(NPR) Conservative Reporter Resigns Amid Controversy

[Up2Late]

by David Folkenflik
Audio for this story will be available at approx. 7:30 p.m. ET

All Things Considered, February 9, 2005 · A reporter for the conservative news site TalonNews.com resigns. The reporter, who went by the pseudonym Jeff Gannon, drew critical attention at President Bush's January 26 press conference when he referred in question to Democrats "who seem divorced from reality" on the issue of retooling Social Security.

Liberal bloggers have disclosed that Gannon, who has little previous journalism experience, was easily granted a coveted White House press pass, and routinely asked "softball" questions at press conferences. There are also allegations that Gannon is linked to Web sites with homoerotic themes.

Gannon spoke with NPR's David Folkenflik just hours before resigning. He says he is open about his conservative point of view, but that he is just as valid a journalist as other reporters in the White House press corps.
<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4492778>

[Hugin]

2. Hmmmf... They didn't mention Gannon isn't his real name. n/t

[foo_bar]

3. "who went by the pseudonym Jeff Gannon"

[rocktivity]

25. If he got access to the White House with an assumed name

that's a security breach. Who at the Bush White House is responsible for THAT?

:headbang:
rocknation

[Zenlitened]

4. "went by the pseudonym Jeff Gannon" - n/t

[Speck Tater]

5. Poor Jeff. He's being picked on by the libruls.

If he isn't forgotten by tomorrow Fox News will paint him as the victim of the librul conspiracy. Poor baby. He worked so hard to get to where he was and the libruls ruined his life.

Then next week nobody will remember his name.

If you didn't see it on Fox News, it didn't really happen.

[Anakin Skywalker]

19. Nah. Faux News will

give this Jeff Gannon is own damn TV show. He will be a mouthpiece for the rightwing alongside Bill O'Lielly, etc.

[Charles19]

99. Fox news will hire him within a month (n/t)

[Up2Late]

34. See, this is the problem

We can't allow stuff like this to go by unnoticed (which, I agree, it could)

I know folks here hate it when people compare and contrast us here with the Repukes, but the Rupukes would run with something like this, repeating it again and again, until everyone in the country not only knows about this, but has formed a very negative opinion about this type of Scandal.



We can beat these people at their own game, because we are smart, and not just a bunch of self-important Jackasses.

[ClintonTyree]

114. But what outlet do we have to do that?

The Slugs have talk radio just about tied up, the "news" channels are controlled by the WH, newspapers? If people DO read a newspaper, this wouldn't be on the comics' or sports' page, that's the only part they read.
The slugs have virtually total control of the media.

[EFerrari]

137. The guy can't even write an English sentence.

"the welfare of me and my family"?

[CO Liberal]

6. Rush Limbaugh Used to Use the Pseudonym "Jeff Christie"

Hmmmmmmmm..... :shrug:

[TahitiNut]

20. That's "JEff CHRISTe" ... he had megalomania even then.

:shrug:

[dave29]

7. HOW DID HE GET THE GIG

WHO GAVE IT TO HIM
WHY WAS HE REPEATEDLY CALLED ON TO ASK QUESTIONS
WAS HE THE SOURCE OF THE PLAME LEAK

C'mon folks, lets get to the nitty gritty already.

[Up2Late]

13. They said he applied for a Press Pass, but was turned down...

...But he kept getting One Day, Temporary Passes.

They talked about DailyCos, but not DU:evilfrown:

[DoYouEverWonder]

16. The MSM always ignores DU

they are terrified of us.

[ClintonTyree]

117. Actually, we had very little to do with his exposure..............

we talked about it, railed against it, but most of the foot work was done by Kos and a few other web sites. But I DO think they're scared of us, as you say.

[DoYouEverWonder]

123. Actually, DU had a lot to do with exposing Gannon

at least according to this thread.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3086095

[d.l.Green]

26. But they did mention Media Matters and DailyKos which are good

sources for alternative news material also. Every little bit helps...

[Sparky McGruff]

36. dKos has been all over this story

There are several threads that have been investigating dozens of aspects of this story. The Kossacks deserve credit for this one, I think...

[emcguffie]

110. special prosecutor petition

There is a petition, new today, at Democrats.com, for a special prosecutor. If someone would tell me the right place to post the link and info, I will...

[porkrind]

132. Can we get Ken Starr's old budget?

Fair is fair, right?

[Rhiannon12866]

138. Here's the link to the petition

It's directed to Bush*, Gonzales, Congress and the media. Feel free to pass it on:

http://blog.democrats.com/gannon

[karina]

140. Who is Jeff Gannon's "boyfriend"?

Someone BIG set him up.
He keeps referring to his family ...
What family?

[Rhiannon12866]

143. Well, he referred to his mother and his brother

But there is no proof that he has any family or that they received any phone calls. Wolf Blitzer let him get away with his pathetic story, without challenge.:-(

Does he have a "boyfriend" who set him up? This would be a very important part of the story. One thing I do know is that he claimed to be 32-years-old on his website, advertising his services, when he really was well over 40. This guy wouldn't know the truth, if it came up and bit him...:shrug:

[hyphenate]

8. I'll bet

he thinks he's a good reporter. Ha!

>>>>>>>>"He says he is open about his conservative point of view, but that he is just as valid a journalist as other reporters in the White House press corps."<<<<<<<<<<<<

In terms of his true identity, I have to wonder, seriously, how those who are gay can completely fool themselves into thinking they can have conservative values. It seems to me that trying to be yourself and espouse repuke values are in such conflict that it would be very difficult emotionally and psychologically to try to be both. Perhaps someone in the administration perhaps blackmailed him in some fashion, to keep him at the short end of a lease.

[xray s]

9. No mention of the Gannon/Palme memo story developing

lazy journalists at NPR I see

[Up2Late]

14. Wait for the Audio before you judge

I was posting and listening, while it was on, so I don't know everything they said.

