Shortly after the shocking news about the John Edwards' scandal hit the fan - critics started pointing fingers at the mainstream media - accusing 'em of looking the other way.
In spite of the fact "The National Enquirer" managed to dredge up a few juicy kernels of evidence to merit a story (which they published many months ago) the big guns at the major dailies allege they struggled to drum up leads but came away empty-handed.
Curious, when you consider the John McCain fiasco.
If you recall - without much fodder to go on - a major daily accused McCain of being involved in a love tryst a few months ago. Later, the rumor turned out to be false.
Years ago - in spite of the fact reporters were well aware of President John Kennedy's womanizing - the media was inclined to play along.
In fact - when screen siren Marilyn Monroe appeared on stage and sang "Happy Birthday" to the President - there was a lot of winking back and forth.
Yeah, everyone knew the score.
But, that was a different era. As long as the President fulfilled his duties to the Nation, who cared?
Of course, today the media is more vicious. In fact, anything goes.
So, the issue is a mystery.
According to Sam Feist - CNN's political director - there just wasn't enough evidence available to give the "green light".
"In a story like this, these are significant allegations. I think it's entirely appropriate to wait...to wait to report a story until they have information that they're comfortable with reporting."
True.
But, the whole scenario makes a sensible person wonder a bit.
How is it that an underdog like the "National Enquirer" (a "Tabloid Trash" news outlet) appears to have a significant edge over the all-powerful competition in the news-gathering arena?
Maybe the dailies need to "hire on" some down 'n dirty investigative reporter-types who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done come he** or high water.
After all - the scandal is not only an embarrassment to Mr. Edwards and his family - but to the media as well.
The Democratic hopeful managed to hoodwink the entire legitimate press.
We've all heard how slick politicians are.
In retrospect, it's evident now. John Edwards was mighty good!
Ben Okri once said,
"The magician and the politician have much in common: they both have to draw our attention away from what they are really doing."
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