Where are ‘Bulldogs’ of political reporting?

Posted September 30, 2024 4:00 am

Any individual who was of age in the '70s, '80s and '90s in Chicago knew of the legendary CBS reporter John “Bulldog” Drummond. Drummond, the cigar-chomping, flat-hat-wearing, tough-as-nails reporter knew people deserved answers, and pity the person who didn't answer his questions. Politicians with something to hide would rather have their teeth extracted than be cornered and grilled by the Bulldog.

For Drummond however, politicians were the minor leagues. During the heyday of organized crime, when the mob had their hands on almost everything, Drummond went after the “bosses” with grit and determination that put the fear into the men who put the fear into men. What might have gotten him killed, in a perverse way earned their respect for having the guts to ask.

Fast forward to the 2024 election. Where the candidates for the most powerful position in the world are not giving any answers, making us the least informed electorate of all time and a media that seems to be all right with that. If any journalists showed a fraction of the integrity, courage and tenacity that the Bulldog possessed, we just might know who we are electing and not end up with buyer's remorse.

Mark Claussner

Geneva

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