Attacking Sarah Palin: We Report, You Believe?
By Rick Pearcey
"A conservative Christian congresswoman says although the attacks on Sarah Palin's reputation leveled by McCain campaign insiders are 'over the top and hurtful,' they will embolden base conservatives to rally to the Alaska governor's cause even more," reports OneNewsNow.
"Anonymous McCain aides have been quoted in various media outlets as saying that the governor did not know Africa was a continent and could not name the three countries in the North American Free Trade Agreement. She has also been blamed for McCain's defeat and accused of ignoring the advice of McCain advisers during the campaign.
"Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-Minnesota), a staunch supporter of Palin, says it is disappointing that McCain campaign insiders would be so 'vicious' in their attacks against Palin -- not to mention so soon after the election," says OneNewsNow.
Comment: That media outlets would carry such direct, personal, and vicious attacks based on unnamed sources is another self-inflicted black-eye on American journalism. It's enough to make any sensitive person, or serious person, cringe. Not just for the governor, but for the embarrassment that passes for much journalism today.
Granted, there are occasions when the use of anonymous sources is appropriate. But not here, in my judgment.
As this attempted character assassination broke, the public was given insufficient context, little or no hint of the evidence supporting the assertions, and no opportunity for followup.
On the other hand, in the aftermath of the McCain defeat, observers are aware that there are good reasons to question the political motives and truthfulness of unnamed accusers lurking in shadows. Destroy Palin now to prevent a return in 2012 comes to mind.
John McCain should have immediately personally, publicly, and on camera called an end to the Palin bashing (or else confirm the reports and explain why he selected her in the first place). He should search out the brave souls who tried to harm the Alaska governor and demand they step up and take responsibility. A few polygraph sessions may be in order.
This unfortunate episode is all too typical of Washington, all too typical of politics today. Yes, politics is a "contact sport," but you'll notice the NFL has rules and referees. There's accountability and it's on TV.
No free-thinking person can accept this kind of reporting or these kinds of attacks at face value.
We report, you believe? I think not. A humane and free people resists.
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Rick Pearcey is editor and publisher of The Pearcey Report (archives).
