This question, which can normally be regarded as absurd, basically signifies the landmark in relations between politics and the media. Certain papers and TV channels are busy with praising Kılıçdaroğlu at all times. They always talk about him. They show him renting a house, walking down the street and mingling with people. We get the impression that there is a new "Kemalism" being pushed. Whether it is the correct strategy to treat Kılıçdaroğlu as Mustafa Kemal, only time will tell.
There are numerous examples of this behavior in our recent political history. For instance, once, some media organizations had a similar passion about another "Kemal." They had difficulties in finding words to praise Kemal Derviş. For those media organizations, he was the "savior" that would show us the way out of the economic crisis. Actually, Derviş' career justified these praises. However, this is politics. You have to care for numerous balances. Moreover, the nation tends to grow suspicious about the people "pushed by the media." In other words, as some media organizations praise some people, they actually becomes discredited in eyes of the nation. This is what happened. Derviş, advertised as a savior by the media, soon lost all credibility within the party.
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu visited our paper as well. We published pieces praising him, including on our cover page. Furthermore, I referred to him as an example for the CHP general headquarters. But we must not get ahead of ourselves. For some time, he has been receiving many praises from all TV channels of a certain media group. "We will win hopefully," says one of their anchormen, addressing him. Every day, papers show him in pictures. It may be that the general public may be mistaking the locations where Kılıçdaroğlu frequently poses for photos with his election office. I do not expect him to reject all this praise, but he should see this reality: If a mayoral candidate is so hand-in-glove with a media group, this leads to strong suspicions among the people (even in his own party).
For example, he paid a visit to the Milliyet daily the day before. They watched the news bulletin there. Fine. There, referring to CHP Deputy Secretary-General Mehmet Sevigen, he said, "He should do what this requires." These words can be understood to mean "He must resign." The biggest support to Sevigen, who is accused of involvement in corrupt practices in securing land for a residential center, came from CHP leader Deniz Baykal. Sevigen was previously accused of selecting the party's nominations in return for unfair income. It seems that the CHP is in turmoil. Many people believe that CHP Secretary-General Önder Sav and his team are being wound up, and revenge is being taken against Sevigen, who is among those partaking in winding up Sav. At this point, Kılıçdaroğlu's words, uttered through the media organizations, will most naturally be perceived as taking sides within the party. This will inevitably offend Kılıçdaroğlu. These matters may go well for headlines, and one may feel flattered by them, but they may also lead to cracks within the party.
Gürsel Tekin, the head of the CHP's İstanbul branch who was behind the CHP's recent initiatives, first resigned and then withdrew his resignation after speaking with Baykal. This development seems to be an internal confrontation. Upon objection from Tekin, the CHP's candidates lists were changed. How many CHP mayors are there in İstanbul? As he is talking about his objection to the list, he implies that some of the names on the list are involved in corruption. His opponents are whispering to the media that Tekin has made his relatives the party's nominees for municipal councils. This row is likely to go for some time.
One of reasons for this confusion should be noted: the desire to be praised and to be in the spotlight. Consider this: The media organizations that engage in long praises of Kılıçdaroğlu do not report even the slightest positive thing about Kadir Topbaş. Moreover, when the media organizations that are not pro-CHP ask Kılıçdaroğlu, referring to concrete figures and reports, "Why did you cause the Social Security Authority (SSK) a loss amounting to several billion lira?," Kılıçdaroğlu confirms it, but offers the following explanation: "The SSK is a not-for-profit organization." Now, wouldn't ordinary citizens hearing this be inclined to ask: "After causing such a loss to the SKK, how big of a loss will you cause the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality?"
This and such questions will not be asked by the pro-CHP media. You may be in the spotlight of media organizations, but voters will feel uneasy about your cooperation with the media. This is because there is no newspaper or TV channel to vote for, but a political party. In this case, citizens would not favor media-induced candidates. Our recent history of politics is rife with examples of this.
