[hawkeye101]

For as little time as it would take to create a web page obit, why would they even create these before hand and take the chance of getting caught?

[aristeides]

In addition to Cheney and Reagan, CNN also prepped online farewells to Fidel Castro, Bob Hope, Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, and Gerald Ford.

Four Republicans, at least one Communist, another leftist often accused of being a Communist, and a pope generally thought conservative. But no Democrats. Wishful thinking, CNN?

[Jalapeno]

That downward spiral just continues for CNN.

[ClancyJ]

Actually, I have heard all large news organizations write these and save in files for future use.

[billorites]

Poor Bob Hope.

First, a Congressman announces his death on the House floor a couple years ago. Now, CNN posts his obit.

You think he'll take the hint?

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

premature

[CyberAnt]

It's not a matter of getting caught - I hate to burst your bubble, but ALLLLLL media outlets do prior obit writing; especially for famous people who are aging, like Ronald Reagan, etc. It's nothing new and it's not morbid. It's just a way for the media to be prepared - in case. If your paper is ready to go to print, and there is a sudden death, there is no time to write a factual obit. If you have one ready, you can pop it into your front page and be one of the first off the press line.

[Copernicus]

The old Mary Tyler Moore Show did an entire episode about this: Chuckles the Clown.

Yes, she is a flaming liberal, but it is still a funny episode and it is, of course, somewhat irreverent.

Best regards,