Krugman says 9/11 caused reporters to have "misplaced patriotism"

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/28/opinion/28KRUG.html?hp

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The truth is that the character flaws that currently have even conservative pundits fuming have been visible all along. Mr. Bush's problems with the truth have long been apparent to anyone willing to check his budget arithmetic. His inability to admit mistakes has also been obvious for a long time. I first wrote about Mr. Bush's "infallibility complex" more than two years ago, and I wasn't being original.

So why did the press credit Mr. Bush with virtues that reporters knew he didn't possess? One answer is misplaced patriotism. After 9/11 much of the press seemed to reach a collective decision that it was necessary, in the interests of national unity, to suppress criticism of the commander in chief.

It has nothing to do with 9/11 or patriotism and everything to do with greed and complete lack of integrity.

These "journalists" are not stupid and know exactly what they are doing when they report prevarication to support their corporate overlords.

n/t

What about the 2000 election? Shrub got a free ride then, and Gore was called the liar!

9/11 my ass, Paul, the fuckwits in the press have been asleep at the wheel since the Arkansas project days.

Misplaced patriotism was one aspect. Another even bigger motivation was fear. Look what happened to Bill Mahre. At that time anyone who crossed the Chimp was toast. 80% of the public was wacko. You towed the line or else.

And finally, as someone else noted, the media owners didn't want the truth about Shrub broadcast.

The press towed the line because their owners said so. They would get fired if they didn't. What was it that Dan Rather said? That they would get "necklaced" if they didn't.

Whores, through and through.

I have thought there were reporters that felt like our nation was in danger and that they needed to prop up Bush to give an impression that he was 'strong and competent', but I don't think it was 'misplaced patriotism' so much as it was fear that the leader of our nation, which they assisted in putting into his position, was not up to the job..... so they had to help him.....