When it comes to the coverage of presidential campaigns, many criticize the press for focusing on the so-called 'horse-race,' as opposed to the important public policy issues at stake. Some of this criticism is justified; some of it is not justified. Yes, the major media covers who's up and who's down and often just repeats the story of the day pushed by individual campaigns. But it is up to candidates, activists, and independent groups to highlight issues that advance the public debate beyond the latest poll numbers, delegate counts, and Electoral College math. (Judicial Watch does not oppose or endorse candidates for public office.)
Our goal is not necessarily to bash the press, but to highlight issues that deserve more coverage from media during this election year.
For example, why is it that Hillary Clinton's past ethics record has been virtually ignored? She's been the subject of a grand jury investigation, and escaped indictment for perjury and obstruction of justice by the skin of her teeth. Yet, this is coyly referred to as 'baggage' by most of the media. Jerry Seper of The Washington Times recently uncovered some amazing documents that chronicle the concerns federal investigators had about her criminality, but if this new information appeared in other media outlets, I haven't seen it.
Nearly two years ago, Democrats rode the anti-corruption issue all the way to majority control of Congress. Yet, while indicted members of both parties continue to sit in Congress, corruption has faded as an important policy issue despite the questionable resumes of leading candidates for the presidency.
As I've already noted, the story of Hillary corruption is long and deep. But Barack Obama is being given a pass on corruption issues as well. I'm not talking about his racist life coach Jeremiah Wright. Tony Rezko, who is waiting as we speak for a jury verdict on corruption charges against him, is a longtime and close supporter of Obama. Rezko provided significant funding for Obama's initial political campaigns. Even after it became known that he was the subject of corruption investigations, Senator Obama entered into real estate dealings with him that even the Senator has described as 'boneheaded.' Hillary is never going to talk about Rezko, she has Whitewater. There's been little sustained interest by our media or political elites in Obama's evolving story on his connections to this thoroughly corrupt individual.
On a related issue, how many in the public know that the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the agency charged with policing our campaign finance system is shut down because Republicans and Democrats can't agree on whom to appoint to run it. In a presidential election year, the key agency charged with policing the campaign finance system is on life support and is unable to issue decisions or levy fines. Isn't this convenient for all the presidential candidates (and for all the candidates for federal office -- such as the entire House and one-third of the Senate)!
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