my friends" and watching his arm chops. Besides, his jokes are terrible, even offensive.
Anne
Texas
Are you kidding? HE MAY BE THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT FOR PETE'S SAKE!!!! End of story...
I think the answer can best be surmised in one word: "inertia."
For at least 4 months McCain's nomination was a foregone conclusion for the GOP while the Democrats had an exciting and intense Clinton vs. Obama saga.
During this time the Democrats got far more primary election coverage due to the tight primary race, and when that race finally ended the media already had the gears turning to analyze every move of Obama.
The right wing media tries so hard to demonize Obama, so he's constantly all over Fox News and the like. Let's not forget the flag pin fiasco, Reverand Wright's forced relevance, the fact that he may not be a Christian (as if it actually matters!), the way he "looked like he was flipping off the camera"... anything the conservative media can possibly think of to say to make Obama look bad, they do, and it's usually so absurd that it is indeed entertaining.
guess the reason obama is now being covered so much is all his underhanded, sneaky, crooked, money grabbing flip flopping ways are coming to light....they kept it under tight control to be sure he got the nod over Hilllary. Because they wanted a republican to win.
They know, no matter what the jumping dancing supporters of obama say he AIN'T GONNA WIN.
We have had an idiot in the white house for almost 8 years we dont need a person who is on the verge of senility.. And knows how to win wars.
Obama is receiving more coverage because they all want to be there to cover any gaffs or misspeaks that may be uttered. For some strange reason McCain has been able to get away with numerous blunders and we hear barely a peep. However, because it is Obama, many are getting on the bandwagon to try to twist/spin/distort everything that comes out of his mouth.
FYI – Barack Hussein Obama IS NOT BLACK. He is BI-RACIAL. One parent white and one parent African.
You know, I wish they did get equal coverage. Maybe then you'd see less stories about Obama working out and more stories about the dumb things McCain does everyday that the media completely ignores.
DUH!
Because 90% of the press is anti-Republican and pro-Liberal?????
I can't believe someone like Cafferty who is obviously in the tank for the democrats and always has been even has to ask that question.
It is simple.
Obama is the media's darling.
He can do NO wrong. And when he does, they don't report it.
John McCain gets plenty of positive coverage. Obama is "new", popular, exciting, so he gets more coverage. The question is not how much coverage, but how the coverage is slanted. The media should start giving McCain more coverage, especially coverage of his confusion, his flip-flops, his out right pandering, etc...
Well it’s the same reason they’re aren’t ugly fat old people on soap operas. Obama is far, far more telegenic than McCain. Just look back to the televised presidential debates back in 1960. Kennedy was a clean, good looking young man and Nixon came off as a bloated, pasty and sweaty bumbling fool. Care to guess who won the election?
What’s most important is that we understand that it isn’t an endorsment of the ‘liberal media’ of Barack Obama. Rather it is just an acceptance that Obama makes for a better looking newscast and, in turn, higher ratings. (Which, in turn, makes for a better bottom line with advertisers). Combine that with a desire for Americans to learn more about Obama, who isn’t as well known as McCain , and then it’s a no-brainer why the news devotes twice as much time on Obama.
Beats me. It is unfair. O. is treated as rock star. Many people do not want to have a rock star for leader. I think t is being overdone for Obama, and underdone for McCain.
and tell you truth, I am being fed up by hearing, seeing all about Obama only. Too much is too much. It is sickening.
It is like in communist country where we HAD to see, hear about USSR all the time – we become so fed up by Russia that we started to hate it.
The media has already decided who will be their next President, and it's usually a Democrat. It's no different than 2000 or 2004 with Gore and Kerry, they got very favorable news coverage, especially from the CBS, CNN and NBC/MSNBC. Remember when the media called Florida for Gore in 2000 when the panhandle voting booths hadn't closed yet? Journalists seem to be more liberal than conservative, it also seems many conservatives choose the business world as a career, this could be the source of it all. But Republicans have felt this way about the media for years.
It is simple.....
Because McCain is boring, boring, boring...
As in old and dull and all the same and dreary, humdrum, monotonous, tedious, tiresome...need I go on???:)
It's not about just coverage, it's why more negative coverage?
How bout that?
Obama is a vigorous self-starter, McCain is rather boring following the old "it worked in the past" election ploys. Of course, the press wants to capitalize on an Obama gaffe and be able to make it "breaking news".
