NYT editor slams paper over 'General Betray Us' ad

CNN ^ | September 23, 2007 | CNN staff

[Baladas]

CNN) -- The public editor for The New York Times slammed his employer Sunday in a column, saying the newspaper violated its policies by cutting MoveOn.org a deal on a controversial ad criticizing the top U.S. military commander in Iraq.

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, was the target of an ad questioning his integrity.

"I think the ad violated The Times' own written standards, and the paper now says that the advertiser got a price break it was not entitled to," wrote Clark Hoyt, who analyzes the newspaper's coverage as the "readers' representative."

The public editor works outside of the reporting and editing structure of the newspaper, and Hoyt's column states that his opinions and conclusions are his own.

"The Times bends over backward to accommodate advocacy ads, including ads from groups with which the newspaper disagrees editorially," he added.

Hoyt based his assertion about an alleged violation of the standards of The New York Times on "an internal advertising acceptability manual" that he quoted as saying, "We do not accept opinion advertisements that are attacks of a personal nature."

Clinton said he believed that the GOP was trying to turn the nation's attention to the ad so it can avoid answering questions about U.S. policy in Iraq. She also slammed the Bush attacks on Cleland and Kerry, both of whom were military men before going to Capitol Hill.

"I thought it was pretty sorry when his campaign attacked Senator Kerry's record of service, and I thought it was pretty sorry when the Republicans attacked Senator Cleland," she said. "I don't condone attacks by anyone on the patriotism and service of our military. I am an admirer of General Petraeus."

[FormerACLUmember]

Sure she can....if our side doesn't bring this up every chance they get, she will indeed have it both ways. Our side BLOWS when it comes to calling the rats on their crap.

True, but the enemy hold the media in its iron grip. We now live in a "Venezuela-Lite." Our little outpost of independent thought here at Free Republic is miniscule.

I am sorry to say that Hillary will NEVER be called on her corruption and lies. Proof? She has never been asked a hard question or been the subject of a single investigative report by the NY media in all these years.

[vaudine]

Comparing political attacks on Kerry and Cleland with the "newspaper of record" pandering to a far left group slandering our top commander is comparing apples and little yellow lemons. How can ANYONE think this woman is presidential? She is a power mad hack--er, ah hag? Either works for me.

vaudine

[tje]

Thanks for the clarification..

How weasely can Hillary get?

[tje]

My gawd man.. You must have been in my Army..(only 3 years for me..).. Push come to shove.. I got your back..

[RetiredArmy]

Roger that.

[MNJohnnie]

Pretty bad when even your own Ombudsman sides with your critics.