Audio will be at www.npr.org at about 7:30pm EST

or

They have a 22 minute interview there NOW,

or goto

<http://www.publicradiofan.com/> to find on-line links to "Live" audio

[pdxblue]

33. or you could do it the old-fashioned way and read...

try kos, atrios, raw story, liberal oasis

[0007]

81. Perhaps they just want to get it right?

[EVDebs]

10. Yet another example of Operation Mockingbird in full flower eom

[Up2Late]

35. What is "Operation Mockingbird?"

That's a new one on me.:shrug:

[starroute]

97. CIA infiltration of the media, starting in the late 40's

http://alexconstantine.50megs.com/the_cia_and.html

[jasop]

144. Holy Crap! I never read that before thanks for the link! n/t

[The_Casual_Observer]

11. "Liberal bloggers have disclosed that Gannon"

Those damned bloggers.....Are they the only ones who questioned the validity of that fraud? Didn't the wh press corps ever wonder who that asshole was? Who in the wh gave that guy the go-ahead?

[Up2Late]

37. That's how he got caught

A reporter from the Edwin Chen of the L.A. Times started looking in to the guys background, after he asked that stupid question he asked.

What we should do, is look into the qualifications of the "WH Steno Pool" regulars (the 5-10 "reporters" that always seem to be at the Morning WH dictation time) who didn't ask who this guy was, Maybe they are in on it too?

[CONN]

12. How did he get daily passes...

to Whitehouse press conferences using a fake name... I can't get into my local court hose without showing my passport!

[Up2Late]

17. Blow Jobs?

[catzies]

15. Rats. I misread headline, thought an NPR reporter resigned.

"...just as valid a journalist as other reporters in the White House press corps."

HA HA! That's the "Armstrong Williams defense!" :lol:

[expatriot]

18. me too....

[No Exit]

142. Me too! Darn it, I thought Jonah Goldberg had resigned in disgrace!

He's already got the disgrace part--now let's see the resignation part!

[bluestateguy]

21. We did it. Congratulations are in order

We outed another gay conservative. I 100% endorse this and urge that it continue.

There is no place for gays to be conservative or Republican.

[stanwyck]

22. I worry, really, about guys like this

how crippled psychologically this man must be to zealously embrace an ideology which considers him an abomination. It's so very sad. He is desperately currying favor with people who believe he is damned. Forget that he has absolutely no right to a valuable press pass which should go to someone who has earned that privilege. Why does he feel he must be the stooge for an administration which will, of course, recklessly discard him? And distance themselves from him...and discredit him. He's garbage to them.
It's pathetic. This man must be incredibly ill.

[bcoylepa]

23. gannon npr

I listened to the interview tonight and while I was glad to see someone cover this story - it was poorly done. Several times they called him a journalist or reporter - says who -? Where are his credentials? And they even compared him as the conservative counterpart to Helen Thomas's liberal approach!! Helen is a seasoned reporter who has earned her credentials. Gannon or whoever he really is cannot be compared to Helen in any way shape or form. Poor journalism all around on NPR's part.

[Up2Late]

29. Write to NPR and tell them

If you write a SHORT concise, e-mail, they might read it on-air.

Or better yet, tell them to investigate further.

I find, the biggest problem here at DU, is we spend so much time bitching among ourselves, nobody takes the time to write the lousy "news" sources, and I'm not talking "Blasts," those get ignored after a while.:smoke:

[Supersedeas]

30. the comparison to Helen Thomas was just plain sick, NPR has Rovian standar

standards.

Even in defeat, the political dirty tricks squad makes it look like a victory.

See, he really is no different than Helen Thomas.

[Up2Late]

38. This was a VERY good report , compared to Wolfie tonight...

...on CNN.

They spun it back around, like it was all those "Bad ol' Left-wing" bloggers fault that this happened.

Wolf Blitzer on CNN definitely on the take. CNN totally screwed up now.

[FlaGranny]

100. Hell, Helen thomas asked tough questions

of EVERY president, Democratic or Republican. She never softballed anyone.

[wabeewoman]

134. Its really sad about NPR

There was a time (not so long ago) when you could count on unbiased reporting from them but they have slid so far, I don't listen to them anymore. I read one good local newspaper and get my news from the internet. Actually Aaron Brown on CNN covered this story pretty good-well HE didn't-he was totally reading the RW talking points but the two reporters with him covered it very well. (I watched it online :})

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

136. NPR= National Republican Radio--donations by key corporate interests

used to be free--hasn't been for a few years--ever notice how they always show both points of view, and always end with a summary or conclusion that "questions" the validity of the "liberal" point of view that was the actual topic of the story or shoot down the "exposure of a wrongdoing" part of the story.

EVERY Conclusion for every story:
(100% of the time)-->
"Now that we know the truth, is it really right to question the Bush Admin?
hmmmm, after this story's great NPR "truth" revealed, now we absolutely question the idea that we ever questioned anything in the first place...how foolish of us liberals, we all now agree that we are all together on the idea that we're truly skeptical there was ever any problem at all--thanks for tuning in, we now all agree with the corporate point of view or we must be conspiracy whackos.This is NPR signing off."

[d.l.Green]

24. We're the "electronic mob" now!!!

I heard this story on NPR driving home. Some Repug pundit warned about the dangers of the "electronic mob" that forced Gannon to resign- in consideration of the welfare of his family- HAHAHAHA! Wonder if he found a horse's head in his email box....

[Up2Late]

28. Get the Torches

Sometimes, You gotta Burn the Mutha Down

[Griffy]

31. Grab your mouses! ..

is it mice?... its not the animal.. so I think its mouses! the torches of the eletronic mob!

[grytpype]

32. I hope "Gannon" is pissing himself.

They are fucking fascists and this is war.

[ignatius 2]

27. "He is just as valid as other reporters in the WH press corps." Most

likely that is true..sad but true.