P. S.: Jack, can you believe the extremely high approval ratings Obama has got world wide? It's amazing.
Simple really...McCain doesn't have anything new to say, its always the same stuff...
Well, McCain is rather boring to listen to and isn't an interesting character. He's old and a bit wrinkled... On the other hand, Obama strikes as the person who will be the next president and seems down to earth. So... more people will watch the news channel if airing anything with Obama than McCain.
I think we're all tired of hearing McCain brag about his accomplishments, how he won wars, how he did so great at the Naval Academy, how much of a difference he has made in DC. All lies, of course.
We want to move into the present and prepare for our future. That's more interesting, even if we do make a few mistakes it's better than continuing to live in the 60s.
Race and Ratings...
Even though folks say Obama gets more coverage than McCain because he is "unknown" we still do NOT know him. It would be nice if the media would report on information so we can get to KNOW him. The media has not done the US voters any favors by reporting that he is a "god". What is his relationship with Rezko? What about the murdered choir director? No one in the media has shared any of this information and more that people are questioning about him. So, maybe the media is just as wordy as Obama is.... lot of talk and no substance, because I sure have not seen any substance on Obama.
Because McCain has a comb-over.
He is the latest American idol Jack. There is money to made off of him by all of the media outlets and the media outlets have to please their corporate advertisers. Just another Madonna. Besides, aren't most of the media moguls Democrats?
Geri – Mead, OK
He gets more covereage because he is new and because he is ahead in the polls. Getting more coverage is not always a good thing though, his perceived gaffes and flip-flops get a lot more coverage than McCain's.
Jack,
The reason Obama gets so much more press coverage is because he doesn't dwell on the same issue. When you hear McCain at his town meetings all he ever talks about is the war in Iraq. He sometimes throws in something about his plan for changing the economy. I am wondering what that plan is? Don't you? Then when he spoke to the NAACP he talked about vouchers for public schools. If that didn't work when Bush tried it why would it work when he talked about it?
Barack Obama is the news he's the new kid on the block, the first black person to get beyond the primaries. There is all kinds of challenges being thrown his way. He is the subject of interest. McCain is business as usual same old same old Washington. The media is interested in keeping up with Obama on change.
Edith Arkansas
New what? He's full of hot air and playing the black card like a mad man. He's all fluff and no substance. Try to pin him down on an issue. C'mon, I dare ya
people all over the world are excited about Barack Obama, they love his poise and charisma. they love him because he is smart and intellectual. macine have about 20% of the qualities that Barack poses and much less in some areas. in other words John MaCain is very boring. and the last thing any network want is to put on a boring show.
Because McCain is a snore. No one wants to watch him.
Jack, Obama gets more coverage because he has much more comprehensive plans for dealing with the problems America faces today and in the future.
But the increased coverage has its good points and bad points. Each word Obama says is examined under a microscope. Meanwhile, McCain's frequent campaign gaffes are simply sloughed off as "senior moments" or "John being John." Just what we need, another president we have to make excuses for during the next 4 years.
The media follows Obama because he commands it. I am a conservative, but when Obama talks, I can't help but listen. He's a modern day pied piper, which is scary in some ways.
I guess he gets more coverage because people like him. and his wife. It is hard to like McCain and his trophy wife.
Gail
Melbourne, Florida
Perhaps its the dead air as McCain stares off in the distance having another senior moment. If McCain does get less air time than Obama then you guys are doing him a favor.
Because they want Obama to win.
Really, Jack...When your grand kids ask where you were when the first Black president made his first official campaign trip overseas, do you want to say you were at home watching the Cafferty file?
The answer is simple. The reporting news media prefer demodroppings to anything of substance. Why do Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi get such press after every utterance? Why does crap stink? Who cares?
Simple Because he's a Marxist, and there's nothing the leftist media loves more than a good Marxist.
Obama gets moe coverage because he will be the next president of the USA.
Obama IS history in the making. If he wins, our bank accounts will be HISTORY.
Because he's a Democrat. Not so hard to admit.
News is entertainment. Give 'em what they want and how they want it and they'll be coming back for more, goes the old show biz saying. Obama has higher entertainment value. Period.
Mr Obama is new on the block and that he is the first ever black presidential candidate who has made such big history, its just more interesting to read more about him and his every move.
Am writing from Africa, Namibia
He's interesting, actually has a personality, people can relate to him better, he's half black, and most importantly he's like a rockstar.
Why ? Because he is a breath of fresh air !
