Posted on 07/21/2005 1:01:28 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Complaint Against Kerry, CBS Dismissed
By SHARON THEIMER, Associated Press Writer 7 minutes ago
Election officials have thrown out a complaint against John Kerry's presidential campaign and CBS over a now-discredited story that questioned President Bush's National Guard service.
The Federal Election Commission, in a 6-0 ruling, said there was no reason to believe the allegations raised by the Center for Individual Freedom over the story that aired on CBS' "60 Minutes Wednesday" in September.
The politically conservative group contended the report amounted to an illegal election-time advertisement against Bush that was financed with corporate money; that CBS improperly coordinated the story with Kerry's campaign; and that the story was an illegal contribution to the Democratic senator from Massachusetts.
The FEC vote, taken last month, was disclosed this week in a statement by the commission's three Republican members explaining why they joined the FEC's three Democrats in rejecting the complaint.
The GOP commissioners Michael Toner, Bradley Smith and David Mason wrote that they believe the CBS story is protected by the media's exemption from campaign finance laws.
"It is not for this agency to determine what is a `legitimate news story' or who is a `responsible journalist,'" the three wrote.
just looking to spike your blood-pressure, pally ;)
The left is caught redhanded and NOTHING comes of it??
No wonder they keep trying & raising the bar.....there's never a price to be paid.
ggrrrping
Well there you go. Lie and coordinate with big media and there're no repercussions. We can look forward to more phony BS in the next election.
Wonder if the same rule applies to blogs and bbs'?
Absolutely!
That last sentence is about the lamest excuse I have ever heard.
Representatives from CBS call Kerry's camp prior to the broadcast with the content.
Kerry's camp launches an advertising campaign the next morning which features the same charges.
No, no coordination here, folks!
I have dismissed CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, pMSNBC, PBS...
that should read, '...the commision's three rino members!
CFR only protects the incumbents and the MSM. The rest of us go to jail or get fined.
Do they refer to the ACLU as the politically liberal group?
The 3 neutered RINO members.
Guess they are also saying they are protected even when they LIE.
"It is not for this agency to determine . . . who is a `responsible journalist,'" the three wrote.
Are they implying that Dan Blather is not a responsible journalist? <;)
"It is not for this agency to determine what is a `legitimate news story' or who is a `responsible journalist" ~ new motto of The Old Media
Because they wouldn't know either one even if it bit 'em.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.