by Brock, David
David Brock and Paul Waldman examine how Senator John McCain received uniquely favorable media treatment throughout his political career. The authors trace McCain's journey from the Keating Five scandal through his 2000 primary campaign to his 2008 presidential run. They demonstrate how journalists consistently gave McCain positive coverage while overlooking the same inconsistencies and political maneuvering that would doom other politicians. The book reveals how reporters bought into McCain's "straight talk" persona and continued supporting him even during his 2007 popularity decline. Brock and Waldman show how the press allowed McCain to flip flop on positions and make misrepresentations without facing the criticism that would destroy other candidates. This analysis reveals how media narratives shape political fortunes and public perception in American politics.
Genres: biography, political-science, politics, journalism, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: unreliable-narrator
243 pages · Kindle Edition