I like what Mike Smith of New Orleans said: "The future deserves more coverage than the past." Bravo.
Two words: next President.
For the same reason that more people will watch the Super Bowl than will watch a horse shoe throwing contest.
Mcain is a republican and Obama is a Democrat. The media is full of Democrats and thats why.
While there is some truth to the "he is more interesting to listen to" argument, I think the simplest answer is often the most accurate, the media has a Liberal bias and is carrying Obama's water because they want him to be the next president. End of Story.
P.S. Obama may be for change, but all change is not good. Personally on the very few occassions I have heard an actual idea (as opposed to a promise for "change") from him, it sounds more like Karl Marx than Thomas Jefferson to me. Just my humble opinion.
Obama is running against someone? Huh, who knew.
For the same reason the press thinks we care that Angelina Jolie had twins or what Mylie Cyrus is doing. His campaign is getting the same type of attention the Hollywood crowd does. All flash...no substance.
Between the two, I can see that Obama has said more controversial things, and is therefore somewhat more interesting to the media. The bigger questions might be why all those other candidates never got ANY coverage, no matter where they stood in the polls or public opinion? I'm still voting for Ron Paul, coverage or none!
Obama represents change he is change, that my friend is the only reason why.
The difference between these two candidates is vast. Here is a guy that we Americans can be proud of when he opens his mouth in a foreign country, instead of of bracing for a leader thats gonna sound and look stupid. Why shouldn't they cover him more? He is what the American public wants to see. The sooner other countries start to associate Americans with Obama instead of Bush or even McCain the sooner we are taken seriously again.
Jack,
Obama is a 21st century progressive innovationist looking towards the future of America and greater Globe.
McCain is a 20th century moderate status-quovian stuck in the Cold War.
Honestly, what's more exciting, the future or the past?
Yes, he does, because it is extremely historic and newsworthy, regardless as to one's politics or political slant.
We've done old white men before (no disrespect intended). Besides, if McCain wants more coverage, he should be doing more to get attention. But lately with the many gaffes and blunders he's made on the campaign trail, perhaps its best not to see so much of him. Also if his message isn't anything new that we haven't already seen, heard or experienced, there's not much news there either.
Obama's media coverage doesn't necessarily mean he's the better candidate, it just means that he's different than anything that America has ever had to consider before. And, if Senator Clinton were the nominee, we wouldn't hear that Senator McCain was even alive. Aside from the Clinton/Woman factors, the vast history of the Clinton saga (old and new) would be drudged up and played over and over again by both the left, right and center. Just as Obama is getting it (unfairly, I might add), Senator Clinton would have her share too, and possibly the McCain people would still be whining about the imbalance of media coverage.
There is something about barack obama which sets him apart. You can sense that he is destined for some thing different. You may call it charisma, but I think this man is destined for greatness and great achievements.
To quote Pink floyd's lyrics " there will be no safety in numbers when the right one walks out of the door"
You get that sense with Obama.
Barack Obama is more appealing to Americans, that can be proven by the polls. The more appealing a candidate is the more the ratings will go up for a tv network, if they feature the feature the candidate more. That means highers tv ads for advertisers as well, which means more money for TV Networks.
Presidential elections haven't been about the issues in years. Obama gets more coverage because he's young, good looking, popular and liberal. In other words, he's the type of person a lot of reporters imagine themselves to be.
If the media wants to do the American people a service, they would focus on the issues facing America today, with equal time for both candidates, and not give us endless puff pieces about Obama's religion and upbringing.
he seems more cool and outgoing
Obama's campaign is historic. John McCain is not doing interesting things...unless you count the mistakes. They're doosies!
Because it's more fun to cover Sen. Obama...he actually has something to say !
Obama represents nothing new in the world of politics. His ideas are just retreads from the Jimmy Carter era sprinkled with a bit of Marxism.
If you think this country's in a mess now, just wait until that fool gets hold of the reins.
Do you seriously have to ask this question? We have an African American who is his party's candidate for President and is leading his rival in all national polls. This election is historic. And yes, it is about his skin color and no more than that.
What is historic about an old white guy running for President?
I can answer that with one word. Ratings! Springfield, Illinois
Are you kidding? McCain gets a tremendous amount of coverage! (We get to see his abundant gaffes all time!)
A concern of many Arizonans, however, is that we wonder why Sen. McCain has forgotten that he is a senator from our state. It's highly possible that this particular lapse is indicative of his larger memory issues and provides more evidence of the alarming confusion that Sen. McCain has demonstrated on the campaign trail.
