Why the tone of the coverage of Gov. Palin matters

CC , Ms. Theologian and I have been trying to convince the UU blogosphere to leave Gov. Palin's womb and family, and sexist double standards out of the discussion, and talk only about the issues- with little success. The general consensus seems to be, "Republicans talk about values all the time, so I can trash her family all I please." Asking "If you can't keep it clean because it's the right thing to do, how about because it's the prudent thing to do," has been no more successful. "Vengeance is mine," sayeth the angry bloggers.

Perhaps that's understandable, but it's also foolish. Consider this : Poll: 51 percent say reporters are trying to hurt Palin
"Over half of U.S. voters (51%) think reporters are trying to hurt Sarah Palin with their news coverage, and 24% say those stories make them more likely to vote for Republican presidential candidate John McCain in November. Thirty-nine percent (39%) also believe the GOP vice presidential nominee has better experience to be president of the United States than Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama." This is a direct result of the perceived nastiness of the coverage. While of course the numbers differ by demographic and party affiliation, a plurality of all demographics basically agree: "Sixty-eight percent (68%) of voters now believe most reporters try to help the candidate they want to win, and 49% believe reporters are trying to help Obama this year. Only 14% think they are trying to help McCain. In another survey, 55% said media bias is a bigger problem for the electoral process than large campaign donations." Worse still, "Among unaffiliated voters, 49% say reporters are trying to hurt Palin, while 32% say their coverage is unbiased. Only five percent (5%) say reporters are trying to help her."

Here are some more stats from Rasmussen , "Palin Power: Fresh Face Now More Popular Than Obama, McCain" “...Palin is viewed favorably by 58% of American voters.... Perhaps most stunning is the fact that Palin’s favorable ratings are now a point higher than either man at the top of the Presidential tickets this year. As of Friday morning, Obama and McCain are each viewed favorably by 57% of voters. Biden is viewed favorably by 48%.” “The Palin pick has also improved perceptions of John McCain. A week ago, just before he introduced his running mate, just 42% of Republicans had a Very Favorable opinion of their party’s nominee. That figure jumped to 54% by this Friday morning. Among unaffiliated voters, favorable opinions of McCain have increased by eleven percentage points in a week—from 54% before the Palin announcement to 65% today.”

You know how close this election is. You know how few undecideds are needed to swing it. So enjoy your schadenfreude... I know the Republicans will.