Power of the Media and the Election Process

It has been established for some time that the media has ever-increasingly been a key element in candidates winning in elections. With the help of too many naïve voters who either are not aware of other sources to research on candidates, or just ignore facts and allowing their emotions and delusional 'opinion' to be used by the media.

Since the inception of socialism and Marxism, there have been several tools used that have been successful in putting the populace in line with a government's agenda (those operating a government). Media control is important, along with control of the educational system to ensure that future adult citizens fall in to that agenda. Media is supposed to be the tool of the people, ('eyes and ears' of the People) but even here in the United States that is no longer true and the alternative is becoming more rare. The media, those CEOs who officiate those media corporations, have tailored their information to coincide their agenda and the political factions they support. This is dangerous and detrimental to an uncorrupted voting system.

Stanley Kelley, Jr. wrote an essay concerning this phenomena, which states:

First, the media transmit campaign propaganda to large numbers of people. … Second, the media transmits propaganda selectively. … Third, the media transmit propaganda in certain conventional formats. … Fourth, the media present campaign propaganda in the context of materials they themselves originate: their opinions about who ought to win; discussions of public policy issues; reports on campaign organization and methods; personality sketches of the candidates; lecturettes on the duties of voters and rules of fair play for candidates; observations on who seems to be winning and why.

Part of the ploy of the media is to focus upon a candidate they have decided should win and takes it farther to ensure that the public becomes more aware of that particular candidate over another candidate(s).

The media is aware of how critical primary elections are. Primaries were designed to pick the best out of a larger number of candidates and then narrow it down to nomination of one candidate to represent that political party. Both Republicans and Democrats have been concerted when it comes to shunning independent candidates and third party candidates. The media plays along with this tradition by not providing equal coverage of those candidates, unless the report is negative in nature.

The 2016 primary election is a good example of how powerful the media has become, ironically with the help of voters who have become dependent upon media information alone instead of doing their own research.

I have, since about year 1999, been an advocate of not being loyal to any political organization to the point of ignoring certain members' unethical or illegal actions. The dire straits that we are seeing now in our government system was caused by both traditional political parties, with the Democrat Party coming out on top when it comes to overall corruption. With the people's blessing, the media has gained power, the executive branch (President) has gained more power, while the legislative and judiciary branches have become increasingly inept.

Another factor that has influence upon elections is the Internet, specifically social media like Facebook and Twitter. The Internet is like a two-edged sword, it can cut both ways. One of the reasons why media has become so powerful in deciding who gets elected is that too many voters depend solely upon it.

Another source for voters to rely upon is paying attention to political debates, but like opinion polls meant to be a source of public opinion. Political debates can be monotonous to watch, but they are important because candidates are afforded the opportunity to profess their proposed policies if elected, or in the case of primaries, nominated. Opinion polls are not really accurate in the sense that only a small percentage of the population is polled. The best poll would be a national poll where at least 95% of the population participates. The other factor of polls, just as debates, is what questions are asked by the 'mediator' and how they are presented. I am sure you have noticed that this can also be manipulated by a bias 'mediator'.

In the 2016 primary election you may have noticed those manipulations were put into play. I present to you an 'after-action report' …

• The media used their power to pinpoint, negatively or positively, towards what candidate they wanted to win.
• The first debate showed that Trump was unable, refused, another debate because he did not like the question presented by Megyn Kelly. Her question (Trump's alleged disrespect toward female gender) was legitimate, however, and to be fair, it was inappropriate because the mediator and candidates should have focused upon presenting policies that they think will improve and/or reform present government policies and action/inaction.
• The GOP had a vendetta against both Cruz and Trump. Senator Cruz has a record of advocating the return of the 'rule of law', specifically the Constitution of the United States. In so doing, he has shown no bias between Democrats and Republicans when seeking out corruption and unconstitutional practices. Indeed, he publicly called a fellow Republican a “liar” (justified) on the Senate floor. He has also stood up against the political influence of the US Supreme Court on several occasions. Plainly, his political record matched what he was advocating in his debates and interviews concerning his bid for GOP nomination. Trump also represented the rebellion against the GOP elite who stubbornly retain their “good old boy” mentality and RINOs who go against what the Republican political platform is all about. That platform represents a promise, a sworn bond, between their constituents and the party. Generally, they have not fulfilled those planks in their political platform. In essence, Senator Cruz and Mr. Trump were vying for the same principals and policies towards the problems of immigration, securing our southern border, and other issues. But they were opposing candidates and could not be allies. When Senator Cruz appeared to be coming close to votes and delegates won by Trump, with a reasonable possibility of winning, the Trump camp turned to tabloid smearing – something that traditionally is a Democrat tool. The media picked up on it, and as can be seen through most of the primary campaign, they put down Trump, but focused upon eliminating Senator Cruz. The latter had more credibility and used reason instead of insults against his opponent. The media helped to establish the false claim that the Cruz camp was behind the release of scantily dressed photo of Melania Trump. It was not and later the fact came out that it was an independent Internet troll who used it on social media to shame Trump. Mr. Trump took the bait and then proceeded to use tabloid smear techniques against Heidi Cruz, Senator Cruz and Mr. Cruz senior – all of which was clearly false and/or based upon presumption factors.

