Krugman's Analysis of the Democratic Proposals

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/opinion/04krugman.html

Paul Krugman, editorialist for the New York Times, published a column on February 4^th comparing the Healthcare proposals of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. He argues that, while many say the two proposals are essentially the same and both will provide drastically lowered costs to low income families, the lack of mandates in Obama’s plan will leave less people insured and be more costly per person insured. Krugman concludes by contending that, while it would be difficult for either candidate to get these proposals past the house, Clinton’s is the only proposal with the hope of achieving universal healthcare.

Krugman’s article does not seem to be constrained by the same market forces which we discussed identified as affecting commercial network news broadcasts. The editorial is detailed, without filler, and full of analysis. This could stem from a variety of causes, such as the prestige and intellectual standards of the New York Times, which lead to a reader more interested in details. It could also potentially be a difference between an editorial and an article. Perhaps the articles and overall reporting are constrained by these market forces, leading to more soft news, less development of stories and relying on immediacy, while the editorials are a space to expand upon these stories by analyzing the issues.