While almost all media organizations reported that CIA veteran Ray McGovern publicly clashed with Rumsfeld, most labeled him a “heckler” or a “hostile war critic.” Few bothered to mention that McGovern was indisputably correct: Rumsfeld’s 2003 comments on Iraqi WMD were flat-out false.

Think Progress:

… While the media has been quick to cover McGovern?s accusation that Rumsfeld lied, many news accounts have failed to report Rumsfeld?s own words from March 2003. The lead AP story, written by Shannon McCaffrey, fails to make any mention of it. Versions of the AP story have been reported in today?s Washington Post, Houston Chronicle, and many other papers.

Cox News Service also wrote a story that failed to report Rumsfeld?s own words. The Cox story was reported in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, among other papers.

Fortunately, there have been a small number of reports that reported Rumsfeld?s statements, most notably in the L A Times and the Chicago Tribune.

Are newsrooms across the country afraid of being perceived as anti-war ?hecklers? and ?hostile war critics? if they accurately report the administration?s false claims?

Link

Dig, Root, Grow

This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.

Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.

Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.

This spring, stand with our journalists.

Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.

Donate today.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG
In this Article:
#cia#donald rumsfeld#george mcgovern#lies#ray mcgovern#speech