A radio talk host sent me a comment by private email today, mentioning "Cheney's low, low blow".
As I said in my reply - check the transcripts, guys. Forming on-air opinions based on AP "reporting" or CNN "quotes" is risky business.
Posted by Kate at September 9, 2004 3:44 PMTrackBack URL for this entry:
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A radio host? I gather you're being polite! That host did point out though that the transcript didn't change the nature of Cheney's statement...and that the material he had viewed contained the context you were talking about.
ahem.
Mr. X.
Posted by: Anonymous host at September 9, 2004 10:57 PMAhem, indeed
The quote was reported in such a way as to suggest only one interpretaiton - that Cheney had said "elect Kerry and we'll be attacked". That may be your interpretation, but reading the full sentence, it isn't mine.
But that isn't really the point.
Without the full sentence (some news organizations cut it off and replaced a comma with a period!) I am denied the opportunity to pass judgement. That the interpretation that remains is unflattering to Cheney does not escape my notice.
In short, it's dishonest and manipulative reporting, and it undermines the credibility of the media.
Which is why I caution - read the transcripts before forming opinions.
;-)
So, how about that beer, Mr.X?
Posted by: Kate at September 10, 2004 9:20 AM