Somehow, we have lost the distinction between an opinion and a belief. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, as by definition they can't be right or wrong, but beliefs certainly can be dead wrong. This line has been blurred, and the result is that many people don't understand the distinction. Unfortunately most journalists are so deferential to their interview subject (maybe they don't want others to deny them an interview opportunity in the future) that no one is held to account. Its one thing for media members to say, "This welfare ad is a blatant lie." Its entirely another to ask Mitt Romney straight up, "Why did you lie in this welfare ad?"