Posted on 07/19/2008 5:55:02 AM PDT by Kaslin
The recent death of Tony Snow brought sadness to millions of Americans who admired the man's public service and optimism about his country. But not everybody felt the need to honor him. Just hours after he died from cancer, the Associated Press released an obituary that has shocked some people and badly damaged the AP's image, at least in the conservative community.
AP reporter Douglass Daniel began the article by listing some of Tony's accomplishments, but then suddenly veered into ideological territory, writing: "With a quick-from-the-lip repartee, broadcaster's good looks and a relentlessly bright outlook -- if not always a command of the facts -- he became a popular figure around the country to the delight of his White House bosses...
"Critics suggested that Snow was turning the traditionally informational daily briefing into a personality-driven media event short on facts and long on confrontation."
Now, remember, that was written just hours after the man passed away at age 53. To accuse Snow of factual inaccuracies without citing evidence is itself irresponsible, but to do it in an obit is outrageously inappropriate and an insult to the Snow family. If the Associated Press wants to do an opinion piece about Snow's public service, fine. But at least wait until after the funeral.
The AP's treatment of Tony was in marked contrast to its sendoff for the late Tim Russert. That obituary was a glowing tribute to the man, as it should have been. Russert had a lot in common with Snow. They both worked for political guys -- Russert's former boss was the late Democratic Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan -- and they both hosted Sunday morning network news programs.
But while Russert was suitably honored by the AP, Snow came in for some snarky jibes.
Of course, this is all about ideology. The Associated Press has no use for President Bush, and that opinion has crept into its hard news coverage. This is a serious situation. The AP is America's primary news service; its dispatches go out to thousands of media organizations all over the world, many of which simply print whatever the AP sends them.
And increasingly the AP is sending them opinion, not fact.
The head of the Associated Press, Tom Curley, told my producers he "stands by the obituary," so we invited him on "The Factor" to defend it. Immediately Curley turned standing into running -- as in away. He refused to come on the program or issue a further statement.
I think Curley's treatment of Snow should be included in his own obituary. And furthermore, the Associated Press may now be dead as an objective news organization.
How ironic that one obit could so quickly lead to another.
[And furthermore, the Associated Press may now be dead as an objective news organization.]
Newsflash BOR: That happened a long time ago. The AP has not been objective for a long long time.
Amen. AP = Always Political. Get a clue, BOR. AP has been and is a Demonrat Party mouthpiece for a very very long time.
I think Curley's treatment of Snow should be included in his own obituary. And furthermore, the Associated Press may now be dead as an objective news organization.
Hooray Bill O'Reilly! Naming names. Associated Propagandists ping!
O’Reilly’s above it all, doncha know? He’s a joke, but he does stumble to being correct sometimes. And the AP really continues to be shameless, but I think that was a little too obvious from the scumbags. Not right to make those kind of attacks on someone in a eulogy, especially from an alleged apolitical ‘news’ organization.
We don’t need the AP to define Tony Snow. WE know who he was...his family knows who he was...He knew who he was. It’s the quiet goodbye and thank you to Tony that is important. Remember...it’s those who speak the loudest that have so little of importance to say. That’s the media. People like Tony Snow will live forever in the hearts and minds of others. The AP is on its way out and no one will miss it. Tony on the other hand will be missed by everyone. To hell with the AP and people like them...they are just an insignificant annoyance on the butt of humanity and will long be forgotten. Tony? Who could forget his humor and that big beautiful smile??? Only those with jealousy and hate filled hearts. Let’s rejoice in the new life Tony has begun...one in which all of us will begin as well one day. Rest in peace Tony...
For once O’Reilly’s bloviating is appropriate. The AP has long been a disgrace to factual journalism and they’ve proven once again they are only suited to be a news source for gossip rags with their continued opinionated personal attacks.
Unfortunately, the AP probably isn’t on its way out, as newspapers cut their own staffs they rely more and more on the wire services.
The leftist's intolerance for any non-member transcends any good quality in a person. You can be honest, witty, intelligent and good natured, but all they will see is a political enemy.
Friends can be a telling evidence of who/what we are, so too, enemies. That the AP is/was no friend to Tony Snow only substantiates the honor, decency, morality, integrity, valor, intellect and patriotism of Tony Snow – all attributes the AP spits on.
Curley and Daniel remind me of bitter males who secretly whisper together in a mensroom somewhere about the smallness of their private parts.
Are there enough people in our nation to tank the AP services our of business??
Refuse to purchase anything connected with their feeds?
Can it be done or is their influence too strong for a backlash of public opinion?
The Associated Press is stuffed full of liars, traitors, and Muslim stringers who work for al Qaeda. They naturally resent it when people mention any facts that would put their version of events into question.
Frankly, this fellow wouldn’t recognize a “fact” if it hit him over the head. No sense of humor, either.
Perhaps Tony Snow is looking down at all this and enjoying a good laugh. R.I.P.
“disrespecting tony”
it was delightful to watch tony snow expose the liberal “journalists” for the partisan, irresponsible punks that they were. that they would try to get him after he died is appropriate behaviour for them.
rest in peace mr. snow. you will be sorely missed.
Well, they are old hat with today’s technologies so...I’m thinking they are not the do all be all they once were.
Quite right. The only reason there were no attacks on Barbara Olsen was because her murder was overshadowed by 911 itself, and, she was a major babe.
Whereas we expect no attacks, the left expects us to worship their fallen heroes, Paul Wellstone for example.
When the Pig Kennedy croaks, the Left and Old Media will demand glowing eulogies from the GOP.
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