He is intelligent, charismatic, an unknown force , and people want to know more about him. Everyone wants to know all about the next President of the USA and the next leader of World. He is definitely more exciting than the OLD GUY.
Mr. Obama offers something that we haven't been offered by a politician in a long time: HOPE. I'm sure the press feels the same way and want to be near the man that makes them feel better.After all if you compare Obama with McCain is like the first vacation day vs. the first day at the office after spending a beautiful time at Disneyworld.
Manuel F.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
OBAMA is new and fresh blood that represent the real America. He is more human and easy to reach to. He is exciting and articulate worthy to the next president come 08 Nov.
I think they're giving way more coverage to Obama because he's black. If he wins he'll be the first black president and that's a huge deal. If McCain wins, he'll just be another old white president, nothing new.
Well here's my 2 cents
1. Were so tired of this president and his party. They have put us in a whole with Iraq and this Economy
2. McCain is for more of the same.
Why cover him?
McCain is kinda boring. Obama is more interesting.
"Public Interest," Jack, pure and simple. The media is simply responding to that. The public is interested in Obama for a variety of reasons. That interest is simply not there for McCain.
The media is 75% liberals. Do you think they want a Republican president? Hello!
I think the media has a biased agenda. They will report on who they want the most for any political contest (Congress, Senate, Governor, etc.). Is it fair to one candidate or another? No. I think it's only fair, newcomer or not, that the media cover all candidates equally, and not show one preferential treatment over another. Obama and McCain both have great talents, and it will be a good contest. But like Gabriel said in the post above, it ultimately comes down to race and ratings. That is really sad. McCain is tried and true, and still has a lot to offer this country. Obama has had two many folks still play the race card, and that is not what this country wants, but yet it somehow still seams to be a central issue. Obama is a good talker, and I think that's all he could be. He would not be effective as a leader running our country, protecting our borders or people, and putting the peoples needs first. Not only that, he wants to raise taxes. No one can afford gas and housing as it is.
All I ask of everyone that posts a comment or already has, please study the candidates before you vote. Look at past performance. It's a good guide of what the future will bring!
Because he is vibrant and interesting to read about and listen to. Senator McCain on the other hand, you can take a power nap and still catch the end of the sentence which he started before you fell asleep.
Barack Obama has received more media coverage than John McCain because the latter is tired, stale, and most importantly is seen as a supporter of the most corrupt, incompetent, arrogant, and dangerous
administration in our nation's history. Those in the media are ready for a return to sanity just like most of the rest of America.
Well then you can ask the same question for all the other candidates that were running – John Edwards, Ron Paul, etc.
It all comes down to this, the media is unable to truly give unbiased views. People who know how to discern well will see past the marketing blitz and media frenzy.
The only press that follow McCain are there to record the moment he collapses from a stroke.
Since McCain is just like Bush if you ad up the air time of Bush + McCain I am sure it would shadow over Obama.
Obama gets more coverage because he is a far better speaker and canididate.
Barack gets more coverage because he's more interesting and a thousand times more inspirational. No one wants to see or hear Granpa Munster talk about Iraq and terroism with his little robot arms flailing about. The other day he said "I know how to win wars" The war he was actually in we lost and we're not doing so hot in this one either. I bet he couldn't even win a game of RIsk.
Plain and simple! Media recognizes that it has more viewers if they air Obama vs McCain
Simple, because McCain is old news and Obama is what this country need. Suck on that GOP
Because the media is biased... period.
Just because Obama gets more coverage doesn't mean he gets the media prefers him. McCain can say the most outrageous things like "Social Security if a disgrace" yet the media barely reports it. Obama says the word "refine" and the media gets all disjointed.
Jack, You answered you're own question...John McCain. Good and noble man...hopefully not our next president.
Up here in Canada, we witnessed the same phenomenon in 1968, only it was called "Trudeaumania". Pierre Trudeau was young (48), hip, charismatic, and full of enthusiasm. In short, the majority of the electorate perceived him as embodying the word "change". By contrast, his Conservative opponent, Robert Stanfield, was a perfectly honourable and competent fellow, but was older and seen as less in touch with the younger generation. Also, the Conservatives were still dealing with disunity and infighting.
