Perhaps Ms. Owens is unaware, but many of the statements she makes in her column, "Protecting the role of the fourth estate" (Oct. 2), regarding Sen. McCain apply to the media's idol, Sen. Obama, as well.

First up, she mocks McCain for referring to the "failing economy" as "fundamentally strong." Ms. Owens should listen to Obama's speeches more closely. After spending four days two weeks ago hammering McCain for suggesting that the fundamentals of the economy are "strong," last week, Obama told an audience in Denver that the "long-term fundamentals" of the U.S. economy are "strong." Clearly, McCain is not the only candidate who believes we've got the basics down.

As to the war, again Ms. Owens is stuck in the past. The latest polling data show a plurality, 41 percent, of Americans who now believe the war in Iraq will be judged a success, with another 48 percent believing it will get better.

Ms. Owens' last barb is directed at the "low approval ratings" of President Bush. Perhaps the fact that Nancy Pelosi's Congress has the lowest approval rating in history -- 15 points lower than Bush's -- has also escaped her.

It seems Ms. Owens has her favorite, and that is understandable. Thankfully, the Collegian saw fit to print her opinion where it belongs, unlike the media who call it "news."

Stephen Johnson

Class of 2007