Tough questions OK as long as they’re pointed in the right direction

Conservative political commentator Sean Hannity announced on his show on Saturday journalism was dead.

Arguing journalists failed to complete their standard vetting process for Sen. Barack Obama in his bid for the White House, Hannity said my profession no longer exists.

That’s a pretty disturbing thought in itself, but as the weekend continued, things just got worse.

On Sunday, it was reported the Obama/Biden camp has refused further interviews with a Florida TV anchor because she asked tough questions.

I couldn’t make this stuff up. I know, it’s improbable, if not downright impossible, but yes, a veteran journalist dared to go where previously only Joe the Plumber had ventured.

Not only did Barbara West have the gall to ask vice-presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden “tough questions,” but she had the audacity to ask him a question about a previous statement he made—a big one, you know, something about a crisis.

The Obama/Biden camp says West went too far when she asked Biden about Obama’s association with ACORN and Obama’s statement about “spreading the wealth.”

Perhaps quoting Karl Marx was a tad dramatic, but asking if Obama’s redistribution of wealth ideology compares to socialism is not only a valid question, it’s one that needs to be answered before Nov. 4.

And if the usual suspects won’t do it, at least someone finally stepped up to the plate.

But it’s amazing this even made news considering the fashion controversy surrounding Gov. Sarah Palin’s wardrobe. Yes, the Republican National Committee is reported to have spent $150,000 on hair, makeup and wardrobe.

The clothes aren’t hers. She didn’t buy them. She’s not keeping them. The ones that can’t be returned will be auctioned off and proceeds given to charity.

In the wake of this news, Michelle Obama turned to her trusty J. Crew ensemble to show how much more of a budget-conscious fashionista she is than Palin.

I don’t have $150,000 to spend on wardrobe, but I do know a thing or two about fashion, and with all due respect, it’s not J. Crew that lands Michelle Obama on the pages of Vogue month after month.

This reporting is not only sexist, it’s ridiculous.

Meanwhile, while we’re all talking about Palin’s shoes, special interests groups are buying elections to the tune of millions of dollars for their candidates who just sit back and enjoy the ride. Talk about misdirection.

On Monday, a 2001 Chicago Public Radio interview surfaced of Obama speaking on the topic of redistribution of wealth. The Obama/Biden camp says Fox News reported the incident to incite a controversy that doesn’t really exist.

Isn’t that for the voters to decide—where Obama stands on the topic of redistribution of wealth?

As a journalist, I’m frustrated with this election’s political coverage from the presidential race on down. As a voter, I’m mad.

Needless to say, if Obama wins the election, West won’t be invited to the White House Press Corps’ dinner. I won’t hold my breath for an invitation either.

I’d rather be at a local TGI Friday’s with West the TV anchor, Hannity the construction worker, Joe the Plumber and all those other renegade journalists who respect voters enough to ask tough questions.

But, more than anything else, I hope each and every vote cast in this election is an informed one.

Think before you vote for every candidate. Don’t vote for someone because the media wants you to, including me. Don’t vote for someone because special interest groups throw candidates millions of dollars.

Who will they represent once they win an election if it’s bought and paid for by special interest groups? You? I doubt it.

From the Presidential race down to the local board of education, a well-informed vote is not only your right—it’s your duty.

Don’t waste it.