April 03, 2008
We are writing to suggest a more balanced approach in coverage and reporting of the presidential election in the New Jersey Jewish News. Readers should note that although we are friends we have a different political perspective on many issues but come together on this one.
Over the past several months, it might seem to the readers of the Jewish News that there is only one candidate for president of the United States. The mention of Sen. John McCain has been scant, as has that of Sen. Hillary Clinton. Unlike entrepreneurial ventures where Mort Zuckerman or Rupert Murdoch can express their choices by editorial coverage and even press ink, we believe the role of the Jewish News is different as a community-based paper serving the NJ Jewish community.
We do not suggest or even attempt to curtail the editorial integrity of the professional staff. As a matter of fact, we applaud it. However, our perspective and review of many recent issues suggest that a vastly disproportionate amount of editorial coverage and op-ed pieces have been dedicated to Sen. Barack Obama and in a praiseworthy manner. As a community newspaper, the New Jersey Jewish News should never allow itself to be viewed as a having a position in support of any particular candidate or party.
Further, in order to make the newspaper more robust and interesting, we urge the Jewish News to encourage members of our community to contribute opinion pieces that reflect their views of the presidential candidates. Limiting coverage to JTA stories or opinions from professionals not closely linked or members of the NJ Jewish community potentially has a stultifying effect on the interest of our readers.
We have noticed during this now prolonged election cycle relatively limited coverage regarding either McCain or Clinton and their respective involvement in the Jewish community. Contrast that coverage with the effusive weekly discussions regarding Obama and his “kishkes” or Obama’s brilliant rhetorical response to the demagoguery of his pastor. One can defend any individual article or op-ed piece regarding Obama, but what we find troubling is this pattern of coverage which to us appears biased.
Both of us have been involved together on pro-Israel issues and separately in different political parties. In the past, we have represented our parties in forums in the MetroWest community. Yet that vibrant debate that moves our community and the nation is currently missing from the pages of the New Jersey Jewish News.
Since we regularly align on issues affecting Israel and the Jewish community, we feel it is vital to carefully explore those issues that surround all three of the leading candidates. Questioning them is not only right but also necessary.
Perhaps this letter will engender dialogue and true participation in our community newspaper. Perhaps nothing will occur. In the case of the latter, at least we will have been permitted to offer our opinion in this critical debate.
Mr. Jacobs is a Jewish Democratic activist, a past chair of the MetroWest Community Relations Committee, and has served as a member of the New Jersey Jewish News board for 15 years. Mr. Klinghoffer is a Jewish Republican activist, a past president of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, and is a current member of the New Jersey Jewish News board.
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