Now that the National Enquirer has been vindicated for revealing John Edwards' affair last October, liberals in the media are having to explain why they ignored this story for many months.
Some truly extraordinary hypocrisy was onstage for all to see Sunday when Howard Kurtz invited CNN's Jessica Yellin and Salon's Joan Walsh on "Reliable Sources" to discuss why the press boycotted the Edwards scandal as long as it did.
Two of the most absurd explanations: anonymous sources, and Edwards wasn't a top contender for the Democrat presidential nomination.
I kid you not:
HOWARD KURTZ, HOST: Now, CNN, Jessica Yellin, worked this story. In fact, had a package all ready to go, a taped piece with The Enquirer reporter who broke the story, was part of that. But CNN held back and just about all national media organizations held back.
Why do you think that was?
JESSICA YELLIN, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, there are two reasons. One is because of the evidence. You have to have your own solid sourcing to go with this.
Stop right there: when did it become suddenly important for today's reporters to have solid sources for a story? In the past several years, we've seen entire hit pieces about Republicans without one named source.
I guess if you're a liberal reporter, your journalistic standards have to be higher when accusing a Democrat of scandalous behavior. But I digress:
YELLIN: And the other is that John Edwards was at no point a top contender for the presidency. I mean, before the campaign started this got a little bit of traction. As soon as it was clear that he really wasn't going to be in the running after Iowa, there's no real public interest of need to know here.Exactly, especially since the Enquirer broke this story last October WELL before the Iowa caucuses. As such, claiming that you ignored this story because Edwards wasn't a top contender is either the height of ignorance, or the height of gall:
KURTZ: Wait a minute. I'm not buying that. So what?
KURTZ: The guy ran for president two times. He was the Democrats' vice presidential nominee four years ago. And suddenly, because he didn't win the Iowa caucuses and drops out, you're saying it doesn't matter?
YELLIN: Howie, I guarantee you, if we were in hot pursuit of the story and pushing it and putting it on the airwaves at that time, we would have gotten lambasted for ignoring a war, ignoring a tanking economy, and all these issues that matters to voters. Why are we chasing some lascivious sex scandal?
Because THAT'S what folks in the media do. CNN did over 400 stories involving the Mark Foley scandal after it broke in 2006 and prior to the elections, and that was when things were going FAR WORSE in Iraq. Furthermore, Foley was likely a total unknown to most Americans before that scandal broke, as compared to Edwards who was John Kerry's running mate in 2004.
As such, why the double standard, Jessica?
Predictably, Walsh supported Yellin's hypocrisy:
JOAN WALSH, SALON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: I agree.Better prepare yourself for Yellin's amazingly self-serving answer:
YELLIN: The media would have gotten lambasted. [...]
WALSH: We are putting too much ideology into this. It really was for all the news organizations I know about a question of sourcing until the end of last week, when things started to fall into place. And also, you know, I would say the money issue, who paid her and why, is of huge -- huge might be an exaggeration in a time of war.
KURTZ: Well, it's significant. It's important.
AMY HOLMES, CNN: But it could be illegal.
WALSH: It's significant. It could be illegal, Amy.
So those things came into play, and suddenly people were really on it. But I agree with Jessica. Had people chased this with the kind of, you know, not good sourcing that we all had back, you know, in the snows of Iowa, we would have been -- I think we would have done a disservice. Once the sourcing was more solid, people went with it.
KURTZ: Let me bring Jessica back in.
If what you're saying is right, that, OK, there's somehow a different standard for a guy who's going nowhere, not running for president anymore, even if he was going to play a small role at the convention, then how do you justify the fact that this was all over every cable network on Friday night? Once Edwards says -- now it's newsworthy?
YELLIN: I think that's because he lied to the media, I think that's because he lied to the public.
Wow. So, it's now a story because Edwards had the nerve to lie to the media.
Any questions?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
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Comments Policy
unimportant? not a contender?
August 10, 2008 - 13:15 ET by pmohbuckwhat, by all means, explains the media frenzy (for months and months) surrounding toe-tapping adventures of larry craig? if edwards "wasn't a contender", then the media must have thought larry craig was positioning himself to become the Pope.
A scandle is never important when it is a Democrat
August 10, 2008 - 18:12 ET by kgA scandle is never important when it is a Democrat. It is so unimportant that they don't even mention the word Democrat in any articles about Democratic scandles.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
The MSM is
August 10, 2008 - 13:19 ET by Nortonalecin C.Y.A. mode now. They know they screwed-up, and they are doing their best to try to spin this. It's funny how it is never the fault of the press. They remind me of my five year old nephew.
Nortonalec
When It Fits the Template
August 10, 2008 - 13:28 ET by allanfFunny the media doesn't feel a need to justify or cite sources for Barack Obama's absurd assertion that we would save 800,000 barrels of oil a day if people only properly inflated their tires.
