WaPo Was Trying To Sell What…? [UPDATED]
By Ani on July 5, 2009 at 11:30 PM in Backfire, Backtrack Obama, Barack Obama, MSM, President Barack Obama, Washington Post
(This story was originally posted Friday — please be sure to check out tonight’s UPDATE at article’s end… )
This has got to be read to be believed. I know that the Washington Post is hard up for cash, but as Politico reports:
Washington Post publisher Katharine Weymouth said today she was canceling plans for an exclusive “salon” at her home where for as much as $250,000, the Post offered lobbyists and association executives off-the-record access to “those powerful few” — Obama administration officials, members of Congress, and even the paper’s own reporters and editors.
The astonishing offer was detailed in a flier circulated Wednesday to a health care lobbyist, who provided it to a reporter because the lobbyist said he felt it was a conflict for the paper to charge for access to, as the flier says, its “health care reporting and editorial staff.”
With the Post newsroom in an uproar after POLITICO reported the solicitation, Weymouth said in an email to the staff that “a flier went out that was prepared by the Marketing department and was never vetted by me or by the newsroom. Had it been, the flier would have been immediately killed, because it completely misrepresented what we were trying to do.”
She’s canceling the event amid “uproar”? Hey, ya think?
Weymouth said the paper had planned a series of dinners with participation from the newsroom “but with parameters such that we did not in any way compromise our integrity.”
(snip)
She made it clear however, that The Post, which lost $19.5 million in the first quarter, sees bringing together Washington figures as a future revenue source. “We do believe that there is a viable way to expand our expertise into live conferences and events that simply enhances what we do - cover Washington for Washingtonians and those interested in Washington,” she said. “ And we will begin to do live events in ways that enhance our reputation and in no way call into question our integrity.”
What integrity do these people have left after their sycophantic coverage of the election last year? Live events? Here’s a taste at what this one might have looked like had they been able to get away with it:
The first “Salon” was to be called “Health-Care Reform: Better or Worse for Americans? The reform and funding debate.” More were anticipated, and the flier described the opportunities for participants:
“Offered at $25,000 per sponsor, per Salon. Maximum of two sponsors per Salon. Underwriters’ CEO or Executive Director participates in the discussion. Underwriters appreciatively acknowledged in printed invitations and at the dinner. Annual series sponsorship of 11 Salons offered at $250,000 … Hosts and Discussion Leaders … Health-care reporting and editorial staff members of The Washington Post … An exclusive opportunity to participate in the health-care reform debate among the select few who will actually get it done. … A Washington Post Salon … July 21, 2009 6:30 p.m.
But in the “CYA” category, the denouncement of this event was loud and hard. You’d have to read Mssrs Allen and Calderone’s article in its entirety to really get the Herculean level of denial – and when I hear that much spinning it leads me to believe they got caught with their pants down:
Executive editor Marcus Brauchli was as adamant as Weymouth in denouncing the plan promoted in the flier. “You cannot buy access to a Washington Post journalist,” Brauchli told POLITICO. Brauchli was named on the flier as one of the salon’s “Hosts and Discussion Leaders.”
Brauchli said in an interview that he understood the business side of the Post planned on holding dinners on policy and was scheduled to attend the July 21 dinner at Weymouth’s Washington home, but he said he had not seen the material promoting it until today…
(snip)
The flier promised the dinner would be held in an intimate setting with no unseemly conflict between participants. “Spirited? Yes. Confrontational? No,” it said. “The relaxed setting in the home of Katharine Weymouth assures it. What is guaranteed is a collegial evening, with Obama administration officials, Congress members, business leaders, advocacy leaders and other select minds typically on the guest list of 20 or less. …Brauchli emphasized that the newsroom had given specific parameters to the paper’s business staff that he said were apparently not followed. He said that for newsroom staffers to participate, they would have to be able to ask questions and that he would “reserve the right to allow any information or ideas that emerge from an event to shape or inform our coverage.” That directly contradicts the solicitation to potential sponsors, which billed the dinner as “off-the-record.”
“Our mission in the news department is to serve an audience,” Brauchli said, “not serve our sponsors.”
“We do not use the Post’s name or our journalists to gain access to officials or sources for the benefit of non-news purposes,” he continued.
