The vast majority of the talking heads on the regular networks, news networks, local channels, magazines, newspapers and Internet blog sites means that while free speech is alive and well, what is being said is getting diluted and twisted more and more. The proof is in the pudding: The accuracy of polls and pundit's predictions is growing more and more askew as time passes. Therefore, I don't put as much stock in what they have to say. For every truly informed and balanced talking head like Russert, there are dozens of O'Reillys and Carlsons and Kinsley's who are throwing darts.
Keep in mind that very few of these schmucks even studied political science. Most of them studied journalism (or it's bastard step-child "broadcast journalism"), which is little more than a specialization in language skills. Not that a certain failed Texas oil baron studied much of anything, but he has been given the authority to do more than just talk. He has been given the authority to ramrod an agenda. Fortunately in our form of government, checks and balances were created to keep him from turning agenda into law by his will alone. Therefore, when he goes before Congress, his cabinet, the judiciary and the nation as a whole to set his agenda, it is the duty of citizens to pay attention and hold him accountable. We do that by voicing our own opinions in forums where a difference can be made, and by influencing our other elected officials who can stop such an agenda if it doesn't agree with the will of the masses.