Maybe Fox Thinks We'll Take This As Military Service
Reported by Ellen - September 15, 2004 -
As posted previously, Fox is evidently making a point of showcasing Bush's speech to the National Guard Association. Not only does the positive-leaning story, with the flattering photo of Bush appear prominently on FOXNews.com, excerpts from the speech appeared on Fox throughout the day and night.
I saw excerpts from the speech this afternoon (sorry, didn't note time or show), then again on Hannity & Colmes, then again on Fox News Live with Alan Colmes. While it's not surprising to see a Bush speech on a news program, it does seem odd to see it on two commentary programs in a row, especially given that Bush did not introduce any new policy initiatives in the speech. At least none that were reported on by Fox.
So what's the big deal? Well, Bush spoke about the importance of - ahem - National Guard service to the war on terror. "The weapons have changed, and so have our enemies, but one thing remains the same: The men and women of the Guard stand ready to put on the uniform and fight for America," Bush said. Could he (and Fox) possibly be underscoring the importance of his own service? Nah, of course not.
"'Nineteen individuals have served both in the National Guard and as president of the United States, and I am proud to be one of them, ' he said... America is safer because of your service.'" By putting these quotes at the beginning of the written report is Fox trying to make the point that National Guard service is presidential, that you don't have to win a purple heart to make America safer? Nah, of course not.
