A few days ago, I posted a poll asking whether the news media was directing or just reporting the progress of the candidates in their stop-action slide towards becoming "America's Next Top Executive." In true media style, they're trying to "find the story" and are reporting what can only be construed as heavily focused-grouped fare. Problem is: they're missing some key story elements by proclaiming Hillary and Mitt the slate for the race. They've been clear throughout that Mike Huckabee wasn't even on the map and they continued to express mild surprise as he continued to gain ground.

One story I'd like to learn more about it that surrounding Ron Paul. He continues to generate amazing buzz and gobs of cash (with no rock stars anywhere in the picture)--people come away from Paul events with all-but religious fervor. Still, no one in the media has even attempted to follow this grass roots phenomenon. After the BoobTube debate last week (two and a half hours of my life I'll never see again), one pundit remarked at the high online poll numbers for the Team Paul. Another pundit dismissed it saying that the GOP would never give the nomination to him and intimated that his supporters were just disproportionately signed on to the polling site.

Now, NPR and others are reporting that the race isn't necessarily a Hillary - Mitt shoe-in. Huckabee and Obama have gained an edge in the Iowa poll.

I'd like to learn more about the other candidates on both sides. They all have stories to tell and points of view that reflect what they see as important to the American electorate. Learning more about them can help shape the debate even if they are too far a-field. Too bad for us that they aren't deemed interesting enough.

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