Do the media favor Bush over Gore?

By Judy Woodruff/CNN

PHILADELPHIA (CNN) -- President George Bush in 1992 voiced a common complaint among conservatives, that the news media are biased against Republicans, but this year's GOP standard bearer has little to complain about.

According to a study by the Project for Excellence in Journalism and the Committee of Concerned Journalists, Democrat Al Gore was far more likely to be the subject of negative news stories this year.

Forty-two percent of stories on Gore covered the degree to which he is tainted by scandal. Thirty-four percent dealt with whether Gore exaggerates or lies. Just 14 percent focused on his competence and experience.

When the media reported on Bush, it was more likely to deal with positive themes. Forty percent of all stories were on Bush's main campaign message -- that he's a "different kind of Republican."

Twenty-six percent focused on whether he is intelligent and knowledgeable enough for the job. And 10 percent on whether he is coasting on his family name.

But there's also evidence that the media tide may be turning Gore's way. Much of the negative coverage came during Gore's tough primary battle with former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley -- when Bradley stopped just short of calling him a liar.

According to the study, 43 percent of Gore stories in March dealt with questions about his truthfulness. By June, that percentage had fallen to 16 percent. Now the most common Gore theme concerns his competence.

As for Bush, the media honeymoon may be ending. In June the most common theme was whether he's smart enough.