The media just won't identify Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's party or his high-powered political connections, now that he is knee-deep in scandals. This March 19 New York Times article is no different. Recently, 14,000 text messages were discovered that indicate he lied under oath in a whistleblower trial to avoid admitting he used his police security detail to cover up an affair with his female chief of staff.
The NYT also didn't mention that, as the son of Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI), the mayor was a Democratic rising star. He spoke at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and more importantly, as Vice President of the Conference of the Democratic Mayors, Kilpatrick will be a Barack Obama* [Update: Kilpatrick has not committed to Obama] superdelegate at the 2008 convention. Resigning as mayor could affect his superdelegate status. Considering the tight race, isn't this news?
But the Times didn't report any of that political red meat in this article which reported a City Council resolution that asked Kilpatrick to step down:
The City Council on Tuesday asked Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick to resign in light of evidence that he had lied under oath and plotted to cover up an extramarital affair with his former chief of staff.
Nonetheless, the Council’s action is a political blow for the mayor, and support for the measure was greater than expected. Council members spoke highly of Mr. Kilpatrick but said he could no longer govern effectively, given the scandal that has enveloped Detroit for nearly two months.
The media poured over every single text that former Republican Congressman Mark Foley sent to former Congressional pages. While the local Detroit Free Press is all over this story now, these incriminating text messages don't seem to be worth the national media's time.
In this article by NYT reporter Nick Bunkley, the only mention of the dreaded D-word was a reference to another politician (bold mine):
The only Council member to vote against the resolution was Monica Conyers, the wife of Representative John Conyers Jr., a Michigan Democrat; Ms. Conyers said the Council should have waited until it had more information before voting on such a statement.
“I’m being neutral,” Ms. Conyers said. “I’m concerned with doing it the right way, based upon facts, and not doing a symbolic resolution that means nothing.”
The Council’s ninth member, Martha Reeves, the former Motown singer who had said she supported the resolution, was absent because of illness.
I know the media don't report Dem scandals in the same manner that they report GOP flaps, but considering the close superdelegate count, shouldn't the media care that this vote might be in play—even if it casts a negative light on the Dems?
As with the Eliot Spitzer coverage, the media have an almost childlike aversion to reporting Kilpatrick's party and political connections. Those who remember the 2006 “Culture of Corruption” media drumbeat, which just happened to coincide with an election year, might wonder where all of those aggressive journalists went.
*Correction: Kilpatrick is uncommittted and has not pledged to Obama; headline changed to reflect that.
Lynn contributes to NewsBusters. Email her with tips or even complaints at tvisgoodforyou2—at--y a h o o—dot--c o m














Editor at Large

Comments Policy
FTA:
March 19, 2008 - 19:24 ET by Scout FinchThe NYT also didn't mention that, as the son of Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI), the mayor was a Democratic rising star. He spoke at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and more importantly, as Vice President of the Conference of the Democratic Mayors, Kilpatrick will be a Barack Obama superdelegate at the 2008 convention. Resigning as mayor could affect his superdelegate status. Considering the tight race, isn't this news?
All the news they want you to know.
Hey Scout... Excellent
March 19, 2008 - 19:42 ET by bigtimerHey Scout...
Excellent point...I didn't know about him being a super-delegate.
When, not if he steps down...looks like it will be one for one between Hill/Obama in losing supers...eh?
Too funny.
You mean Spitzer vs the
March 20, 2008 - 13:52 ET by docbYou mean Spitzer vs the Mayor...One for One..
The MSM
March 19, 2008 - 21:06 ET by iveseenitallAs usual, the MSM does its best to avoid reporting any "wrongdoing" by the Dems. It's just further proof that freedom of the press is gone in America. The media is truly biased and corrupt. And in recent years, they've given up all pretense of fairness. It's sad. But in a larger sense, it is dangerous for our nation. Quick example--last night on O'Reilly the lawyer ladies were discussing the IRS. It was noted, to Bill's surprise, that tax exempt status had been taken from a church only twice in the last 50 years. Funny, at least one, maybe both of these happened in the 90's under Bill Clinton, to conservative churches who had opposed him. No big deal from the media at the time. See what I mean about a"dangerous" press?
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
This Is Old...
March 19, 2008 - 21:07 ET by the curatorWe've had this discussion before. It is very common for leaders of municipalities to NOT have their political parties listed.
This are often not political offices (officially, anyway). So, not only is there no malice by not including Kilpatrick's party... it's APPROPRIATE.
