Palin Speech

"And I've learned quickly these past few days that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country." 

Those were the words of Republican vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention.  While listening to Palin’s speech at the convention and hearing this statement, I couldn’t help but ponder my own existence in the role of media.  On one side, I can understand where Palin is coming from.  Since she has entered the spotlight as McCain’s VP pick, questions, comments, and criticisms have been aimed at her left and right.  The fact that her un-wed 17 year-old daughter is pregnant seemed to have been where most of the discussion was coming.  I respect her in the sense that since that was a family issue it shouldn’t have been all over the media and shouldn’t have people questioning her ability to serve our country. On the other hand, as a journalist and a citizen of the U.S., I feel that it is my right to know about the potential future VP of the U.S. It is the job of the reporters and commentators to spark the public’s interest on someone who can hold such a powerful position in their country.  Another thing which I found interesting about Palin’s speech was the line where she talked about their “opinion.”  As a student of journalism, I am taught to keep my opinion out of things, in order to present a fair, balanced, and unbiased view of the news.  But I have to wonder why all journalists don’t follow that rule.