Uh huh. Sounds like a lot of backpedaling.
Brauchli declined to comment on whether anyone on the business side would be held responsible for the abortive plan. He said that would be a decision for either Weymouth or Stephen Hills, The Post’s president and general manager.
We’ll wait to see if someone’s head rolls over this. However:
Charles Pelton, The Post business-side employee listed as the event contact, seemed to dispute Brauchli’s version of events.
Pelton was quoted by Post ombudsman Andy Alexander in an online commentary as saying that newsroom leaders, including Brauchli, had been involved in discussions about the salons and other events. “This was well-developed with the newsroom,” Pelton told Alexander. “What was not developed was the marketing message to potential sponsors.”
According to Alexander, who called the flier a “public relations disaster,” Pelton told him: “There’s no intention to influence or peddle.” …
If POLITICO had not reported on the flier this morning, Brauchli said he expects someone would have seen it before the event and, given the obvious ethical issue, it would have been canceled.
How sure is he about that? And if no one caught it, is he implying the event would have gone forward? The above statement sort of reminds me of the kerfuffle with the E Pluribus Obama imitation presidential seal last summer. When there was a hue and cry about it, his campaign pretended it was a one time thing and they were never really trying to do it in the first place. Certainly President Obama’s administration did the same thing earlier this year when floating the idea of taxing veterans’ health coverage. The immediate outrage triggered by that notion made it evaporate very quickly.
Earlier this morning, Brauchli sent an e-mail entitled “Newsroom Independence” to his staff explaining his position.
“Colleagues,” Brauchli said. “A flier was distributed this week offering an ‘underwriting opportunity’ for a dinner on health care reform, in which the news department had been asked to participate. The language in the flier and the description of the event preclude our participation.
“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. There is a long tradition of news organizations hosting conferences and events, and we believe The Post, including the newsroom, can do these things in ways that are consistent with our values.”
Amazing that Brauchli would even have to make a statement like this. One would think it would be obvious. Not anymore, it seems. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was asked about this yesterday.
“I think some people in the administration, writ large, may have been invited. I do not believe, based on what I’ve been able to check, anyone has accepted the invitations.”
Gibbs said that the White House counsel would review such invitations and that they “would likely exceed” what would be considered appropriate.
Yeah, it certainly would have gone beyond what would be considered appropriate.
It is obvious from the above that someone thought giving very expensive access to “sponsors” was a viable way of raising revenue for the paper. No matter how Weymouth or Brauchli offer up noble statements about the integrity of the Washington Post, this sort of behavior should not get a pass. I’m glad to see enough noise was made to put a stop to it. The fourth estate looks to be crumbling as it is. Let’s hope we don’t see more of the same.
* * * * *
UPDATE:
In WaPo’s Sunday edition, Katharine Weymouth writes A Letter to Our Readers. Ms. Weymouth’s first paragraph shows just how big a boo boo was made regarding the “event” that Ms. Weymouth et al had planned:
I want to apologize for a planned new venture that went off track and for any cause we may have given you to doubt our independence and integrity. A flier distributed last week suggested that we were selling access to power brokers in Washington through dinners that were to take place at my home. The flier was not approved by me or newsroom editors, and it did not accurately reflect what we had in mind. But let me be clear: The flier was not the only problem. Our mistake was to suggest that we would hold and participate in an off-the-record dinner with journalists and power brokers paid for by a sponsor. We will not organize such events. As publisher it is my job to ensure that we adhere to standards that are consistent with our integrity as a news organization. Last week, I let you, and the organization, down. The Washington Post remains committed, now and always, to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Nothing is more important to us than that, and nothing will shake that commitment.
Uh oh. Perhaps heads may roll after all? Read the rest here.
So I imagine beyond the big denials reported in the earlier story, there was a huge need for a profound mea culpa. Wonder why?
(Release: November 13)
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Sorry, O/T, but they have managed to push Palin out! In my opinion, she scared the bots and she had to go, just like Clinton!
My heart is breaking as a woman!
Only time will tell politicalidentitycrisis, if it was a door closing and a window opening.
