Transportation Secretary: Media ‘trash talk’ impeding nation’s ability to solve big problems

LaHood says media ‘trash talk’ hurting discourse

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says “trash talk” on conservative talk radio and cable television shows is impeding the nation’s ability to solve big problems.

Speaking in Columbus on Tuesday, LaHood referred to criticism that President Barack Obama received for appearing Sunday on five television news shows to promote his health care agenda.

LaHood told The Columbus Dispatch that Obama’s media appearances were minuscule compared with “the kind of trash talk that goes on” all week.

He says harsh discourse in Washington has reached an all-time high. LaHood is a Republican and former congressman from Illinois.

Obama has expressed similar sentiments, telling CBS News on Sunday that cable television and blogs focus on the most extreme elements on both sides.

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, www.dispatch.com