For the
second week in a row, readers of the
Sunday Los Angeles Times confronted a glowing, front-page
profile on Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. Last
week (7/18/04) the sizable, page-one heading was, "Kerry's Crime-Fighting Early
Days: His post-war years in a D.A.'s office honed his skills as a
tough-minded leader, supporters say." The rousing profile contrasts
opponents' repeated claims that Kerry is weak and "flip-flops" on
issues, and it portrays the senator from Massachusetts as a tough and
decisive leader. The lengthy, dynamic feature melds nicely as Kerry
campaign material.
Today (7/25/04), readers
have to endure, "The Private Ambition of a Very Public Man: John F.
Kerry has kept an eye on the presidency since his youth and through
personal and political losses, those close to him say."* Above the
large, bold-type headline is a sunny, full-color photo
of Kerry speaking at a campaign rally in Iowa. The picture is awash in
patriotic red, white, and blue.
In addition, to the right
of the color photo of Kerry is a story entitled, "Kerry's Strategy
Accents Positive." In other words, there are two
cheerful, above-the-fold articles on the
Democratic candidate.
Compare this with the
Sunday July 11, 2004, profile of the President entitled, "A Future
President's Rebirth: Bush reshaped his style of conservatism -- and
himself -- during his father's 1988 campaign." Although far from a "hit
piece," the feature renders the President as operating almost
exclusively in the shadow of his father.