Talk about sleazy tactics! Wizbang has obtained a copy of a Facebook e-mail sent by New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor in order to snoop into the private life of John McCain's youngest daughter, Bridgette. Here is that Kantor message via Wizbang (emphasis mine):
September 29 at 7:21pm
Report Message
I saw on facebook that you went to Xavier, and if you don't mind, I'd love to ask you some advice about a story. I'm a reporter at the New York Times, writing a profile of Cindy McCain, and we are trying to get a sense of what she is like as a mother. So I'm reaching out to fellow parents at her kids' schools. My understanding is that some of her older kids went to Brophy/Xavier, but I'm trying to figure out what school her 16 year old daughter Bridget attends-- and a few people said it was PCDS. Do you know if that's right? Again, we're not really reporting on the kids, just seeking some fellow parents who can talk about what Mrs. McCain is like.
Also, if you know anyone else who I should talk to-- basically anyone who has encountered Mrs. McCain and might be able to share impressions-- that would be great.
Thanks so much for any help you can give me.
Jodi Kantor
Political correspondent
New York Times
The McCain campaign is rightfully upset over this and here is an excerpt of their reaction:
In order to assemble this barrage of petty and personal attacks, the New York Times employed tactics that are obviously unprofessional and almost certainly unethical. This campaign has obtained a copy of an email sent by New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor to a 16-year-old girl and friend of Bridget McCain, the youngest of the McCain children. Ms. Kantor sought to dupe the unsuspecting minor by soliciting ‘advice' on how best to approach the story, as if a top-flight investigative reporter at the New York Times would need the assistance of an underage girl in writing a hit piece.
You can read Jodi Kantor's less than glowing profile at the New York Times which stands in stark contrast with her laudatory story about Michelle Obama back in June. Any guess as to where Jodi Kantor's biased sympathies are? Perhaps she needs to learn that it's not nice to violate the privacy of school girls in order to advance her own agenda.
—P.J. Gladnick is a freelance writer and creator of the DUmmie FUnnies blog.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Crap like this actually
October 18, 2008 - 09:11 ET by NewsbusterbrownCrap like this actually makes me feel good in a way, since it means that the MSM thinks Obama doesn't have it all wrapped up.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
Exactly a point I was making in another post...
October 18, 2008 - 09:30 ET by HeavyChevyI think this race is so close anyone could seize it which is good news for us and bad for the obamafans.
"9 out of 10 doctors agree that flag burning is the number one killer of liberals."
"Investigative" reporting?
October 18, 2008 - 09:32 ET by Indiana JoeHow would other school parents know anything about "what [Cindy McCain] is like as a mother?" I think of someone asking the parents of my son's classmates that question, and it's clear that they would have no idea. Just as I'd have no idea about Ross's classmates parents. If Kantor is serious about this, she's a pretty shoddy reporter. If she's misleading this student, she's a pretty shoddy person.
Emails to a teen-ager, huh? Gee, maybe she just wants to meet this girl, for some unknown purpose. That "purpose" could be nefarious, couldn't it? I think that, to take no chances in protecting our youth, Kantor should step down...er, I mean "resign"... immediately. The NYT "leadership" should pressure her to do so.
I mean, that's how it's done, right? ;^)
"I do not... believe that the same God who has endowed us with senses, reason and intellect has intended us to forego their use." G. Galilei
Indiana Joe - Investigative reporting
October 18, 2008 - 12:38 ET by Gary HallIndiana Joe - "Investigative reporting." Just doesn't exist in the MSM when it comes to the Democratic side of the isle; the Obama side, this time, does it?
Seems that most any stain, or potential stain, on Obama's history or record, is generally referred to by the media as: Republicans charge that; or, the McCain camp said; or the McCain ad is suggesting, etc. However, with the McCain side - well, pick up any national newspaper, watch the network or cable news - and my goodness, there are hundreds of "investigative reporters" out there 24/7 actually digging up and reporting on their own trash that they've dug up (or made up - or quoted from the DailyKos).
Here's a few story tips for the Mainstream Media. Put your investigative reporters on this. See if you can weasel your way into Obama's half-brother's, and friend', face book account and find out about the real inner workings of his family history.
Or how about getting into "I'm Barack Obama's cousin says Raila Odinga, Kenya's defeated presidential challenger," facebook account and find out about what his friends and enemies are talking about. Perhaps you can find out who is behind those followers of Raila Odinga who torched the church with human's trapped inside, who went on a rampage hacking humans to death. Perhaps, since Sen. Obama was there, showing his support for Raila Odinga, just before the election, you can uncover whether or not Obama has made any effort here to express his outrage?
Let me see if I get this;
October 18, 2008 - 09:39 ET by SvenLet me see if I get this; the NYT's and other media outlets have time and resources to get the "scoop" on Gov. Palin and Mrs. McCain, but just can't seem to find the time to check into BHO's ties to Bill Ayers, Acorn, Rev. Wright, Saul Alinski (sp), Rezko etc.?
