Is That What He Really Said? (WP Ombudsman Admits Cheney Never Said Kerry was "Unfit")

The Washington Post ^ | 9/5/04 | Michael Getler, Ombudsman

[tellw]

"Cheney Calls Kerry Unfit," read the big, front-page headline over a story in Thursday's Post about attacks on the Democratic challenger at the Republican convention in speeches by Vice President Cheney and Democratic Sen. Zell Miller of Georgia.

-snip

The problem is that Cheney never used the word "unfit." Yet the headline can be seen as reinforcing the Swift boat challengers' attack. The headline writer no doubt drew inspiration from the first paragraph of the story by reporter John F. Harris, who wrote that Cheney "reached back decades" into Kerry's life, "arguing in taunting language that the Democratic presidential nominee has demonstrated through his public statements and votes that he is unfit to be commander in chief in an age of terrorism."

You could draw that conclusion from listening to what Cheney did say. But that, in my view and those of some readers, was a poor choice of words and headline. The headline went beyond what Cheney said and then spread the characterization across the front page.

-snip

In a campaign as volatile as this, it seems to me to be best to stick with what was said and leave the interpretation for readers. Kerry, the next day, echoed The Post's characterization, saying "the vice president called me unfit for office last night."

[antaresequity]

In a campaign as volatile as this, it seems to me to be best to stick with what was said and leave the interpretation for readers.

Ya...right...no sense in practicing responsible journalism every day, only when people are keyed up and watching your slimey Washington Compost crap and going over it with a fine tooth comb.

What a bunch of crap

[antaresequity]

In a campaign as volatile as this, it seems to me to be best to stick with what was said and leave the interpretation for readers.

Ya...right...no sense in practicing responsible journalism every day, only when people are keyed up and watching your slimey Washington Compost crap and going over it with a fine tooth comb.

What a bunch of crap

[formercalifornian]

You report. We'll decide. How long will it take for old media to catch on?

[stockpirate]

The Pradva on the Potomac aka THe Washington Compost is not about to be truthful or honest, they are a socialist paper.

[Leisler]

Cheney didn't say unfit.
The crowd didn't boo.
Arnold had Russian tanks in the Soviet sector.

MSM death rattle.

[Viet-Boat-Rider]

Kerry IS unfit. He has a mental disorder called Narcissus that causes him to think of himself as high and mighty and everyone else as the "little people". He lies to make himself look good while lying about others to put them down. He makes up stories to make himself the big shot. He is jealous of others to the point of revenge for made up issues. Kerry needs to be in a streight jacket before he causes ANOTHER 15,000 and ANOTHER 3.5 million people to be killed because of his lies.

[glock rocks]

I'm enjoying it. The MSM isn't quite in death throes yet, but oh, ya gotta love their denial. I'm patient.

[tellw]

...reporter John F. Harris, who wrote that Cheney "reached back decades" into Kerry's life, "arguing in taunting language that the Democratic presidential nominee has demonstrated through his public statements and votes that he is unfit to be commander in chief in an age of terrorism."

Sounds like it was the headline writer AND the reporter who showed their bias...BIG TIME.

[wildwood]

and i'm SURE undisclosed relationships regarding an author's subject matter are the province of conservatives only.

[SandRat]

Another instance of the media losing it.

At one time if you read a by line name and it said reporter you knew you were going to get (using a sports analogy) the play by play, just the facts. If following the the by line name it said foreign correspondent or correspondent continuing with the sports analogy about 80 - 85% play by play with the remainder being color just to give the reader of context. If it said Journalist it was 100% color and opinionated at that.

It would appear that now days we only get the later and that is the condemnation of the MSM of today.

[jackbill]

I suspect that the Ombudsman at the Washington Post is the busiest guy at the newspaper.

[Talking_Mouse]

Bias? No of course they are not bias.

[danamco]

I'm enjoying it. The MSM isn't quite in death throes yet, but oh, ya gotta love their denial. I'm patient.



The "Wahington Pravda" (W.P.) now has its own Jason Blair (NYT) and Tom Hays (A.P.)!!!

[Talking_Mouse]

Please, where is the cite for the tanks in the Soviet sector. Thanks.

[Criminal Number 18F]

The ombudsman column in the Post is always good for a laugh, but at least, unlike the Times's Daniel Okrent, he tries. The problem is he has a newsroom that spans the spectrum from extreme left all the way over to far left to deal with.

In another story in that same paper, the Post's stated dedication to weeding out anonymous quotes faltered once again.

Give me a break. The Post, which contains dozens of anonymous and several fabricated "quotes" on every front page, "dedicated to weeding out" the centerpiece of its editorial process? Yeah, right. "I'm not addicted. I can quit any time!"

How's this for a headline: "Washington Post Unfit to Read."

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F

[danamco]

Should read "Washington Pravda", sorry!!!

[Viet-Boat-Rider]

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER

John Kerry has a big problem!

Diagnostic criteria for 301.81 Narcissistic Personality Disorder (cautionary statement) A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

(1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)

(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love

(3) believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)

(4) requires excessive admiration

(5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations

(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends

(7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others

(8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her

(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

HOW MANY OF THESE TRAITS TO YOU SEE IN JOHN KERRY? I SEE ALL OF THEM. KERRY IS SICK LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AND WE CAN NOT ALLOW THIS NUT CASE TO GET ELECTED.

[Mike Bates]

Kerry, the next day, echoed The Post's characterization, saying "the vice president called me unfit for office last night."

So now we know where Botox Boy gets his talking points from.

Michael M. Bates: My Side of the Swamp

[mcg1969]

In a campaign as volatile as this, it seems to me to be best to stick with what was said and leave the interpretation for readers.

How about AT ANY TIME, ombusman?

If I want interpretation I can look for "analysis" in the subtitle.