The Hiller Instinct: Patrick Kennedy's criticism of the media

Because he's right:

"We're talking about Eric Massa 24/7 on the TV. We're talking about war and peace, $3 billion, 1,000 lives and no press?!" Kennedy exclaimed.

Truth is, Kennedy was spot on about the national media's blind spot. Want proof? I bet you know instantly who these two people are, and what they did inside the White House.

It will only take you a nanosecond to recognize this former White House intern, and you may even be able to identify the First Dog.

But can you just as quickly recognize the Secretary of Defense? Or the Commander of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan?

You get the point. You see and hear a lot more about personalities and scandals than the people who actually influence our lives

So how can you argue with Kennedy, who claimed during a debate about the war in Afghanistan...

"If anybody wants to know where cynicism is, cynicism is that there is one, two press people in this gallery!" Kennedy said.

And where were the rest?

"Covering" what Nancy Pelosi knew about Eric Massa and when she knew it, "investigating" whether Rahm Emanuel is -- or is not -- responsible for damaging leaks about the president and "analyzing" elections that won't be held for months or years.

"It's despicable, the national press corps right now," Kennedy said.

But Kennedy's complaint won't expire until the Washington media refocuses on substance.

Until then, despicable isn't the word I'd choose -- dangerous is. I’m Andy Hiller, that’s my instinct.

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