Specter attacks Novak for libel

[existentialist]

I just pulled this off the Huffington Post. I don't know exactly how new it is, else I might put it on latest breaking news, but it was clearly sometime today.


Sen. Arlen Specter:
Novak column was a malicious attack on ‘revered’ staffer
By Sen. ARLEN SPECTER
Guest Commentary



THE ROBERT NOVAK syndicated column dated July 21 libeled Ms. Bettilou Taylor, who is one of the most respected, really revered, staffers after serving 16 years in the United States Senate. During that time, she has been my top aide on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, which I chair. For her superb work in assisting in allocating $146 billion among important social programs, many, including senators, call her Sen. Taylor.

The Novak column falsely and maliciously accuses her of conflict of interest by orchestrating a hearing to grill Kenneth Tomlinson, chairman of the Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) while her husband consulted for the Association of Public Television Stations.

The hearing was my idea. As chairman of the subcommittee which provides funding for the CPB, I had to decide whether earlier proposed cuts in the House were warranted and whether the Senate should add $35 million for digitalization programs and $40 million for a new satellite system. Had the Novak column taken the time to call me, the defamation could have been avoided; or, at least, the other side given.

I know something about investigations, perhaps even about investigative reporting, which, as a matter of basic fairness, involves talking to both sides to find the facts.

[madeline_con]

1. Hairsplitter....

Libel is untrue, but 'defamation' is not necessarily a lie, correct?
Just trying to get it all straight.

[Erika]

2. Conservatives are getting so ugly

I guess they've finally realized they backed a loser. Specter at least has the guts to challenge the neocons.

[Nikki Stone 1]

3. Guess it just isn't Novak's day. Good for Specter for defending his staff

It's always good to work for someone who will back you 100%.

[existentialist]

4. Like, Rove?

(Bush certainly backs him 100%)

[Clark2008]

5. Who cares about this - the important question is:

Why is Spector blogging on the Huffington Post???!!!

Amazing!

Will the Bushie's "suicide" him, now?

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

6. Holy Sh*t! Wow, I missed that part of the OP

The where is more significant than what he said.

[dogman]

7. Well he might be looking for the only readers that care about truth.

The RW blogs are only interested in the spin of the day as orchestrated by Grover and Karl.

[Bumblebee]

8. He has cancer and little tolerance for bs as a result

It does focus your mind and straighten your priorities in life