Nov 05 2008
What Do You Think?
For years to come, we will all remember where we were last night, when Senator Barack Obama was declared President-elect of the United States of America. We will all remember the excitement, the pride and the joy that millions of Americans felt when they elected Barack Obama to the White House, not just because he is the first black man ever to serve as President, but also because of his promises for change and for hope for our country. Last night, we also saw journalists express that excitement, that pride and that joy. ABC’s Robin Roberts on the verge of tears in Grant Park in Chicago talking about what this means to her and her family. ABC Reporter Steve Osunsami also on the verge of crying at Morehouse College when he talked about the same thing, visibly proud and ecstatic that Obama claimed the victory. Click here to watch.
So this morning, my question is this: did they cross the line? Should they, as journalists, have remained more neutral? While millions across the country celebrated in Obama’s victory, millions of others dwelled in disappointment. The media was so careful (depending on who you ask) to remain non-bias, to remain fair… but that was not the case last night. Perhaps, because Obama had been declared Preisdent-elect. Perhaps because the race was over. Perhaps that’s why they chose to show their excitement. However, I think of a disappointed Republican watching a pumped up Steve Osunsami jump for joy on their television. It might make one wonder how neutral his coverage was before Obama was elected.
Now, there is obviously a deeper issue this morning. Both journalists I speak of are black. Because I am not, because I did not live through the civil rights movement, because I was not born to a man and woman who were suppressed because of the color of their skin, I think it is fair to say that I can not fully relate. I think only those that did can truly understand the capacity of it all. One thing I think we can all understand though… is that this is a very proud time for millions of Americans of every age, race and color.
(6 votes, average: 3 out of 5)
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I think in the context of the conversation ( they were asked to give their personal opinions and thoughts, not their professional opinions ) their behavior and responses were absolutely acceptable. I’m a middle age white guy and I found it refreshing to see news people actually acting human and expressing some honest emotions.
…not that I want to watch news anchors crying all the time or anything.
Kalae, I have to admit that I caught myself welling up with emotion for a few different reasons, but held back knowing people were watching me via the live webcast. I got emotional because I was proud of what I saw America doing - celebrating our nation. I’ve never seen such patriotic pride swell from a group that size before. Also, seeing other people cry makes me cry… it’s a odd thing. So I almost did it. I almost shed a tear of emotion when Obama was declared or President-elect, but I don’t think it was for biased reasons. I got caught up in the swirl of excitement just like many other Americans.
Sometimes it’s refreshing to see high-profile people like Robin Roberts and Steve Osunsami transform. Just like Jack Johnson sang:
Why don’t the newscasters cry when they read about people who die?
At least they could be decent enough to put just a tear in their eyes
Mama said
It’s just make believe
You cant believe everything you see
So baby close your eyes to the lullabies
On the news tonight
Tom,
Good point to both you’re thoughts.
Robin Roberts cries about once a week it seems.
Kalae
I watched the Washington Capitals play Ottawa on TV and went to bed. (I guess I’ll remember the shot that beat the Caps in Overtime–low to Johnsons glove side) I watched zero coverage as no matter what candidate won or lost, I had to be up early to get in to work. About a week back, I figured since the press spent more time digging up background info on Joe the plumber than they ever did on Obamas voting record in the Senate….(lots of “present”) that the election was a done deal.