My sense is that she is strong and they couldn’t drive her out. But regardless of the immediate reason for the resigning, if she wants to run in 2012, I think this could end up being very strategic. She can move out of Alaska and be more central and seen, or even just be free to start traveling more, write a book, have more time to study on foreign policy, etc. If she is still popular as time goes forward, her critics will still slam her for resigning early, but I don’t think others will care.
Although - it’s kind of weird that her brother only found out at her announcement. That could mean a sudden decision.
According to her brother, it was the time and money she had to spend defending herself against bogus ethics complaints. There have been 15 of them since she returned to Alaska after the GE campaign, and she has been cleared of every one of them. Some were as stupid as having a logo on the jacket she wore to one of Todd’s snowmobile races. I think she just felt that having to constantly defend herself was doing a disservice to her state.
Still - it’s a real gamble. For certain, the Dems will use the fact that she quit against her.
More like “loose lips sink ships”…
If you want to drop a bombshell, keep it between you and your spouse.
politicalidentity: I sincerely hope she is resigning because she has higher political ambitions, but I would not be surprised if she isn’t simply tired of having her children and herself slandered constantly. After all, she has very young children who must have a difficult hearing such vitriolic slanders aimed at them. What a bunch of demons the Obama Democrats are.
HA! Sarah Palin is a complete loon. She’s done as a politician. She’ll have her show on “Fox News” by fall.
Was you who said Mikey served honorably?
Why the double standard? Oh sorry, that was your alternate reality double Mark.a
What a pair of one eyed jacks you guys are. Why is she a “loon”?
Seriously, call someone that, back up your statement. I am waiting.
Dream on, bot. She can probably do both.
Oh, you mean the news network that has the Top 10 rated newscasts/programs?? Oh, poor Sarah, what a disaster!
If I ran this blog, I would start an open thread right about now
How sad that Palin is taking this step. The press has been merciless on her (which I am sure she can take) but also on her kids, which is just grotesque.
Maybe she will take some time off, lecture, write some books and then run for national office in a few years.
Would be what I would do if I were her. The woman cannot buy positive press with cold, hard cash.
just published one — an open thread will go up in a couple of minutes…
I do not think Palin was pushed out at all.
That is what the lefties and Andrea Mitchell will hope happens.
I believe she left to transition her focus from Alaska to a national stage. She will no longer have to deal with small time local political dirt and reporters anymore and only have to deal with the national ones.
Sarah Palin does not quit and people who support should know better and not be taken in by left-wing ideologues who want her to quit.
I agree–Palin was not pushed out. Unlike most who ran at the presidential level, she does not come from a wealthy family and those nuisance suits certainly are a financial burden. Not being governor of Alaska will free her to criticize the administration without any negative impact on her state. If she has a talkshow, it will give her some financial returns and perhaps even a book deal. It also allows her to build her own personal political network. We shall see soon enough.
or perhaps intent is to place her as head of RNC
I agree. My heart will remain forever broken over what they did to Hillary and continue to do to Sarah Palin. Disgraceful MSM and the DNC.
Oh my, the poor buggers have gone overtly corporate.
I wonder who’s brainchild this one was.
I acutually hit the backspace ont the remote to make sure I read the crawl correctly this morning.
What ever happened to the “casual” meet and greets, ala Bob Woodward?
Our country will never survive as it was intended without an honorable community of journalists. Get marketing and business out–or make them take couses in the ethical, basic principles of jounalism in a free society.
I’m afraid “ethical and journalism” is an oxymoron, Diana. Those days are gone forever.
The bastards made it impossible for her to do her job. Constant lawsuits (that were all dismissed) and constant attacks on her, and her children drove her out.
that doesn’t mean she won’t run for something later, but she said she was constantly (80% of the time) occupied with the bullshit attacks. I read she has spent $2M defending these frivilous lawsuits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3jCWZRpJeQ#
And this WaPo story is incredible! I can’t believe it! dorks.
You guys overlooked the B-Ball parable. She drove through the full court press, eye on the basket and knew in her Title IX conditioned gut, that it is time to pass it to a teammate in better position to score.
Too few of the “expert” MSM elite understand physical comptition … ‘cuda has a plan … those of us who agonized through the Democratic Primary have some lighter reading to do this summer. The girl’s ’bout to go
on us.
Ani: Thanks for this article. It’s astounding, no? The guy who was going to CHANGE Washington. I guess he’s changing it all right–it’s even worse than when Tom DeLay was running K Street.
