If you've watched the previous debates, you've noticed the Perception Analyzer at the bottom of the screen. It records the reactions of about 30 "uncommitted" voters - but some say your brain can't devote its full attention to what the debaters are saying and what you're seeing.More..

by proxrte101a

I agree, I find it distracting.

Especially since the folks are self-proclaimed "undecided" or "uncommitted".

What exactly is the reason each is uncommitted - is it one issue, either major or minor, or is it a number of issues, or maybe simply they aren't sure which candidate seems more sincere?

I also agree that seeing what others are thinking may affect your perception or response.

On the other hand, I'm not surprised that a media outlet would so something that may knowingly sway our opinion.

As some of you know, I returned to college last year. I will be graduating in December and I have earned a minor in Communication. During that coursework, I had a class about the mass media and there was extensive coverage about news reporting today. Even by their own admission, the newsmedia has changed in their reporting tactics. The norm used to be the presentation of facts and let the viewer decide how he/she feels about those facts. Today the norm is a presentation based on a reporters opinion. They do not feel that straight reporting of facts is their primary focus. They believe that they should be presenting opinion because (paraphrasing a quote I saw) "the viewer might not get it right." In our text book and other outside readings, the news media admits to being biased in their reporting. They arrogantly believe that is what the public wants and its their obligation to tell us how we should think about something.

So, I am not a bit surprised at anything the news services do.

Thirty times zero is still---zero.
Z

I've alwasy been distracted by cable news networks, because of the news ticker at the bottom. Several times, I'll be watching a program on FOX News or CNN Headline News, and I'll miss something because I'm distracted by the news ticker.

That said, Eric is absolutely correct. About a month ago, MSNBC got hammered for presenting news coverage that was heavily biased towards Obama. Keith Olberman and Chris Matthews got scolded, not just by conservatives, but also by Tom Brokaw and Brian Williams, for slanting the news instead of 'straight reporting' of the facts. There are many in the media - mostly liberal, but a few conservative - who feel that they need to 'enlighten' the masses with their point of view.

I did find that perception thing annoying...I want to make my own judgement on the candidates, not be 'told' what other people think. While I do lean conservative, I don't like the arrogant ones who shut out other points of view. And I really don't like certain liberals who think they need to 'educate' me on the 'correct' way to think.

I get most of my news from the internet now, but when I do watch cable (or network) news, I look for both sides of the issue, then decide for myself where my views lie. No one knows me better than me...with the exception of God Almighty.

This post has been edited by rms4evr: Oct 10 2008, 11:47 PM