Posted on 11/15/2005 8:29:29 AM PST by april15Bendovr
Media Try to Bag Another White House Official: Scott McClellan
Posted by Greg Sheffield on November 15, 2005 - 05:57.
In an article entitled "Credibility lapse threatens job security for McClellan," PR Week reports that two years ago White House press secretary Scott McClellan "flatly denied from the podium that Karl Rove and Lewis 'Scooter' Libby were involved in the leaking of CIA officer Valerie Plame's name." But after special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald's investigation revealed some involvement, "the White House press corps has adopted a seriously aggressive posture in questioning McClellan's credibility."
McClellan's situation is so bad that "Washington oddsmakers are now keeping a close eye on McClellan."
One White House correspondent who wanted to remain anonymous "predicts McClellan, who replaced Ari Fleischer as press secretary in summer 2003, will soon be leaving his post. 'I'm expecting very big changes,' the correspondent says."
Deborah Mathis, a syndicated columnist and former White House correspondent for Gannett, says McClellan "does not have the aptitude to continue as the White House's top communicator."
"I've been through a lot of press secretaries," says Mathis. "There are some really good ones out there. There are some average ones out there. And there are a few who have no business there. And I would put Scott in that last category."
Connie Lawn, White House correspondent since 1968 and currently employed by USA Radio Network, became the first member of the press corps to ask him if he should resign.
So what are the nefarious words of Scott McClellan, worthy of his dismissal? Fortunately because of the Internet, you can now read the text of press conferences yourself, without relying on mainstream media filters.
On October 7, 2003, a reporter asked McClellan:
"Scott, you have said that you, personally, went to Scooter Libby, Karl Rove and Elliot Abrams to ask them if they were the leakers. Is that what happened? Why did you do that, and can you describe the conversations you had with them? What was the question you asked?"
McClellan replied that indeed he asked them.
"I spoke with them, so that I could come back to you and say that they were not involved. I had no doubt of that in the beginning, but I like to check my information to make sure it's accurate before I report back to you, and that's exactly what I did."
Responded a reporter, "So you're saying -- you're saying categorically those three individuals were not the leakers or did not authorize the leaks; is that what you're saying?"
"That's correct. I've spoken with them."
So this is what has raised the ire of White House correspondents, McClellan relaying the denials of others. Because he relayed Scooter Libby's denial, MSM reporters believe McClellan deserves the same punishment.
I guess "innocent until proven guilty" does not apply to Republicans.
They can have him. We'd be better off.
Replace with him Laura Ingraham.
Whereas if he had said "I did not have sex with that woman" he would have no credibility problem at all (with the press).
Tell the White House Press Corp to Blow it out .... !!
Losing Scott would not be so bad.
Getting someone there to pull the press passes of the "sloppy seconds" reporters would be good. \
Getting someone in there to remind the press that free speech stops at seditions door and that it is in the unamended Constition would be great.
And don't forget -- Bush should be impeached, because he committed the unpardonable sin of getting more votes than Kerry in the 2004 election.
The press corps is after McClellan for relaying what Libby and the rest told him. The libs are after Alito for relaying the will of the legislature in his rulings. These two confusions are kind of similar.
"So this is what has raised the ire of White House correspondents, McClellan relaying the denials of others."
Is is against some law for a White House Press Sec'y to lie anyway?? It may be lousy ethics but is it worse than the documentable lies coming from the dems?
Is Scott EVER under oath?
F*** 'em
There's a lot of reason he should go, but regurgitating the statements of the staff in the whitehouse whether that staff is lying or not is not one of them. How the hell would he know whether Scooter is or is not lying?
We were just talking about this the other day. Looks like your suggestion --"mattdono should replace McClellan. The daily WH press briefing would be pay-per-view." -- has taken hold.
Guess I'd better get my game face on. [wink]
The RNC is justified to ask for equal time for every broadcast of a WH presser.
and what about the traitor, Rockefeller???
this clown goes to Syria in 2002 and TELLS OUR ENEMIES THAT WE ARE GOING TO INVADE IRAQ!
and this clown gets a "pass?"
I don't think sooooooooo...
We want "Stick-figure guy"
I agree!
I want mean bastard guy. Is Alexander Haig still available?
OK with me, but hate to see MSM 'win'.
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