Pack Journalism at its Finest!

I am torn between whether or not knowing President Obama has decided to postpone his trip to Asia is important for the public know. CNN, AOL, etc., have Obama’s decision to postpone his trip to Asia as one of their “top” political articles. Pack journalism has obviously taken hold of this small bit of knowledge and turned it into something unnecessarily extravagant. Will the public see any drastic changes in the health care reform in those three days? Probably not.
            Democrats are hoping to finally make the last push for the passage of health care reform, which is why Obama is staying in D.C. Many are still concerned as to whether or not it will be passed - with or without Obama present. Changes are still being made, but the White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanual, explained to reporters that the end is near; they are near the finish line, meaning few, if any, changes are going to be seen. As the article on AOL continues, it drifts off to a car accident that Harry Reid’s (Senate Majority Leader) wife and daughter were in a severe automobile accident. It even mentions that his wife has serious injuries, such as a broken neck and back. Due to the lack of staying on topic, the universal audience is seeing an example of image advertising. The author is giving us a personal life story, not the facts on the big topic here: health care. The unfortunate and very serious accident may be seen as a tactic to persuade the possible voters who are less attentive or on the fence of passing or failing the health care reform, more of a reason to vote to pass said reform. Relating to a life story or sympathizing with another person can be reasons to jump on the bandwagon.
            Overall, it is obvious that the health care reform is important and relevant to be talked about in the media. Yet, knowing that Obama is temporarily halting his trip to Asia to be present for this reform is not something I consider important. Maybe he has been encouraged to stay because is looks like he is deeply involved and truly concerned about the issue, but we all know that he should already be both of those things. Multiple news stations reporting on this is not necessary, but due to pack journalism, I’m sure we have not seen the last about this trip.