January 28, 2008
Posted: January 28th, 2008 12:30 PM ET

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL (CNN) - Ahhhhh...What a difference!!!

When the Huckabee campaign stopped providing transportation for the traveling press, I was reassigned to cover McCain as an embedded photojournalist for CNN. When flying on Huckabee's plane (a dual-prop, 8-passenger commuter) I was forced to ride on the toilet seat...now I am flying on a luxury aircraft complete with leather seats.

I can't believe the differences in the two campaigns.... At the end of a long day when I arrive at the hotel, my room key is ready for me. No longer do I have to load and unload gear on and off the plane completely by myself. I am surrounded by campaign staff who are always willing to help. And the bus is always stocked with beverages and food for all those hungry and thirsty journalists.

And the differences don't stop there. There is also a huge difference when it comes to technology....this campaign provides a Humvee with a mounted satellite dish that follows the press bus everywhere it goes. This vehicle provides high-speed wi-fi internet connections so that we can file our stories and submit photos and video as we race down the highway en route to the next event!

Money makes a huge difference. It seems unfair but I guess that's how things are in this current political environment.

In the end, we as journalists report fairly and impartially regardless of how well we are fed and how fast the internet connection is.

–CNN Photojournalist Jung Park

Filed under: John McCain • On the Trail


Ron   January 31st, 2008 5:19 am ET

News Flash
News Flash

Yes, The Clintons Scammed Millions $$$$$$$
Finally, “THE NEW YORK TIMES” lets the cat out of the bag.
This article exposes the “ REAL CLINTON SCAMS “.
Ask Wolf Blitzer @ CNN.

Open your PC front page.

In the web search bar type in, " Clinton Donors Overlap " Press Search.

Read this 5 Minute “New York Times” article, 2 ½ short pages

My new opinion of Bill & HILLERY Clinton” is now.
How to Scam, Con and Steal and get away with it legally.
And they look so sweet now!

If the link worked I would have it here for you
Thanks, Ringneck11

James   January 29th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Once again, the real truth comes out. The reporters are not about really reporting what is happening, it is all about what suits them the best. I am overwhelmed of the non support of a man who seems to be very frugle with his money...I am speaking of Huckabee. I appreciate how he steps up and speaks his heart. Where are the ones who really care about America.
Huckabee is not an Washington Insider....and He has my vote. Come on America and let our voice be heard.

Jay   January 29th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

If Clinton and Obama were smiling & shaking hands the caption would say "President & vice-president Deal in the Making" . Either way the haters would be making the same comments. Who are these undecideds that got knocked off the fence because of this picture? HAHAHA

LR in TX   January 29th, 2008 9:54 am ET

I'd rather have someone in the Oval Office who knows how to budget rather than one who knows how to spend and spend and spend and ...

Attacks by the Establishment on Ron Paul Continue   January 29th, 2008 8:37 am ET

So this is how a candidate buys the press and why some candidates cannot get the time of day! What a sad situation! Perhaps Lincoln knew this was the real press when he shut down newspapers during the War for Southern Independence and maybe he was right to just disregard the First Amendment the same as he did the 10th? Could be the media is our worst enemy in this country!

TJS   January 29th, 2008 8:09 am ET

The coverage has been terrible for all except the big money. 2 democrats, 2 republicans. I didn't realize that money mattered soooo much in coverage on the campaign. It is sad, very sad. The media has seemed to picked who they want and we don't hear anything meaningful on the other candidates. I think it is terrible, how we hear about eating fried chicken. I am sick of the media forcing their choice down my throat! I thought maybe it was only CNN, but turned to the networks and got the same crap. It is very sad that my 18 year old college student did not realize their were still others on the ticket. This will probably not be printed as I have found you criticize the reports and they are denied. Shows how fair the media is, huh?

Mike, OR   January 29th, 2008 6:25 am ET

Report fairly and impartially? CNN? Recently I've been wondering if Rupert Murdoch had purchased CNN and I missed it. Those who look for a network that at least attempts unbiased reporting had better look to ABC or one of the other network stations and avoid cable news, if you can.

Mike   January 29th, 2008 3:58 am ET

Fair and Impartial?. Ever heard of this guy called Ron Paul... The lack of media coverage is criminal.

M. Lou Madison, WI   January 29th, 2008 2:39 am ET

Funny how the wheel turns. So when McCaine was broke, you weren't embedded with him. McCaine will self destruct like he always does and then you'll be with the next candidate who bribes you with food and drink. Lazy people!

