Deep Concerns about the Media Should Romney Win

Being superstitious about such things, I am not predicting a Romney victory. As we have seen in the last couple of weeks, nothing is beyond Obama and his team when it comes to winning this election. Therefore, this is merely a ‘what if’ exercise in speculation.

First, a quick review of what we’re seeing prior to the election. The mainstream media’s templates are firming up, and they’re no surprise: ‘it’s Bush’s fault;’ ‘those against Obama are racists;’ ‘the GOP has blocked the president’s initiatives;’ ‘the Romney campaign is outspending Obama’s;’ ‘Europe is the cause of the economic problems;’ ‘ Romney is an insensitive, rich, white elitist;’ ‘Romney is a Mormon;’ ‘Obama needs more time;’ and, ‘Romney’s policies will hurt the common man.’

And, of course, the more extremist leftist bloggers and MSNBC conjure up even more outrageous, baseless and ugly attacks.

With over four months remaining until the election it’s difficult to imagine how the MSM’s bias and attacks could intensify, but I’m sure they’ll come up with something. Therefore, by Election Day, the progressive voter base will be whipped into a frenzy. Then, as now, the frenzy more emotional than based in policy differences.

If the election is close (or maybe if it’s not), the MSM will trot out their tried and true disenfranchisement/voter suppression narrative. And, between the election and inauguration, the MSM will undoubtedly wax eloquent on the Obama years…lamenting the lost opportunity for our nation to grow beyond its racist past, the tragedy of circumstances beyond Obama’s control and the noxious impact of the massive conservative money machine.

The 2012 campaign features a clash of diametrically opposite governing philosophies and an accompanying voter polarization not seen in recent American politics. Will the election’s outcome diminish the hostility? What direction will the MSM take after the inauguration of a Republican president?

Historically, the hyperbole of the campaign faded rather quickly. With a new president, the hostile press has new and more entertaining targets to attack…legislation, policy changes. But, will that be the case in 2013?

Therein is the source of my concern. I fear the MSM will not accept a Romney victory and will offer coverage that will be a combination of its pre-election mantra and its vicious attacks of George Bush in the last years of his presidency. In short, the MSM’s collective ego will not be capable of accepting that the candidate they essentially created in 2008 and to whom they shamelessly provided cover…lost.

If my fears are proven correct, what are the implications? No one expects fair coverage of a Romney administration; that comes with the territory. But, what about the impact on the country? The scenario described in the previous paragraph, at best, will lead to continued polarization, and the hostile environment of the campaign lingers.

But, more troubling, what would be the cumulative impact on our nation of more months and years of class warfare rhetoric and divisive media coverage? How long would it take for before one group of Americans becomes convinced it is threatened by another group of Americans?

I believe all well-intentioned Americans should pray the MSM grasp the implications of irresponsible and potentially inciting language.

Author, “Powers Not Delegated”…a conservative political thriller

…What Could Have Been and Might Still Be

Available November 2012