From WNYC in New York, this is on the media. I'm Bob Garfield. And I'm Brooke Gladstone. Standing as we are on the

precipice of next month's Iowa caucus, you'd think that the good people of Iowa and New Hampshire

would be drowning in political advertising. Yet, in comparison with 2007 at least, their airwaves are eerily quiet.

Earlier this week, the New York Times reported that for a variety of reasons, including

the fact that just Republicans are competing in this year's primaries, ad buys are down in

those states.

Way down.

Campaigns and political groups spent almost $22 million in Iowa by this

point in 2007. This year, they've spent only $2.4 million. Instead, it seems free media have

filled the void. First among them, the televised debate. Welcome to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the site of our Republican

presidential debate.

Speaker Gingrich, this next one's for you.

You've criticized extending unemployment benefits, saying that you are, quote, opposed to giving

people money for doing nothing.

Benefits have already been extending to 90-90-

The idea that you stand here before us and talk about that you're strong on immigration

is on its faith, the height of hypocrisy.

The governor says, look, states ought to be able to opt out of Social Security.

Our nominee has to be someone who isn't committed to abolishing Social Security,

but who's committed to saving Social Security.

We have always had at the heart of our party a recognition.

I don't think he knows what he's talking about in that regard.

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