Washington Post reporter Walter Pincus, one of the few traditional media reporters to have forcefully challenged Bush’s prewar claims on WMDs, has called for a moratorium on publishing government statements “that are designed solely as a public relations tool,” like ones where the president speaks before backgrounds that read “Mission Accomplished” or “Restoring America’s Values.”

Walter Pincus at Nieman Watchdog:

… A new element of courage in journalism would be for editors and reporters to decide not to cover the President’s statements when he — or any public figure — repeats essentially what he or she has said before. The Bush team also has brought forward another totally PR gimmick: The President stands before a background that highlights the key words of his daily message. This tactic serves only to reinforce that what’s going on is public relations — not governing. Journalistic courage should include the refusal to publish in a newspaper or carry on a TV or radio news show any statements made by the President or any other government official that are designed solely as a public relations tool, offering no new or valuable information to the public.

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