Immigration: From Talking Point to Sore Point by Marc Santora
Read Article on NYTimes.Com
"Questioned about a plan to grant driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, Mrs. Clinton at first seemed to defend it, then suggested she was against it, until finally, pressed for a direct answer, she accused the moderator, Tim Russert, of playing 'gotcha.'”
First, Santora commits one of the cardinal sins of journalism: a factual error. Ms. Clinton did not accuse Tim Russert of anything, instead she stated, "this is where everybody plays gotcha" (emphasis mine--want to watch the video? click here). To analyze it as an accusation geared toward Tim Russert is clearly a matter of personal interpretation or, more likely, a cursory study of the debate's transcript. This issue might initially appear trivial, however for me it does change the meaning of the phrase. Her actual words connote previous attacks on her political flip-flops, and it shows that although she's aware of her fluctuations, she still doesn't know how to defend them. Also, it is my personal belief that journalists should never be so lazy as to allow such blatant errors. Every factual error is consequential and should be addressed and corrected, on the record. Of course, more than their measly quarter page would be necessary to fulfill this obligation to accuracy, and then where would they find space for the MoveOn.org ads?
I also have an issue with the journalist's use of the word "seemed" in his phrase, "seemed to defend it." The word implies uncertainty, and more importantly, personal interpretation, since how something "seems" is completely dependent on individual response.
In issuing the statement, Mrs. Clinton was trying to deal with the concern that she was not taking clear positions on issues. Still, the wording of the statement was murkier than what many of her opponents have said in either supporting or opposing Mr. Spitzer’s initiatives.
The wording of the statement is murkier, according to who? Whether a statement is clear or muddled, once again, is an individual's opinion. To me, the intricacies and complexities of Hollywood personae are as enigmatic as life's meaning, yet to some of my celebrity-savvy friends, it's considered common knowledge. Likewise, one should never assume in an "unbiased" publication that a statement is universally "mucky".
I do, however, want to take the time to applaud writer Marc Santora for daring to write an article that *gasp* actually exposes a Democrat's flaws. With our media today, you'd think the angels of the Democratic party have the power to transform the United States into prelapsarian Eden (by taxing the rich, of course). So kudos to Santora, and also the editor who chose to put this article in the front page.