I would also argue with the Mrs. Davidson's characterizition of Kilpatrick as a "rising star." I'm from Michigan. While I realize he spoke at the convention... that doesn't mean he's a rising star. There are PLENTY of people who speak at conventions that aren't "rising stars." Fact is, he's been embrollied in controversy for some time on a number of issues.
So, your attempt to pait the media as hiding the party affiliation of a well respected democrat is a failure on many levels.
I may be stepping on it here...
March 19, 2008 - 21:25 ET by MightyMouthbut could you link to examples where the the offical was a Republican and party affiliation was not mentioned?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Not Hard
March 19, 2008 - 21:28 ET by the curatorLook on any city council/city administration web site. No where (or, extremely seldom) will you see party affiliations next to the people in those offices.
I know you were hoping for some sort of a scandal involving a republican mayor... but, that's not the point.
If the media doesn't specify a mayor's party affiliation in normal stories... we're not supposed to do so just because that person gets in trouble.
Mayors - 9 times out of 10 - are nonparty offices.
Curator, you've been in the sun too long!
March 19, 2008 - 21:41 ET by PawpawNMost city govts do show party afflication, especially big cities! What is mayor of NYC, mayor of Philadelphia, mayor of LA, mayor of Richmond, myor of most anywhere! Even city councilmen do such, either D, R or I. You'd better do some better fact checking! You must work for the AP or Reuters!
I honestly always thought
March 19, 2008 - 21:42 ET by balboaI honestly always thought you only gave party affiliation for state senators and state reps and for Congressmen (the (R) (D) stuff).
Even in mid sized Charlottesville, Va., they show their party a
March 19, 2008 - 21:46 ET by PawpawNMost towns of any size show their party afflication, whether D, R or I nowadays, even mid-sized C'ville VA.
Wrong or Just Lying
March 20, 2008 - 20:04 ET by the curatorYou are simply not right... or you're outright lying.
Take a look at the city websites for New York, Philadelphia and LA. Oh, here they are...
http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.beb0d8fdaa9e1607a62fa24601c789a0/
http://www.phila.gov/mayor/
http://www.lacity.org/mayor/index.htm
And for your convenience, I've linked to the homepage of the mayors. NO WHERE does it mention their party affilitations.
Guess you were wrong, lying... or just ignorant from not doing your own research.
bal
March 19, 2008 - 21:53 ET by MightyMouthyou must be joking, politics runs deep, a core belief. Why not have full disclosure down to the dogcatcher. A local government full of liberal pukes is worth knowing just as much as a bunch of vast right wing conspirators.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Not joking. I don't care
March 19, 2008 - 22:28 ET by balboaNot joking. I don't care what political affiliation the dog catcher has.
»→ bal
March 19, 2008 - 22:32 ET by Cool ArrowWhat if he favors waterboarding spaniels?
♣ a seal
I would then affiliate him
March 19, 2008 - 22:34 ET by balboaI would then affiliate him with the "kook" faction.
What about Spainards?
March 19, 2008 - 22:36 ET by PawpawNOr other affliations?
What is a "spainard"?
March 19, 2008 - 22:38 ET by balboaWhat is a "spainard"?
Tis be
March 19, 2008 - 22:45 ET by PawpawN"tis be an ard from Spain!
Bal
March 19, 2008 - 22:45 ET by Free StinkerBad fencers from the movie Princess Bride? ;-)
Pledge to not support RINOs ever again!
»→ Spainards
March 19, 2008 - 22:45 ET by Cool ArrowMust be a cross between a Spaniel and a St. Bernard. Very hip considering the gist of most of today's topics.
♣ a seal
my dad is and that is a
March 19, 2008 - 22:49 ET by red_dragon311my dad is and that is a racist question Bal.
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
...um, I feel like I've
March 19, 2008 - 22:50 ET by balboa...um, I feel like I've stepped through the looking glass here...
Silly Rabbit
March 19, 2008 - 22:52 ET by Free StinkerFollowing a rabbit? ;-)
Pledge to not support RINOs ever again!
What if...
March 19, 2008 - 22:44 ET by MightyMouthThe dog catcher only traps black dogs or dalmatians(in breed)? Pulls them over just because they are in the white poodle neighborhood. Are those dog catchers "kooks"?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
You've lost me. Are we still
March 19, 2008 - 22:46 ET by balboaYou've lost me. Are we still talking about dog catchers?
»→ Good dog catchers
March 19, 2008 - 22:48 ET by Cool ArrowI am against the besmirching of poodles.
♣ a seal
It's been raining here in
March 19, 2008 - 22:53 ET by Free StinkerIt's been raining here in NJ all day.
We have too many poodles.
My spaniel would have
March 20, 2008 - 14:03 ET by JerMy spaniel would have chewed up my shoes if it meant he would get waterboarded.
Jer
Not about city websites...
March 19, 2008 - 21:46 ET by MightyMouthIt's pretty much about media bias, isn't it? Nobody goes to a city's website to find out who the trouble makers are. They are all pretty much updstanding citizens and above reproach (otherwise the webmaster would be fired). Do you really believe that mayors 9 time out of 10 are "non party", you must be talking about towns of less than...what... 1000? Statistics like that don't prove much.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
what?
March 19, 2008 - 23:48 ET by candanceMayors - 9 times out of 10 - are nonparty offices.
Are you kidding me? Local elections aren't held down party lines?
Man, I've been voting with the wrong ballots all this time!
There are PLENTY of
March 19, 2008 - 21:53 ET by Jack BauerI agree. Senator Obama spoke at the Democratic convention in 2004, has his star is definitley falling now.
You're Observant
March 19, 2008 - 21:55 ET by the curatorSenator Obama spoke at the Democratic convention in 2004, has his star is definitley falling now.
Yes, he's about to capture the democratic nomination and his star is falling. Truly, you have a dizzing intellect.
Your intellect is about as dazzling as a Black Hole
March 20, 2008 - 09:28 ET by Jack BauerYour intellect is about as dazzling as a Black Hole from which nothing can escape. For a start, you seem unaware what the word "falling" means.
I'm so glad you can look so far into the future that you can predict he is about to "capture" the nomination. Do tell. Is that your crystal balls speaking?
Because there are plenty of people with a more dazzling intellect than you who say he just killed his chances by the current race hustling.
In fact, I'll see your Karnac and raise it by saying right now, he will NOT get the Democrat nomination because the Super-Delegates will do what they were designed to do.
Try looking at the latest polls to see whose star is falling. CLUE: Barack The 'H' word Obama.
His negatives are rising rapidly. From beating McCain is a head to head two weeks ago, Reuters has him losing against McCain in the general by 6 points. That's called FALLING, no matter how you care to spin it.
Get that dazzler -- down is FALLING.
You need to get on the electoral program. Elections are won by those in the middle, independents, et al. And Barack just scared the white folks and their horses with his weany defense of his HATE PREACH mentor. And that's just the Democrats.
The glow is off. The star is tarnished. And his support is FALLING.
You may operate of the basis of if you believe something it must be true. But that's just a sophomoric stance so typical of loser liberals.
Buyers' remorse is a bitch -- and the Democrats are about to get that in spades -- if you'll pardon the Hillary word usage.
A young DNC superdelegate is NOT a rising star?
March 20, 2008 - 00:09 ET by Lynn DavidsonAre you seriously telling me that a young DNC superdelegate is not a rising star? DNC superdelegates are people with power and people gaining power. That's the whole point.
Not a rising star? Don't take my word for it: Time, NPR, US Politics Today, Forbes and the Democratic Leadership Council said it too.
The presidential conventions thrust JFK, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Harold Ford, Ann Richards and Geraldine Ferraro into the national spotlight, especially Clinton and Obama who were virtually unknown at the time.
The mayor of Detroit is definitely a political office.
I didn't say he was well-respected. I said he was a rising star.
Geez, Lynn, it's just a troll.
March 20, 2008 - 00:22 ET by R D HelmLOL.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
Wow... Misleading...
March 20, 2008 - 20:19 ET by the curatorYour citing a few articles to back up your claim that Mr. Kilpatrick is a 'rising star.' OK...
The headline of the TIME article reads, "Can Kwame Kilpatrick Grow Up?" Truly a ringing endorsement.
The only line where "star" is mentioned, is in the PAST TENSE... here... A former college football captain who trained as a lawyer, Kwame Kilpatrick himself WAS a rising star in Michigan's legislature before being elected mayor.
The NPR story headline reads... "Detroit Mayor's Career Swamped by Scandal"
And this is funny... the FIRST LINE talks about his star in PAST TENSE...
Just a few years ago, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was considered a rising star in Democratic national politics. Now he's mired in a scandal
Forbes headline - OUT FOR THE COUNT, where it reads... his star will probably never reach its previous heights
You get the idea. His star is FALLING. He is not a RISING STAR, as you'd have us believe.
And, if you think he's a big stud simply because he's a young DNC Superdelegate... well, so's THIS GUY!
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Youngest_Superdelegate_Now_with_Obama
You really need to do better.
