"MADE news" is even more apropos than I think you know. "Manufactured" is probably more accurate. It was nonsense.
That Al French was somehow compelled to "admit" to not having firsthand knowledge is an absurd reporter's mis-characterization of Mr. French's comment and probably based upon either a deliberate or ignorant MIS-QUOTE of Mr. French's original affidavit (which stands unamended) disseminated by KGW-News and others on the net. Here is what KGW-News reported on Aug 23, 2004...(highlights mine)
Before recording the ad, French did indeed sign an affidavit that said: "I am able to swear, as I do hereby swear, that all facts and statements contained in this affidavit are true and correct and within my personal knowledge and belief."Here is the ACTUAL text of Mr. French's affidavit...
"I am able to swear, as I do hereby swear, that all facts and statements contained in this affidavit are true and correct and within my personal knowledge or belief."
Sorry, all I know is that when questioned about the matter, he said he didn’t have firsthand knowledge of what he had sworn to. I assume it was part of an otherwise published or televised interview.
I see that the TV report mis-characterized the wording, but to be fair he did swear “that all facts and statements contained in this affidavit are true and correct.”
It just doesn’t seem like a real bright move by a lawyer of all people.