Media- The All Powerful

Does Obama still have a considerable lead for the Indiana and North Carolina Democratic primaries this coming Tuesday? After the media drew so much emphasis on Senator Barrack Obama’s ex-pastor, Jeremiah Wright Jr., Obama’s lead in both North Carolina and Indiana has been cut. According to the national survey by the Pew Research center, Obama has a “47-45 lead over Clinton, a statistical tie when you take in the poll’s margin for error.” And how about the twenty point lead Obama had in North Carolina? Well consider it gone with the polls indicating Obama with only a 49-42 lead.

The media’s intense scrutiny on Reverend Wright’s remarks has taken a turn on Obama’s campaign. The race is tight, with Clinton leading with Superdelegate 259-241 and Obama leading with overall delegates 1,734 to 1,592. The scandal of Reverend Wright’s remarks has weakened Obama’s campaign. This is a crucial time in the primaries for Obama and Clinton. Each endorsement and delegate counts. Although Obama’s home state is Indiana, Clinton is winning endorsements from the Indianapolis Star and mayors in northwest Indiana. The Reverend controversy hasn’t affected the support of delegates though, considering that Obama is gaining superdelegate votes. Yet, with the voters, this has had considerable affect on their perception on Obama’s campaign. Obama recently commented on the last few weeks and the media mayhem of the scandel. “Obviously, we’ve had to fight through over the last week an awful lot of noise – that’s just a fact,” Mr. Obama told reporters. He added, “I think the American voters don’t want a whole bunch of drama. What they’re looking for is can you solve my problems?” But with all the media attention focusing of Obama’s surrounded scandal, he is losing his significant lead. As the New York Times writes, "Fifty-one percent of Democratic primary voters say they expect Mr. Obama to win their party’s nomination, down from 69 percent a month ago. " The last few weeks have been an example of how the media can alter the public’s perception. With stories and headlines like the Reverend conflict, the media has significant power controlling the outcome of this race. Does the media have the most influence on the effect of an election?