On The Situation Room today, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer made a surprising admission to, of all people, real estate entrepreneur Donald Trump:
BLITZER: What do you think of his (Obama's) decision to pick Joe Biden as his running mate?TRUMP: I really don't know Senator Biden but I know one thing. He's run a number of times for president. He's gotten less than 1 percent of the vote each time. And that's a pretty tough thing. You know, he's also been involved in pretty big controversy like plagiarism in college and various other things. That's a pretty big statement. So perhaps you change over a period of time. But when you plagiarize, that's a very bad statement. That hasn't been brought up yet, but I'm sure at some point it will. I'm sure that Sarah Palin will bring it up in a debate or somebody's going to bring it up.
BLITZER: Are you talking about plagiarism when he was running for president?
TRUMP: No, I'm talking about when he was a college student as I understand it, and this was a big issue originally but he supposedly plagiarized as a college student. That's a pretty serious charge.
BLITZER: I don't remember that. We'll check it out. But maybe you obviously have a better memory about that.
While I have no basis to doubt Blitzer's statement, it's difficult to understand how the anchor, who at times displays an encyclopedic knowledge on matters political, doesn't know about Biden's law school plagiarism. The Democratic vice presidential candidate admitted to it over two decades ago and the incident has been widely covered in recent weeks.
In August, Associated Press writers Pete Yost and Holbrook Mohr reported:
Biden admitted back in 1987 that he had committed plagiarism while a freshman at Syracuse University law school and that he occasionally used other people's words in his speeches without giving credit.
The Chicago Sun-Times's Carol Felsenthal wrote:
Biden got in trouble in 1965, during his first year in law school. He wrote a paper in which he lifted five pages verbatim from the Fordham Law Review. He was given an “F” in the course. He managed to avoid being bounced from law school, retook the course and earned a B.
In Slate, David Greenberg's account included:
If that wasn't bad enough, Biden admitted the next day that while in law school he had received an F for a course because he had plagiarized five pages from a published article in a term paper that he submitted.
Earlier this month, Jennifer Fermino of Post Wire Services completed her story on Biden:
He was caught using a passage in his stump speech from British Labor Party leader Neil Kinnock, without attributing it, while at the Iowa State Fair.
He'd cited Kinnock's words before - and given him his due credit - but for some reason, didn't that time.
Soon after that scandal, new plagiarism allegations surfaced.
Biden had cheated on a law-school paper by cribbing parts of another work, and he was also caught using parts of a Robert F. Kennedy speech without citation.
He quit the race shortly after the cheating came to light.
As I said, Biden's plagiarism in law school has been widely reported. Perhaps this lapse in Blitzer's awareness is attributable to him depending on CNN for full and complete information. Maybe he should spend more time talking with Trump.




















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
It's obvious
September 18, 2008 - 22:06 ET by pbthinkerIf you're a Democrat, there's a statute of limitations, if you're a Republican, they can bring it up and bring it up as often as they want. The AP had a story today about Mark Foley. They justified bringing in up, along with all the juicy details because, as the story goes, it looks like he's not going to be prosecuted. Isn't that just too cute, to be able to bring up the Republicans name, once again, because he's not going to be prosecuted?
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
Obvious
September 18, 2008 - 22:12 ET by Mike BatesIf you're a Democrat, there's a statute of limitations, if you're a Republican, they can bring it up and bring it up as often as they want.
Time for some "wide stance" stories, heh?
Blitzer
September 18, 2008 - 22:07 ET by JoelCTYou're awfully nice, Michael. I'm not feeling nice this evening.
Wolf Blitzer is a liar. This was a blatant lie. It is impossible that Wolf would not know this. Impossible. The producer was probably screaming in his ear, "We do NOT want to talk about that! Pretend you don't know and we'll check it out! Stall! Change Subject! Anything!"
Wolf is a good little boy, and does what he's told.
Awfully nice
September 18, 2008 - 22:15 ET by Mike BatesYou're awfully nice, Michael.
I've never been accused of that before. :)
BLITZER: I don't remember
September 18, 2008 - 23:01 ET by motherbeltBLITZER: I don't remember that. We'll check it out.
Good grief, Wolf! How dumb can you be? You don't even have to remember it from 1988; it's been in the news again in the past month!! Did you think Donald Trump was the first one to mention it this election cycle???
Maybe if you weren't singing LA LA LA LA with your fingers in your ears you would have heard it!!
Dumb, mb
September 18, 2008 - 23:03 ET by Mike BatesHow dumb can you be?
Could it be selective stupidity?
Ummmm.....
September 19, 2008 - 08:01 ET by capavMust be Wolf didn't watch the CNN documentary about Joe Biden! His network has had it on numerous times. Talk about a bald faced lie!
Does Wolf watch CNN?
September 19, 2008 - 08:17 ET by Mike BatesMust be Wolf didn't watch the CNN documentary about Joe Biden!
In fairness to Blitzer, the JB special covered the law school incident very briefly:
Biden held a news conference to address the (Kinnock plagiarism) crisis and to admit he failed to properly footnote a portion of a law school paper. He claimed he misunderstood the rules of citation.