The 2016 primary election should have been a hallmark for voters to get smart and change their ways of seeking information to help decide who to vote for, but it wasn't. Too many used the same failed parameters in making their decision, allowing their emotions to override logic. They ignored the things that made Senator Cruz a successful politician and viable candidate for President, one being character and the other main thing his actions, past and present, matched his campaign rhetoric. The voters did just what the media had manipulated to happen, and once again they chose the populist over the constitutionalist.

I understand that the Internet is a vast source of information and it is a bit time consuming in searching for credible and reliable resources for that information. I also realize that there is bias elements of the Internet, one of them being the Google search system. It is why I primarily use Bing as a searching tool.

Another thing that voters should do during the time they are making a decision as to who to vote for is make a checklist that helps to eliminate candidates and narrow it down to one. My checklist showed that Trump and Cruz were the final candidates. Senator Cruz came out on top because of two major factors: Senator Cruz has a political record and experience and the other was mistakes made by Trump whose personality allowed him to make things personal and not professional. Trump also had no record or experience in politics, which made it difficult to compare. However, Trump's tantrums and petty vendettas provided negative points that put Senator Cruz in the lead.

Because too many voters in the primary elections didn't do their homework, based their decision upon emotion and entertaining capabilities of Trump, Senator Cruz saw the loss and dropped out to focus upon his job as a senator. I would like to note that he maintained as much focus as much as possible upon congressional affairs his constituents depended upon. When he bowed out he continued his fight against what he calls the “Washington Cartel”, reformation of government policies, repeal of Obamacare, and other important issues concerning immigration/invasion issues, national security, and ethics of Congress. All these things have been ignored by the fans of Donald Trump.

Now, once again, voters like myself who insists upon objective research and putting facts and logic before emotion and popularity, is forced to choose someone who should not have won the GOP nomination. I do not regard Mr. Trump has inherently 'evil', but I do regard Hillary Clinton has one of the most evil/corrupt persons in our government's history. I feel he is sincere in wanting to get America back on track, but it makes me nervous that he has rarely invoked what should be the foundation of all legislation, regulations, and policies: the Constitution of the United States. His egotism is another concern. We already have a narcissist in office and look where that took us. Trump's best bet is to keep his resolve in 2017 and remember what he promised his constituents – and all Americans. He made a mistake with his pettiness toward Senator Cruz, worsening it by not apologizing and sealing the wounds created with his personal vendetta against Cruz. He is going to need every ethical ally he can get in Congress if he intends to succeed in his endeavor to make “America Great Again”. He needs constitutionalists in his cabinet and advisory staff and who are savvy in the ridiculous political games in Washington. He can turn that against those who are not intent upon succeeding in true reformation. This election year does not just concern election of a president, but also members in Congress, specifically the Senate who votes on justices nominated by the president. And advice to fellow Americans: don't expect that the myriad of problems and issues can be resolved in just four years. Creating a fiasco takes less time that it takes to fix it, which is why 'preventive maintenance' should be a key element in the legislative and executive branch of government. Legislation should first be considered for its constitutionality and researched for the short- and long-term impact it would have. Will legislation fix a problem or create a new one? Too often bills are rushed through without proper research and scrutiny because too many members of Congress are concerned about quantity of bills passed instead of quality. The era of “pass the bill and see how it works” [Pelosi philosophy] needs to end yesterday. So voters, use resources and logic when you choose congressional members for election or re-election this November.

The following is a brief listing of sources that voters can use as tools as they use their election checklist system in order to vote responsibly. The US Constitution and its preservation should be the base of all decisions, whether by voters or those they elect.

