Talk Show Campaigning

While the news media lament the presidential candidates’ appearances on the so-called “soft” interview shows, they fail to note that they themselves are by and large responsible for this trend. Why will a Ross Perot or a Bill Clinton subject himself to humiliation after humiliation as dogged reporters ask the same question over and over and attack the same topic with monotonous repetition? The exodus to the talk shows is not because the candidates want to avoid discussion of their platforms, it’s because they want to be heard and questioned by Americans who want real answers to their concerns, not to be terrorized by minor league reporters who are covering their first campaign and trying to ingratiate themselves with their editors.

Quality reporters’ resumes should consist of news clips or videos of their best work, not how many times they made Bush or Clinton or Perot lose their tempers.

JOE WALKER

Los Angeles