This is a very interesting theory but it presupposes a certain self awareness and introspection on the part of the Washington pep squad and there is absolutely no evidence that Ashley Blitzer and Panchito Connolly have ever spent more than 30 seconds examining their motives about anything. Who has the time when you are rushing from newsroom to greenroom and practicing your derisive eye rolling for the camera?
The problem with the political press is obvious. It's Maureen Dowd.
She has single handedly created a new style of political writing that is best compared to a Mean Girls high school slumber party. Her "cultural" take on politics has devolved the entire press corp into a group of puerile social climbers who get points for how ruthlessly they are able to kick the designated geek (Crazy Al Gore.)
It's a sociological experiment gone horribly bad. The washington press corp, as demonstrated so perfectly by Dana Milbank last week-end, are a bunch of snide little bitches who have disposed of any responsibility for seriousness, substance or respect in order to curry favor with other "Maureen's"
The media are not rewarded for being serious, substantive or respectful. They are rewarded for being entertaining to each other. And 14 year old girls are entertained by social dramas.
Thanks Maureen. I sure wish she hadn't been stood up for the prom or whatever disappointment it was that stuck her in permanent adolescence. It would have made a big difference in this world.
[from my comments]