[never cry wolf]

39. Online Reporter Quits After Liberals' Expose (WaPo, MSM baby!)

Online Reporter Quits After Liberals' Expose

By Howard Kurtz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 10, 2005; Page C01

The conservative reporter who asked President Bush a loaded question at a news conference last month resigned yesterday after liberal bloggers uncovered his real name and raised questions about his background.

Jeff Gannon, who had been writing for the Web sites Talon News and GOPUSA, is actually James Dale Guckert, 47, and has been linked to online domain addresses with sexually provocative names. He has been under scrutiny since asking Bush how he could work with Senate Democratic leaders "who seem to have divorced themselves from reality." The information about Gannon was posted on the liberal sites Daily Kos, Atrios and World o' Crap.

Gannon posted included a brief explanation of his departure on his Web site. (Jeffgannon.com)


Under the headline "A Voice of the New Media: The Voice Goes Silent," Gannon wrote on his personal Web page that because of the attention "I find it is no longer possible to effectively be a reporter for Talon News" and that he is quitting "in consideration of the welfare of me and my family." Gannon added in a brief interview that "my family has been victimized" and that he wanted to "put some separation between Talon News and the White House."

Gannon's resignation highlights the no-holds-barred atmosphere of the Web, which both enabled him to function as a reporter -- his stories appeared on a site founded by Texas Republican activist Bobby Eberle -- and produced a swarm of critics determined to expose him.

more---> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12640-2005Feb9.html


on edit: thanks wholeheartedly to all the researchers at Kos, and everywhere else!

[qanda]

40. The article on Salon is sooooo much better

This piece of crap is stank!

[never cry wolf]

43. I agree, but if it's in the Post, it will be in many outlets soon...

I am not touting the article, though I do think Kurtz did a good job, it is the fact that it made one of the most influential papers in the world. It's not a blogs story solely, anymore.

[qanda]

51. Liberal bloggers are not the ones who started the questions...

This goes back to last year when "Jeff Gannon" was denied a press pass for the Capitol. Then a couple of weeks ago, E&P did a piece about Gannon and last week the Boston Globe did a story on this. Somehow all of those facts are missing. Along with the Valerie Plame angle, which to me is most important. Howard Kurtz did a terrible job of reporting this story and I, for one, refuse to accept this shody piece of journalism, on page C1, as a win.

On Edit: This has nothing to do with you. I understand that you're just posting the link, but I watched Howard Kurtz on Wolf Blitzer and it seems like Howie just took his words from that interview and put them down on paper. Sorry if I sound snippy.

[never cry wolf]

54. Not at all, I appreciate the input

I was just so excited after hitting goolgle news on "Jeff Gannon" all day and seeing nothing that when the WaPo came up I thought it may be significant.

I agree with your analysis. However, we here at DU, Kos and everywhere else we frequent are already well informed. A large portion of the sheeples still believe there were WMDs in Iraq. The MSM sucks, but I beleive even the ones with integrity need to move slowly and carefully, ala Rathergate.

We are up against an incredible propoganda machine, the MSM will only print what is air tight, unfortunately.

[CoffeeCat]

59. I agree qanda...

I heard Kurtz on CNN and his article is a regurgitation of his conversation with Blitzer, in which he seems to blame bloggers more than Gannon.

Look at the headlines..."Online Reporter Quits After Liberals Expose". The headline suggests that vociferous liberals ran this "online reporter" out of town.

The media is re-framing this major story into a conservative v. liberal fight. Kurtz seems to suggest that liberals exposed this guy, and his sexcapades, because he is conservative.

Excuse me--this guy wasn't disguised as a CONSERVATIVE. He was disguised as a REPORTER. That's the entire story that Kurtz is failing to tell. This man, was posing as a reporter--when in fact, he was a propagandist plant--put in by the White House to further their agenda. This is unprecedented. This is an abuse of power and a vile breach of trust between the administration and the American people.

Kurtz--is shifting the argument. We're whiney liberals who don't want a conservative having press credentials.

That is not what this is about!!!!

[aquart]

65. My mother heard Blitzer

And came away with the impression that this reporter was being unjustly persecuted.

[Rhiannon12866]

139. I saw part of that interview, and if that's all you heard on the subject,

That's definitely the impression you'd get. Blitzer didn't challenge him, or bring up any of the allegations about him, but just let him tell his story. Anyone would come away with that impression. Later that day, Aaron Brown amazingly allowed two liberals to bring out all of the facts of the case, with no RW challenge, like they usually do. If that's all you saw, you'd come away with a much different picture.

Here's that clip:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2005/02/10.html#a1562

[applegrove]

80. here here - the story is the White House allowing a complete incompetent i

here here - the story is the White House allowing a complete incompetent in to multiple briefs.

Part of me thinks it is just Karl Rove intimidating the real journalists by saying "see - anyone can do your job - you are nothing".

[Bethany Rockafella]

101. You hit the nail on the head.

[grasswire]

63. please check this blog

http://webdems.blogspot.com

February 18, 2004. Gannon's "odd" credentials exposed.

(It's my blog)

The next day, WaPo linked to my blog.

[NVMojo]

69. for we know, outside supporters of Reid could have got this outted...

whomever started this ...GOOD JOB!!!!

[GetTheRightVote]

41. Way to go bloggers, one down and many to go

:kick:

[merwin]

42. So has his name been verifed?

[Nite Owl]

44. What no mention of

the porn sites? Just sayin. If this were a dem it would be in the headline. :shrug:

[never cry wolf]

46. Whaaaa??? they're mentioned, click the link

Among the domain names registered by Gannon's company several years ago, but never launched, were Hotmilitarystud.com, Militaryescorts.com and Militaryescortsm4m.com, along with Exposejessejackson.com. The bloggers also have linked to a since-withdrawn America Online photo of a man who appears to be Gannon, posing in his underwear, with a screen name bearing the initials "JDG."

[mahina]

64. too frickin funny!

hotmilitarystud.com! bwahahahaha! could it get any better?

[KissMeKate]

45. it hit the media!

yeah baby!

[asjr]

47. I'm glad he is going to "spend more time with his family."

(off message--love your user name. You must have read the book.)

