Today, The House will vote on President Barack Obama’s $825 Million economic stimulus plan. This vote could be the single most important legislative proceeding in our time. The plan, which faces GOP opposition on philosophical grounds, could usher in a new role of government in American society.
I don’t believe any of that, but see how important I made it sound? In fact, as all the coverage I’ve seen and heard suggests, this is a pretty surefire “win” for Obama in the House. On the other hand, GOP representatives are saying this is really Nancy Pelosi’s proposal since it was largely formed before Obama took office. The point here is a little game of authoritative voice in the media. I actually don’t really know what I am talking about, especially with respect to this measure’s place in history, but I said it would be big with confidence. How much of the news we get is swayed in this way? Perhaps Chris Wallace or Brian Williams say something like this and most viewers don’t bat an eye (except that many bat their eyes flirtatiously at Brian Williams, whose rugged good looks and charm are enough to turn even the staunchest media critic to jelly).
Perhaps most significant is the role of the out-of-mainstream media, weather blogs or your coworker at the water cooler (though she or he is not really “media” if the message is delivered one on one), in this. I think we’re seeing rhetoric escalate as the common blogger seeks recognition by adding opinion (if not insight) to information. Less critical audiences, then, take it as information and, in the spirit of the blogosphere, chew on it – they pass around elevated rhetoric, essentially raising the bar of what is thought of as normal, unbiased reporting.
It is also significant to consider that there are at least two prominent sides, both with their elevated bars, but elevated in opposing directions. For an example of this looks like, check out my two go-to opposing blogs: Red State and The Huffington Post.
Here, also is an AP story on the vote:
P.S. Is it just me, or did the Boehner statement seem like one of those clips you see in a movie? The lighting was too good, the sound bite was too generic (“in the coming days,” “small businesses, and our overall economy”), and – frankly – he looks like a movie senator (I know, he’s not a senator; he’s a representative).
