The editorial criticizes the media for focusing too much on image and popularity in their early coverage of the 2008 presidential race. It argues they presented front-runners and their celebrity qualities before discussing policy issues or platforms. This ignores candidates with substantive experience and ideas who did not receive attention simply because they lacked initial media popularity. The editorial calls for the media to bring back substance and equal coverage for all serious candidates, discussing issues rather than smiles or popularity, as the less famous candidates may offer the best leadership.

1. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA)
January 10, 2008
Section: Editorial
Edition: Main; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Page: A17
Bring back substance, equal coverage to race
WENDY ANGEL
For the Journal-Constitution
Primary season always reminds me of high school. As the front-runner "popular" candidates' smiles turn ever upward into
Cheshire-cat grins with each tabulated vote, the school nerds with the smart ideas sit quietly in the background, waiting for
everyone to realize their brilliance.
For the past year or more, the media have done a disservice to America. In the presidential candidate speculation race,
reporters everywhere looked for the one who would be the next great leader. They found for us the new guy in school with
the charming smile and rapturing speeches, the lady from the important family, and the guy who wants to be everyone's
friend and help them with their homework.
Then we have the aw-shucks one who suddenly became attractive overnight, and the school football hero who wants to
parlay his hometown touchdown into an NFL career. These are all great images that command our rapt attention. But in
the end, what the media initially presented to us are just that -- images.
The candidates who have received attention were first thrust into the election circus with no real weight behind their
candidacies. Before anyone threw his or her hat into the ring, there was already focus on who had the potential to win.
Before there were campaign platforms and promises, there were front-runners. Celebrity over substance. Flash over
ideas.
By the time candidacies were declared, Americans already "knew" who stood a chance. But not because of anything the
candidates said -- it was because of what was said for them. There were manipulated polls, PR plans, narrowly focused
articles and newscasts, and the nation's general eagerness to find the next agent of change. When others outside the
circle decided to run, they have been generally ignored as long shots -- for some, simply because they have not been
media darlings from the beginning.
Maybe the media aren't to blame entirely. Perhaps Americans' fascination with glitter and celebrity also plays a role. But
the media have a responsibility and a duty to not decide for the nation who should receive a heaping portion of election
credibility and who should not.
Bring back the issues to the process and initial coverage. Bring back the substance and equal coverage for all serious
candidates. Forget the smiles and the haircuts, the massive weight losses, and the first-woman-president designations.
Turn around and take a look at the folks who have been doing the homework for years. The ones outside the glare of the
limelight just may be the best leaders our nation could have hoped for -- and now we've lost the chance to get to know
them better.
• Wendy Angel lives in Atlanta.
Photo
PAUL SANCYA / Associated Press
Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, a Democratic presidential hopeful, fields media questions in Ames, Iowa, on
New Year's Day.
Photo
Wendy Angel lives in Atlanta.
Copyright 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution