Ron Paul not getting a fair shake

To the Editor:

Once again, the media have determined who will run for president in 2012. It’s obvious that glamour and “the presidential look” overcome the reality of voters’ choices.

While U.S. Reps. Michelle Bachmann and Ron Paul were the top two choices in the Iowa straw poll, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who did not participate in the poll (but announced his candidacy the same weekend), is obviously the media darling, receiving by far the majority of media coverage.

Even though skinny, gray Paul lagged behind Bachmann by only 152 votes in the Iowa poll, the media ignored that fact in favor of covering the “American Idol” candidates. Even Sarah Palin, who has not announced her candidacy, received more media attention than Paul.

We expect the media to provide objective, balanced reporting. How can the American people make informed decisions when the media only report and promote the more handsome or glamorous candidates?

Beauty-biased media coverage robs the American voters of their choices. Qualified, less-charismatic candidates get less exposure and, consequently, lose their ability to fund their campaigns.

Is it any wonder that when the media choose the candidates, the American public feels powerless and abdicates its right to the electoral process?

Media, be diligent in the use of your power.

Mary Previtera

and Margaret Striebel