Dead city
March 19, 2008 - 21:31 ET by ScrapironWho cares about Detroit? It's a dead city, all it took was several years of democrat care. I've never purchased a foreign vehicle in 67 years but all detroit connected vehicles are now as much garbage as the city and it's leaders. They're simply following the example of Cleveland and Chicago. Rust belts with no hope of recovery. Maybe if a few more factories move south we'll get some quality workmanship back in American vehicles. You sure aren't going to get it from the all black, give me more welfare, northern cities.
Old, Retired and glad of it.
You're Serious?
March 19, 2008 - 21:38 ET by the curatorI've never purchased a foreign vehicle in 67 years but all detroit connected vehicles are now as much garbage as the city and it's leaders.
You're seriously attributing the collapse of GM and the auto industry... on democrats? Not even STATE dems... but CITY dems? That is truly weak.
Because I'm sure the automaker itself bears no blame whatsoever... especially when there are democrats to blame.
You sure aren't going to get it from the all black, give me more welfare, northern cities.
It's also good to see you didn't inject race into the issue. I'm sure you'd never equate poor workmanship to a group of people based soley on their ethnic background... wait? Ooops... you did. Well, so much for the republicans being the party of inclusion.
»→ Good Point curator
March 19, 2008 - 21:42 ET by Cool ArrowIt was the Motor Companies who caved to the unreasonable demands of the Labor Unions.
Toyota is thriving with happy employees in San Antonio, Texas.
Our thanks to the Unions for killing the geese in Detroit.
♣ a seal
Let's see, whom is in favor of UNIONS?
March 19, 2008 - 21:44 ET by PawpawNWhat party controls the UNIONS and what party does the UNIONS control?
I Can Play, Too
March 19, 2008 - 21:53 ET by the curatorWho controls the republican party? Oil companies. So, thank you REPUBLICANS (President Bush, VP Cheney) for 4 dollar a gallon gas.
So you admit UNIONS & DIMS together!
March 19, 2008 - 21:56 ET by PawpawNSo I guess you admit UNIONS & DIMS together?
»→ Thanks, PawPawn
March 19, 2008 - 22:00 ET by Cool Arrowcurator was so transparent I didn't even see him.
♣ a seal
Curator has left the building!
March 19, 2008 - 22:22 ET by PawpawNCome out, come out, whereever you are?
the OILC
March 19, 2008 - 22:26 ET by acumenObviously you have never heard of the OILC. Last time I checked it was a gas and oil UNION.
Here is a solution to rising gas prices offered by dems - raise taxes on the oil companies. Think any of those taxes will be felt at the pump? How does that work for ya?
cured (as in pickled) brain,
March 20, 2008 - 00:43 ET by R D HelmYou are a real riot.
After all, it's you nose-picking, booger-eating, bedwetting libs who cry like babies every time somebody wants to build a new refinery, or drill for more oil, anywhere in this country. If anyone is responsible for $4/gal gasoline it is you.
You're the very same people who force a 35% corporate tax rate on America's employers (the second highest in the world behind Japan), then feign surprise when those same employers move their jobs off shore.
You clowns couldn't run a lemonade stand.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
CA
March 19, 2008 - 22:13 ET by well99Actually the American Auto Execs should take a hit on that to.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2007-10-09-auto-exec-pay_N.htm
I agree, well
March 19, 2008 - 22:23 ET by Cool ArrowFor caving to the Unions and for refusing to listen in the mid '70's when Americans were demanding low cost, dependable, fuel efficient cars.
Instead these execs continued to shower us with planned obsolescent, high cost, gas guzzlers, and Datsun, Toyota, and Honda came in to fill the void.
The rest, as they say . . .
♣ a seal
I agree with you to a point
March 19, 2008 - 22:49 ET by well99It also those overpaid CEOs and execs.Maybe this is old school(Oooh catchy youthful phase)but it use to be workers were loyal to the company and the company was loyal to the worker.It was about pride in workmanship and pride in the buisness.Somewhere along the line we lost that and it became about quanity not quality.You were in FRG.Didnt you ever have a German tell you American products were good?I had that happen to me.
»→ well
March 19, 2008 - 23:58 ET by Cool ArrowMy time in Germany ended in 1973.
But pride in workmanship took one giant step forward for Japan when America rejected W. Edwards Deming and his concept of statistical quality control. He took his show to Japan and was embraced wholeheartedly. The result was the Japanese Auto industry.
Again, we were trained to accept planned obsolescence, and suddenly 100,000 miles wasn't something to brag about anymore.
♣ a seal
CA
March 20, 2008 - 03:11 ET by well99Just looked him up.Awesome guidelines.I think some US CEO's need to get his book and read it then implement it.He definately had his act together.