Keep it up guys...your days are numbered!
I believe that the Dems, the Media and the Pollsters are going to be very surprised Nov 5th!
Trig factor
October 18, 2008 - 09:55 ET by TheAssessorWhat a piece of trash this is. I thought BHussein said 'families are off limits'. Who's asking his kids about his bride of the living dead? Oh that's right NO ONE. The Enquirer and NY Times should exchange names. The Enq. has a better history of accuracy lately. Assign NY Trash to look for UFO's and Elvis.
Here's your new campaign strategy John. Have Cindy, Sara and the female kids all come out in burkas. Not say a word, just stand there during a campaign speech. There's your photo op. It would be in every paper in the country and even on MSM as an "outrage" of course. Americans would get it though, you betcha
Barak 0bama - Afraction American
Assessor
October 18, 2008 - 10:09 ET by cocodrieI like that idea - totally
Curiosity About Obama's School Days
October 18, 2008 - 09:58 ET by allanfIt's funny that reporters at the New York Times don't have the same curiosity about Obama's school days in Indonesia.
There's no 'bottom'.....
October 19, 2008 - 05:40 ET by Tailgunner...for these guys.
NOLI PUGNARE ME OCCIDERE
NYT = Not Yet Truthful
October 18, 2008 - 10:01 ET by wdhorningMagniloquent Stratospheric Media
Tomorrow!!
October 18, 2008 - 10:13 ET by JoelCTSenator McCain is on FoxNews Sunday tomorrow. He needs to bring this up and ask the American people, "What if this woman were checking with your daughter's friends to get their opinions on YOU? How would you feel about that?"
When my daughter was sixteen, she was like most of her friends, and was not getting along with her mother very well. I'm sure her friends got an ear full about what a horrible mom she was. Imagine if this horrible NYT person got that kind of one-sided information and printed it. How unfair!
When it comes to Republicans, for the MSM the ends justify the means. They will do anything. They will lie, they will cheat, they will steal, they will crawl through dumpsters and sewer lines, if it means they can find some dirt, true or not, that they can use to hurt the Republican.
My wish is that the NYT will realize this Jodi Kantor scum has crossed the line here, and fire her outright. But I know that I am just fantasizing, as Joy Beher would say.
McCain Campaign Releases Letter of Complaint About Jodi Kantor
October 18, 2008 - 16:29 ET by allanfThe McCain campaign released a letter of complaint about Jodi Miller and the New York Times to FoxNews today.
This is truely dispictable.
October 18, 2008 - 17:13 ET by ThisnThatThis is truely dispictable. The NYT and the rest of the MSM expect everyone to be perfect -- Palin, Joe the Plumber, and now Cindy. EXCEPT, of course, Obama, whose associations, drug use, lies, unpatriotic acts (he actually cancelled the singing of the National Anthem during his Londonderry, NH visit last week -- claiming he didn't have time for the 3:00 minute song), and total lack of experience not only remains uninvestigated, but is selectively heralded as an advantage for the candidate.
I beleive it's time for use to re-define "press"; and then get back to the original Constitution's meaning of "freedom of the press". The msm has too much power in this country, and when it is as biased as it is, it needs to be brought down and re-built from the ground up.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Unfit for Publication
October 18, 2008 - 17:20 ET by allanfNotice once again, that the Times deemed the letter from Cindy McCain's lawyer unfit for publication. I submit no screed by Obama would go unpublished and only the most helpful changes would be made by the editor.
I don't know who wrote the
October 18, 2008 - 10:37 ET by TEI don't know who wrote the McCain campaign response, but his/her characterization of Jodi Kantor is just embarrassing. The letter writer claims that Jodi Kantor is "a top-flight investigative reporter at the New York Times." Jodi Kantor? "[T]op-flight investigative reporter"? Good Lord, please help the McCain campaign. Jodi Kantor is NOT "a top-flight investigative reporter." Jodi Kantor is a virulent, militant leftist political activist. Wake the hell up, McCain campaign!!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggghhhh!!!!
Rumor has it...
October 18, 2008 - 10:49 ET by The DistributistRumor has it that our NYT's journalist has some nekkid skeletons in her own overstuffed closet... "Mindy" sounds a bit vindictive, but I applaud anyone who can use the word "whore" so many times in one e-mail while referring to a member of the Elite Øbama Media Berets.
"Modern man is staggering and losing his balance because he is being pelted with little pieces of alleged fact which are native to the newspapers; and, if they turn out not to be facts, that is still more native to newspapers." -GKC
NYT/McCain's daughter
October 18, 2008 - 11:09 ET by east tennessee johnAppparently the NYT has no scruples whatsoever,surprise, surprise. They front page a lie about McCain's alleged "affair", their "crack", or on crack reporters can't find one thing to print about BHO's various asociations and and his Marxist backround/instruction going back to his pre cocaine adolecence, but they can find the time and money to harass a 16 year old. If I was McCain, I'd call them on it on the Sunday shows as an example of "unbiased" media.
