Posted on 04/24/2006 5:05:31 PM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
by Mark Finkelstein
April 24, 2006
Much as this column is quick to point out the prevalent liberal bias of the MSM, fairness compels us to acknowledge those occasions, rare as they might be, when the MSM plays it down the middle.
NBC's handling of the recent spike in gasoline prices could be shaping up to be one of those flying-pig moments of 'fair & balanced' coverage. At the very least, there are indications that the conventional wisdom within NBC News is that the Bush administration is not to blame for the high prices, and/or that there is little government can do to stem the price rise.
As noted here earlier today, Katie Couric and David Gregory both expressed skepticism on this morning's Today show as to the government's ability to do much in the circumstances. Gregory was back at it this evening, guest-hosting for Chris Matthews on 'Hardball.'
His guests were the liberal Dem Rep. Marty Meehan of Mass., and Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.
Gregory's intro set the skeptical tone: "What can politicians do to get price of gas down, if anything?"
Blackburn certainly got the better of the debate, in this observer's opinion, pressing for measures that would increase supply and force down prices, namely increased domestic exploration and easier permitting for refineries.
But when Blackburn flirted with populism/demagoguery in calling for investigations and legislation addressing 'price-gouging', Gregory surprisingly held her feet to the fire, asking whether she had "any evidence" that price gouging was occuring, and forcing an admission that, at least in the Volunteer State, there was no indication that price gouging is occuring.
Of course for liberal Dems, any occasion is a good excuse to raise taxes, and Meehan predictably proposed that "Congress ought to . . . tax this huge excessive windfall and get it back to the consumers where it ought to be." Funny how while government is great at taxing, it always seems to fall short on the 'get it back to the people' side of the equation. In any case, it's impossible to see how raising taxes on gasoline will lower the price of gasoline!
Gregory pursued his reality-based analysis with this tough question for Meehan:
"Let me ask you a political question here. Aren't both sides looking for cover here? Experts I've heard said there was plenty of complacency on the Democratic side as well when Democrats were in control and didn't see the prices ratcheting up to the degree they have been. Is there an attempt in Congress of political cover when there is nothing that can be done in the short term?"
Blackburn frankly acknowledged that "there are very few things you can do today or tomorrow that will get the gas pump price down today or tomorrow."
Rather than pointing the finger at the Bush administration, Gregory uncritically cited the president's explanation that the price spike is at least partially explained by a jump in demand by China and India.
Gregory reiterated the theme later in the segment: "Is this just an attempt at political cover when there are no practical solutions on the short term for Congress to pursue?"
As mentioned this morning, there's no reason to believe the trend will last, but let's give a hat tip to Gregory and NBC for, at least this time, not seeking to distort the issue for Dem advantage.
Hardball/NewsBusters ping to Today show list.
I passed by this show and I am uncomfortable with Gregory doing the show at the White House. Found this really weird.
I see your point, but can we turn around and complain when people make the identical comparisons with W?
-no reason to believe the trend will last-
HA, since when has it been a net lowering...up $.50, down $.30, and repeat yields a net gain
keep on driving your hummers though
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Pay for their own gas. Or drown. Both work for me. |
It's wrong to laugh, but I can't help myself ;-)
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Laugh. You'll feel better. I do. |
Speak of the devil...
Twice-a-day syndrome? ;-)
yupper!
It's a shame when we have to give a WH correspondent props for being unbiased and recognizing both sides of an issue.
Yes there is: Abolish or reduce GAS TAXES!
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