Tea Leaves Redux

So another possible reason that the media is so thoroughly fact-checking the McCain-Palin claims is that they're mad at the campaign. As we all know, Governor Palin has been kept virtually isolated from the media since her selection as Senator McCain's running mate. It appears the media has finally had enough of this and showed their displeasure at the UN today. The campaign managers were restricting access to the photo-op events and CNN threatened to boycott the event, taking away the only television coverage.

So, should the media be upset? I think so, and I think we all should be upset. America at large was introduced to Governor Palin with only 60 days to decide on her capabilities and qualities. We've known Senator McCain and Senator Biden for years. We've seen Senator Obama being grilled by his opponents for eighteen months straight. But we have no way to gauge Governor Palin. She may be great. She may be incredibly gifted. But, We The People have the right to decide that for ourselves by watching her in the public spotlight. If she were truly competent, one would think she would be making appearance after appearance. The McCain-Palin campaign would be shoving her ability down our throats. The argument that the media might be unfair to her is not valid - a real (self-professed) bulldog would tear apart any interviewer who stepped out of line. Since they are choosing to hide her and protect her at every turn, it is hard to conclude that she is the competent woman they wish us to see. It is even harder to conclude that she should get our votes in any substantial way.