Mainstream media, sensing a challenge from the new media, are increasingly ringing an alarm bell over its alleged unreliability. Despite Newsweek reporter Evan Thomas' assumption that most media backed Kerry, and that the bias could translate into anywhere from 5-20 million votes, Bush won anyway. One study found media stories favoring Kerry by two-to-one. When the Swift Boat vets with their powerful anti-Kerry message came along, they were for the most part snubbed or dismissed by mainstream media.