Today Oprah finds herself accused of being the latest "media elite" to persecute Sarah Palin, as supporters accuse the talk show host of bias for not booking a Palin appearance.
This began as one of Drudge's many teapot tempests, when he reported that there was conflict among Oprah's staff as to whether an interview with the vice presidential candidate should be scheduled.
The story has now been reported by ABC News, and a Newsday column presents a list of five reasons why Oprah should invite Palin to appear on her show. The reasons are less than substantive, politically speaking: a conversation about motherhood, a ratings gain for Oprah and a demonstration of non-partisan balance, etc.
Already, a petition-based website has appeared to counter this gross injustice.
This is obviously another diversionary allegation of right wing martyrdom at the hands of the liberal media establishment, but given the McCain campaign's stated refusal to allow Palin to talk to the media, what does the fixation on Oprah's alleged bias say about the uses to which Palin is going to be put in the coming months?
It seems obvious that the McCain campaign is going to use Palin as an attack dog during meticulously scripted appearances in friendly, tightly controlled environments. Apparently, they would also like her to make some fluff media appearances to promote her everywoman persona (remember, this campaign is not about the issues).
I have a better idea: How about a petition demanding that Palin appear on Meet the Press, where she'll presumably be asked about things that are actually relevant to the lives of American voters?