So how is their “Prescription for America” program originating from the White House not publicity? The way they are approaching this certainly isn’t journalism.
According to the Drudge Report, ABC refuses opposition ads during the White House special:
ABC is refusing to air paid ads during its White House health care presentation, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned, including a paid-for alternative viewpoint!
The development comes a day after the network denied a request by the Republican National Committee to feature a representative of the party’s views during the Obama special.
Conservatives for Patients Rights requested the rates to buy a 60-second spot immediately preceding ‘Prescription for America’.
Statement from Rick Scott, chairman of Conservatives for Patients Rights:
"It is unfortunate – and unusual – that ABC is refusing to accept paid advertising that would present an alternative viewpoint for the White House health care event. Health care is an issue that touches every American and all potential pieces of legislation have carried a pricetag in excess of $1 trillion of taxpayers’ money. The American people deserve a healthy, robust debate on this issue and ABC’s decision – as of now – to exclude even paid advertisements that present an alternative view does a disservice to the public. Our organization is more than willing to purchase ad time on ABC to present an alternative viewpoint and our hope is that ABC will reconsider having such viewpoints be part of this crucial debate for the American people. We were surprised to hear that paid advertisements would not be accepted when we inquired and we would certainly be open to purchasing time if ABC would reconsider."
Of course this is now fodder for a RNC fundraising letter. Not exactly the context I would want to address this, but I’m never in favor of alarmist fundraising emails or letters. Michael Steele does make an interesting point nonetheless:
“The liberal special interests have clearly learned from their missteps the last time they tried to force Americans into a socialized health care system — the abysmal failure of the Clinton Administration’s ‘HillaryCare.’ That’s why their friends at ABC News will be promoting Obamacare at virtually every opportunity, from ‘Good Morning America’ to ‘Nightline,’ and reach from ABC News’ websites all the way to the White House’s East Room.”
An honest approach to this debate would be to have people on both sides to discuss this topic in a Townhall debate, with questions that represent varying points of view.
That’s probably too much to ask, so instead we get overkill with the media lovefest, well except from Fox News.