ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 11, 1996 TAG: 9608130045
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: THOMAS L. DEBUSK
ABC AND CNN called the other day. CBS called July 16. NBC and the Associated Press called in June. I expected MTV.
For most of my life, they've ignored me. Now, suddenly, they all want my opinion. On national issues. Like immigration. The death penalty. The federal budget deficit. Affirmative action. They want to know how much money I make. My religious affiliation. My educational background. They were awfully curious for strangers.
Why did they call me? Evidently it's because I'll be a delegate to the Republican National Convention this week. First time. I'm looking forward to it. Front-row seats almost always provide a view vastly superior to televised or printed versions of major sporting events.
Considering the questions these people asked, this one should be no different.
NBC asked what Bill's greatest asset is. I was offered a list that included items like his stand on the issues, his support for a minimum-wage increase, and his opponent's weakness. I chose ``none of the above.''
CNN's list included the right answer: media bias. President Clinton's greatest asset isn't anything he's done. It's a complicit media that goes to bat for him, fails to ask him hard questions, papers over his conflicting positions, pumps him up when he stumbles.
When Clinton shows up at the Olympics, the camera lovingly lingers on him for hours. The cameras zoom in on Bob Dole only when he drools down his chin. Talking heads use such opportunities as backgrounds while analyzing how detrimental Dole's latest gaffe will be to the future of Social Security, Medicare and our children.
My questioner from the Associated Press told me he doesn't know anybody in the media who is biased. Based in Richmond, he apparently doesn't know anybody far away in Washington, D.C., where 89 percent of the local press corps voted for Bill.
But while my interrogators asked about Clinton, Dole and a few issues, that really wasn't the burning question on their collective minds. What they really wanted to know is exactly to what degree I'm a wild-eyed, power-hungry, right-wing religious nut.
They weren't nearly as subtle with their phrasing as I am. ABC, NBC and CBS asked straight out if I'm a member of the religious right. NBC and CBS didn't just ask if I'm a Christian; they asked if I'm a born-again Christian.
For people who usually go to bat to promote the separation of church and state, they sure were nosy about my religious background. ABC asked what religion I was raised in. CNN asked how often I attend church or synagogue. CBS asked if I watched the "700 Club" or listened to "Focus on the Family." And Rush Limbaugh.
CBS asked my opinion of Pat Robertson and Ralph Reed. CBS, CNN and NBC wanted to know if I am a member of the Christian Coalition. Obviously they want to demonstrate how diligently I've informed myself about important issues. Yeah, right.
Attacking poll results is a little bit like exposing card tricks. Even though you know there's sleight-of-hand involved, it's usually unwise to point it out unless you know exactly how it's done. I can't be sure media moguls will abuse what I told them. But now I know at least a couple of ways they could.
Four pollsters asked about 45 questions apiece. But you probably won't see more than two or three questions referred to in any single article or report. Media gatekeepers can just select the responses that most strongly support their agenda and leave the rest on the cutting-room floor.
Reporters don't have to use the actual wording of survey questions. Consider what could be done with one I was asked: ``Do you think both political parties are out of touch with the American people?'' If, say, the results were 25 percent affirmative, then they could be accurately and deceptively reported as follows: One of every four delegates to the Republican National Convention believe the Republican Party is out of touch with the American people.
But ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and the Associated Press could prove me wrong. They could provide generous amounts of coverage, minimize their own editorializing, and accurately reflect the issues and views delegates and candidates discuss at the convention. I dare them. But I'm not holding my breath.
But even if they don't, I'm still expecting a great show, because I'll be taking my version straight up. Dole could very well choose a liberal running mate, possibly sparking a historic ouster - his own - and prompting delegates to finger an as-yet unannounced presidential candidate. That would certainly not be dull. it might even be good for the country.
Thomas L. DeBusk of Blacksburg is an employee in the University Relations Office at Virginia Tech and a vice chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party.
LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: CATHERINE KANNER/Los Angeles Timesby CNB