The Reporting is the Story
Apparently people are still talking about the hunting accident in which Vice President Cheney peppered a friend with bird shot. Is there really anything left to say?
More than the accident itself, Cheney’s handling of it has raised a furor in Washington, and it remained unclear whether his lone interview with a friendly media outlet would quell the storm.
SFgate: Cheney finally breaks silence
Stop the presses! Cheney finally broke his silence about this personal matter with no political relevance at all! Once again, the story isn’t about what happened, it’s about how the press covered it, or (gasp), couldn’t cover it because Cheney first reaction was to selfishly make sure his friend got medical attention, instead of running for the nearest camera. So what does the San Francisco Chronicle want? Multiple interviews with unfriendly media outlets? Maybe we should let Connie Lawn have a one on one with the Vice President. You all remember Connie… she’s the one who, during the press conference, asked “Scott, would this be much more serious if the man had died?” (Cue the chirping crickets.) And let’s not forget her other brilliant question: “Is it proper for the Vice President to offer his resignation or has he offered his resignation?” Go read the transcript. It’s astounding how many questions are centered around the media notification of the story.
Some warned that the incident threatens to gel as a metaphor for the Bush administration, much as Monica Lewinsky’s dress became wedded in the public mind with Clinton.
Finally, an explanation for the stain on Monica’s dress. Clinton was masturbating onto quail and the dress got in the way. Although I don’t think Clinton’s contribution to Monica Lewinsky’s dress was in any way metaphorical gel… I’ll have to consult the Starr Report.
