Someone's Not Telling The Truth About What General Jones Said

WaPo-USNews/NewsBusters ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

by Mark Finkelstein

October 6, 2006 - 21:36

In State of Denial, Bob Woodward claims Marine Gen. James L. Jones, the U.S. commander for Europe, said that the Iraq war is a "debacle" and that "the Joint Chiefs have been systematically emasculated by Rumsfeld." Two reporters from two publications followed up on the story. They couldn't have reached more diametrically opposed conclusions as to whether Woodward quoted Jones accurately. How's this for dueling headlines?

"U.S. European Commander Confirms Quotes in Book"

"NATO Chief Denies Quotes in Woodward Book"

When it comes to contradictions, it doesn't get more stark and point-blank than that. The first headline, claiming Jones did indeed making the critical comments, is from a Washington Post article written by Thomas Ricks. The second headline is from a US News & World Report story by Linda Robinson.

So, short of subjecting the good general to the sodium pentathol ourselves, are there any clues as to which reporter might have an agenda that would lead him or her to twist the truth? Well, let's see. Linda Robinson is a senior writer at US News, and was formerly a Senior Editor at 'Foreign Affairs,' neither a hotbed of pro-war activism.

And Thomas Ricks? His official title at the Washington Post is the innocuous-sounding "staff writer."' But let's Google him. Say, what do you know? Turns out that in his spare time, Ricks authored Fiasco, which Amazon describes as a "devastating" and "damning" portrayal of the Bush administration's Iraq war policy. When it comes to condemning the president, Ricks makes Woodward look like a piker.

So, who ya gonna believe? A foreign affairs expert with no apparent axe to grind who says Jones denied the critical quotes? Or an ardent Bush administration critic with a book to sell who says his heavy-hitting Washington Post colleague got it right?

Finkelstein lives in Ithaca, NY. Download podcasts and webcasts of Mark's award-winning TV show 'Right Angle' here. Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net

[governsleastgovernsbest]

WaPo-USNews/NewsBusters someone's-fibbing ping to Today show list.

[Perdogg]

I am getting tired of the GOP not playing hardball.

[frogjerk]

I am getting tired of the GOP not playing hardball.

Me too.

[Lancey Howard]

I am getting tired of the GOP not playing hardball.

What you said.... BUMP

[Cowboy Bob]

I am getting tired of the GOP not playing hardball.

This, I can never understand.

The Libs have shown time and time again that they will cut and run whenever they run into resistance.

Take the war in Iraq for instance. They are willing to pull out, no matter what the cost is to America.

If the Republicans were ever to stand up to the Libs/Democrats, they would collapse like a house of cards. Unfortunately, the Republicans always quicker to throw up their hands and surrender.

I can only hope that Hastert stands firm. This whole Foley "scandal" seems to be nothing more than a Democrat "dirty trick." In another week, the whole thing will implode - I just hope the Republicans don't surrender before then!

[Txsleuth]

There was an article on FR last night...and it was from the WaPo...the byline was Michael Scheurer...

Do you know if that is THE Michael Scheurer of "Imperial Hubris" fame??

And if so...when did HE become a reporter for WaPo??

How about that....Thomas Ricks...AND Michael Scheurer...I bet the journalism schools are loving the hiring practices at WaPo these days....LOL

[Echo Talon]

LOL! :)

[Echo Talon]

I am getting tired of the GOP not playing hardball.

watching Denny Hassert the other day made me do a few pushups(maybe he should do some too)! :)

[RJS1950]

Also. If you kick the crap out of the bully picking on/at you, you get respect. If you turn the other cheek with the "not going to lower myself to their level" crap all you get is more beatings.

[oneolcop]

Not that there should be any doubt in your mind as to whom to believe, but I can't help saying it anyway: In any question of honesty between the WaPo and USN&WR, go with USN&WR. They are without a doubt the most carefull and honest of the big three weekly newsmags.

[RJS1950]

the Republicans always quicker to throw up their hands and surrender.

I've almost come to believe that the democraps admire the French, the pubs are becoming the French.

[sport]

Has Bob Woodward ever told or printed the truth?

[gusopol3]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/04/AR2006100401741.html

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/061004/4natojones.htm

[sachem longrifle]

Is there any quesion as to why they are losing audiences

[Eagles6]

Agreed. Our troops are fighting hard and more. Why won't our politicos?

[gusopol3]

after reading it, it seems there are 3 votes to 1 against Woodward--Ricks, Robinson and USNWR headline writer against WP headline writer.

[Perdogg]

I wonder if anyone asked Woodward what it was like working for Al Haig and Colin Powell at the Pentagon.

Is Tenet's book out on Tuesday?

[PhilipFreneau]

>>>I am getting tired of the GOP not playing hardball.<<<

Plan on getting much more tired. The Bush's (both GW and GWH) are confirmed wimps when confronted by liberals.

[kabar]

C-SPAN aired Jones' speech to the Council on Foreign Affairs where he was asked whether he said that "the Iraq war is a "debacle" and that "the Joint Chiefs have been systematically emasculated by Rumsfeld." Jones' response was closer to what Robinson reported. Jones said he was solidly behind the mission in Iraq and that we must win.

Re Rumsfeld: Jones denied he used the word emasculate and described the problem as more of the way the current organizational structure operates rather than accusing Rumsfeld of anything. The JCS is out of the direct chain of command and has a hard time getting involved in the operational side. The commander in the field reports directly back to SecDef, which predates Rumsfeld. Jones indicated that communications are better now and the JCS has more of an imput.