Fast forward 40 years, and cross the border... McCain just seems like yesterday's man. He's running his campaign on two components: the past (which so many of the electorate weren't even alive for), and fiddly little nit-picky problems with Obama's positions. He completely fails to embody the hope, change and excitement that draws voters to Obama after eight years under Dubya.
Obama isn't a saint. He isn't the second coming. He's far from perfect. But he is new, fresh, different, and media-savvy. He has some genuinely new ideas (some of which, admittedly, need to be fleshed out some more). And in the internet age, that gives him the edge.
Yes Obama is articulate, young and fresh. That's why the media covers him, and why he is so popular.
The media is ignoring their responsibilty to cover both candidates equally. This election is important and should be about the issues.
Please CNN, can you present both candidates head to head on the issues so people actually know what they are voting for.
It's like the new hot chick at the high school dance. Everyone wants to be around her, while last year's home coming queen sits in the corner w/ her brother.
There is no doubt that the media in our country is liberal leaning. Obama is liberal leaning. It just makes sense that a liberal media would push their agenda on the masses. Why wouldn't they want to promote the candidate that more closely aligns with their political beliefs. This has been the same for decades.
Derek
Buffalo, NY
Perhaps the media realizes that there will be plenty of time to cover McCain while he is President over the next eight years. They need to interview Obama now before he fades out of the spotlight the day after the election.
Because the news media already know Obama is going to be the next president. After what Bush has done to this country McCain doesn't have a chance in hell of winning. He barely has the support of his own part and Obama's record fundraising says it all. Being these are the facts the news media wants all this great footage of how the first black president came to be. A look back special five, ten or twenty years from now.
I hope Obama enjoys all the attention he's getting now, because McCain will be our next pres..sorry guys!
Come on. Obama is the medias darling child. They will praise him and get him on the pedestal and then kick it out from underneath him. It's business, the news is. It's all about ratings. Obama is new and exciting and they (the media) is all about that until they get bored and go back to Brittany Spears. Besides, the media holds the vote. What they want they get.
Jack,
Obama has a captivating personality. What he has to say is important. People listen to his every word with hope for change. He has become our country's Saviour. He is our last chance to get our country back on it's feet before we are have no country. He is worth every penny spent following him on this trip.
Its becuase the liberal media is dictaing to the American population who the next president should be. The media has dictated our social policies creating a climate of fear because if it bleeds it leads. Now they are focusing that same spin toward the presidential race, but instead of the negatives, they are showing all the positive aspects of Obama and his message of change in contrast to McCain who is more of the same. It is the media and the powered elites that run the country, we are just along for the ride.
The media is interested in Obamas promises, not on his history. If they would focus on his voting or should I say on his non voting practices. The public would have a better idea on how he has skirted on important issues in order not to offend anyone, thus not making any changes. His campaign of change is ironic since when he could of made changes he voted "no comment". Now the nieve public has bought his well-spoken promises with no substance behind it.
It's physics Jack, Simplely Physics – Obama is the future that matters; McCain is the pass that doesn't matter. What McCain has to say/do we have heard/seen it before.
Jack,
Could it be that Obama is real and, McCain is the same old thing that we have been stuck with for the past seven, going on, eight years.
Could it be that Obama has a real vision and, McCain doesn't even have a clue about what is going on.
Craig
in Oklahoma
It's because news reporters simply do not like John McCain's temper.
They gave him 'rock star' status from day one. He is fresh and new to the game. Being African-American, they are afraid of being labeled racist if they don't cover him or if they knock him – so, they have crowned him instead.
The question is: When will he fall?!? September, October?
Helen hit it the nail right on the head. This is bottom line. How many people that have never ever heard of the NewYorker have went out and bought that magazine. I bet people from the far right have bought one of the top magazines of the far left in droves just to see that cover picture .
Quite frankly Jack, the media covers Obama too much. Every move, every misstep is reported. In the meantime McCain skates by with his gaffe a minute campaign. If CNN and others would devote half as much coverage on McCain, his poll numbers would be lower. But then you folks in the media wouldn't be able to generate the same revenue as you would in a tight race.
Because Obama is viewed as some sort of Messiah; a miracle worker that will fix the wrongs of the past 8 years; will steady the ship and 'bring gas prices down to $1/gallon ;-)'. OK, maybe not the last one but certainly, the country is desperate for change and there is much evidence of that in Obama, the person, if not Obama, the politician.
His age, suave nature, speech-making abilitiy, balanced and thoughtful opinions and last but not the least, his race; all contribute to the media treating him like a superstar.
