To Celebrate or to Berate?

One week ago, history was made: the people of the United States elected a black man as president. Regardless of party affiliation, none can deny the significance of the event and the implications for the current state of race relations in the country. Obama's election by no means signifies an end to racism, but it is nonetheless a monumental event and a step in the right direction. However, the Media Research Center seems to believe that pointing out the significance of this election reveals that the media are biased. A recent CyberAlert criticized George Stephanopoulos for remarking on the Oprah show that is was "impossible" to not be excited about Obama's victory (http://www.mediaresearch.org/cyberalerts/2008/cyb20081111.asp#3). The article also criticized the journalist for asserting early in the campaign cycle that Obama would win the election.

Stephanopoulos predicted that Obama would claim victory based on his experiences in politics and opinion polls throughout the campaign. He also emphasized the role of the economy in influencing voters to select a Democrat who would play a larger role in regulating businesses. In this sense, Stephanopoulos was not basing his ideas on paltry preferences related to Obama's personality or merely the fact that he is a Democrat. Rather, he drew upon facts to form what turned out to be an accurate prediction. He should not be criticized for analyzing the current political situation and making an educated, correct assertion that Obama would win. Furthermore, his recognition of the significance of the election should not be grounds for calling him biased: the election was historic in that a black man was elected. Journalists should strive for objectivity, but they are still human and as such will be affected by significant changes in their nation's history. Additionally, the MRC was criticizing figures who hardly claim to be objective: Stephanopoulos was a former Democratic aide, and Oprah officially and publicly endorsed Obama. Educated audiences realized these potential conflicts of interest and considered them in their election coverage. Still, the transcripts of the Oprah broadcast that allegedly revealed Stephanopoulos' bias can hardly be taken as evidence that he is unfit to report news fairly. While Stephanopolous' statements indicate that he favored Obama early in the campaign and was thrilled about his victory, the MRC is not completely justified in lambasting a journalist for basing predictions on statistics and celebrating a historic election. Americans, whether journalists or average citizens, should be allowed to celebrate the monumental historical moment without criticism.