TW: As the Economist properly excoriates Mike Pence, you might as well get to used to seeing him. He is regarded by many in his party as a bright star in their increasingly warped galaxy. If this is what the Republicans are going to try to re-build with either they will fail miserably or we will be in a heap oh dung (as if the one we are in is not enough of a stinking pile). Pence is a rabid social conservative and is fighting against any government intervention relative to the current economic crisis.
He is starting out in his new position as 3rd ranking Republican House member by using a favorite Republican tactic, the straw man. Make up a target and attack it, in this case the fairness doctrine. This doctrine which was eliminated 20 years ago originally required media to present demonstrably balanced political coverage. Its recision opened the airwaves for unadulterated biased coverage (e.g. right-wing radio etc.). The Rush Limbaughs of the world whip their minions into a frenzy claiming lurid Dems are about to re-instate the doctrine. The only problem being there is no evidence Obama plans to do so.
From the Economist:
"...Mr Pence was elected in 2000 and quickly, forcefully established himself as a crusader for modern conservatism: pro-life, pro-Iraq War and anti-tax...While he's incredibly popular on the right, Mr Pence's signature issue is, frankly, risible. He is the Congress's best-known crusader against the "Fairness Doctrine"...
But...the new president has no interest in doing so. Conservative worries about the doctrine are confined to a few theoretical comments by liberal members of Congress who occassionally ache about Fox News..."
http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2008/11/mike_pence_versus_the_phantom.cfm
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