« The problem with polls... | Main | Interest and objectivity... »
October 29, 2004
: What about the issues?...
I'm having a difficult time getting worked up about the doctored image in a recent Bush campaign ad.
Campaign ads are not journalism. And they most certainly are not accurate representations of reality (no message is). Campaign ads--good ones, anyway--are propaganda, i.e. part of a systematic propagation of a doctrine, ideology, or idea of value to the campaign.
The problem isn't that the campaign manipulated an image; the problem is that some voters may view such propaganda uncritically and take it into account in making a political decision. I think it would be a good idea for citizens to consider all campaign ads entertainment.
In other news that I find difficult to get worked up about, a NASA photo analyst, Dr. Robert Nelson, says of bulgegate: "I am willing to stake my scientific reputation to the statement that Bush was wearing something under his jacket during the debate."
Posted by acline at October 29, 2004 9:36 AM | | Spotlight