Politicians don't really like or trust news reporters, largely because they feel they can't control them.
Journalists, on the other hand, cherish the idea that they are independent and immune from being manipulated.
Sorry, guys, you're both delusional.
The gale-force windbags who stormed the GOPodium in Tampa have been pelting conventioneers and media outlets with slogans, innuendoes, insults, half-truths and outright lies about the problems facing America, the opposition party, and their own virtuousness.
We can expect more of the same next week when the Democrats gather.
By repeating and transmitting the message, the media are part of the campaign plan. Journalists have persuaded themselves that they are neutral, simply reporters of what was said. But if that is all they do, they are being manipulated -- used as conduits to propagate the message of the day.
Political parties market their candidates just as businesses market their products. Those in the news media have a responsibility not only to report what was said, but also to supply readers and viewers with enough background and perspective so a well informed electorate can decide rationally and reasonably its voting preferences.
Reporters in the press pool need to be wary of allegations offered for publication, and to expose the allegators when appropriate.
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