Account of Iraq War Protestor's Meeting With Bush Draws Scrutiny ( Cindy Sheehan )

Editor and Publisher ^ | Monday, August 8, 2005 | Greg Mitchell and Joe Strupp

[kristinn]

A year-old article in a small California newspaper suddenly became one of the hottest media stories in the country today, generating wildly different interpretations from supporters and detractors of the Iraq war. This afternoon, the newspaper posted a story on its Web site, along with its original story, which may only add fuel to the fire.

The dispute is inspired by the ongoing protest vigil by Cindy Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq last year. Sheehan, whose son Casey was an Army specialist, remains camped out near President Bush' ranch in Crawford, Texas, determined to get a meeting with the commander-in-chief.

Today, at a press briefing about Air Force One en route to New Mexico, reporters asked repeatedly about Sheehan's request. White House spokesman Trent Duffy suggested the meeting was unlikely, since the president met with her last year. "And he was glad to meet with her at that time," Duffy said. "We always mourn the loss of every life."

He also pointed out that the White House had sent two top officials out to meet with her this weekend, and said she "expressed on more than three occasions that she was very appreciative for them coming out."

But it is Sheehan's meeting with Bush last summer in Seattle--and an alleged change in her opinion of it--that sparked controversy earlier today.

At the time of her meeting with Bush in June 2004, Sheehan's hometown paper, the Vacaville Reporter, covered her reaction. As charges flew this afternoon, David Henson, author of the original story, told E&P this afternoon, “I stand by my full report as an accurate reflection of the Sheehans at the time of the interview. I wouldn't want to speculate about Ms. Sheehan's point of view. My article accurately reflected her position at the time.”

For months, Sheehan has strongly criticized the president on the war, adding that she was disappointed in his demeanor -- he allegedly acted like he was at a party -- and comments during her 10-minute meeting with him. This morning, The Drudge Report published quotes from Henson's Vacaville story (which at that time was no longer on the paper's site). This, Drudge suggested, showed that Sheehan had changed her account of that meeting radically.

Drudge quoted Sheehan saying at that time about Bush, “I now know he's sincere about wanting freedom for the Iraqis. I know he's sorry and feels some pain for our loss. And I know he's a man of faith.”

He also noted that Sheehan had taken comfort from meeting. “That was the gift the president gave us, the gift of happiness, of being together,” Sheehan said, referring to the benefit to her family.

But liberal Web sites quickly pointed out that the original story also revealed that Sheehan and her husband, Patrick, had debated before the meeting whether to ask pointed questions about the war and whether to vent frustration over their son's sacrifice. Ultimately, the Sheehans decided not to criticize Bush in the meeting.

"We haven't been happy with the way the war has been handled," Cindy said at that time. "The president has changed his reasons for being over there every time a reason is proven false or an objective reached."

In re-posting the original story on the paper's Web site, Editor Diane Barney said: "It's important that readers see the full context of the story, instead of just selected portions. We stand by the story as an accurate reflection of the Sheehan's take on the meeting at the time it was published.'”

[chgomac]

You're right, sorry. Post #178 on that thread exerpted an interview where she gave an update on the other three kids and her husband.

It is hard to keep up with her....she is giving so many interviews, the term "spinning out of control" comes to mind.

[dead]

Hey kristinn! Great work!

[chgomac]

That thread is long. I found the quotes on #178 posted by kcvl

[processing please hold]

I was on that thread. That is one strange woman.

[pbear8]

Congratulations Kristinn, you are the man!!

[rwfromkansas]

Interesting. In May, her husband supported her work according to Cindy.

http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/05/1742719.php

"Patrick Sheehan, Cindy Sheehan husband, supports his wife in her activism, he participates in some events and drives with Cindy when he is not working as a sales representative. He spoke about the toll this work is taking in the family. “If she is not away traveling or speaking, she is home with her laptop, watching news, or talking on the phone…This is important, we try to continue to support her.”

Now, he doesn't.

http://brentrasmussen.com/log/node/117

"I have lost almost every friend that I had before Casey died. My husband and I are separated, because he doesn't support my activities, although he knows the war is a lie."

I found Patrick's home number in Vacaville, CA. It may be worth giving him a call.

[conservativecorner]

Here's the beginning of the Editor And Publisher from yesterday with hyper-links.

A year-old article in a small California newspaper suddenly became a hot media/blog story today, generating wildly different interpretations from supporters and detractors of the Iraq war. Monday afternoon, the newspaper posted a story on its Web site, along with its original story, which may only add fuel to the fire.

[knuthom]

Here is that interview.

[conshack]

I just sent them the following email:

I would love for somebody to explain to me why donations are needed for this woman. This woman has abandoned her home in California and is camping out in Crawford, Texas. This woman got more than $260,000(at a minimum) last year when her son died.
This woman is spewing lies about the President of The United States of America. This woman praised our President a year ago and claims today that he was uncaring and callous. This woman has chosen to be like John F. Kerry and be a traitor to our great country.
In MANY countries, this woman at best would be serving a long prison sentence and at worst already have been executed. This woman is in serious need of psychiatric care. If you were to solicit donations for a one way ticket Iran, Syria or Yemen, you would likely get a lot of donations.
It's people like her son that have sacrificed so that vermin like her could do as she has done. This woman is a disgrace to the memory of her brave son who gave his all so she could continue to do as she has.