Hertsgaard, Mark

• On Bended Knee (the Press and the Reagan Presidency)

  • Pretty good account of the behavior of the media during the 1980's. It's a little dated since the book was finished just before Bush took office (but that's why I got to buy it at Half-price Books for $3 in large paperback), but it's strength is in the research. Hertsgaard interviewed several journalists in depth (including, for example, Sam Donaldson and many broadcast news producers and directors) and several government officials (including Mike Regan and David Gergen, two crucial figures) and researched through lots of archives. A little preachy at times, which is why I like the emphasis on direct quotes and so forth. Liberal media bias, my ass.

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