[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      DEMOCRACY DEMANDS FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND FAIR MEDIA COVERAGE

  (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, all citizens should be aware that 
President Bush really has two opponents in his reelection effort: the 
Democratic nominee and the national media.
  Most of the national media minimize or ignore the good news for 
President Bush, like last week's CBS poll showing him ahead, and 
magnify every criticism.
  That is no surprise. TV coverage of the President is mostly negative. 
News articles are often slanted, and three of the largest newspapers in 
America have not endorsed a Republican for President in 50 years.
  A recent survey shows that over half of the American people believe 
that ``media stories and reports are often inaccurate.''
  Voters should insist on getting objective news reports so they can 
make good decisions. Democracy demands not only freedom of speech but 
also fair media coverage.

                          ____________________