[never cry wolf]

50. Yes I did,Farley Mowat rawks....

All of his books are great, but NCW, the disney movie that I took my lil son to lo those many years ago prompted me to look into the book. Excellent movie, great book, awesome author!

[sandnsea]

48. No Plame, No Slaughter, no propaganda stooge

If this is the approach that the MSM is going to take, we're fucked. And if this gay outing is the approach the blogosphere has taken, they're stupid.

[never cry wolf]

52. Their toe is in the water

Let's hope it feels good.

Watergate was just a break in at first.

The MSM needs facts, Rathergate has em all spooked, not that they had much backbone before that... but is is something, a start possibly, IMHO.

[sandnsea]

55. The facts are there

The WaPo is one of the few papers that had previously reported on Talon and Plame. They're trying to bury that story again and turn this into a sex and looney blogger story.

[never cry wolf]

57. You may be correct, but I hope not...

This is a story that should have legs, I believe it will build. I am not saying the MSM is not biased or won't try to suppress, but they are also profit making businesses... there is alot to gain by digging into this for some enterprising reporter/outlet...

That is made it out of the blogosphere at all in these days of reporters wearing kneepads is a minor miracle, IMHO.

Anyway, I choose to be optimistic, despite all the dissapointments over scandals that should have these fucks in irons that 90% of americans have no clue about.

[sandnsea]

58. I'm just frustrated

Don't pay any attention to me. I guess we just have to depend on Keith, eh? One person in the entire media who might be able to get this story a little mainstream press. It's just ridiculous.

[Up2Late]

116. I don't mean to burst your bubble, but MSNBC is still Small Potatoes

MSNBC still has a very small audience.

We need to spend more time pressuring the major Broadcast Network "news," and don't for get to tell them that, if they would drop their "Entertainment Tonight" format, we might start watching again.:smoke:

[SodoffBush]

49. Makes me wonder how many other ringers are in the WH press corp

I've always thought John King worked for the CIA. He's always been a part of Bush's list of "Those to call on in this order."

[stevedeshazer]

53. Don't miss the Man On Dog reference to Santorum

Great stuff, at least for Kurtz.

[flyarm]

56. ohhh come on howard kurtz..get real!!!!!!!!!!!!

that w.h. fraud porn star was < NOT > a reporter!!!!!!!!!!!!

stop your damn lying!! and do some reporting!!

oh and howard..why did talon gop phoney news pimps scrubbed their site of all of this porn kings so called articles today??

gee howard seems he like military porn...hmmm isn't that what bushes pappa liked..he liked the <boys> too!

and the shit gets deeper by the moment ..but low be it.. the real reporters, report any real news..or truth!

all of the so called media are nothing but whores!

but ya know what..we dont need them...stick it media!

fly

[Blue_Tires]

60. score one for the good guys

this one is especially for those hardheads that like to think dan rather is the only journalist to ever be in a scandal

[TacticalPeek]

61. "Bush press pal quits over gay prostie link" - NY Daily News

I like their headline, and their Plame ref.

:)

---------------


Bush press pal quits over gay prostie link

BY HELEN KENNEDY
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON - A conservative ringer who was given a press pass to the White House and lobbed softball questions at President Bush quit yesterday after left-leaning Internet bloggers discovered possible ties to gay prostitution.

"The voice goes silent," Jeff Gannon wrote on his Web site. "In consideration of the welfare of me and my family, I have decided to return to private life."

Gannon began covering the White House two years ago for an obscure Republican Web site (Talon-News.com). He was known for his friendly questions, including asking Bush at last month's news conference how he could work with Democrats "who seem to have divorced themselves from reality."

Gannon was also given a classified CIA memo that named agent Valerie Plame, leading to his grilling by the grand jury investigating her outing.

http://www.nydailynews.com/02-10-2005/news/gossip/story/279466p-239417c.html



BUSH press pal! Bwaahahahahaha!

[Up2Late]

118. You Gotta Love the N.Y. Daily News for this

This is Great!



Is HELEN KENNEDY married, because I think I'm in love.:loveya:

[Erika]

62. Brit Hume should be next

Family values just exude from Bush and his conservative journalist friends.

[DulceDecorum]

70. Franken calls on Hume to resign

http://mediamatters.org/items/200502090008

[Hand]

103. Hume shouldn't resign...

He should die; today, preferably. Yesterday would be better still.

:grr:

[LynnTheDem]

72. Hannity on Gannon; "a terrific Washington bureau chief and White House

correspondent."

http://mediamatters.org/items/200502100001

ROTFLMAO!!!

Gawd but rightwingnuts -ALL OF THEM- are so incredibly stupid & ignorant.

[BR_Parkway]

76. So is this how KKKarl set up the whole Memogate thing to cover Shrub's

ANG problems?

HANNITY: Now, Jeff Gannon, who is a terrific Washington bureau chief and White House correspondent for Talon News, actually shot me an e-mail today, and he's about to break a story in an exclusive about these CBS documents.

For a "reporter" with absolutely no credentials, he sure did get in all the big stories very quickly.

[LynnTheDem]

79. Yep it's al tied in together and unravelling now.

And if rightwingntus didn't so LOVE to be conned duped tricked, they'd be mad as hell at bush & Cabal a long time ago.

[DulceDecorum]

66. (He ) will view each prick of an arrowhead as a badge of honor

Feb 2, 2005
would like to formally thank Mr. Gannon for addressing an issue that many of us in the New Media have been writing about, as well as his asking the question many of us hoped would be asked. But now, the old media’s vilification includes Gannon. I am, however, convinced that he will not only be able to withstand the leftist arrows aimed at him but, will view each prick of an arrowhead as a badge of honor. Bravo, Mr. Gannon! We have been waiting for you.
http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_6729.shtml

Tell us more about those pricks.......

