"..Sadly, Bush has been too passive in his own defense over his years in office. If he had been much tougher with his twisted critics of the left, I think he would have much more respect in the MSM, but he chose the "turn the other cheek" mode, which has cost him dearly..."
True, The President has not defended himself against constant MSM lies and half-truths. He also has used press secretaries who have not had the skills to play with the sharks and use their position to correct the lies.
But nothing will make me believe that gaining respect with the MSM is something to be desired. I would be very very concerned if Helen Thomas proclaimed respect for the President.
What is sad is that the truth even needs to be defended. The truth is just that, true.
There was a time when reporters just reported the facts as they occurred. And did some digging to verify those facts. Now they just report what they're fed, and run with it whether it's true or not. The offended party must then prove a non truth. How do you defend yourself against a lie? I've been in the position and it really is not possible to erase an untruth or its effects completely.
There was a time when reporters just reported the facts as they occurred.
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Yes, and the implications of this are ugly. The anti-American political movement is rife in the MSM and it does not bode well for America. As you point out, the MSM has become a POLITICAL VEHICLE and is no longer a respectable profession dedicated to the pursuit of the TRUTH.