The Washington Post: Fastest Damage Control Ever

The Atlantic ^ | 07/02/09 | Conor Clarke

[txlurker]

It was fast. Very fast.

At 8.04am, Politico's Mike Allen publishes an article: "For $25,000 to $250,000, The Washington Post is offering lobbyists and association executives off-the-record, nonconfrontational access to "those powerful few" -- Obama administration officials, members of Congress, and the paper's own reporters and editors."

At 10.33am, Washington Post editor Marcus Brauchli sends out an email:

[txlurker]

We will not participate in events where promises are made that in exchange for money The Post will offer access to newsroom personnel or will refrain from confrontational questioning. Our independence from advertisers or sponsors is inviolable.

Fascinating.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Our independence from advertisers or sponsors is inviolable. < /wink> < /nudge>

[FormerACLUmember]

Amazing. Plus an insincere cover-up.

[CPT Clay]

Unsubscribe from WaPo

[catbertz]

They’re all grifters. Imagine the gnashing teeth if we did it.

[ClearCase_guy]

Pravda on the Potomac

[Ev Reeman]

Obummer said he would get rid of the lobbyists and special interests. In fact, he has increased their numbers, their access and their power. So much for transparency and keeping ones campaign promises.

[NativeNewYorker]

Our independence from advertisers or sponsors is inviolable.

Their tongue bathing of democrats and govt shills is another matter.

[wny]

obamawhores

[txlurker]

obamawhores

I'm stealing that!

[OldNavyVet]

Prostitution ... “to sell (oneself, one’s artistic or moral integrity), etc) for low or unworthy purposes.”

[The Sons of Liberty]

How big a cut was zer0 getting?

[Zakeet]

In related news from the ComPost ...

[EQAndyBuzz]

“Pravda on the Potomac”

I like that.