UPDATE:
To reiterate, I fully support the question Gannon asked at the news conference and it had been too long in coming. Hopefully, if there is ever another one allowed into a presidential news conference, the next conservative reporter will be above reproach from the leftist media.
http://www.mensnewsdaily.com/archive/yz/z-misc/zieve/2005/zieve021005.htm

[UL_Approved]

73. Is this another pundit that needs debunking?

A good list of the people to investigate would be nice sometimes. The RW does it all the time, but I think we need to do it sometimes too. The moral high ground doesn't exist anymore. Its sad to say, but the lack of credibility of these ultra conservatives needs to be brought to light. No more Armstrong Williams or Jeff Gannon.

[DulceDecorum]

75. Can't touch this.

Her religion precludes it.

[gauguin57]

67. After watching Keith Olbermann's clip reel of this guy's loaded questions

tonight, MY big question is how in the hell was this guy allowed to take up space in the White House briefing room for so long? Well, I know why the WHITE HOUSE wanted him there... him, with his softball questions. But why didn't any other journalist protest ... make the point that this guy was so obviously a plant, with his little neocon scripts he was reading, and his lame-ass "Web news site." Sheesh!

[applegrove]

74. And it seems his press pass had to be renewed daily or so

And it seems his press pass had to be renewed daily or so. So they made multiple decisions to let him 'hang'.

[LynnTheDem]

68. DON'T MESS with us LIBRULS...

We're the 'ELITE'; that means WE have BRAINS.

[LynnTheDem]

71. Just HOW was he "VICTIMIZED"??? Were LIES made up about him???

Was he FORCED to BREAK THE LAW by getting WH Press creds under a FALSE NAME?

If he is so ASHAMED of the TRUTH about himself, how is that his being "VICTIMIZED"???

WAH WAH WAH! Poor wittle wightwingnuts, always the wittle victims fwom the big bad wibuls who meanly expose THE TRUTH about them.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWwwwwwwwww!

[leftchick]

77. you should have heard kurtz on leslie's show last night

cying gannon a river over those evil liberals picking on him! :cry:

[LynnTheDem]

78. Yep, rightwingnuts sure do HATE and FEAR the Truth, don't they.

They have very good reason to hate & fear Truth. :D

[KittyWampus]

82. Bush Press Pal Quits Over Gay Prostie Link

BY HELEN KENNEDY
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON - A conservative ringer who was given a press pass to the White House and lobbed softball questions at President Bush quit yesterday after left-leaning Internet bloggers discovered possible ties to gay prostitution.

snip

Gannon began covering the White House two years ago for an obscure Republican Web site (Talon-News.com). He was known for his friendly questions, including asking Bush at last month's news conference how he could work with Democrats "who seem to have divorced themselves from reality."

Gannon was also given a classified CIA memo that named agent Valerie Plame, leading to his grilling by the grand jury investigating her outing.

snip.... online sleuths at DailyKos.com figured out that his real name was Jim Guckert and he owned various Web sites, including HotMilitaryStud.com, MilitaryEscorts.com and MilitaryEscortsM4M.com.

"The issue here is whether someone with connections to male prostitution was given unfettered access to the White House and copies of internal CIA documents. For a family values administration, that's pretty creepy," said John Aravosis, one of the bloggers chasing the story.

snip

On his TalonNews Web site, Gannon had written that liberals were out to get him because he's a white conservative man who owns a gun, drives a sport-utility vehicle and is a born-again Christian.

snip

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/gossip/story/279466p-239417c.html

[Beetwasher]

83. LMFAO!!!!!!!

Love it!

[libbygurl]

84. CREEPublican hypocrisy strikes again! nt

[Richardo]

85. Is that the real headline? Hilarious!

:D

[underpants]

86. Gannon is better than Kerik

IT JUST KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER...EVERYTIME I SEE IT!

[KurtNYC]

87. In the printed paper this is on Page 46!

Page FORTY SIX !?

[KittyWampus]

90. Hey, For That Headline, I'll Settle For 46. ??? 46???

:think:

[jhain]

88. YES!!!

If ya can't beat 'em- join 'em.
We can play the word game in a far, far superior fashion if we put our minds to it.

I have always thought it woud be the Plame story that would tank them.
Treason usually does that.

[Lithos]

89. The party of (ir)responsibility!

Man, that was one funny story. A definite case where truth is stranger than fiction - no one would ever believe you if you tried to pass that off in a novel.

L-

[applegrove]

91. ROTFLMAO! The problem with creeps is that they attract

ROTFLMAO! The problem with creeps is that they attract and reward their likeness. Why look at what the top tier of Hitler's 'democracy' looked like after a decade. Psychopaths everywhere.

Let the conmen in!!

[Maraya1969]

92. Email this to all your friends who don't follow the news

We need to get the "truth" out about Bushie

[Turley]

93. Somebody post that Yahoo pic

It was precious.

[Maraya1969]

94. Would the proper term for him be "shill"?

2 entries found for shill.
To select an entry, click on it.
shill<1,intransitive verb>shill<2,noun>

Main Entry: 2shill
Function: noun
Etymology: perhaps short for shillaber, of unknown origin
1 : one who acts as a decoy (as for a pitchman or gambler); also : one who makes a sales pitch
2 : PITCH 8a

[underpants]

95. Statement from Talon News Editor in Chief

http://www.theconservativevoice.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2811

Talon News Washington, DC reporter and White House Correspondent Jeff Gannon submitted his resignation from our organization effective February 8, 2005.

I understand and support Jeff's decision, and have accepted the resignation.

We are currently evaluating candidates to fill this critical assignment, and anticipate minimal interruption of Talon's coverage of our nation's capitol and the White House in the meantime.

-- Robert R. Eberle, Ph.D.
Editor in Chief, Talon News

[twenty2strings]

96. Drudge finally has story. Old news?n/t

[antonialee839]

98. I'm starting my own

news organization which I will run from a tent in my backyard. I've also decided to hire myself as my only reporter. Being just as valid as any other reporter in the White House press corps., ok, I don't turn tricks like the rest of them, but still.........I will be expecting my White House press pass.

