I've always found the inertia of the group think of reporters to be a powerful force. When a group of reporters are covering an event some think for themselves while others start to listen to the coverage. They see Tweets. They read online stories. They talk with their competitors. Then all of a sudden they are offering the same analysis and critique of the event without approaching it from their own view. I heard that happen tonight on NBC News during its political coverage of the president's speech to the Democratic National Convention.
Political reporter Chuck Todd called the president's speech workman like. The roaring crowd of supporters was energized, but Todd's argument was the Thursday night crowd was not as fired up as the Wednesday night crowd that was stimulated by former President Bill Clinton.
A few moments later Savannah Guthrie was echoing Todd's words. It struck me as copying instead of providing original perspective. This is where I should add how I am a big fan of this NBC News team including Savannah, Chuck Todd and Brian Williams. But, there is a danger in correspondents working too closely together and not being encouraged to provide greater insight.
The inspirational President Obama stepped up to the microphone tonight. He used humor. He used passion. He used detail. He used a cadence that captures imagination. We have not seen that president as much over the last three and a half years as I would have expected in 2008. The times have not offered great jubilance or opportunity for such moments. Tonight he offered a glimpse into that ability to reach Americans.
Two months from now voters will decide whether that ability to reach is effective. And reporters will do well to view this Election Night from their own perspective and be brave enough to express it clearly.
Any questions or comment please forward them to mattsmemo@CNYcentral.com. I may even use some of your thoughts on NBC 3 News at 5:00, the 10:00 News on CW6 or on CNYcentral.com.
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