Jeopardy contestants fail to remember Herman Cain

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3. modern political coverage obsesses over trivia; we remember it only if it fits a familiar narrative

facts and policies matter to real people, so if the media covered that, there would be much to remember.

instead, they focus on screams and sighs and sweaters and tank helmets, and we remember them only because they are repeated often enough and fit into a narrative that is told over and over. cain didn't really register, and his gaffes didn't fit a familiar narrative. he was largely forgettable and largely forgotten.

the closest they come to policy is to take an actual proposal and stick labels all over it and kick it around like a football. so much branding, and so little discussion of "what should our country do?"