When it fits their action line, the standard for the media today is just get a quote. If it fits template, the media doesn't seem to care how ridiculous the contention is. Look at leakage from plastic bottles (which would supposedly not degrade for a thousand years).
Obama did it
August 10, 2008 - 13:40 ET by Insane Chipmunk...if this had all been vetted to the public before the primaries/caucuses, then Edwards wouldn't have helped take away some of the bigoted typical white person vote from Hillary.
That Obama sure is smart.
Not a contender?
August 10, 2008 - 14:29 ET by JDWWhat if he had been? He ran for president!
How does the DNC taboo Edwards and welcome Gov Patterson, Bubba...?
JDW
DAILY WAVE
No Noel, no questions
August 10, 2008 - 14:30 ET by DEVILDOCMOMJust incredible and continuing distain for those who call themselves “journalists”’; did any of them graduate from a J school with an ethics course? Then there is my ever-present question of how these hypocritical people look at themselves in the mirror. When I began to read your post I, of course, thought of Mark Foley and his terrific run for the Presidency until the scandal broke regarding him…oh, wait, he was just a REPUBLICAN congressman who was never even close to running for the presidency. Question answered.
I saw all of this early
August 10, 2008 - 14:37 ET by bigtimerI saw all of this early this morning....
My head still hurts...
Btw...as far as Yellin goes....someone really needs to send out an SOS to her...she is and always has been one of the most pathetic so-called reporters there are around...
Oh well, she knows how to toe the leftist mark and circle the wagon for anyone with a 'D' behind their name...so I guess this unfortunate piece of work will be around for many mores years....
Agenda...agenda...agenda...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Yellin, Another Paid off Piece of A$$ that Edwards Had?
August 10, 2008 - 15:11 ET by ChasvsSo it seems Edwards might have had more than one un-loved people in his life lately. Only a woman being paid off could possibly talk such nonsense!
Here's How It Works
August 10, 2008 - 15:14 ET by CaringwhiteguyJohnny, the Breck Girl says he'll take a paternity test. Rielle, the sweet innocent mommy says she won't allow her precious child to be exposed to that. End of trail . . . . for now.
Johnny, the Breck Girl arranges for ample supply of hush money to be funneled to sweet, innocent Rielle. Sweet, innocent Rielle has been promised the Promised Land after Elizabeth is no longer around.
After Elizabeth is no longer around we'll see if Johnny, the Breck Girl lied to sweet, innocent Rielle or just has a different recollection about any promises. Then either 1) the hush $$ limit will have to be raised, 2) Sweet, innocent Rielle will get her way and Johnny the Breck Girl will march her down the aisle or 3) The National Enquirer will outspend Johnny, the Breck Girl and get the story.
Hopefully Elizabeth lives a long time and these scenarios don't play out, but they sure seem like the most likely ones.
Let's don't forget about
August 10, 2008 - 15:23 ET by bigtimerLet's don't forget about the other possibility....
Hunter gets scorned in the end and makes tons of $$$ off of a big book deal, T.V. shows and movie rights ect...
Like they say...Hell hath no fury....
...that is as long as she doesn't go near a park like Fort Marcy.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT
August 10, 2008 - 15:26 ET by Noel SheppardBT,
Yeah, but you'll never see a movie about it, because Hollywood only makes movies about Republican scandals. Just consider that Clinton's been out of office for almost eight years, and there still hasn't been a movie about Monica. Imagine that. ns
Hmmmm..... Right you are
August 10, 2008 - 15:32 ET by bigtimerHmmmm.....
Right you are Noel... Never know...maybe that new band of conservative brothers forming in La-La-Land will have the financing and support by then to make such a movie.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT
August 10, 2008 - 15:40 ET by Noel SheppardBT,
Well, is there any better example of liberal Hollywood bias than the fact that there hasn't been a movie made about the Clinton years? Think about all the possibilities, from Monica to Vince Foster to Ron Brown to Juanita Broaddrick. There's so much in those years, yet not one Hollywood movie since Primary Colors! Not one. ns
Noel... Oh yeah, I
August 10, 2008 - 15:45 ET by bigtimerNoel...
Oh yeah, I thought about all of those characters, plus more when I was posting to you, but didn't think I should put all in my post, or better yet I was to lazy too....
Heck, you could add all the illegal campaign money from over-seas, the Travel Office, the missing FBI files and Livingston...and I will include Barry Seals and Mena, then we can go to Jerry Parks...I guess I'll have to roll over one more time Webster Hubbell and wife...on and on...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
So, Jessica Yellin about it...how much did Eduardo Pay U ?
August 10, 2008 - 18:22 ET by JayTeeThe Inquirer got the Story, while the MSM was sitting on their hands.
Now, the MSM wants to be involved in the SPIN.
