Obama Makes More News Than McCain

As the general election semi-officially kicks-off, the differences between Barack Obama and John McCain on issues ranging from the economy to Iraq constituted the media’s main campaign narrative. Together, the debates over several key issues accounted for almost one-third -- 29% -- of the campaign newshole, as measured by PEJ’s Campaign Coverage Index for June 9-15. But that didn't mean there wasn't a fair amount of attention paid to some controversies and gaffes. Led by coverage of the resignation of Obama’s vice-presidential search leader James Johnson, a handful of controversies finished second behind the issues (at 18%) as a narrative theme last week. Trailing in third place (at 13%) was coverage of the candidates’ efforts to heal the wounds left by the primary battles—particularly the bruising Democratic contest.
http://www.journalism.org/node/11537