It’s disgusting living in this country today. Politics is so incredibly dirty, it’s lethal. So what are the American people left with? Just a bunch of corrupt, unscrupulous, ruthless crooks to choose from.
“salons”?
Aren’t those the type of high brow 19th century European gatherings that the intellectuals and elites close to the kings and czars frequented. Wow, this is so embarassing for this country–we’ve got some guy who wants to send his court out to those darling media people who put him in office and get a couple hundred thousand at the same time–is this Chicago politics or is is the delusional behavior of some kind of freaks sitting in the WH and by extension the newspapers that put them there. This is just too much-between the luaus, the New york dates, Air Force One flying near the Statue of Liberty-we are in some kind of nightmare.
cathnealon: Oh that kind of salon! I was picturing all these people getting their toenails polished and their hair coifed.
Salons–never been in one. I’ve been in a lot of saloons, however. $25,000 for a WaPo salon experience? Seems awfully expensive. $25,000 would go a long way in the saloons down in my part of town. You could make yourself real popular in no time.
Hmmmm . . . I’m afraid I’ve done something to get the Almighty Spam Filter very very angry at me . . . Everything I submit is condemned. That’s okay. I’ll just shuffle myself off to that forsaken land East of Eden.
More likely the sort of Salon held by 19th century European Courtesans…you know the other prostitutes. WaPo is running the 21st Century version. Whores, all of them.
The most famous was Madame Du Barry, mistress of King Louis XV. She gained immense power and was known as the “Rose of Versailles”. Unfortunately she also gained many enemies and lost her head during the Revolution.
What with Michael Jackson and Sarah Palin, this story isn’t going to get the attention it deserves. It is an obscenity. One of the largest newspapers in the country was planning to facilitate meetings between lobbyists and members of the administration and congress off the record and secretly to what end? Other than making a little extra on the side for WaPo?
Exactly who are the interested parties in health care reform? Insurance companies and pharmaceuticals? BTW, Sen Baucus of Montana who is presenting the new health care reform has, according to Democracy Now, received more in campaign contributions from health care industries than any member of congress.
I hope everyone will pay close attention to your post Ani. This is a huge issue apart from the lack of integrity of the press. It is a shell game.
President Clinton/Vice President Palin 2012
CAROL HAKA
For a long time I’ve heard people wish for such a partnership, and it always seemed strange to me, as the two women have different political philosophies. But with Palin’s declaration today that she will support people she believes in, regardless of party, something shifted for me. The two women are both strong and straight talkers, and I believe both decry the corruption in politics. They’re both more hawkish on foreign policy. And Palin hasn’t forced her more conservative personal social beliefs on others through legislation. So…. hmmm… who knows….
Is that a joke? You do realize that Hillary Clinton & Sarah Palin have *NOTHING* in common other than their sex, right? Hillary Clinton is an accomplished, informed, centrist-liberal. Sarah Palin is an ignorant right wing loon who has hasn’t done much other than be involved in scandals (and I’m sure this early exit was caused by a soon to be uncovered scandal.)
Mouse: you are not paying attention, you’ve just drunk the Kook-aid.
I think I have read enough of your comment to infuriate me. Just what gives you the right to call anyone a ‘right-wing loon’?
Sarah Palin has been honest and forthcoming since she was introduced on the national stage. Left wingers have made up so much trash about her, her children and her beliefs that I am sick over it. It is scary that all of us are exposed to this nonsense.
Please try, if it is possible for you, to keep to a relevant discussion-look at her record-not what others would have you believe. If this country had examined Obama’s record we would not be in this mess begging for our rights..watching a politician bankrupt our country, its morals and ideology in one swift shot. All the while calling Hillary and Bill Clinton racists-all the while bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia-and giving you hard earned money away to welfare ‘folks’ to buy votes when ACORN money is not enough.
You call Sarah Palin names? Get a life or learn to read.
that works for me.what a team.
they would get this country back in shape in no time.
with some help from BIG DAWG.of course..
do you folks have any beliefs re: policy/issues or it this all a big soap opera to you? how can you simultaneously support clinton & palain unless issues are meaningless to you? it’s just unbelievably juvenile.
