Politico Misleads on NJ Gov. Chiristie’s Immigration Position

Big Journalism ^ | Jul 1st 2010 at 5:46 pm | Warner Todd Huston

[Bratch]

Ben Smith of Politico has posted a story that essentially mislead readers about what newfound conservative hero Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey thinks about immigration. Smith’s article spins Christie into an “amnesty” supporter when it doesn’t seem he is. One has to wonder: why did Smith do this?

Among many other issues, in the multipage interview with Christie, Smith broached the immigration issue. Being a governor, Christie is faced with as much trouble over the issue as any other, of course, but Smith’s characterization of Christie’s position on immigration would tend to make one feel that Christie is an amnesty supporter. In fact, Smith seems to impute several ideas or feelings into Christie’s replies that may not have been in them at all.

First off, Smith says that Christie had “long declined to ‘demagogue’ the issue” of immigration. It does not seem, however, that Christie has ever claimed to have a long record of refusing to “demagogue” the immigration issue.

Next Smith asserts that Christie says that “stringent state-by-state laws – such as in Arizona – are the wrong approach” for immigration. However, there is no sentiment about stringent anything in Christie’s reply to Smith’s questions. The word stringent did not appear at all.

Lastly, Smith claims that Christie said he wanted to see a “‘clear’ path to legalization for immigrants.” Naturally it doesn’t seem that Christie said word one about any “clear path” to citizenship.

[Bigtigermike]

What’s new? Politico daily make up lies about conservatives....have you heard of Sarah Palin?

[Gene Eric]

>> One has to wonder: why did Smith do this?

In comparison to his fiscal rhetoric, Christie was weak on this issue. Christie left the door open for well deserved criticism.

[jimt]

As it’s wholly owned by the Washington Post, what to you expect ?

TRUTH should NOT be on the list.