[dandrhesse]

102. big shock

look back at any footage or audio or transcripts for that matter of past press conferences, Bush only calls on people that he knows on a first name basis, follow the trail.

[emcguffie]

104. petition for special prosecutor, where do I post it?

I am not familiar with this forum. Democrats.com has a petition for a special prosecutor for this Gannon business. I have an e-mail. Where should I put this info?

[caligirl]

105. Web-site reporter using pseudonym allowed in briefings COX News

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/211439_presscorps10.htm


White House queried on media policy
Web-site reporter using pseudonym allowed in briefings

By SCOTT SHEPARD
COX NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON -- In a letter to President Bush yesterday, Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., called for an explanation of how a Talon News reporter who used the pseudonym "Jeff Gannon" was admitted to White House briefings.

Gannon resigned late Tuesday amid a flurry of accusations about his professional credentials and links to the Republican Party and could not be reached for comment.

"It appears that 'Mr. Gannon's' presence in the White House press corps was merely as a tool of propaganda for your administration," wrote Slaughter, a senior member of the House Rules Committee who has been active in media fairness and ownership issues.

More

[Zenlitened]

106. Hats off to Louise Slaughter.

THIS is how we get MSM coverage: when Dems in DC actually SPEAK UP!

[cornermouse]

107. Considering that the Secret Service investigates anyone

that might be in the same room with the President, isn't it just a little bit..."odd", shall we say, that someone could use a false identity and be allowed into the White House? Hmmm? I don't believe I've heard anything from the mainstream media about this, uh, "situation".

:eyes:

[daleo]

Yes, exactly.

This fact proves he was a plant.

[Toby109]

108. And why the need for a false identity

in the first place?

[Warpy]

Because his real name had been associated

with some really unsavory gay pimp sites.

Although I'm generally opposed to outing, this is the stuff the good church people across the country really need to know about.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

109. This is what need to be investigated.

This needs to be the focal point of this investigation. First ask how, then why. Keep asking it over and over again until we get some answers!

[emcguffie]

112. one more time. petition for special prosecutor

Democrats.com has a petition for a special prosecutor. We can at least try that. This is my third effort to get someone to tell me where I should post the info and link.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

119. I would post it in GD and GD Politics

Make a post stating what it is and a request to sign. Add a link to the petition. Thanks for your effort.
:)

[Up2Late]

120. Probably General Discussion--Politics, but...

...you could pose the question in "Ask the Admins," they get back to you fairly fast:hippie:

[Renew Deal]

111. Cox news?

cool

[Norquist Nemesis]

113. AP: Online Newsman Vacates Job Covering White House (more)

Online Newsman Vacates Job Covering White House Amid Questions About His Credentials

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBESDZ815E.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - A conservative writer who attracted attention by asking President Bush a loaded question at a news conference last month has resigned amid questions about his identity and background.
James D. Guckert, who wrote under the name Jeff Gannon, said on his Web site that he leaving "because of the attention being paid to me." He had been Washington bureau chief for Talon News, a conservative online news outlet associated with another Web site, GOPUSA.

Guckert frequently attended White House press briefings over the last two years and asked pointedly conservative questions. Called on by Bush at a Jan. 26 news conference, Guckert said Senate Democratic leaders were painting a bleak picture of the economy and he asked how Bush how he would work "with people who seem to have divorced themselves from reality."

The question prompted scrutiny, particularly from liberal bloggers. Guckert was linked with online domain addresses suggestive of gay pornography. Guckert, a former resident of Wilmington, Del., told The News Journal newspaper in New Castle, Del., that he had registered the domain names for a client while he was working to set up a Web hosting business.

(more)

[Plaid Adder]

122. "Registered the domain names for a client..."

OK, so his CLIENTS are running a gay military prostitution ring. That's all right then!

I can't wait to see what happens next,

The Plaid Adder

[prabtahoe2005]

115. Gannon/Valerie Plame connection

Gannon has been linked to the Valerie Plame/CIA outing incident as well. He apparently had access to a CIA memo.

[wellst0nev0ter]

121. Welp, For Every Jeff Gannon. . .

there are about a dozen right-wing shills to take his place

From yesterday's press conference:

Q Does this administration believe the Democratic leaders are now engaged in a deliberate disinformation campaign as the best way to undermine the President's goals and objectives on a number of issues?

MR. McCLELLAN: A deliberate?

Q Yes.

MR. McCLELLAN: We would certainly hope not. The President has made it very clear that he wants to reach out and work together on our shared priorities. That's what he's going to continue to do.

[paineinthearse]

124. Rep. Slaughter's letter to * for investigation into White House ‘reporter

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/index.php?p=48

2/9/2005
Congresswoman calls for investigation into White House ‘reporter’ linked to escort sites
Filed under: General— site admin @ 2:25 pm Email This

Rep. Slaughter Calls on President Bush to Explain Emerging White House Briefing Room Scandal

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28), long time champion of media reform and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, sent a letter to President George W. Bush today asking him to explain how discredited “reporter” Jeff Gannon was credentialed as a member of the legitimate media by the White House.

The letter follows

Wednesday, February 9, 2005

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

In light of the mounting evidence that your Administration has, on several occasions, paid members of the media to advocate in favor of Administration policies, I feel compelled to ask you to address a matter brought to my attention by the Niagara Falls Reporter (article attached), a local newspaper in my district, regarding James “JD” Guckert (AKA Jeff Gannon) of Talon News.

According to several credible reports, “Mr. Gannon” has been repeatedly credentialed as a member of the White House press corps by your office and has been regularly called upon in White House press briefings by your Press Secretary Scott McClellan, despite the fact evidence shows that “Mr. Gannon” is a Republican political operative, uses a false name, has phony or questionable journalistic credentials, is known for plagiarizing much of the “news” he reports, and according to several web reports, may have ties to the promotion of the prostitution of military personnel.