Exactly HOW MANY PELOSI's do we have in this Country ? Here's another stupid woman looking for a Man-Date.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
The only thing this looney
August 10, 2008 - 16:39 ET by ThisnThatThe only thing this looney toon hasn't done is throw in a global warming excuse, such as: "John Edwards has said reversing global warming is a 'great moral test', and he has said the next president needs to stand up to industries resisting change. He has picked up an endorsement from the national environmental group Friends of the Earth Action. This is so much more important than the press trying to pry into his private life, and we're simply not going to go on witch hunts just to try to destroy him".
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
What is hypocrisy among the amoral?
August 10, 2008 - 17:43 ET by needleThis pegs the needle for hypocrisy, and went so far into the ridiculous range I broke out laughing in spite of my vexation.
But Jessica Yellin’s attitude and her whole approach to this multiple scandal strongly suggest to me the mentality of somebody who very long ago made her accommodation with adultery and fornication in general. One might wonder what her private life is like; but, believe me, I do not want to know, though I am much inclined to think that it would be best if she were not married. I find it very disturbing that such a person is influential within the MSM; I am not singling her out for animus, however; I imagine her attitudes are typical within the MSM
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
Who is to say that this is
August 10, 2008 - 17:55 ET by d1carterWho is to say that this is the only affair that Silky had or was having? David Shuster seemed as if his feelings were hurt by this story as well....?
No Source Makes This Lib Scandal Hard To Swallow
August 10, 2008 - 19:08 ET by RMRI saw that little comedy routine. No source! He was a nobody! What about the war in Iraq? The economy? All the while shooting daggers at Amy Holmes.
As I watched this
August 10, 2008 - 19:54 ET by Captain RepusAs I watched this disgraceful report my blood was boiling. These two morality-impared broads so typified the arrogant, ilitist attitudes of the cement dwelling east coast and star-struck west coast news whores, along with the pathetic example of a 'news program' host of this program are like a skit out of Saturday Night Live.
How in the world do these idiots live with themselves. I suspect both of these women are still having wet dreams about having Bill Clinton teach them tooth-brushing techniques.
Just because he wasn't a contender?
August 10, 2008 - 20:54 ET by goldenthroatWht kind of twisted logic is that? Hmmm - using that philosophy - I guess that means that CNN, as a cable news source, is also unimportant because they are definitely not a contender!
"I think we're all bozos on this bus!" - Firesign Theatre
Any questions?
August 12, 2008 - 04:49 ET by well99Yes Noel.Why are you picking on these journalist?Just because they are ethically challeged?So what if they are hypocrites.They have a right to be.They are "Journalist".They have a duty to report what they think is important for us to know.Why should they let facts get in the way.It would cloud are meager minds.So little Johnny got caught.That isnt important.Our minds shouldnt be cluttered with this.Yes if it had been a republican it would of been running 24/7 but that is different.They have double standards but that is ok.They are Journalist!Protectors of their truth.Remember their standard."No Lie Left Behind".
YELLIN: Howie, I guarantee
August 10, 2008 - 22:36 ET by fitzfongYELLIN: Howie, I guarantee you, if we were in hot pursuit of the story and pushing it and putting it on the airwaves at that time, we would have gotten lambasted for ignoring a war, ignoring a tanking economy, and all these issues that matters to voters.
Wow, Jessica Yellin even managed to shoehorn two DNC "talking point" cliches into her excuse. She's got quite a future at CNN.
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
fitzfong.blogspot.com
Could be?
August 11, 2008 - 02:39 ET by CobraMan"It's significant. It could be illegal, Amy."
Could be illegal? It IS illegal! Adultery is a misdemeanor in North Carolina. Not that I suspect that John is going to be charged, but he DID break the law!
It’s interesting that there was a movement to repeal that law in 2007, something that hasn‘t been accomplished yet. John should remind himself of what North Carolina Family Policy Council attorney Tami Fitzgerald said during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee; “This has been the law in our State since 1805, because North Carolinians have valued marriage as one of the primary foundations of an ordered, civil society.” Gee, John, as a former Senator for North Carolina who stressed the importance of family, one would think that you’d understand this and NOT COMMIT ADULTERY! But I guess that’s too much to ask of someone of such great importance as yourself.
grasping at straws
August 11, 2008 - 10:37 ET by lotr"John Edwards was at no point a top contender for the presidency"
More like, "John Edwards was at no point a Republican contender for the presidency."
And, might I submit that he has always been considered to be on the short list as a veep running mate, that he was third behind HRC and BHO, and that he has remained one of the foremost Democratic politicians on the national stage, appearing even on Letterman, front page Newsweek and the like?
Kudos to NB for bringing the Enquirer story to us -- I, for one, don't usually pay attention to the Enquirer, but this may now change. However, it is the story behind the story-that-almost-wasn't that is the truly interesting piece that enquiring minds like mine wants to know about, hopefully in the upcoming days/weeks.