Keller @ Large: Shame On Media For Hiring Partisan Political Operatives
BOSTON (CBS) - I don't know who originated the concept of having partisan political operatives as paid "analysts" of campaign news, but we'd be better off if they hadn't.
You know who I mean.
Tune in to cable news at any time of day and you're likely to be treated to a cascade of pre-scripted talking points from campaign surrogates, the exact same talking points the candidate is spouting.
This amounts to an in-kind contribution to the campaigns in question, a free opportunity to get their spin out with no real news or analytical value to the viewer. And with the rare exception, what they provide is completely worthless to consumers hoping for some actual insight.
And now, a new low has been reached with the news that fired Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has been hired by CNN to provide analysis of the presidential race.
Think you're ever going to get anything more than canned Trump campaign boosterism from Lewandowski?
Even if he wanted to, he couldn't offer any – all Trump employees are apparently required to sign non-disparagement agreements that leave them liable to lawsuit if they ever say anything critical about the boss or his business, even after leaving his employ.
You may not like my analysis, or that of the many other unaffiliated commentators on the air. But at least you're getting honest opinion, not water-carrying for a candidate or party agenda.
There are plenty of actual journalists available to comment.
Shame on the media for turning precious airtime over to a bunch of shills.
Listen to Jon's commentary:
