Washington Post Admits Pro-Obama Bias
By Patrick Henry · Leave a Comment
Deborah Howell — the Washington Post’s ombudsman — admits the paper favored Barack Obama during the election:
The Post provided a lot of good campaign coverage, but readers have been consistently critical of the lack of probing issues coverage and what they saw as a tilt toward Democrat Barack Obama. My surveys, which ended on Election Day, show that they are right on both counts….
The op-ed page ran far more laudatory opinion pieces on Obama, 32, than on Sen. John McCain, 13. There were far more negative pieces (58) about McCain than there were about Obama (32), and Obama got the editorial board’s endorsement. The Post has several conservative columnists, but not all were gung-ho about McCain….
Counting from June 4, Obama was in 311 Post photos and McCain in 282. Obama led in most categories. Obama led 133 to 121 in pictures more than three columns wide, 178 to 161 in smaller pictures, and 164 to 133 in color photos. In black and white photos, the nominees were about even, with McCain at 149 and Obama at 147. On Page 1, they were even at 26 each. Post photo and news editors were surprised by my first count on Aug. 3, which showed a much wider disparity, and made a more conscious effort at balance afterward….
But Obama deserved tougher scrutiny than he got, especially of his undergraduate years, his start in Chicago and his relationship with Antoin “Tony” Rezko, who was convicted this year of influence-peddling in Chicago. The Post did nothing on Obama’s acknowledged drug use as a teenager….
So the Washington Post overwhelmingly favored Barack Obama during the election. So what? As usual, the Post is a day late and a dollar short — not a great quality for a newspaper. The election is over and the country is stuck with the least-vetted President of the modern era. Thanks in part to the media’s negligence, America is now hoping that Obama’s substance can match his style. That’s a big gamble in a dangerous world.
New York Times’ Hypocrisy Regarding Palin’s Experience
By Patrick Henry · Leave a Comment
The Wall Street Journal located this remarkable New York Times‘ editorial from July 3, 1984:
Where is it written that only senators are qualified to become President? . . . Or where is it written that mere representatives aren’t qualified, like Geraldine Ferraro of Queens? . . . Where is it written that governors and mayors, like Dianne Feinstein of San Francisco, are too local, too provincial? . . . Presidential candidates have always chosen their running mates for reasons of practical demography, not idealized democracy. . . . What a splendid system, we say to ourselves, that takes little-known men, tests them in high office and permits them to grow into statesmen. . . . Why shouldn’t a little-known woman have the same opportunity to grow?
Of course, the Times was supporting Geraldine Ferraro’s nomination for Vice President in 1984. Now, with a Republican woman on the ticket, the Times has repeatedly questioned Sarah Palin’s credentials — or, as the Times called her, the “mayor of a tiny Anchorage suburb” (momentarily overlooking Palin is also a sitting governor). Obviously, the Times‘ opinion is solely dependent on whether a person has a D or R behind their name — and not the merits.
The Tennessean Picks Volunteers Over Bruins
By John Wooden · Leave a Comment
Niels Bohr — the famous Danish physicist — observed: “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future.”
… Which is why WOC loves predictions — the bolder the better. But, of course, a prediction is only as good as its accuracy.
Surprise, surprise. Bryan Mullen — a staff writer for The Tennessean — has picked the Tennessee Volunteers to beat the UCLA Bruins. The Vols and Bruins play Monday night at the Rose Bowl. Mullen writes:
John Edwards On Infidelity
By Spartacus · Leave a Comment
In December 2007, Katie Couric questioned John Edwards about infidelity:
Merriam-Webster’s definition of hypocrisy:
Main Entry:
hy·poc·ri·sy
Pronunciation:
\hi-ˈpä-krə-sē also hī-\
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural hy·poc·ri·sies
Etymology:
Middle English ypocrisie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin hypocrisis, from Greek hypokrisis act of playing a part on the stage, hypocrisy, from hypokrinesthai to answer, act on the stage, from hypo- + krinein to decide — more at certain
Date:
13th century
1: a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion
2: an act or instance of hypocrisy
McGovern Urges Democrats to Respect Secret Union Ballets
By Spartacus · Leave a Comment
Kudos to George McGovern. In today’s Wall Street Journal, the former Democratic Presidential candidate opposes the Employee Free Choice Act, his political party, and his party’s most powerful supporters: more»
Left eats its own–Bill Clinton defends “I am not a racist”
By Spartacus · Leave a Comment
Kate Snow recently interviewed Bill Clinton for ABC’s Good Morning America. During the interview, Clinton defended his conduct during his wife’s primary election against Barack Obama, asserting: “I am not a racist.” That an ex-president–indeed, the so-called “first black president”–would have to defend himself against charges of racism is a testament to the way the left destroys anyone, including a former beloved member.
Indeed, Dennis Prager made this point on his August 4, 2008 show. The following clip is outstanding:
Dennis Prager Show, August 4, 2008, Hour 2, “I Am Not a Racist” Episode
Paris Hilton for President?
By Spartacus · Leave a Comment
With friends like these, Barack Obama doesn’t need enemies. Ouch!
Pre-Season College Football Rankings
By John Wooden · 16 Comments
The preseason Coaches’ Poll was released. Methinks there’s evidence of East Coast bias:
What If Iraq Works?
