Expectations>issues

In the Chicago Tribune today, "the talk" section mentioned the social phenomenon of brands defining candidates. In effect, writer John Keilman argues that the connations associated with products (Obamaian Sam Adams vs. McCainian Budweiser) can be extended to the Dem and Reb candidates.

I would argue that is a telling definition of this election's media coverage, and my primary complaint. Journalists assigned labes to Obama and McCain, often without any mention of their stance on issues. The subhead reads "Voters link each to products," but the reality is that the media usually made these connections and pushed onto a passive citizenry. When did expectations outweigh political developments and debates?

I feel as if the media had a ready-made portrayal of each candidate this entire year. The candidates themselves were merely incidental.