Maybe Wolf was taking a potty break. If I spent as much time with Begala as he does, I'd be washing my hands nonstop.
Huh?
September 19, 2008 - 11:32 ET by okiehawk44At my non-Ivy League school we learned the rules of citation in my freshman year because we had to make use of footnotes in papers thoughout our undergraduate years.
What crappy college did Biden graduate from before entering law school?
Biden
September 19, 2008 - 12:17 ET by Mike BatesWhat crappy college did Biden graduate from before entering law school?
Biden is a proud product of the University of Delaware. You may recall that he at least once claimed he received three degrees there; actually, it was one. But Joe was probably pullin' his hair out so his mistake is understandable.
Lying hound! sean
September 18, 2008 - 22:23 ET by seanrobinsLying hound!
sean robins
blog.seanrobins.com
Hey Blitzer Bide Stole His Entire Iraq Policy
September 18, 2008 - 22:29 ET by Lame CherryAs I broke the story and reported here Biden committed fraud on the entire US Senate with his Iraq Policy which was nothing but Arnaud de Borchgrave's Canton policy which he and another Washington Times writers had been promoting for 3 years before.
Blitzer get a clue. I should have won the Pulitzer for that story, but as it was exposing a liberal it is ignored by all including the very stately right wing media.
Now why would that be?
Figure it out people why the fact Biden stole an entire policy, committed fraud on the entire US Senate and American people and no one is saying a word.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
»→ Blintzer
September 18, 2008 - 22:29 ET by Cool ArrowIt's not surprising Blitzer's oblivious to Biden's penchant for literary theft. There's only room in his pea-brain for his Obama worship.
"Us white folk will take care of you" - Barbara Walters
Bush Derangement Syndrome (BDS)...
September 18, 2008 - 22:44 ET by m4ster chief...and Palin Derangement Syndrome (PDS) does involve some short and long-term memory loss. Other losses associated with these conditions include, but are not limited to, loss of credibility, loss of self-respect, and loss of viewers/readers. To relieve symptoms, I recommend more fiber...MORAL FIBER!
Blitzer's motives are clear as Sarah Palin's vision for the country.
short and long-term memory loss
September 18, 2008 - 22:49 ET by Mike Bates...and Palin Derangement Syndrome (PDS) does involve some short and long-term memory loss.
As does being abducted by aliens, a possibility I don't rule out with many in the MSM.
Biden's plagiarism and..
September 18, 2008 - 22:46 ET by Andante"...cribbing parts of another work..."
I believe it's now called 'sharing' in Progressive speak.
"Why can't I just eat my waffle?" -- Obama
http://obamawaffles.com/
Sharing
September 18, 2008 - 22:52 ET by Mike BatesI believe it's now called 'sharing' in Progressive speak.
Remember when people didn't "share" something with you? They just told you what they had to say.
hmm
September 19, 2008 - 12:04 ET by AndanteThat got me to thinking about how the definitions of many of the words I grew up with are changing. Here's just one. (see definition #2)
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marriage
To help us keep up with the living dictionary:
http://www.trilobyte-mag.com/lexicon.htm
"Why can't I just eat my waffle?" -- Obama
http://obamawaffles.com/
The media as a whole
September 18, 2008 - 22:56 ET by ExZoniehave memories for what happened today, unless the subject is a Republican.
Is it me, or are the stories on NB coming fast and furious? It's hard to keep up anymore!
Is it me?
September 18, 2008 - 23:00 ET by Mike BatesIs it me, or are the stories on NB coming fast and furious? It's hard to keep up anymore!
Possibly that's because the mainstream media types have tossed caution to the winds in their desperation to put The One in the White House.
It's not just you......
September 19, 2008 - 03:12 ET by old croI asked NB to "slow up a little" last
week. I believe your reasoning is correct, there is just wayyyy to much media
bias out there. I would also add that since Sarah Palin has been nominated for
VP, I for one, am extremely energized about this election whereas before I was
lukewarm toward McCain and his campaign. I try to read all articles on her to
see if she is really the "one we've been waiting for". Her
conservative credentials are impeccable, and from what I've seen on video, she
is sticking to her guns. The bottom line is now I have "hope" for
America's future.
Slow up a bit
September 19, 2008 - 22:09 ET by Mike BatesI asked NB to "slow up a little" last week.
Well, I've been told I'm the slowest guy around here, so NB is aiming to please.
It's like Joe Biden himself
September 18, 2008 - 23:03 ET by Hero SquadIt's like Joe Biden himself said: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Fear itself
September 18, 2008 - 23:08 ET by Mike BatesDang, that Joe has a way with words. And he doesn't need a teleprompter.
Stand up, Chuck.
Stretching with Biden
September 18, 2008 - 23:30 ET by mastersofdeceitSpeaking of Robinette, there's a new fact check up about him. Perhaps Woofie would like to discuss it. I won't hold my breath. The media is too focused on "the issues" this election. Things like Todd Palin's DUI in the 80's and such.
Checking FactCheck.org
September 19, 2008 - 08:24 ET by Mike BatesSpeaking of Robinette, there's a new fact check up about him.
