Posted on 10/16/2006 12:41:25 PM PDT by rightinthemiddle
The only time I participated in an exit poll, I told them I voted the straight Communist ticket.
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX FRI OCT 08, 2004 18:42:03 ET XXXXX
ABCNEWS POLITICAL DIRECTOR MEMO SPARKS CONTROVERSY: BOTH SIDES NOT 'EQUALLY ACCOUNTABLE'
**Exclusive**
An internal memo written by ABCNEWS Political Director Mark Halperin admonishes ABC staff: During coverage of Democrat Kerry and Republican Bush not to "reflexively and artificially hold both sides 'equally' accountable."
The controversial internal memo obtained by DRUDGE, captures Halperin stating how "Kerry distorts, takes out of context, and mistakes all the time, but these are not central to his efforts to win."
But Halperin claims that Bush is hoping to "win the election by destroying Senator Kerry at least partly through distortions."
"The current Bush attacks on Kerry involve distortions and taking things out of context in a way that goes beyond what Kerry has done," Halperin writes.
Halperin's claim that ABCNEWS will not "reflexively and artificially hold both sides 'equally' accountable" set off sparks in St. Louis where media players gathered to cover the second presidential debate.
Halperin states the responsibilities of the ABCNEWS staff have "become quite grave."
In August, Halperin declared online: "This is now John Kerry's contest to lose."
x x x x x
Halperin Memo Dated Friday October 8, 2004
It goes without saying that the stakes are getting very high for the country and the campaigns - and our responsibilities become quite grave
I do not want to set off (sp?) and endless colloquy that none of us have time for today - nor do I want to stifle one. Please respond if you feel you can advance the discussion.
The New York Times (Nagourney/Stevenson) and Howard Fineman on the web both make the same point today: the current Bush attacks on Kerry involve distortions and taking things out of context in a way that goes beyond what Kerry has done.
Kerry distorts, takes out of context, and mistakes all the time, but these are not central to his efforts to win.
We have a responsibility to hold both sides accountable to the public interest, but that doesn't mean we reflexively and artificially hold both sides "equally" accountable when the facts don't warrant that.
I'm sure many of you have this week felt the stepped up Bush efforts to complain about our coverage. This is all part of their efforts to get away with as much as possible with the stepped up, renewed efforts to win the election by destroying Senator Kerry at least partly through distortions.
It's up to Kerry to defend himself, of course. But as one of the few news organizations with the skill and strength to help voters evaluate what the candidates are saying to serve the public interest. Now is the time for all of us to step up and do that right.
Interesting insights.
Why is the RTepublican Party trying to depress the Republican vote?Is this part of the same mindset that makes the Republican Party the most effective force for covering up Democrat scandals and failures?
Unnamed "GOP" strategists: Pat Buchanan and Joe Scarborough.
I am starting to feel about W the way I felt about his daddy before Bush I's last election. Right up to the end there is the expectation that Bush and the Party are savingg their big guns until the proper moment then they will come out firing. But Bush I and the party never did and we lost the elections. It is getting late for W to save the day in this election- to come out firing like he wants the Republicans to win. And now we have the Party conceding the election.Has Mr. Rove been bought off by the Democrats? Are Republicans still uncomfortable in the Majority positioin? Do Republicans believe that they are somehow illegitimate and it's time for the natural and proper Rulers to take over again?
Ain't it the truth? Hey you can't even pay to see comedy like that!
How about "Director of Political Diversity"? Talk about a loaded title. Or a title that's a load.
These stories are nothing more than the MSM attempts to brainwash the GOP electorate by making us think it's not worth going to the polls as the RATS are a shoo-in. Ever notice that these stories always refer to anonymous GOP sources. They maybe quoting a doorman or a custodian on the White House grounds. DON'T BE DETERRED...GO VOTE..WE'LL WIN!!
Amen.
Assuming you're right, of course.
Ain't gonna work.
Can you prove that?
GOP insiders huh. Just like those mysterious "Senior High-Ranking Officials" we hear so often. I say BS and I can't wait until these newswhores choke on crow on Nov 8th.
These naysayers in our "leadership" positions are a disgrace. They should shut up and work. Not spend a minute talking to the media UNLESS attacking Democrats or talking up Republicans, and their chances.
Barone did not say that. He said if they do take one or both houses, it would represent a realignment.
We can expect the usual FALSE EXIT POLLING!
I got my six-pack of Leinie's Honey Weiss at the ready!!
Any Republican insider who offered up such negativity about our chances would instantly be tarred and feathered by the nuckle draggers who still believe we are going to gain seats and all the bad news is just as MSM conspiracy.
Three thoughts on this, Jon. I've been there.
One, it's not so bad if the person isn't home. It gives you a better chance of leaving your full message on voice mail.
Two, even if a voter isn't thrilled to be called, not only isn't this personal, it doesn't even necessarily reflect a negative attitude toward the GOP, the ticket, or voting. Maybe they're just tired of calls and ads, or you caught them at a bad time, or they were expecting a personal call and it was from the party. There's a good chance they still appreciate that someone is calling them from the party and that people are doing volunteer work, even if they don't want to talk. It strengthens the sense that there is a strong local GOP, improves the voter's morale, improves the chances that he/she will do something, even if it's make a favorable comment about the GOP candidate to one voter.
Three, it is best for our volunteers to walk precincts if they can. Even those voters not home will often appreciate the face-to-face contact. And it makes more of a difference than phoning, unless the phoning has a very specific message or is very well targeted.
Let me also say this: When calling, sound like a real person. Don't follow the script word-for-word. It is always just a framework to use, no matter what you're told the the manager of the headquarters. And make it clear to the caller immediately that you're a VOLUNTEER calling from a LOCAL GOP headquarters (if you are).
Maybe you don't need to know all this, but perhaps some of it helps, either you or someone else.
God bless.
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