What may be most frustrating about watching TV coverage of this election is the thimble-level depth it offers.

In the Democratic primaries, it was questions about flag pins and God's will. After John McCain picked Sarah Palin as his running mate, it was questions of work/life balance that men rarely face.

And now, following Palin's aggressive, almost sneering rebuke of Barack Obama during her acceptance speech Wednesday, I fear the next lapse will be journalists' failure to challenge inconsistencies. Newsweek's Howard Fineman most recently called it "working the refs" -- complaining about media coverage so much that the media gets intimidated and embarrassed out of asking tough questions.

As I watched Palin's speech, I kept marveling at the GOP's ability to offer arguments directly opposite positions they had taken weeks ago, with little pushback from members. And I wondered if the GOP had worked the refs enough to ensure that few big-name journalists challenge all the inconsistencies.

In speeches long on jingoistic attacks and short on substance, Palin and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani stirred emotion to obscure the facts, urging followers to ignore those awful journalists who keep insisting on consistency.

For example:

-- Volunteering at the PTA or a church is okay, but Obama's work as a community organizer earns a sneering insult?

-- McCain was dismissive of Mitt's Romney's experience as a governor six months ago, but now it's fine for Sarah Palin to be a heartbeat from the presidency after less than 2 years running one of the least-populated states in the union?

-- When Obama delivers a speech with few policy points, it's empty rhetoric. But Palin's speech Wednesday, mostly built around attacks on Obama, was somehow proof she's ready to be vice president?

-- According to Palin, John McCain's a courageous maverick for choosing a political unknown to serve as his vice president. But Obama's short time in Washington makes him a dangerous choice?

I expect truth to be the first casualty when politicians enter tough campaigns. But I also expect the press to challenge inconsistencies and gaps in logic -- even when it earns harsh criticism. Will we see journalists find the stamina to sort through all the BS to challenge candidates on both sides as many Americans are just beginning to pay attention?

While you think on that, check legendary former GOP speechwriter and ace columnist Peggy Noonan stepping in it by forgetting the first rule of TV: Always assume a microphone is open.

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