Chicago Tribune: 'Palin Claim on eBay Plane Sale Doesn't Fly'

"Palin claim on eBay plane sale doesn't fly" claims a story appearing on page 3 of the printed edition of today's newspaper and on on its Web site.  The article begins:

JUNEAU, Alaska — When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin sought to illustrate her frugality and flair to delegates at the GOP convention Wednesday, she described how she disposed of a corporate jet acquired by her unpopular predecessor.

"That luxury jet was over the top," Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, said to loud cheers. "I put it on eBay."

Palin's statement implied the plane was sold through the online auction site revered for empowering millions of small entrepreneurs, and Palin's spokeswoman insisted Thursday that the transaction occurred. But the plane failed to sell on eBay.

Instead, the 23-year-old 10-seat Westwind II was sold in August 2007 for $2.1 million to a Valdez, Alaska, entrepreneur; that's about $300,000 less than a broker's asking price, according to news accounts.

So what part of Palin's claim doesn't fly?  She didn't assert the plane sold on eBay, merely that "I put it on eBay."  Seems like the Tribune, in its eagerness to expose the "real Sarah," came to an incorrect conclusion and not one supported by the governor's original contention.

While the Tribune inferred wrongly, I'm certain it won't be deterred.  It and other components of the mainstream media don't appear willing, even after being caught, to give up their slanted coverage of the Republican vice presidential candidate.