Quote: "I think you are all missing the point. I think in their heart of hearts (if they had one) the left knew these charges were bogus and Karl Rove would not be indicted. It'd be a bonus for them - but they knew it wasn't likely.
This is the nature of the "Drive-By-Media". It is not the facts of the case, its the seriousness of the charges. They got their drive-by hit, and just like Haditha, it unravels and they move on. I was speaking to a UK businessman here in the US on business and he was unaware that the whole Bush-National Guard story had been completely debunked. All he remembered was that there was a controversy about it.
All these "scandals" produce exactly what the MSM want, a quick hit. By the time the story is proved to be baseless the damage has been done."
A good point. But, it is a different day. The MSM does not have a monopoly anymore. Instead, they must contend with a new media (internet, FOX, Talk Radio, etc.) Ironically, the new media is actually fueled by the MSM's drive by hits. To be sure, each drive by story has an effect on the people who hear it and creates the effect the MSM wants. But, as each one is debunked by the New Media there are fewer and fewer targets for the next drive by, i.e. people who actually trust what the NY Times and AP and CNN, etc. are telling them. In short, the MSM's credibility erodes. It is not going to happen overnight, but the evidence suggests that the rate of erosion is increasing. Look at CNN's viewership or the Time's circulation. Why else would the dems be so desparate to bring the fairness standard back?
I agree with your points, the MSM is losing its effectiveness as they lose their grip on the public discourse. However, this is how they will continue to operate. My point was - they don't care that Rove isn't incicted (they'd love it if he was), but they have achieved their objective, a drive-by-hit months ago with the bogus charges.
It has nothing to do with the facts or the ultimate outcome, its the seriousness of the charges. Once the facts come out, as they always do, the damage has been done.
But the damage to their credibility keeps adding up. Shoot, I would believe the 70's issues of Pravda before I'd believe anything from the current MSM.