By Spartacus · Leave a Comment
Victor Davis Hanson’s latest column provides an insightful look at progress in Iraq: more»
Pre-Season Pac-10 Football Rankings
By John Wooden · 6 Comments
ESPN’s Ted Miller has posted his pre-season Pac-10 football rankings:
No Free Lunch, Even for Royalty
By Spartacus · Leave a Comment
Stephen J. Dubner has a great post today on The New York Times‘ blog:
L. Gordon Crovitz writes in today’s Wall Street Journal about the dispute at the University of Chicago over whether to name its new institute after Milton Friedman. In making the point that the U. of C. strives to be resolutely apolitical, even in the awarding of honors, Crovitz includes this delicious anecdote:
The mayor of Chicago once asked the president of the university to give the visiting Queen of England an honorary degree. “We’re happy to consider it,” was the reputed reply. “Please send copies of her scholarly work.”
Top 15 Best Basketball Recruiting Classes
By John Wooden · Leave a Comment
UCLA Bruins
With the recent addition of J’mison Morgan (the former LSU recruit de-committed following a coaching change), UCLA crowns not only the best class of 2008, but one of the best classes in years. Morgan, a 5-star prospect, is joined by fellow 5-star recruit Jrue Holiday, and 4-stars prospects Jerime Anderson, Malcolm Lee, and Drew Gordon. Holiday, a combo guard from Los Angeles, is considered by many as the best prospect in the 2008 class. After three consecutive trips to the Final Four, Ben Howland and the Bruins looked poised for yet another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Thad Matta is making Buckeye fans rethink whether Ohio State is a football first university. Matta scores another impressive recruiting haul with 5-star prospects B.J. Mullens and William Buford and 4-star Terrelle Pryor. Three-star recruits Anthony Crater and Walter Offutt give the class impressive depth.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake Forest hauled in 3 outstanding recruits, including two highly-prized centers: 5-star Ty Walker and 4-star Tony Woods. The Demon Deacons also attracted another 5-star prospect, Al-Farouq Aminu, a small forward from Georgia.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Roy Williams needs to replace several talented Tar Heel players expected to be drafted by the NBA, and the transfer of PF/C Alex Stepheson. His 2008 class will go a long way to replenishing the talent pool. Five-star power forwards Ed Davis and Tyler Zeller are joined by 4-star Larry Drew and 3-star Justin Watts. Williams and Company just keep reloading.
Louisville Cardinals
Is there a better recruiter in all of college basketball than Rick Pitino? In 2008, he’s done it again. Samardo Samuels, rated by many as the best power forward in the 2008 class, is joined by 4-star prospects Jared Swopshire and Terrence Jennings. And 3-star Kyle Kuric gives Pitino’s outstanding class depth at guard.
Connecticut Huskies
The Huskies moved up several places in the rankings when Jim Calhoun landed 4-star power forward Ater Majok. Majok was one of the last unsigned major prospects of the 2008 class. He rounds out an already impressive class of 5-star Kemba Walker, 4-star Nate Miles, and 3-star Scottie Haralson.
Memphis Tigers
John Calipari has occasionally taken criticism for cutting recruiting corners, but it’s hard to argue with success. 2008 marks another banner year with 5-star Tyreke Evans at guard and 4-star Wesley Witherspoon, Angel Garcia, and Matt Simpkins at forward.
Georgetown Hoyas
Many will argue John Thompson III’s most recent recruiting class deserves an even higher ranking… and they may be right. Thompson scores another formidable class with 5-star Greg Monroe at power forward, 4-star Henry Sims at center, 4-star Jason Clark at guard, and 4-star Chris Braswell at forward.
Arizona Wildcats
Lute Olsen may have been missing-in-action last year, but his presence was certainly felt on the recruiting circuit. Olsen and his Wildcats landed one of the best classes in the nation with Brandon Jennings of vaunted Oak Hill Academy (arguably the best point guard in the nation) and 4-star Jeff Withey. Three-star shooting guards Kyle Fogg and Brendan Lavender give the class depth.
West Virginia Mountaineers
The Mountaineers look to rejoin the ranks of the elite programs with their most recent class. Five-star small forward Devin Ebanks headlines the ticket, with 4-star Kevin Jones and Roscoe Davis, and 3-star Darryl Bryant rounding out the class.
Florida Gators
Billy Donovan’s 2008 class will go a long way to restoring the Gators to the top of the college basketball world. Donovan has landed an impressive class with 4-star recruits Kenny Kadji, Eloy Vargas, Ray Shipman, and Allan Chaney. Three-star Erving Walker adds depth at point guard.
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas needed a banner class to replenish the talent defecting to the NBA after winning the national championship. Although the class lacks 5-star talent, Bill Self scored a deep draft with seven 4-star and 3-star recruits. The Jayhawks should remain contenders next year with this bevy of talent.
Duke Blue Devils
Coach K was selective in 2008, inducing 5-star Elliot Williams and 4-star forwards Miles Plumlee and Olek Czyz to play for the Blue Devils. Duke will compete for the ACC championship, and perhaps a national title, with this talent augmenting its current team.
Kentucky Wildcats
With a banner 2008 recruiting class, Billy Gillespie had good reason to spurn schools like Oklahoma State, desperately trying to lure him away from the intense pressure of Kentucky basketball. Gillespie and Wildcat alum have reason to celebrate with 4-star point guard DeAndre Liggins, 4-star small forwards Darius Miller and Kevin Galloway, and 3-star center Josh Harrellson. Historically, Gillespie is a shrewd judge of talent, adept at spotting 5-star quality in 3-star prospects.
Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles welcome an outstanding 2008 recruiting class. Chris Singleton, a 5-star power forward, is the marquee player. But 4-star guard Derwin Kitchen and 4-star center Xavier Gibson are also tremendous prospects. Three-star Luke Loucks and 2-star Pierre Jordan add depth at point guard.