Because party is a large part of our problem. The democrat and republican parties are the same, and neither represent us anymore. When they are attack Palin they attacked all of us, and when they feared her they feared all of us. This is the beginning of the second revolution.
we gagged through a season of the entire Senate endorsing Obama because of his ‘leadership’ (keep to the CODE, boyz) and two self-respecting women who understand and deploy femenine strength have an alternative approach. When a con game is the only game in town, you play from strength.
WaPo? Karma will come knocking.
Governor Palin? Karma–huge group karma–will come knocking. “Political blood sport” is supposedly a qhote from Sarah. Cruel, ruthless DIMs (and GOPs) in politics, corporations who own the media and the media itself learn all about cause and effect.
I am so ashamed to be an American during this, our truly American holiday. Happy Fourth all, and may our moral compass as individuals and a nation be re-set to integrity ASAP.
Wouldn’t it be somewhat akin to buying influence to attend a salon of the nature WaPo was planning??
Me tinks it would be better if they just reported the news and not made it.
Ani,
Thanks for the post.
To work in marketing and in the administrative or financial departments of any organization that prmotes itself as providing valid journalism, new hires should have to take intensive courses in journalistic ethics and principles. I’ve seen marketing encroaching too much, even at the high school newspaper level–where I knew stories were pulled because of ads purchased by certain businesses or organizations. Got to figure out how to fund all news outlets a better way–not an easy solution. My gut tells me that many younger people really wouldn’t know what is wrong about the WaPo attempting this.
I’m sure the socialistic style of controlled media that O’s presidency is promoting thinks it’s a grand way of doing things.
Sad days for American values.
good luck Sarah..
“Sarah Palin is a right wing loon”
Sarah Palin is a mother, a woman and Governor whose middle class background is there for any one to see.Her parents are teachers, she worked her way through college and worked her way to Governor without the help of a Chicago machine to put her there. When we see BO’s school records, when we can understand his sitting in a church for 20 years listening to hate speech, being married by Wright and having his children baptized by him, when we can understand how he appointed the cheat Geithner and the sexist, disgusting Summers as part of his economic team, when we can understand his sexist gestures and verbal slights towards Clinton and Palin during the campaign, when we can understand that Emanuel and Axelrod make Palin look like a saint, when we can understand his “bone headed mistake” with Rezko and the illegal purchasing of property next to this home, when we find out where the stimulus money went when unemployemnt is now up to 9.5%, when we can understand his wife’s hatred of America so stated during the campaign and so much more–then you can attack Palin who has done nothing wrong but dare to run for V.P. when the One was in the spotlight at the same time. If BO is brilliant and saavy, if that’s your idea of what’s good for America than give me the Palins–open, honest and not hiding her records.
Excellent comment.
Hear, hear…I agree 100%!
“Katharine Weymouth exclusive “salon” at her home for as much as $250,000, the Post offered lobbyists & association executives off-the-record access to “those powerful few” — Obama administration officials, members of Congress, and even the paper’s own reporters and editors.”
The elites, the oligarchs have gone “homey”. shadow govt. peaking out of the shadows and into a relaxed “living room” environment of cordial exchange. Wonder how many Yale and Harvard “teammates” would have been included.
And the audacity: “You cannot buy access to a Washington Post journalist,” Brauchli told POLITICO.
And this on the heels of Helen Thomas scolding Gibbs on the “scripted” nature of Obama’s townhall meeting.
I read somewhere else that certain “lobbyists” put the brakes on this, said it was “unwise.”
You think???
The newspapers are in such financial straights, they’ll sell their souls to anyone.
But then, we knew that already. It just gets better and better.
A year ago I spent a considerable amount of time on this blog, defending Hillary and railing against the Obamatons. I was heartbroken and crushed when she lost the nomination. Ultimately, I voted for McCain/Palin. And when Palin was attacked so viciously during the campaign I defended her, too even though she and I have nothing in common politically or culturally. Last month, I thought David Letterman was a complete asshole with his bad taste joke and I continue to believe that the msm has been grossly unfair in their coverage of her.
