Main Stream Media Drops the Ball on Obama Rumors

Last night on CNN and MSNBC there were commentary segments about 'right wingers' spreading rumors and lies about Barack Obama. This is sloppy journalism. The source of the 'Michelle Tape' rumor, it well known, is Larry Johnson of No Quarter Blog an unabashed Clinton supporter. The emails that suggest Senator Obama is a muslim started before anyone voted in the primaries, making it highly unlikely that Republicans started that rumor either. While the commentators didn't suggest that the rumors are connected with the McCain campaign they do reference 'the far right'. However, if they listened to their own reporting they'd recognize that the 'far right' has not been particularly excited about Senator McCain as a candidate. Yet the media has concluded that 'the far right' is spreading rumors to help a candidate they aren't thrilled about.

Questions of patriotism stem mainly from a picture/video of Senator Obama not putting his hand over his heart during the national anthem. Obama's apparent refusal to wear an American flag lapel pin, and Michelle Obama making a statement that 'For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm really proud of my country'. Certainly, there is plenty of cause to question the fairness of these 'un-patriotic' claims, but blaming it on the right doesn't hold water.

An anonomous blogger can say just about anything without consequences, creating a rumor prone environment. Have right-wing bloggers spread rumors? Probably, but they are not alone, and they aren't the source of the previously mentioned rumors. If the MSM wants to hold onto any credibility they need to do their homework, and not just guess.