CNN was NOT invited to Iraq.

[spanone]

I find this very interesting. One of the worlds largest news services was not invited aboard airforce one for one of the slickest photo ops ever conceived. Was the white house punishing them for not being as "fair and balanced" as Fox? Maybe CNN will tow the line now?

[joeybee12]

1. You're right--this is a very vidictive administration--they (CNN) probably

haven't--in the Repukes opinion--been kissing Dumbo's ass enough. It's payback time.

[ramapo]

2. So much for our "free" media

Once upon a time, a balanced representation of the networks were present at events that, for one reason or another, required controlled and limited access.

If all the then three networks (ABC,CBS,NBC) couldn;t be accomodated then I believe they held a lottery to determine who would go.

Now politics controls all. Welcome to the New Amerika.

[Another Bill C.]

3. They're not the number 1 groupie

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=789571#789622

[liberalmuse]

4. Ouch! They may as well stop whoring, then.

Because they sure aren't being paid for sevices rendered. They may not get Fox New's ratings by deciding to go with integrity, but at least the thinking American will respect them in the morning.

[spanone]

5. remember "investigative" reporting???

Used to be that someone would have "uncovered" this ruse. Nowadays the reporters stand around, where they are instructed to be, and wait to be told what to do. This is why CNN was caught with their hands in their pockets waiting for the president to wave to them from his turkey dinner in Crawford. A president who so easily lies to the American public, has no problems lying to the press. Maybe, just maybe this will wake up the reporters pool.

[papau]

6. Today's CNN report is clean of Iraq spin! - Christine reports from

Iraq that while the 600 at the dinner had their morale lift, the other 130,000 today are just hearing about the trip - and have a universal "no big deal - so what" response to the Turkey that landed.

Likewise the BBC poll to be released Monday shows 50% think that US is a good country, getting rid of Saddam was worth the destruction, and they are willing to give the US as much time as it wants to make things work.

But an equal number feel we are destroyers - their number one desire is to kick us out of country - feel we do not know how to rebuild a country.

And police - the 3 week wonders that Bush and Rummy tossed out in October - while motivated to help us and see helping us as helping Iraq - feel they need much more training and equipment - and do not see taking over the security function for many years.

But hearts and minds are split 50/50 per BBC on "nice USA - let nice USA stay for a while"

Given prior polls announce by the administration, we have lost half of our support - or the prior polls were bogus!

Interesting CNN reports that Christine is allowed to broadcast after Bush gives the finger to CNN.