Jack,
He's a Madison Avenue candidate with more cumulative spin power than the Clinton's combined. Remember the axiom: advertising lies.
Objectively it simple. The media is liberally biased, not only in their presentation of "news" but in the simple volume of coverage. Its simply a campaign donation disguised as news. If the news were balanced, so would the coverage. Any anger you have against McCain is misplaced in the context of the posed question. Personally, I'm fairly excited in that I think we will be much better off with either of the candidates than with W – who has exercised IMHO very poor judgment. If you see either candidate as anything other than a great American hero, then I'd probably call you short sited and blinded by anger and frustration. Time to grow up and be proud to be an American.
Simple. Obama is newsworthy.
As an African American woman, it's obvious. He is a black man running for President in America and may win. Who would of "Thunk".
America in general is truly ignorant when it comes to politics. We are more interested in American Idol and beauty contests. Obama is young and charismatic – McCain is old and uninteresting in a TV sort of way. I think McCain loves America and wants what is best for America. Obama thinks America is broken and unfair and wants to fix it in a socialistic sort of way.
Everyone should just remember that Obama is a politician; politicians lie. His current job is to tell the drooling masses what they want to hear. You should do your homework; what both candidates have done in their current capacities is what you should really expect. Elect Obama and you'll get a whole lot of nothing.
McCain is boring
Its because the media is controlled by liberals wiho have very strong ties to the democratic party. Its the same reason that the media has tried to ignore the improving security in Iraq, to avoid giving the republicans any kind of advantage as as well as trying to paint McCain as a clone of Bush. The media is biased.
We have a liberal media. Meadia always like liberal candidates. Now then Obama going to war front because McCain challenged him to do so.
I don’t know. Maybe this is becasue the media feels Sen. Obama makes more sense to the people. For example, Senator Mccain says that Sen.Obama was imprudent to develop a strategy for our military in Iraq ‘before’ conferring with the the generals. He asserts that Sen. Obama should have first assessed the facts on the ground before developing a plan. If Sen. Mccain (and others who forged this war on America) had first “assessed the facts on the ground” they would have discovered there were no weapons of mass destruction. Perhaps some feel Sen. Obama is a real straight talker, a down to earth, likeable, common sense kind of guy, who’s not trying to sell you on something.
McCain has been in the news for how long? Since the Vietnam era. How much more is there to know about him or his views? We are about to decide the President who is either going to dig us out or cannon-ball us into the economic and global mess we are facing. I think we all knew how McCain feels about the economy, taxes, military, foreign policy, civil rights, energy, environment, education, etc. Until he proposes offering the Taliban amnesty, he has nothing new to really put out. I for one want as much coverage on Obama as we can get, as there is a lot to learn, and very little time to learn it before November. And if that means full coverage of him going abroad, then tell Anderson Cooper to pack is bags and get on a plane.
Because, you Jack, and many others actually think Obama has a chance of winning the presidency.
Obama is more likeable. People, especially younger Americans, feel closer to Obama. He is a phenomenal speaker. He is clear on his position regarding all issues. McCain's main draw of interest has been being a POW, which has been run into the ground. Now, he's just an old man who is worse with a teleprompter than Bush.
McCain get less because he never gets any bad press!
How many ways can the Corrupt Corporate Media say WE LOVE JOHN MCCAIN, with sprinkles on top and little cream and a little sugar.!!!!
They covered Bush so much when he was campaigning in previous elections that it would just be unnecessary for the press to cover McCain! Duh!
Just look at the two men if you are between age of 18 to 65 what would you like to see an old prune or young grape on you TV?
The answer to your question Simple math: He is the 1st African American to be on the ticket PLUS all of his socialist leaning ideals and rhetoric PLUS his tendency to use the old tried-and-true blame the "rich" and "any company that is actually making money" class warfare tactics EQUALS a True Media Darling....regardless of the truly empty rhetoric and proposed economic and foreign policy changes that appear to have been developed by someone who has never taken a lesson from history.
It's the 90/10 rule that appies to all professions, 90% of the people doing a job are unqualified and/or haven't got a clue. Why should journalists be any different.
Easy Jack...Obama is something new an refreshing. McCain is more of the same as what we got now and everybody knows how that turns out!
Obama stands for a break from the politics that has polarized the country. You either love him or hate him, but his charisma and passion can't be overlooked. McCain used to be inspirational, but that was when he stood his ground against the GOP. Now he's their poster child and unfortunately won't give us anything exciting and new. Right or wrong, Obama does.
