This post isn't about politics. It's about being able to trust what you read in the main stream media.
ABC News is regarded as a very respectable news agency. I want you to read the story below. See what kind of picture it gives you. Fortunately, CSPAN was there taping the event that was reported on. To save time, just start watching the video at the 25:40 mark.
CSPAN filmed the whole event. They don't do editing so you can see the whole scene from start to finish.
Did this ABC reporter attend the same event? Think about this next time you read the news or watch it on TV.
ABC report: Ron Paul Attacked for Views on Health Care.
Ron Paul’s views on health care came under fire tonight at a campaign stop in New Hampshire, where his position on eliminating Medicaid was met with open hostility from the audience.
Paul has called for the eventual elimination of Medicare and Medicaid and has suggested that charity hospitals should pick up the slack for the uninsured. That view got one woman in Manchester up in arms.
“Thirty three percent of the children in the U.S. are on Medicaid and another 10 percent are uninsured,” the woman said. “You have offered charity by doctors as a solution to this. Do you really think that 43 percent of America’s children will be taken care of by charity?”
Paul said that his current budget preserves the program, but it would eventually be phased out because of the unsustainable cost. Paul added that when he worked in a charity hospital in the 1960s nobody was turned away.
“I really want to promote these medical savings accounts so people can put their money aside and get it off their taxes, and buy their own insurance and pay cash to their doctors,” Paul said.
As the congressman was finishing his answer, another woman in the audience shouted, “What about the 43 percent?”
Paul, seemingly taken off guard, shot back, “You mean when? Right now?”
“I described this transition,” Paul responded over the voice of the woman.
“Why not look at how the country looked before 1965. Maybe it wouldn’t cost so much,” Paul said.
Paul’s voice then picked up as he stared at the woman and acknowledged that his own plans may seem “cold hearted,” but he is ultimately trying to save the country from financial ruin.
Now watch the CSPAN video . You can start at the 25:40 mark. Does the reporting reflect what really happened? How do they distort other events?
I gave up believing anything I see on the news a long time ago. Especially when it comes to politics and opinions. They broadcast what they want us to see and what the sponsors want us to see, not what really happens. That's why social media has come to the forefront for news reporting - there are many more eyes out there on the street and you're more likely to get to the truth.
Why? Paul will not be the GOP nominee and can't run as a 3rd party. Media beating up on GOP candidates is not new
I just watched the video, and you're correct... it's a complete misrepresentation of the facts and the tenor of the meeting. It wasn't met with open hostility, in fact he was met with applause.
Full disclosure: I am not a Ron Paul fan or supporter.
Georgia, It isn't anything new. I've see it all of the time. But I like to document these blantant distortions because many people dismiss these charges as conspiracy nuts and they just don't believe this stuff goes on that much. If I can document this one, how many others go undetected.
Wallace, Media beating up on a candidate is not a big deal. But media lying and distorting an event is just wrong. My question is, why do they have to distort like this? What is their motivation? If you are writing a story about an event that took place, you really need to report what took place. That reporter should be ashamed of himself.
Alan, Thanks for taking the time to watch and verify the misrepresentation. I am a Ron Paul supporter and this is the time when I see a lot of distortions because I follow him so closely. It's really laughable. Yesterday, two legitimate main stream polls put Ron Paul in first place in Iowa. I was so excited waiting to see the news reports about a new front runner in Iowa. Instead, the story was that Gingrich is losing steam and has fallen behind Romney. After last Thursday's debate the common theme was that Ron Paul just killed any chance he had because of his stance on not wanting to charge ahead with another war with Iran. So moving up into first place after he was considered dead should be a huge story. It's amazing how these things stick out when you follow something closely.
Hi Tim. Ron Paul won the GOP straw in my county, Pasco County yet even in their coverage they are less than forthcoming http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2011/dec/14/4/ron-paul-tops-in-gop-straw-poll-in-pasco-ar-334533/
The mainstream media not only misrepresents the truth. They also try to discredit some people because it does not align with their agenda of profit. I know this as a Hawaiian. They lie about Hawaiian Nationals but I digress. It's refreshing to read when people expose these misrepresentations of the truth.
Lana, In a way, these distortions actually strengthen support for a candidate. No one likes to be lied to. No one cares to see lies about anyone. When they do, they go out of their way to counter it. I think that's a big part of why Paul supporters are so strong in their support. He might even pick up some votes from people sitting on the fence who see a way to retaliate against the lying establishment. So in a weird way, I'm actually grateful for all of the distortions that are put out there.
What ever happened to 'fair and balanced', oh wait, that's "Fox". Eh, either way, no, I don't trust the media anymore. Actually now that I think about it, I don't think I ever have. This little 'no spin' reporting just valids why.
Tim - I watched the video as you suggested, and it is just stunning. Can I even call it misrepresentation? It is simply a lie.
Whoever wrote this report for ABC is deaf, blind and biased.
Iran, It's a shame that one can't trust what's reported. That's why I trust youtube videos much more than what I see on the national news.
Jon, Does it bring back memories of Pravda?
In this short video they actually just come out and say that this is a Romney vs. Gingrich match up all the way to the convention and if Ron Paul happens to mess up that story line with a win in Iowa, no problem, they "will just take it out".
http://youtu.be/VgXKFGdf03c
Isn't it wonderful to have an unbiased press?