Comcast Goes to Washington... and Flops

[Commentary] Comcast took to Washington to sell its mega-merger with Time Warner Cable. But in a week that Comcast had hoped to parade the proposed merger past Congress and regulators it quickly became clear that the cable giant couldn't make the case.

Every step of the way, they were asked by skeptical lawmakers to explain how, exactly, this merger would benefit the public. Apparently, the answer is better DVRs. And that's about all we get for letting the No. 1 cable company swallow up No. 2. If this merger goes through, Comcast's service area will cover almost two-thirds of the United States.

On day one, Comcast will control nearly 50 percent of the truly high-speed Internet market, and it will be the only broadband provider that can deliver Internet and pay-TV services to nearly four out of every 10 US homes. Judging by the hearing, the Senate wasn't buying what Comcast was selling -- and neither is the public.

Will an outraged public be able to counteract Comcast's lobbying onslaught? Can organized people beat organized money? Well, it's the only thing that ever has.

[Aaron is President and CEO, Free Press]