Oh my, where do I start? It's obvious media outlets (CNN included) is actively doing everything they can to get Obama elected. Between stories like the CNN Political Ticker proclaiming that the Messiah does not sweat, and is running for Mr. Universe, to the CNN story covering McCain's address to the NAACP headlined as: "McCain Praises Obama," it is obvious the media has an agenda other than reporting the news, ignoring stories like the $100,000 garden grant that disappeared, leaving a ghetto garden project virtually untouched. Obama's response was that he was not responsible for overseeing the project. An example of what we can expect with Obama as POTUS–broken promises, and "It wasn't my job..." If as a local politician, Obama cannot successfully oversee a garden project, how can we expect him to run the country in the most important position in the world?
Jack,
As an Obama supporter, I also ponder this discrepancy from time to time.
The McCain camp would like us all to forget that media coverage can be both favorable and unfavorable. I've noticed the media giving McCain passes in the form of favorable spin on several missteps by himself and his campaign. I think what he is really asking for is more favorable media coverage. At the end of the day, I think he should stop pushing his luck after the terrible stretch he had last week.
I suspect it wont ever be enough; either McCain will be getting too little overall coverage or too much negative coverage.
John
Chicago IL
The media intends to choose the next President and Obama is their choice. The whole history-in-the-making spin makes for good press/air time. I guess they never really recovered form Gore's failure. This time they intend to make history and can't take the chance that fair coverage will get the desired results. I have often wished the Founding Fathers had insisted on a fair press when they made it free!
The media coverage of Obama is over-the-top on all fronts. The barely mentions John McCain's gaffes to name a few – Social Security is a disagrace; oh we want to go to Afghanstan too BUT WE HAVE TRAVELED TO FACT FIND – what he's accusing Obama of doing; or let me use my Public Financing as collateral of another loan and oh I want to opt out of Public Financing – oh can't do because it's used against another loan – okay I'll take Public Financing. Very little coverage on that little McCain Public Financing episode BUT oh boy when Obama opted out it was 5 day story. Obama is the one we've been waiting for – including some independents and yes even some Republicans. The Republicans who secretly knows that Obama is a better candidate are too scared to jump ship. Thank God the American voters are smarter than the media these days and are finally opening their eyes to the TRUTH and not the spins.
Senator Obama gets much more coverage alright – much more ridiculous coverage!
Who is his pastor? Where is his flag pin? What did he write when he was in kindegarten? Why can't we make fun of him better?
The media is ridiculous – first you ignores all of John McCain's gaffes and flip flops while obsessing over Obama's every move, and THEN you try to pin that problem on Obama too.
I'll say this – the media has alot of nerve.
The answer is simple.... the press wants Obama to win. The press also gives approx. 0% coverage to Nader, Bob Barr and other third party candidates.
The press would rather cover Obama, McCain and their surrogates repeating the same cliched phrases from now to election day than give Nader, Barr and other candidates any air time.
Your real question should be as follows ...Why give Obama/McCain any coverage at all since we have already heard everything they have to say a thousand times ?
The media reports on what people are interested in because that's what sells. Obama is the new kid on the block and everyone wants to know more about him. Who is this guy who talks of hope, change, and equal opportunities for all Americans?
why doesn't McCain get more coverage of his daily gaffs????? whether it is confusing Sunni and Shieh, referrring to the country of Czechoslovakia in the present tense recently even though it has not been a country since the early 90s, or saying in speech on 7/16 that US brigades need to be brought into Afghanistan but then in press conference later in the day he referred to his speech saying that he recalls saying that additional NATO forces need to be brought into Afghanistan..... and there are MANY MORE such examples.... if Obama had committed any one of these gaffs – his candicay for president might very well be over because the press would grill him for it.... but McCain gets a virtual "PASS" .... why is that Mr. Cafferty?????
There is more coverage on Obama because he is all over the place on his stances. McCain hasn't really wavered too much from what he's stood for in the past, and when he has he's already explained why. But when someone like Obama is going back and forth about issues like Iraq month after month switching sides, it is something the media has decided needs to be seen. Either way it doesn't really have any effect on how people are going to view the race. It is almost completely dead even no matter what the poles say. Mass media is doing its job. Presenting the important news. Bravo.
