Obama Embraces Media Hype about Economic 'Turmoil'

Networks virtually ignore good economic news, don't challenge claim economy in 'crisis.'

By Julia A. Seymour
Business & Media Institute

As Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., accepted his party’s nomination for president he warned of an American economy in “turmoil.” Throughout convention week the news media helped reinforce Obama’s negative perspective.

During the Democratic convention week, networks broadcast pessimistic reports about the economy and downplayed or ignored the announcement that second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) rose by a full percentage point more than expected. The media even validated Obama’s assertion that the Clinton administration built an “incredible” economy, although the economy grew slower than 3.3 percent during nearly half of Clinton’s presidency. (Continue reading)