The Long and Short of It

by T. Scott
July 16, 2010

How should the news media cover political campaigns, especially one as important as the 2010 race for governor?

There’s always debate on the topic (usually after the election) and criticism that reporters cover too much of the horse race (and the betting) and not enough of the horses themselves. Critics claim we get too many stories about who’s leading in the polls, fundraising, ad spending and endorsements, rather than in-depth reporting of the issues and who the candidates really are (and how they might actually govern).

We’re not ripping open that whole bale of hay in this small space, we’re simply reminding you that our coverage of the candidates in the August 3 primary comes from a vantage point inside the barn rather than the crowded press box.

Now that I’ve beaten that racehorse analogy to death, let me get to the point. Our cover story this month provides some rare insight into who the seven candidates — two Democrats and five Republicans — really are.

Our cover is actually seven individual profiles, all by Susan J. Demas, one of the most talented reporters writing about politics in Michigan. Each several-thousand-word profile does what long profiles are supposed to do (and used to do before newspaper publishers/editors listened to consultants and cut them out): get you inside the life and head of the subject.

Six have appeared in Dome over the course of the past year, but we thought it important to bring them all together on the eve of the primary, especially for anyone serious about evaluating these candidates using information beyond distorted political ads and shorthand issue-position check lists. (Just for good measure we’ve also thrown in the links to her profiles of two of the other candidates who fell by the wayside during the campaign.) Recycling can be valuable.

While we’re talking about outstanding profiles, let me also recommend Jack Lessenberry’s column about the two Democratic state senators waging long-odds battles against entrenched incumbents in congressional primaries in southeast Michigan.

In the span of only 750 words, this veteran journalist cuts right to the heart of those races and hopefuls, providing spot-on mini profiles of these unconventional candidates in this year of uncertainty and potential upheaval.

If Susan’s profiles provide a feast, Jack’s provide a quick source of energy and intelligence. Both are nourishing in their own ways.

But then, this shouldn’t come as news to you. Excellent columns, profiles and writers are what Dome is all about.

Happy primary to all.