On the bright side
October 18, 2008 - 10:59 ET by sawing battaat least the Times is now actually trying to create stories using real people(albeit still working backwards from their theme)....an uptick from the jason blair days of simply making it up out of thin air.
And they are prepared to do
October 18, 2008 - 11:03 ET by Jack BauerAnd they are prepared to do this to the wife of a candidate who the Slimes ENDORSED less than six months ago.
Imagine what they would do to Citizen Joe Q. Public if he pissed them off.
Oh -- we don't have to imagine -- just ask Joe the Plumber.
McCain
October 18, 2008 - 11:23 ET by iveseenitallIMHO, McCain must now go beyond just the tax issue. He must continue to hit how Joe the Plumber is being personally attacked. He can use this to jump to Acorn's attempts to steal the vote, and now this, in his own family. He must begin to show what a grave danger Obama. et. al. are to everything the average American holds dear. The Bill of Rights is under attack and McCain needs to say just that. Socialism/Communism destroys much more than just your finances. I hope McCain takes the gloves off and warns anyone who is thinking about voting for Barry Obama just what he/she is getting into. Example after example stare us in the face. Look at the lady who had a "visit" from the Secret Service recently for simply expressing her opinion to a pollster. Again, look what Joe the Plumber is going through for simply asking a question. All of our freedoms are now at risk. Mark my words.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Does the average person see this?
October 18, 2008 - 11:32 ET by pbthinkerWhen it comes to McCain, the media will leave no leaf unturned. It's just amazing that they've done none of this, and I mean none, with Obama. Can they really get away with being so one-sided, with their coverage, and not have anyone notice?
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
thinker
October 18, 2008 - 11:41 ET by cocodrieThey can get away with it if we let them. Lets pray that this site and others expose them enough.
Minor children - fair game. Adult kids on campaign trail, not?
October 18, 2008 - 11:53 ET by Gary HallSeems to me that back in the primary, Chelsea Clinton was out on the campaign stump for Hillary. Officially, it was decreed that under no circumstances would the press approach and ask questions of Chelsea, unless invited to do so in a planned setting. Our national MSM did not complain - they followed orders.
McCain's minor children, however, may be basicly stalked by this NY Times writer, and I bet that there will be zip media attention to it.
(;~/ gary
O'Bummer's Past VS Mc'Cain's Families Past
October 18, 2008 - 11:59 ET by JanettaDid anyone other than I notice how O'Bummer's (Hussein) past was covered from childhood to adulthood without covering those school years, college, etc? Why the ignoring of those years? It makes me curious. To me, there is an enormous amout of cover up for BO by the MSM. Please legitiment voters do your research. Our household will be voting McCain/Palin. With an Obama administration there will be even more corruption. Our country is too important to turn us over to a socialist president and administration (BHO).
Cindy McCain
October 18, 2008 - 14:01 ET by JGsezThose Republican women are great though. Sarah baits her own hook and can field dress large game. Cindy is a wrench turner - really. How many know THIS about Cindy McCain. Brains, beauty, and tough. What's not to like about these ladies? I don't think either would be interested in girlie men.
And ladies, what movie star does Jack look like? But I suspect Jack would be a lot more interesting.
JG
October 18, 2008 - 14:09 ET by cocodrieYou're right Todd is a man's man, and John survived horrors that would have killed most of us, me for one.
Cindy McCain kicked her habit
October 18, 2008 - 18:22 ET by suburbaniteCindy McCain kicked her addiction to pain killers and Barry can't kick his addiction to cigarettes. What does that say.
"Fight the good fight every moment
It's your only way" Triumph
A Sting Needed
October 18, 2008 - 19:22 ET by oilcanWould be sweet if this tactic worked and a sting was in place a'la NBC's "To Catch a Predator." Far fetched though since NBC is in the O-Tank. Anyways, what a disgusting piece of cr*p this reporter is, fishing for dirt amongst underage minors.
The YOUTH of America will
October 18, 2008 - 19:47 ET by TN MomThe YOUTH of America will NOT like this one little bit!
I have kids and believe me, FaceBook is SACRED to them!!! For the most part, jr.high/high school kids use myspace, but most ALL college (voting age) kids use FaceBook.
It's one thing to have biased reporters screw with their parents newspapers, but to cheat on FaceBook is tantamount to treason! Anyone remember Napster vs Recording Industry? Mark my words THIS WILL COST OBAMA some very-important YOUTH VOTES.
If you have kids/grandkids
October 18, 2008 - 19:56 ET by TN MomIf you have kids/grandkids quickly email the above article to them. Ask them 'did the reporter cross the line by logging on FaceBook and chatting up a sixteen year old to get gossip on Ms. McCain?'
Don't lecture. Don't adlib. Just ask the question!
Register MSM as a PAC
October 18, 2008 - 20:01 ET by moovovaMSM outlets should be required to register as PACs!