The optimism in many comments above is refreshing, but in my dark moments, I see a frightening scenario unfolding. Kerry wins, Al Qaida jumps for joy and pumps nerve gas into America's subways. And to add despair to tragedy, I see the media drowning the public in editorials that blame Bush, Republicans in Congress and the GOP in general for every disastorous failure of a Kerry presidency, and the American people silently nodding in agreement. Please let me be wrong.
"Please let me be wrong."
Sadly, and sickeningly, you are not wrong.
There is a real difference between the Vietnam era media and the current situation. In 1970, there was no way for like minded conservatives to communicate and 'keep the faith'. The major TV networks only had to compete with newspapers, and for emotional kick, it was no competition at all.
Today, there are a host of media options. FreeRepublic was not even on the radar screen in 1970.
The Vietnam war MADE the careers of many celebrity reporters. The formula is simple and easy to duplicate. As long as it sells enough advertising spots, it will be replayed over and over, again.
That doesn't mean it wins elections, though. What matters is getting out the vote. There is a difference between gluing people to the TV so they will watch a diaper commercial and motivating people to get out of their house and vote.