Several weeks ago when it was revealed that radio/TV host Armstrong Williams had received payment from your Administration in exchange for his vocal support of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ initiative, I was stunned. For years now I have been leading the fight in Congress for fairness and accountability in the media; the Williams revelation only underscored the need for a media that has integrity, is balanced and expresses the local interests and concerns of its consumers.

Since that time, two more members of the media have been found to have received money from your Administration in exchange for their vocal, yet undisclosed support of Administration policies.

And just this morning we have learned that “Mr. Gannon” has resigned his post at the, so called, Talon News amid growing concerns over his controversial background and falsified qualifications. In fact, it appears that “Mr. Gannon’s” presence in the White House press corps was merely as a tool of propaganda for your Administration.

Mr. President, I am sure we both agree the White House press corps is an honored institution in America that should be beyond the scope of partisan meddling, and that a free and independent media is the cornerstone of our success as a democracy. Likewise, I am sure we can both agree the American people have the right to expect that journalists who question their President everyday are experienced, independent, and perhaps most importantly, unbiased in their approach.

I was already concerned about what appears to be an organized campaign to mask partisan propaganda as legitimate news by your Administration. That we have now learned this same type of deception is occurring inside the White House briefing room itself is even more disturbing.

That is why I am asking you to please explain to the Congress and to the American people how and why the individual known as “Mr. Gannon” was repeatedly cleared by your staff to join the legitimate White House press corps?

Mr. President, your Administration has driven the so-called “values” debate in this country. But the most important value for those of us in public service should always be honesty and integrity, particularly when considering the manner in which we conduct our affairs of state.

I would appreciate your prompt response on this matter.

Respectfully,

/LMS

Louise M. Slaughter

Ranking Member, House Committee on Rules

[TygrBright]

Wow!! Kudos, Rep. Slaughter

>>According to several credible reports, “Mr. Gannon” has been repeatedly credentialed as a member of the White House press corps by your office and has been regularly called upon in White House press briefings by your Press Secretary Scott McClellan, despite the fact evidence shows that “Mr. Gannon” is a Republican political operative, uses a false name, has phony or questionable journalistic credentials, is known for plagiarizing much of the “news” he reports, and according to several web reports, may have ties to the promotion of the prostitution of military personnel.<<

I believe this is what is known as a "bitchslap pile-on."

She's bangin' they heads like a pug on a speedbag.

You GO, Lady!

admiringly,
Bright

[Drifter]

Louise Rocks ...

She is my representative. I have met her a few times at our local Democratic Committee HQ. She has been a champion of media fairness. She is trying to have the "Fairness Doctrine" (I think that is what it is called) reinstated.

Cheers
Drifter

[neuvocat]

NOW he deserves to be the #1 top ten idiot next week.

I just can't wait until Monday.

[Ravy]

I dunno... silicone implants make you healthy may edge him out...(n/t)

[Ian David]

You know, there's a way to use this lunacy against them

Apparently, Talon is looking for volunteers to write for them.

So, volunteer. Under a false name.

Feed them fictional stories that are easily discredited. Print terrible quotes from people you never interviewed. And let them publish it.

[Habibi]

She's my rep

God bless Louise!

[intheflow]

I can't stop giggling reading this!

hee hee hee hee!!! I just love that this story appears to be growing some legs!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[tinymontgomery]

I sent both links to the local

I sent both links to the local paper, charlotte observer telling them this scandal was casting a pale over all news reported. Then asked them if any of the conservative writers they print were on the white house payroll, if they didn't know then they should run a disclaimer on those writers saying they my be on the take. Wonder what will happen.

[Rockholm]

Excellent! Pin their asses to the wall.

[paineinthearse]

"General" thread

There's a larger thread at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3079325&mesg_id=3079325

Join the fun there as well.

[0rganism]

Just imagine if President Clinton had a paid cadre of imitation reporters

in the white house press corps. Just imagine the stink the republicans would raise. They already wax apoplectic over the non-existent Liberal Media. Just imagine if they actually had something real to tag on a Democratic president.

[GoldenOldie]

If I call myself a Brain Surgeon, does it make me a Brain Surgeon

The WH has given Gannon, journalist status, does this mean that the WH now has the ability to dole out degrees and resumes according to their needs. Just think what they will be able to do with the twins?

[Karenina]

Down the memory hole somewhere

is a dust-up about the legitimacy of academic credentials and qualifications of a NUMBER of *appointees and water-bearers...

[No Exit]

I saw Rep. Slaughter on CNN and she was GREAT!!!

Go get 'em, Louise!!! Don't stop till every single person in America, no matter how dull and clueless he may be, knows not to believe a single thing that's said by anyone even remotely associated with this fraudulent administration!!!

[ruggerson]

Congresswoman Asks for Probe After 'Gannon' Quits WH Reporting Post

Editor and Publisher. It's going mainstream.

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000796790

<snip>

By Joe Strupp

Published: February 09, 2005 updated 2:00 PM ET

NEW YORK Jeff Gannon, the controversial reporter for conservative Web site Talon News who drew complaints for gaining access to White House press events, resigned from his job last night amid liberal blogs' allegations about his real name and his personal and professional life.

Today, Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) sent a letter to President Bush asking him to "address the matter" in light of "mounting evidence that your Administration has, on several occasions, paid members of the media to advocate in favor of Administration policies."

Last night, in a message on his Web site (www.jeffgannon.com), Gannon announced: "Because of the attention being paid to me I find it is no longer possible to effectively be a reporter for Talon News. In consideration of the welfare of me and my family I have decided to return to private life. Thank you to all those who supported me."

In an e-mail to E&P last Friday, not published until now, Gannon wrote: "Much has been made about whether I use a professional name or not, but I am reluctant to provide information one way or another because of the threats that have been made against my person, property and family in both internet postings ... as well as in e-mails that I have forwarded to law enforcement. I'm sure you understand."

E&P has not been able to reach Gannon again today.


<snip>

[indie_voter]

Thank you wayback!

