Reality TV - optics - really?

[Liberal In Red State]

The response by journalists and commentators has been “Optics are bad” - Chuck Todd - “Mueller’s reputation has taken a hit” Wallace - really?!?!?!? That is what they took away from today’s hearing? So it was not up to your standards dramatically - it didn’t matter the content of Mueller’s message or that Mueller testified under oath that the occupant of the White House is a liar, collider, traitor, obstructor or as Ted Lieu put it a felon - but because it was not ready for prime time viewing - who cares!?!?!? The greatest generation is barely in their graves and we have surrendered to Putin! WOWOWOWOWOW!

[DURHAM D]

1. They are in show biz.

Optics really really matter to them.

[Caliman73]

2. Unfortunately, since television, optics are important.

I don't necessarily agree with the commentators the the Mueller optics were "bad", but they definitely matter. Look back at the first Presidential debate held on television. Kennedy v. Nixon. The consensus at the time was that for people who heard the debate on the radio, Nixon won, but the people who saw Nixon on television sweating and shifty eyed, Kennedy won. It shouldn't be a major talking point, and the substance of the situation should have way more importance, but this is still the age of "how did it look?"

[D_Master81]

3. What exactly would "good optics" have looked like?

to these commentators please do tell.