Political Coverage

I find that an important, but often overlooked aspect of journalism and politics has to do not exactly with coverage of ISSUES but of coverage of CANDIDATES. All channels of journalism can provide people with quotes from candidates, with campaign slogans, and photographs. However, I find that the profiles that are provided on journalistic websites are often integral to a person's viewpoint on them. If a person consistently uses Fox News, or watches CNN, will tend to turn to that specific coverage in order to form their impression of a candidate. I (of course) chose to review the profiles that are provided by CNN, The New York Times, and BBC News about Barack Obama. While it is not a flashing headline, or scrolling as a ticker, the profiles are often visited.
On the CNN website, the data provides his previous jobs, family, religion, education, and campaign website. Those are the bulleted points that appear next to his picture. As the reader scrolls down, I find it very interesting that the next available set of data has his totals in terms of money spending and earning. This places an emphasis on this aspect of his campaign. Further down, there is the obvious standing of how he is doing in the polls. I appreciate the fact that off to the right side, there is a list of his standings on important issues. However, just below lies my greatest pet peeve: a list of celebrities and famous names who either support or oppose him, and the totals that they have donated.
The New York Times, however, provides a much different set of data. The profile is more extensive, and includes information about his political experience and his children. Instead of graphics and subheadings, however, this site contains archives of articles about Obama that have been featured in the New York Times. There are opportunities to research financing and supporters, but it would involve clicking on another link. (THANK YOU, NY Times!)
Finally, the BBC simply provides an article, a feature-type story that describes Obama. The subheading is quite enticing: "Rock Star and beach Babe are not labels normally applied to US Senators." While I do enjoy the BBC, there is a very clear impression of Barack Obama given in the opening. He seems to be portrayed as a young contender for the Presidency with little experience and a glamorous appearance. There are links to more information about his life on the side of the page, but I think that the best format is on the other 2 webpages. It is much easier for the typical reader to break down the facts about education, etc., than to sit down and search an article for these facts.