Posted on 08/10/2008 8:50:21 PM PDT by Plutarch
By Howard Kurtz Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, August 11, 2008; Page C01
The whispered allegations about John Edwards were an open secret that was debated in every newsroom and reported by almost none.
The story of Edwards's affair with a former campaign aide became so widely known -- what a Slate blogger called "undernews" -- that by last week there seemed little point in the mainstream media gatekeepers' keeping it isolated outside their moat. And yet, even as some national news organizations tried halfheartedly to confirm the tawdry tale, they ignored it in public -- wary of the National Enquirer, of Edwards's dismissal of "tabloid trash," of wading once again into the swamp of sexual scandal without definitive proof.
By early last week, journalists were in the awkward position of refusing to report on explosive allegations that were almost certain to knock the former North Carolina senator out of the Democratic convention. They were in a box of their own making, one that came to feel airtight and uncomfortable.
When critics, especially on the right, accused the media of protecting a Democrat because of liberal bias, journalists were unable to respond, because to do so would be to acknowledge the very thing they were declining to report. At the same time, in an area of financial cutbacks and shrinking staffs, news organizations have fewer reporters to dig into what most considered a less-than-pressing priority...
gosh, it’s really really really difficult being a journalist!
/s
Sure Howard. That's exactly the reason. Crisp analysis. I'm sure the Pulitzer committee will be callin' shortly with your prize.
Of course this is only until the next Republican or conservative screws up. Then, suddenly, as if by magic, the funds will materialize to give an investigation the highest priority.
When the perp was a Republican senator from Lousiana, they were quick enough to jump on the story! What phonies!
When the perp was a Republican senator from Lousiana, they were quick enough to jump on the story! What phonies!
Hey Howie, your paper still has a chance to redeem itself. Nobody has reported on what exactly Ken-doll was at the hotel, other than to see his kid and baby-mama. Can the WaPo afford just one reporter who will dig into this? The Enquirer will tell us in a week or so anyway, but please don’t make us wait that long. The noble profession of journalism can at least find that much out in their quest for the truth- right? RIGHT?
This is the typical excuse the press makes when one of their own is in trouble - but if it were the other side no expense would be spared.
Affair Put Press in A Touchy Situation
And yet, even as some national news organizations tried halfheartedly to confirm the tawdry tale, they ignored it in public -- wary of the National Enquirer, of Edwards's dismissal of "tabloid trash," of wading once again into the swamp of sexual scandal without definitive proof.
The WP waded right into the tawdry tale of Rush Limbaugh's drug use, reported by the National Enquirer, despite the "tabloid trash", the swamp of a drug scandal, and without definitive proof.
Rush Limbaugh Turns Himself In On Fraud Charge In Rx Drug Probe
This is the typical excuse the press makes when one of their own is in trouble - but if it were the other side no expense would be spared.
And someone please tell why this lady is living in one of Fred Barron's mansions at no cost? I guess this isnt news worthy either. The lot of them are nothing but a joke to anyone who is paying attention.
No kidding!
"I'm a reporter, but, golly gee, what if the news sucks?!?!?"
Now thanks to their liberal bias, the National Enquirer looks like a bunch of journalists and the rest of the mainstream press look like a bunch of low-grade morons.
They didn't no cover this because it wasn't news or it wasn't newsworthy. Face it. They covered it because it was about a Democrat. If it was a republican, they'd have broken the land speed record getting their people to cover it.
And that's liberal bias whether the "Media" and pundits want to acknowledge it or not.
Well they sure had enough reporter’s to publish the false stories about John McCain!? I look at it this way, they had one last chance to save themselves and they didn’t take it. I don’t think I’ll miss most of the leftist rags.
Didn’t stop they from trashing McCain
Someone should offer a million dollars to Rielle for DNA and she if she takes the cash.
...tells you everything you need to know.
New York Times
I don't think the party favoritism charge holds up.
Washington Post
Well, that settles it. No bias here. Just move along, until we pounce on like a big dog, or run from like a scalded dog, for the next Republican or Democrat scandal respectively.
To quote the Bard: Me thinks he doth protest too much.
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