Show Summary: The New York Times v McCain; Barack Obama's war of words; cartoonists and comedians struggle with satirizing Obama
Crisis of Confidence
This week's New York Times story on John McCain hinted at a political and sexual scandal. Brooke explains how the article's use of anonymous sources and innuendo made the The New York Times, and not just McCain, the focal point of the media's scrutiny.
What He Said
In the windy realm of political oratory, boosting words or cadence or even whole sentiments is nothing new. Did it stick, then, when the Clinton campaign invoked the P-word after Obama borrowed a few sentences from Gov. Deval Patrick? Copy that!
Drawing Within the Lines
With an African-American and a woman battling for the Democratic nomination, editorial cartoonists face occasional criticism of racism or misogyny. Editorial cartoonist Nick Anderson explains that he still tries not to hold anything back. And Professor Elaine K. Miller describes the cartoons depicting 1984 ...
Obama's Debut
The one time Barack Obama appeared on "Saturday Night Live," he played himself (at a Halloween party hosted by the Clintons). This weekend, however, "SNL" will debut an Obama caricature that head writer Seth Myers says proved a challenge to create.
Character Matters
The fonts that presidential candidates select for their campaign logos reflect an important act of political branding. Sam Berlow of The Font Bureau Inc. says the logos all speak volumes about the candidates they represent.
Meat Marketing
An undercover video of a downer cow being dragged into a slaughterhouse at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Company was featured in thousands of news stories this week. Humane Society of the United States CEO Wayne Pacelle explains why these images so successfully captured the media’s attention.
Letters
Bob and Brooke read listener comments about last week's segment on the congressional walk-out.
Jungle Love
Fidel Castro resigned this week. Before his lengthy tenure began, New York Times reporter Herbert L. Matthews interviewed Castro in the jungle—and fell in love with his cause. Years later, reporter Anthony DePalma wrote about the exchange and joined us to talk about it.
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Phone Calls in the Age of the Text Message, A New Speech Law in Libya, and More
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The U.S. 'Secret' War in Cambodia
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Obama's Historic Statement, the False Statistic on "Boomerang" Kids, and More
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More Misleading Unemployment Numbers Quoted By the Media
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Revenge Porn's Latest Frontier
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"Author" of 'Naked Came The Stranger' Dies
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5 Ways To Spot a B.S. Political Headline in Under 10 Seconds
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What's the Harm in Hate Speech?
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Reporting on Taboo Topics in Liberia
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The Phony Statistic About College Graduates
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