Pollster Yossi Vadana: Media stole elections from Mofaz
Dr. Aaron Lerner Date 18 September 2008

In a live interview broadcast this morning on Israel Radio, pollster Yossi
Vadana of Shvakim Panorama slammed the media for "stealing the primary
elections" from Shaul Mofaz by presenting Livni's victory over Mofaz as a
foregone conclusion during the course of the campaign in general and
releasing the exit poll results before the polls closed in particular.

Vadana suggested, and others on the program concurred, that it is possible
that Livni's 431 vote lead over Mofaz was the result of the decision of
Mofaz supporters not to go to the trouble to vote after the broadcast of the
exit poll results that (incorrectly) showed a massive Livni victory.

Other media figures criticized themselves for the massive support that the
media gave to Livni during the course of the campaign, especially in
allowing her to avoid ever actually explaining her positions on the major
issues facing Israel today.

It should be noted, however, that there is a long tradition in Israel for
the media to first be very heavy handed in promoting a candidate, party or
action and then engage in self criticism only after their efforts have
succeeded. This way they can "have their cake and eat it too" since, on the
one hand, they use their power to promote their political agenda, while at
the same time embrace, ex-poste, the moral high ground.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il