That's good. FWIW, I take anything at FactCheck.org with a big grain of salt since I think it isn't all that fastidious in its findings. John McCain's ad on Obama's vote for sex ed, which FC tells people not to believe, is an example.
Hey! Go Easy on My Buddy Wolf Blitzer
September 18, 2008 - 23:10 ET by Rush FanWhen you are the most reputable newsman on CNN, and you want to appear to be as fair and balanced as the guys (and gals) over at that other network (FoxNews), but you are really a diehard liberal who wants and hopes and even prays (only if it's necessary) that Barry Obama is elected president, then you are allowed to appear to have a selective memory. Remember, to a liberal newsman (or Campbell Brown), the end justifies the means.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The liberal media continues to sacrifice ethics and morals for the greater cause: The Election of Barack Hussein Obama to the Presidency of the United States.
the most reputable newsman on CNN
September 18, 2008 - 23:12 ET by Mike BatesI thought that was Jack Cafferty. Or maybe Roland Martin.
Oh! I forgot about those
September 18, 2008 - 23:20 ET by Rush FanOh! I forgot about those guys. My apologies. I stand corrected.
Let me rephrase it: Wolf Blitzer, along with my buddies Jack Cafferty and Roland Martin, are three of the best newsmen on CNN.
Now if you will excuse me I'm going to vomit.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"There is no longer a media in this country. There is simply an established propaganda arm for the Democrat Party and any and all who relate to it in any way, elected and unelected." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Not a doubt in my mind that
September 19, 2008 - 00:55 ET by mostlymoderateNot a doubt in my mind that if this was McCain or Palin, the media would be all over it like flies on $#1t.
I am embarrassed to say I did not know about Biden's cheating. :(
Don't be embarrassed!
September 19, 2008 - 08:27 ET by Mike BatesI am embarrassed to say I did not know about Biden's cheating. :(
I don't know why. You're not the MSM big shot who's supposedly so immersed in politics and speaks with authority to millions. Or maybe dozens some days.
What do you expect......
September 19, 2008 - 05:37 ET by old croHe runs with the same crowd that "don't know anyone that voted for Richard Nixon."
"We'll check it out."
September 19, 2008 - 05:12 ET by JohnMcGrewYeah, you get on that for us Wolf. We'll be waiting. And waiting.
"We'll check it out."
September 19, 2008 - 08:28 ET by Mike Bates"We'll check it out."
That Wolf is such a newshound and seeker of truth, isn't he?
"But maybe you obviously
September 19, 2008 - 06:42 ET by Ruths husband Ben"But maybe you obviously have a better memory about that."
This is a man who makes his living speaking the English language and that's the best he can do? What the heck does that mean anyway?
Well, I got a new tag-line.
“But maybe you obviously have a better memory about that."
- Wolf Blitzer
But maybe you obviously
September 19, 2008 - 08:30 ET by Mike BatesThis is a man who makes his living speaking the English language and that's the best he can do?
Evasiveness 'R Us.
Obvious
September 19, 2008 - 10:36 ET by JoelCTGee, Ben, it is obvious that it is possible that he might have meant that he probably was postulating about the memory is better with the Trump brain than the Blitzer brain. Or at least likely. Are you now clear about that?
It is hard to speak clearly when a producer is screaming in your ear to end the segment because they don't want to discuss any "issues" with any Democrats.
To Ruth's hubby
September 19, 2008 - 14:12 ET by cheesegraterMy thought is that he got tongue-tied because he knew he was lying about not knowing.
Maybe CNN should actually hire journalists and fact checkers
September 19, 2008 - 08:17 ET by c5theninstead of people who simply make copies of the DNC talking points to give out to all the on-air personalities.
Maybe CNN should actually hire journalists and fact checkers
September 19, 2008 - 08:31 ET by Mike BatesFacts? We don't need no steenking facts. Just give us Axelrod's talking points.
Maybe Wolf needs to cut back on the booze...
September 19, 2008 - 11:13 ET by jazboIt can really foul up the memory.
Those who believe in nothing will believe anything.
Wolf Blitzer Forgets
September 19, 2008 - 11:28 ET by GoodieFolks, you all remember when Wolfie cried after Gore Conceded, he was so shook up he could hardly report it, I think CNN had to go to commmercial early...The guy is a Dem Tool.
When it comes to The One,
September 19, 2008 - 11:43 ET by Tim the EnchanterWhen it comes to The One, he's not so much a Wolf as a lap dog.
CNN - Blind to Liberal Evil
September 19, 2008 - 12:38 ET by ChasvsThese Democrat suck ups just can't see the evil that is the Democrat Party!
If you want to see the type of Country we will be if Barack the Majic Negro Obama is elected just take a look at San Franscisco, Detroit, New Orleans, etc.
Full of the most vile filth and sit on their asses people you'll find anywhere in the world!
That's NOT the future I want for this Country!
If you want a Country where you are ALLOWED to succeed if you TRY, then vote McCain/Palin.
etc.
September 19, 2008 - 12:53 ET by Mike Bates. . . just take a look at San Franscisco, Detroit, New Orleans, etc.
etc. must include the People's Republic of Chicago.