• Candidates Website … Of course, this is going to be an obvious bias source, but you can use what is presented and cross reference for viability.
• Major Media … While I can get some accurate information and analysis at FOX, there sometimes is an element of bias presented, especially in the last five years. It generally has to do with management. Voters can keep track with the mainstream media, but must cross check what they present. If a candidate is shunned by a media source, be suspicious and seek to find out why. It is interesting that CNN, one of the most bias and manipulative of media entities, has the most “reliable sources” in a search. This is where media monopoly of the Internet comes into play.
• PolitiFact … This source was created by Tampa Bay Times, but it is owned and maintained by independent, non-partisan organizers. They have a Facebook page.
• FactCheck … while this source is primarily honest in its attempt to reduce deception in US politics, it has intertwined articles that are opinionated.
• Federal Election Commission … While this is a US government site, it monitors all election finances. This is an important element when putting together a candidate checklist. It will help weed out unethical candidates.
• The Message Machine … Use for general information only and caution. I say this because it is sponsored by the NPR [National Public Radio] which has proven to be not always factual.
• Project Vote Smart … A source of facts on candidates that includes biographies, voting records, speeches and public comments. It has won awards, but I usually use the next entry.
• On The Issues … I have recommended this site to people for some time on Facebook, trying to get voters to establish a system where they can better determine what candidate will perform the tasks required in operating OUR government. It is tabbed like a paper file system that includes issues, candidates, recent information, archive, and information about the Senate and House. It also has quizzes and a section for FAQ's. It is an alternate or addition to Project Vote Smart.

Ignore media sources like National Enquirer. It amazes me how they have stayed in business after so many lawsuits for libel and other infamous actions. That is where the false story about Senator Cruz and his alleged “mistresses”. It is also where the false implication originated regarding Ted Cruz' father. Despicable.
Social media like Facebook can help, but often people post things without checking for facts and it tends to be a popularity contest instead of a reliable source of information. It can, however, be a way to pass on reputable information that one has discovered about a particular candidate and a means to dispel the tabloid smear syndrome. I use it for such purposes, along with humor and points of interest while communicating with family and friends. It's definitely multi-purpose.

Other sources that will help should be something every citizen should be familiar with: the Constitution and its Amendments. It will not provide information about candidates, but it will help to know what it is all about – not by those who “interpret” it. I would also include the Federalist Papers. Congress has provided those two sources free to read on the Internet (looking at certain congressional records one wonders if members have read it themselves). I have both in hardbound in my personal library, but access on Internet is just as well.

Another source of information about Constitution and our government would be the Papers of Thomas Jefferson. It consists of documents and letters of a Founder and the third President of the United States. There are 70,000 entries to and from Mr. Jefferson. It is available in hard print or digital facsimile. Of course other Founders are a good read as well like Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and James Monroe – but Jefferson was the most prolific in writing of the Founders. It was because he communicated best in writing rather than oratory discussion.

Remember: It is not just our duty as citizens to be responsible voters, but imperative. Government has become so bureaucratic because We the People allowed it to be so, for various reasons. Politicians know that too many people don't take the time to research thoroughly and know what sources they use to make their determination (media also). They use this as a tool for influence. Since the days of the Great Depression, citizens have fallen for the “chicken in every pot” rhetoric and “better living with more government” mantra. And because we allowed the feds, sociocrats controlling the national and state governments, to control the educational system the Marxist process of indoctrination of a nation's youth – we have allowed issues and problems reach to what it is today.

Charity, for example, belongs in the private sector which citizens can decide if they want to fund it or not. Local churches often help the needy, but community-minded folks need to get involved rather than the government. I am not talking about the welfare program that helps people help themselves out of an economic crisis because of loss of employment, I am talking about how those that operate our government have created generations of dependent citizens who demand they be supported by others who are self-sufficient and in the work force.

As those we elect, voters should have the Constitution in the foremost of their minds when deciding between candidates. Choosing carefully makes sense because those we elect have an impact upon our lives that can turn sour.

I understand that voters have become frustrated and lost faith in the system, but the system won't change if we have an apathetic attitude towards politics (workings of our government). I also understand that it is time consuming to perform good research and choose by process of elimination (not be who media tells you is going to win), but you should be as careful about choosing a candidate as you would in buying a home or purchasing a used car.

It will help to have constitutionalists in Washington DC, but the foundation of it all is relying upon We the People. We need to reeducate ourselves and use proper research techniques in order to make responsible decisions. I am sure that we can take the time required every four years. Do not fall into the mental trap that politics is too boring or confrontational. Popularity is a fleeting and misleading reason for electing someone who is going to have impact upon your life and the future of your children and our nation.

  Be distrustful of anyone who does not want valid identification of voters at the polls. It is not racist nor unfair. Voter ID is no different than government and financial institutions demanding identification. There is no excuse because even if you do not drive a vehicle, your state will issue you are photo ID for identification purposes only for a minimal cost. Politicians who fight it have an ulterior motive.