Fractious platform vote cracks veneer of DNC party unity

The Democratic National Committee has had years to prepare for the 2012 convention. On Sept. 5, the well-scripted event was on track to set up the crowd for a rousing speech from President Bill Clinton. However, a voice vote on the party platform cr

eated quite a stir – and some outrage – from party faithful.

The voice vote was to add the word “God” into the platform, as well as to designate Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel. Video clips appear to reveal a very close voice vote, with the “nays” on par with the “yea” votes. However, party leaders declared the motions had passed by a two-thirds vote, much to the consternation of many of those assembled.

Independent media outlets such as Democracy Now! And Examiner.com had articles this week discussing the issue and questioning the DNC’s tactics. Conservative websites such as RedState.com also have discussed the event.

Missing from the coverage has been any real discussion in major, national print media, as well as any in-depth coverage on the major television news networks. One of the few print articles was by Mark Landler with the New York Times, “Pushed by Obama, Democrats Alter Platform Over Jerusalem.”

Do you think the major media coverage was sufficient? Or did big media sweep it under the rug? Email us at gatewayjr@siu.edu and let us know your thoughts.