That said, I think Palin and those who support her are out of their minds if they think she has a snowball’s chance in hell of making a serious run for the White House. I’ve come to the way of thinking that Palin is one of those half-smart types with a little bit of knowledge that if allowed to go forth would be a dangerous thing. She is ultimately divisive, polarizing, and dogmatic. Sarah can’t hold a candle to Hillary’s brilliance, knowledge and experience.
It’s too bad that she’s actually lusting after the Presidency. If she thinks the msm was tough on her before, then she needs to fasten her seatbelt for a pyrotechnic bumpy ride.
In the year that has passed, I’ve come to accept several things: Obama won, Hillary lost, the country would not have been better off with McCain/Palin, if for no other reason than far too many people would not have supported them and considering all that’s going on in the country, social unrest would not be a good thing; and finally, and this is most important, Sarah Palin would not make a good president.
If she has the unmitigated audacity to think that resigning her governorship, for whatever reason, is going to instill voters with confidence about her, then she’s even sillier than the media and her naysayers have portrayed her. And no amount of wistful longing for Hillary Clinton as POTUS, bruised female feelings over the way women get treated and Obama hatred is going to change that.
I want to see a woman POTUS in my lifetime. But Sarah Palin just ain’t it!
I hear people saying that Sarah is polarizing, and they said the same thing about Hillary.
To say someone is polarizing is to suggest it is a quality about them. I don’t agree. I think it would be more accurate to say that PEOPLE have a polarized response TO them - love them or hate them. But I really think that says more about US than about them. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they’re both women.
thank you, Mimi, you voice my exact sentiments!
I would guess the residents of Alaska are applauding her decision and looking forward to no further legal bills paid out of their pockets.
Perhaps you think she should have stayed and run up the charges further?
Hi mimi–I for one clearly remember your powerful rants on NQ back around the election. I don’t agree with you about Sara Palin, but I am glad to see your post and look forward to reading more from you.
The most famous was Madame Du Barry, mistress of King Louis XV. She gained immense power and was known as the “Rose of Versailles”. Unfortunately she also gained many enemies and lost her head during the Revolution.
What with Michael Jackson and Sarah Palin, this story isn’t going to get the attention it deserves. It is an obscenity. One of the largest newspapers in the country was planning to facilitate meetings between lobbyists and members of the administration and congress off the record and secretly to what end? Other than making a little extra on the side for WaPo?
Exactly who are the interested parties in health care reform? Insurance companies and pharmaceuticals? BTW, Sen Baucus of Montana who is presenting the new health care reform has, according to Democracy Now, received more in campaign contributions from health care industries than any member of congress.
I hope everyone will pay close attention to your post Ani. This is a huge issue apart from the lack of integrity of the press. It is a shell game.
P.S. - Sorry, forgot to tell you great post!
Perhaps we can bump it up after the weekend.
Thanks, Elise.
A couple of years ago, this story would have been shocking — but now, I am not in the least surprised.
Yes, but, it’s like when my special needs child does well on his report card. I am not surprised; but I am no less pleased. So, with the WaPo, I am not surprised; but I am no less disappointed.
CROSS EXAMINATION OF THE OBAMA RE. CAIRO SPEECH
Q: You claim your speech made the Iranian people do it?
A: Yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Q: And by “it” you mean to demand democracy?
A: Yes.
Q: And to deplore election fraud?
A: Yes
Q: Did you happen to notice the election was rigged?
A: Yes.
Q: You saw the Iranian people take to the streets?
A: Yes
Q: All because of your Cairo speech?
Q: And then you saw them get beaten?
A: I do not have cable television.
Q: Surely you heard about the young protestor who was murdered?
A: I was busy entertaining the Chicago Bulls.
Q: Those protestors ask you to speak out for them did they not?
A: I do not recall.
Q: But you did not because it was an internal matter?
A: It was, and still is.
Q: Then you disagree with the allies who spoke out?
A: They are sovereign nations.
Q: So they are free to disregard your advice?
A: Of course.
Q: Then you must feel the same way about Israel?
A: . . . .
Objection: Your Honor, counsel is badgering the witness.
Court: Overruled. Proceed Counselor.
Q: Let the record show the witness refuses to answer the question.
Q: In fact you told them you saw no distinction between the protestors wanted as their leader and the brutal regime?
A: Correct. He was part of that regime.
Q: But he opposed that regime in this election did he not?
A: Yes.
