... That is in what not to do, or how to act, or how come across.
For MSNBC is started with Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell stating that the coverage of Barack Obama "was embarrassing". And he was not discussing the negative coverage of Obama. He was talking about what one observer saw as on a scale of not supporting Barack Obama to supporting Barack Obama, MSNBC was at the level of "I want to have Obama's baby". We are talking about irrational arguments, hate speech, and all around inappropriate comments about opponents, while at the same time becoming glazed-eye fanatics of Obama.
The total, unmitigated loss of all objectivity or even the care of any objectivity.
I do not think it was just a Hillary partisan that thinks this way. A more neutral voice, Tom Brokow, agreed, and he is part of the NBC machine. He has said, "I think Keith (Olbermann) has gone too far. I think Chris (Matthews) has gone to far." Back in June Brokaw slammed the press, and MSNBC, for its drumbeat to get Hillary Clinton to exit the campaign, calling it "inappropriate" and "commentary disguised as reporting". Also, in June Brokaw had to scold Olbermann on air for suggesting that Clinton was attempting to "shoehorn" her way into the press coverage, saying, "I think that's unfair, Keith".
The lesson in law, for all of us, is that we too are partisans. But, ultimately you cannot lose your head and become so vicious, so argumentative, and so cunning as to lose all objectivity. You certainly should not be doing it on a tactical basis or level. This past week I have run into several opposing counsel that are willing to forgo all of their integrity for little money. It is shameful. Is it hurtful? Yes, to me and my client it is. More importantly, however, a lawyer's good sense and integrity is all any of us has. When you allow yourself to get so blinded you lose the image that courts and judges and others have for you on a professional basis, that is not good.
And, try to remember this. Your job is to advocate for your client, but that does not mean you need to leave your manners and your good sense at home. If you are opposing counsel dealing with me, it matters little that I lose all respect for you, and do not believe I can trust you to be a respectful lawyer and a decent human being. But, I am not the only one. Over time it has a cumulative effect as the bar in general and the courts in particular do not believe they can trust your view and dread your commentary.
Here is a tip. Try being, for lack of a better term, a God-fearing person. Just like MSNBC sells out for some instant ratings, you do the same thing when you try to impress your crappy little client with just how overly zealous you can be for the few centovos they are willing to pay. It is important for MSNBC to remember that viewer will not stay around forever, and neither will your client. In the end, MSNBC and you are left with nothing but your integrity. So, just sell it to the lowest bidder and see where that gets you.
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