The Real Operation to ‘Rescue’ Ingrid Betancourt

Staff / Truthdig Jul 9, 2008 The July 2nd rescue of French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and U.S. mercenaries employed by the Northrop Grumman Corp. was heralded as a dramatic victory over the anti-imperial FARC guerrilla forces in Colombia. The real story may be significantly less daring. The mainstream media's heroic rescue narrative is being contradicted by claims that a $20-million ransom payment was made. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

McCain and the Media: A Love Story?

Staff / Truthdig Jun 30, 2008 The McLaughlin Group takes a look at why, as John McLaughlin claims, Sen. John McCain is "emerging upward" -- at least in terms of the press' treatment of the Republican "maverick," whom one media source praised for his "zealous, unbending beliefs," even as another touted his willingness to thumb his nose at ultraconservatives and compromise when necessary. Pat Buchanan, however, is adamant that the McCain "love affair is over." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )