So what is this significant “thing” that has happened? Simple, the biased, autocratic, domineering Main Stream Media (MSM) has clearly given away its position and, as a result, they can no longer be called objective or respectable. They’ve not only crossed the line but have pole vaulted 15 feet beyond what is even considered detestable.     “What, Dowdy?” you say. “you’re telling us something we’ve known for years.”   True, but the difference is that today, there are literal volumes written that prove, and expose, without a shadow of a doubt, the hatreds and prejudices that the MSM have for Conservatives.   It’s no longer just the lone, pioneer voice of Limbaugh talking about it on the radio. It’s now categorized and documented by a myriad of learned experts and available for any conservative politician to reference. Proof, at their finger tips. Now the possibility of a surprise ambush by the MSM is greatly minimized.  This is huge. Conservatives can now make a legitimate case for a major break in relations with the various elements of the MSM. An argument that a large majority of the voting populace will accept and understand.

So, what does this mean?   Is it now time to go on the attack? Hit the MSM head on? Kick them where it hurts?   No!  We can learn from beloved former Washington State governor, the late Dixie Lee Ray who took a confrontational strategy with the state media. When a pet pig had a litter of piglets, she even went so far as to name each of the piglets after some of her worst adversaries in the press. Dixie Lee was a brilliant scientist but she made some serious missteps in her handling of the media which cost her a re-election. Dixie was a no-nonsense gal, God rest her soul.   Not enough like her, sadly. 

Were I advising a contemporary conservative politician vying for a high public office, I’d tell them to take a look at how ** Danish politician, Fogh Rasmussen handled the situation when an aggressive, left-leaning member of the Danish media began to pressure him to grant an interview. In reality it was nothing but an ambush and Fogh knew it. But he didn’t counter attack. No, Mr. Rasmussen made a simple public statement: “it is an infringement of my personal freedom if I, myself, may not decide who I will speak to on a day to day basis”. Surprisingly, that was the end of it. Fogh simply ignored them, stuck to his principles and kept quiet.   I’m sure he then focused on his constituents. Perfect! A simple, respectful refusal – and then ignore them. Tune them out! Stop rewarding their bad behavior with interviews!   

When a conservative grants an interview and they know they’re going to be bushwhacked (I think of Glenn Beck-The View & Palin/Couric) they’re not accomplishing anything for the right. Even Gen. Custer thought he could win at Little Big Horn. Conservatives know they’re going to get clobbered yet they stoically walk in to this ambush as if its their duty. The only effect of such action is to fuel these msm assassins and give them another day of legitimacy. 

The MSM considers itself a legitimate and legal part of that process. When in fact they’re nothing more than a business trying to make money and they’ve been given far too much access. They’re neither elected nor appointed. They have no more rights than any other business other than their individual right to vote.    But they won’t see it that way. Which is why any conservative politician who attempts to quietly banish them from “our side” of the political process will set off an unprecedented political firestorm.   

Politicians can learn from Riot Police. Riot Police are taught to keep their fear, anger and emotions under control. Not an easy task when being verbally attacked by a mob. Only when the rioters cross a certain line and actually assault the police, are they allowed to retaliate. Until then, they remain emotionless and silent with plexiglass shields locked. The tuning-out and expulsion of the MSM from the conservative side of the political process will cause an intellectual riot of sorts.  Depriving these spoiled MSM brats of what they think they’re entitled to will cause the expected destructive conflagration. Something to definitely be prepared for. There may even be some small skirmishes. Extra security might be required for restricted conservative functions so that disruptions don’t occur. We’ve catered to these Constitution-hating leftists far too long and they’ve become accustomed to having their way. But it is the MSM, through their own misconduct/bad behavior that have forfeited these privileges. Privileges are not rights and can (and in this case should) be taken away.

What would be the positive effects of this sort of decisive and courageous action on the part of Movement Conservatives?   Think of the time spent by Conservative politicians preparing for the hostile gauntlet that they require themselves to run through every political season. They must shift their focus away from the Conservative Base and give rapt attention to the enemy in the MSM. They must become as “walking encyclopedias”. With knowledge and the correct pronunciation of every little tinhorn dictator around the world and the tiny nation they lord over. They’re required to know minute details on all subjects or risk looking foolish on national TV. The irony is that the vicious MSM will see to it that they look foolish anyway. No matter how well prepared they are. Can we remember the ’08 GOP debates and the generally goofy questions? The time it takes to maintain this charade totally shifts the politicians focus away from connecting and bonding with the actual voting Base! Exactly as the Left has designed and implemented it!   Such a tragedy that Conservatives have repeatedly fallen into this trap and allowed themselves to be manipulated to this extent.  Far too long. 

Whoever decides to pursue the 2012 POTUS should consider a departure from the traditional/conventional forms of campaigning and that will also include banishment of the MSM. Going straight to the populace or working through “friendlies” of which there are ample, is a viable alternative. Conservatives can learn much from the mistakes of Fred Thompson . They will need to skirt around the Left’s Maginot Line. A new “Tea Party” brand of candidate should also avoid, like the plague, the well traveled thoroughfares that other GOP candidates choose to travel upon. These wide avenues lined with trip wires, booby traps and snipers peering down from tree tops.   A Non-traditional type candidate can reach, in plenty of time, the same destination by traveling off road along dirt roads and game trails. Metaphorically speaking, of course. 

Darvin Dowdy