Q: And the rebellion you now take credit for rallied round him?
A: They did not know him like I do.
Q: Then you have met him?
A: No, never.
Q: You have said that Iran has a right to develop nuclear power?
A: Yes.
Q: You know they have threatened to annihilate our ally Israel?
A: Of course.
Q: And you see no connection between the two?
A: I do. But I can talk sense into them.
Q: By them you mean the people who are killing their own citizens in the streets in plain view?
A: That is another thing I intend to speak to them about.
Q: Before or after you bow to the waist?
A: That is a venerated custom in the Arab world.
Q: It is contrary to the Constitution and American tradition.
A: We must repent for our sins and become citizens of the world. The old strictures are arcane.
Q: Jeff Immelt is CEO of General Electric is he not?
A: I barely know the man.
Q: Then he is not one of your eight economic advisors?
A: I will have to check with Axelrod.
Q. GE is a major beneficiary of you CAP and trade legislation?
A; I will need to check with Majority Leader Reid—he would know.
Q: GE wants to build nuclear plants all over the world?
A: I believe in clean energy.
Q: Do you consider toxic waste clean energy?
A: Well, there are some problems, but we will fix them.
Q: Fix? Interesting choice of words, coming from you.
A: You know what I mean.
Q. I am afraid I do. And so does this jury.
Q: Is GE doing business now with the Mullahs?
A: I have no idea.
Q: Really. If they were, that would be in violation of UN sanctions?
A: I do not know.
Q: They are your largest corporate benefactor yet you don’t know?
Q: Let me see if I understand your testimony: you made your Periclean speech in Cairo, it reached the ears of the politically repressed people in Iran, men, and women alike voted for the change you pontificate about incessantly, their dream was stolen through election fraud as you did in the primary, they took their objections to the street, they were cut down, chased down, hunted, hundreds were killed and thousands were imprisoned, they turned to you for help–you who encouraged them to rise up in support of freedom and democracy, whereupon you, bright shining you fell through your ass and supported the crass ambitions of big business over the plaintiff pleas of an oppressed people, and all the hope, change and I am the one you have been waiting for rhetoric you have been peddling was exposed for the mawkish tripe it has always been. When it counted you did worse than nothing. You supported the oppressors. And when you finally spoke out, the parade had long since passed by and big media ever obedient to your agenda dropped it coverage.
So, in other words Katharine Weymouth was setting up another Washington whore house? How will it work? The Fourth Estate will offer itself up for a price to the Second Estate, to be payed for by the Third Estate? They F@#k each other and we commoners end up paying for it, Do I have that right?
This story sounds the final death knell for the only profession mentioned in the US Constitution. My goodness, have any of these people ever read the Constitution?
I don’t think they need classes on journalistsic ethics. They need intensive courses on their roles as laid out by the Founding Fathers.
I agree with those who say that if they hadn’t been caught they would have gone through with this travesty.
I won’t call them whores. I think it is an insult to whores. At least they’re honest about who and what they are.
Oh my, I didn’t think ANYTHING could turn my stomach after the DNC, Media, corporate oligarchs, Wall Street, Dean, Pelosi, Brazile, Kerry, Kennedy, Reid, Axelrod, Favreau, ACORN, Caucus Fraud, Voter Fraud,and ignorant, hopium addled, uncaring voters destroyed our election process and our democracy last year. Bad enough that these above mentioned people of no moral compass are still around. WaPo selling out the Fourth Estate to this degree is horrendous.
I feel sick typing this. Shame on WaPo. Shame on anyone who would engage is such corruption. We the People, keep hollering for a return to decency in all areas and at all levels in this country.
“As publisher it is my job to ensure that we adhere to standards that are consistent with our integrity as a news organization.”
Pandering and whoring are entirely consistent with the integrity of the WaPo. Not fit as a bin liner if you ask me.
The WaPo can do nothing to ‘fix’ this because it goes to the very nature of their existence. It’s like Presidential Press Secretary Robert Gibbs trying to rehabilitate his office after advising reporter Chip Reid during a press conference, he could have asked a question during BO’s town hall by sending in an email as a private citizen.
I’m SHOCKED SHOCKED…
We all know how thoroughly corrupt the press is - lining up to give Obama a BJ.
This is just the logical next step.