This is the last straw. I've had it with this press hypocrisy. I'm going to go donate to Huckabee's campaign right now.

thebee   January 29th, 2008 2:16 am ET

You make me sick! It IS true money can buy anything – including the White House. It certianly is no great American dream that anyone can be president. That is just no longer true. It is amazing you can't even hear your own bias of being sold out to the almighty dollar. I will stand for character and honesty with nothing to my name. That is worth more than any amount of power or money. We stupid Americans allow a year long process that cost millions that could be much better spent making the world a better place! This is all such a joke!!!

joe   January 29th, 2008 12:20 am ET

wow I can't believe you managed to survive. Maybe you should run for president.

shamone   January 28th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

shame. amen chris. tacky.

sean   January 28th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

wow, i really don't see how anyone can miss the point of the author,
it was a slightly comic indictment of how money is affecting political coverage.
i guess reading isn't a big thing in school these days.

Roy, Gaithersburg, MD   January 28th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

One word for this: Pathetic

"Report fairly and impartially"? Yeah, right.
John "100 Years in Iraq, My Friend" McCain is outright attempting to buy the good favor of the press. And the press is falling for it. What has this country become?

Sue, Michigan   January 28th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Another reason to support Huckabee! Who's paying for the McCain niceties–taxpayers????

anne   January 28th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Actually, your article screams bias. You don't cover the news fair or balanced. I haven't seen an article written about Mike lately. If you were fair you would have written an article about the 2,200 people that came to a Mike Huckabee event in Birmingham, Alabama this past Saturday. the 400 seat room was standing room only and 1,800 other people had to sit in another room and listend to Mike by audio. See, it just proves what Mike's been saying all along. Money buys the election. You media always say "well, this state is a fight between so and so, and this candidate is done." The people believe it and only vote for those candidates. You are depicted the outcome of the election. It is time for the people to ignore the pundants. Prove them wrong America!

Lori   January 28th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

WHoa!! You mean to tell me that in order to get any good press coverage you have to buy the press??? Isn't the press supposed to just cover the story? No wonder it is soooo very important to have $$$$$ to win an election!! No wonder having 51% of Republican voters on his side doesn't seem to amount to any notice from the press. It is really amazing that Mike has done as well as he has. Imagine what would happen if he had Mitt Romney's pocketbook to draw from?! So much for impartial press!

Danny   January 28th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

This is the reason for campaign finance reform! Each candidate has the exact same amount and then we would see who truly was best at spending our money! The media really does not get it! Jung, you just proved Huckabee is our best choice because what you write deserves to be in a toilet!!!

Slvvn   January 28th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

The government is set up as a business with a CEO(chief executive officer), CFO, Board of directors (congress and the house), and the works. Every time they make a decision money is spent. it is about time that we had a businessman running the largest business in the world and not a life long politician like mccain, HillBilly or Obama.. Romney is the best man for the job! Vote Romney!

Romney's background not only make him the best candidate for a slumping economy but his international business background make him the best person for negotiating and dealing with foreign affairs! Vote Romney!

Jose Card - Independent   January 28th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Chris,

But we were just told the truth. Jung Park did not have to tell us any of the better treatment at McCain camp.
Aren't you glad he did?

Greg   January 28th, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Chris's comments are right on the mark!
McCain's leather seats, free food and drinks, and hotel room have softened you to his campaign.

David, Oregon City   January 28th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Mr. Park, the difference is I helped pay for your accommodations with the Huckabee campaign with my hard earn wages. Now Wall Street and the Beltway is paying your way for influence. That is the difference and it does matter!

Alex   January 28th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Who is this? This report clearly indicates that if you have money, your voice will be heard...I am glad Jungo is comfortable being "handled" by the McCain.

My intern has better instincts than Jungo

Chris   January 28th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

You report fairly and impartially? Really? You're not with the Huckabee campaign anymore because they don't have the funds to transport the press. Now you're reporting on McCain. That alone is evidence that there is partial and unfair coverage of this election. That is a shame.

independent for obama   January 28th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

happy you're having a good time!

mr.fair tax   January 28th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

JUNG PARK
ARE YOU KIDDING ME IT'S CNN REMEMBER!!
LOL

lava   January 28th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Yeah, right. You are so biased towards McCain it's transparent.

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