He's the most charasmatic and exciting leader to come on the scene in years! He will be as loved and welcomed in foreign countries as Bill Clinton is. I think most of the people in other countries will want to work with him. Maybe we can restore our good name and image abroad after 8 dismal Bush disastrous years.
Because people unfairly associate McCain with the extreme right, old boys network that is entirely made up of rich old white men. People seem to ignore or just plain fail to accept the fact that McCain is by far the most moderate candidate. Also, a living piece of American history, a hero that would never do anything to hurt this country.
Since media is all about ratings, sales and advertising revenue, they are often forced to report what people want to hear about. And people want to hear about Obama, because he brings a message of change, and many people are inspired by his success so far. The only people who will vote McCain are the ones that believe in Bushes policies, which is not too many of us.
Jack,
The right-wingers say the media is liberal and treats Obama like a rock strar. Come on. The media is human like the rest of us. They are sick and tired of what Bush and the Republicans have done to this country the last 7 years. They are hopeful for a change and new direction. It is easy, just listen to McCain and to Obama. Who would like to report on.
I agree that Obama is much more interesting. He brings something very different from the candidates of the past and certainly much more interesting than John McCain. No offense to the Republicans, but if I was Republican I would be quite upset with McCain as a candidate, just off listening to his speeches. He's so dry and sounds like he's reading from a script. Obama's ideas and delivery sound much more exciting and fresh.
He is the Media's candidate.
As an independent voter, I truly believe there is generally a bias in the media against Republicans, especially if one descibes himself, like John McCain, as "older than dirt" Party bias among the media would make for an interesting poll I believe.
What kind of question is this? Do the American people not realize how left leaning the mainstream media has become? To a young man like myself, it's obvious who the media wants to win. They salivate and quiver whenever Obama speaks, yet he says nothing. I haven't heard anything of subtance about his views on anything. He has changed his mind in recent weeks so that he appeals more to the majority of Americans who are middle of the road. He has broken promises made to his own party and followers. He has become a politician and is no longer a "real" person. Answer this question, if he was old and not so good looking, would anyone have pushed for his nomination? I think not. To me, I would much rather have an old ugly guy who has been steadfast on every issue he supports, right or wrong. Handsome, with no substance or ugly with the right answers?
Because is media is dominated by the political left, and the majority of those in the media consider it a righteous duty to support their candidate. With all the feel good reporting on Obama, we haven't heard all the truth, nor have any serious questions been posed to him about his background and qualifications.
Isn't it obvious? He is black, he is running for president, and it looks like he may win...that simple. He is very fresh, new, and everyone is looking at him for change. I just hope he measures up to it considering he riped the carpet out from under my candidate. Obama has a lot to say, but that is just politics, so we'll just have to wait and see.
Wendy Jackson, MI
I think he does things that he know will get him coverage. He's constantly in the public campaign. In my opinion he's more interesting. McCain talks so slow that I find it hard to listen to him. I usually turn before he finishes. He also repeat the same things, most of which, I disagree with.
Obama is just like american idol not the politician. May be he has some corruption connection with the media.
Because the "drive by media" won't show McCain, and be fair and balanced!
McCain 2008
MAC IS BACK!!!
Because most of the media uses it's power to manipulate the people, rather than report facts. It's pretty obvious who they want in power next year. Shame on them!
Jack,
I don't know if Obama does get more coverage than Mac does, but if he does it's because he is younger and more handsome. Just kidding about that, but answer this for me; Why has the media given so much more attention to Obama's flip-flops on policy than it has for McCain's? Mac has had many more reversals on issues than has Obama, and they are much more substantive issues.
the reason Obama gets more coverage is the liberal media that rules the airways, newspapers, and all. The more liberal a candidate is, the more he/she is hyped. The citizens of today think that liberal is good while in truth, it is the pathway to destoying what America is all about, what our men/women have sacrificed so much for. WHy the hoopla about the most liberal person in Congress? Who knows, maybe being a black, Muslim, liberal person gets more that a conservative Christian?
It is because John McCain represents the past and is George Bush's twin in many ways. McCain will have great difficulty winning the election. Regardless of the lack of depth of Obama's campaign, he has people excited. People who never vote, never participate are involved. McCain is boring. He says the same old stuff he has said for years. I am retired militar and served twice in Vietnam. I respect John's service and suffering. He has been around too long and has been part of the problem that our country faces today. The problems are many. I don't know that Obama can change alot. It requires bi-partisan cooperation. I just know he is sincere in wanting to fix a broken government.