MEDIA MISHAPS/ STARTING FROM SCRATCH

I took a "logic"class in college one day back in the late 50s and the professor was defining what a "faulty syllogism" was. Until that day I might have concluded the term had something to do with the incomplete expulsion of flatus.

 But, his example was fascinating:

 Joesph Stalin is a high ranking politician.
 Winston Churchill is a high ranking politician.
 Joseph Stalin smokes cigars
 Winston Churchill smokes cigars
 Joseph Stalin is a Communist.
 Therefore, Winston Churchill must be a Communist.

 I thought about this recently when witnessing the latest "Media Mishap". And yes, I know I'm repeating myself . As I grow older - and obviously much more profound - I liken my thinking to an overplayed  Ginny Sims 78 rpm record - with much too many scratches.

 So, let's start this "scratch" with the latest media "discussion" involving  Dr.Ben Carson, the Republican candidate.

 "Poor Ben's Almanac"  reveals in  the media's latest  accounting of same  - Ben  committed the unthinkable political faux pas of responding to a interviewer's question by simply replying, "I don't know."

 What? Is he nuts?

Apparently, that's not just unthinkable but possibly was perceived by this reporter as being comparatively worse than receiving an "incomplete" grade in college.- when your parents are paying  tuition plus room and board.

Remember the kids Sunday School  song that included the tagline : "The Bible Told Me So". Well,. it appears we've replaced that line with one that now goes;  "How do I know?  -The Media told me so" - and we appear to have bought into it.

 But not Ben - nor Donald . However, Carly still requires more study. She is showing some promise by refusing to allow the interviewer   to "over talk" her response to a question when they feel they may not like where it's heading..

The Ben question was weather related: "If you were President what would you do if a hurricane like the current anticipated one was scheduled to hit the mainland?" (this apparently was as opposed to, "What do you really think of Kim Kardashian? - or, "Do you prefer boxers to tighty whiteys?}

Following his response - or lack of same -the reporter then quickly ran back home to Daddy - David Muir..

Upon appearing in the ABC 6:30 newscast the reporter pointed out to the ABC 6:30 news host  David,, that he had asked the same question of Jeb Bush and Bush immediately provided him with a detailed procedural analysis.

To his credit, the reporter was kind enough to add that during Bush's terms in office as Governor of Florida about 5 or 6 of these "suckers" threatened the Florida population - so as to give him some possible insight

 Question: "If he knew this, why was he so upset with "Brother Ben" and his "I don't know" response?"

Instead, his apparent  outrage was based on the fact  that Carson, who appeared to be in a hurry, was not sufficiently gracious or obsequious  to explain his response.  Perhaps, if Carson had issued as his follow- up: "I'd like to talk more this pertinent inquiry but I really have to take a whiz",  that would have been more acceptable to both the reporter and ABC.

Look, all that I'm seeking here is a level playing field,. My concern is that if we're going to do the same thing with political analysis as we do with our personal communication - and interpret "sound bites" as truly informative in the information gathering process, we've got a real problem going into these remaining 14 pre-election months..

Why is it so difficult for some of the media to wrap their arms around the fact that, when they want and expect  the non- office holder candidates to respond with all the same rote replies of previous election campaigns, it may not happen?

And, the people all said  -"Amen!"

Apparently, the Trumps, Fiorinas, and Carsons of this 2016 election cycle don't want to play the: "Have you stopped beating your Mother?" usual question and answer  game that the "4th  estate" (nee 5th estate) is so fond of..

 My sarcastic thought was that "Dr. Ben" probably should have taken the Bush 9/11 protocol approach and announced to the reporter he'd climb on Air Force One" and get the hell out of there., - but, then again, the reporter probably would have insisted on "ride along" privileges..

 I have become a real fan of these so-called political polls , much like night time comedians, Fallon & Myers, and possibly for the same reason. These polls occasionally appear to be an off -broadway revival of Dante''s "The Divine Comedy'" - without all the needless Italian reasoning contained therein..

Anyway, a recent "scientific" poll  suggested that about 48% of those polled claim they could live with a Muslim President,

As luck would have it, the poll failed to go into any depth and therefore did not delineate that, contained within the 52% complement, there are apparently many who have the same reservations as did Dr. Carson, when he also was asked this question.

Carson later clarified his response to "he might be able to support one who denounced sharia and agreed to preside as per the Constitution - of our country".However, that clarification was apparently not as popular with the media. - nor his impressionistic political opponents.

One might also presume from the lack of specificity that some of the liberal 48% (above)  - may have been thinking they could support the male or female Muslim only if the title was "President of New Jersey" - with either New York or Rhode Island a close second. - anything but a state west of the Mississippi..

Now, if the reporter had thought of asking Dr, Carson whether or not he thought it was a good idea to share hypodermic syringes, something with which his training and experience may have made a contribution to his response, one assumes the producer or editor would have shot that one down in the pre-release meeting room.

Clearly, Carson has to get his game face on .

And maybe, so do we.