Members of the American mainstream media are still harping on Melania Trump's convention speech. There's been a double standard when it comes to reporting of political plagiarism.
True, plagiarism allegations against candidate Joe Biden forced him from the presidential primary race in 1987. But presidential candidate Barack Obama did not face the same degree of scrutiny and media outrage in 2008 as Melania Trump in 2016. He was a presidential candidate, she is not.
I've attended many political conventions over the years and have noticed reporters often become bored when there's little excitement at a convention. They seek out headlines and sensational stories that will get noticed. And so it was with Melania Trump.
How dare she lift lines from Michel Obama's speech! Outrage. Time to forget reporting about her elegance, poise and the speech which she presented in her non-native tongue--a language she learned as an immigrant to America. The reaction was, "How dare she not attribute the first lady! She needs to apologize and someone needs to be fired!"
That someone was speechwriter Meredith McIver, who apologized and submitted her resignation. Read her letter here.
The Trumps refused to dismiss McIver from the campaign.
"Everyone makes mistakes," Trump said.
Including Barack Obama. A speech he gave In February 2008 included language from a speech given 16-months earlier by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Take a listen:
No media outrage. The excuse given was Obama had only borrowed a few lines from his friend, with his friend's permission. But there was no public attribution given by Obama and no apology.
Instead, the presidential candidate said he "was on the stump" and used lines suggested by Patrick without giving him credit. He admitted he probably should have given his friend credit, but didn't.
No big deal for Mr. Obama and no biggie for the media.
So, when there's foul play I guess what's good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander (pun intended).
Melania Trump's speechwriter lifted a few lines from Michel Obama, apologized and offered to resign. Barack Obama lifted lines from Deval Patrick, gave no apology and became president.
No biggie. End of story.