This is rich!!

http://web.archive.org/web/20031203172719/jeffgannon.com/smeared.htm


For the second time in as many weeks, the liberal media has taken a shot at me. Recently an article appeared in the Washingtonian magazine’s online feature, Washington Buzz entitled, “Can White House Stay on Message Amid Leaks?”. In it, political writer Harry Jaffe tried to make the point that the alleged leak of a CIA agent’s name by someone in the administration has caused problems for a White House that had been otherwise effective in maintaining a unified front in dealing with the press corps.

But Jaffe suggested that the White House is reacting to the negative reporting by attacking members of the press corps. He wrote:

“There are signs the White House may be going on the offensive, striking back at reporters it considers too aggressive. Both Moran and NBC’s David Gregory were singled out in a dispatch published in Talon News, a news service sponsored by GOPUSA, a Republican Party news service.”

He’s talking about me! Jaffe is claiming that I am a Republican Party operative instructed by the White House to write a hit piece on these two reporters. Both of those allegations are totally and completely false.

much much more!

edit to add: this is from feb 4, 2004

[LynnTheDem]

And voila....he IS a republican Party operative.

True rethug techniques;

-blame others for what you are doing

-state the truth and deny it as being just a librul conspiracy out to victimize the poor wittle wightwingnuts.

[AFreepAtTheWheel]

Gannon quit because he was getting death threats..

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/2/9/183147/5008

So our guys in Iraq get to quit too? They get death threats as well as killed every day. I am sure Mr. Gannon the Cannon would suggest they all quit as well.

Does anyone in here really think Mr. Gannon has received as much as one death threat not authored by a GOP'er trying to give the hack a way out?

Death threats.......rings a bell. Have not a few wingers used this cop out in the past?

Richard

[SmokingJacket]

Right, like I believe that.

Cop out indeed.

How many death threats has Michael Moore received? Has he quit his website and run home with his tail between his legs?

This ain't about death threats.

[Scout1071]

He's probably been getting threats from Kerik's nanny......

[applegrove]

No - the first rule for sociopaths is to make themselves out to be

No - the first rule for sociopaths is to make themselves out to be the victim. If anyone threatened him it was someone he worked for or with. Some other creep.

[gristy]

go here (on DU's home page)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3079325

[Politicub]

I love this

I think this story is just beginning. I hope propagandist Gannon is what brings down the house of Bush.

[qanda]

Drip, drip, drip

"The Talon News site today scrubbed its archives of many "Gannon" articles and removed his biography."

[queeg]

NOTHING ever leaves the internet

Feel free to use the wayback machine...

http://talonnews.com">old talon news sites

http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://talonnews.com

[paineinthearse]

Copy of my message to CSPAN Journal producers to ask Slaughter to be guest

emailed to [email protected] <[email protected]>

Guest suggestion - Rep. Louise Slaughter

In light of yesterday's internet revelations surrounding Tanon News' "reporter" "Jeff Gannon", I request you invite Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY28). Today, in response to a letter from the publisher and editors and reporters of the Niagara Falls Reporter, she sent a letter to President Bush requesting an investigation into this deepening "ink for pay" scandal.

Gannon touches the White House directly. In press briefings, Scott McClellan, on numerous occasions, has gone to him for "softball" questions, to relieve the pressure of harder questions from credentialed reporters ("Gannon" gained access to the WH press corps via day passes).

See her press release on her website. To be fair and balanced, perhaps you could invite Scott McClellan.

(full name and contact info)

======================================================================

http://www.slaughter.house.gov/HoR/Louise/News/Press+Releases+By+Date/2005+Press+Releases/WH+Briefing+Room+Scandal.htm

For Immediate Release
February 9, 2005 Contact: Eric Burns
202-225-3615

(full text followed).....

[lavenderdiva]

very, very good idea!! Thanks for following through on it! n/t

[paineinthearse]

YQW

Call and express your support - (877) ON CSPAN or [phone].

[paineinthearse]

Rep. Slaughter (photo)

:yourock:

[Generator]

It THRILLS me to no end that some of our reps get it!!

She said propaganda! It's the word of the year. Just watch.

Thank Gods.

[Bethany Rockafella]

I guess Gannon did strive to make it to Number 1.

LOL!

[Hobarticus]

YES!!! Hooray for Number One!!!!!

HAHAHA!!!!!

[paineinthearse]

125. Niagara Falls Reporter publishers' & editors' letter to Rep. Slaughter

AN OPEN LETTER TO LOUISE SLAUGHTER
Dear Rep. Slaughter,

As a small newspaper located in your district, we are asking for your help. It has come to our attention that an individual who calls himself “Jeff Gannon” has been credentialed by the White House to attend press briefings and presidential news conferences.

He is affiliated with an organization called Talon News, and is frequently called on by White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan and President Bush. This individual has no background in journalism whatsoever, and his “syndicated column” appears solely on his personal Web site, www.jeffgannon.com. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, “Jeff Gannon” isn’t even his real name.

In his biography at the Talon News site, where he holds the title of “Washington Bureau Chief,” he claims to be a graduate of the “Pennsylvania State University System” and the Leadership Institute Broadcast School of Journalism.

While the 23 schools in the Penn State system award diplomas, the system itself does not, and the Daily News investigation has thus far failed to turn up a “Jeff Gannon” who holds a degree in education from Penn State, as this person claims he does. Furthermore, the Leadership Institute Broadcast School of Journalism is a right-wing diploma mill where anyone with $50 and two days to waste can receive a degree.

As for Talon News itself, it seems to consist solely of a Web site that links directly to a Republican site called www.gopusa.com. Both Talon and GOPUSA have the same mailing address, a private residence in Texas. It isn’t clear whether anyone at Talon News is paid, as one portion of its site asks, “Want to join the Talon News team? Click here to find out more about being a volunteer reporter for Talon News.”

Looking at the staff biography section of the site, none

of the 10 individuals listed appear to have any training or previous experience in journalism, although all list credentials as Republican activists.

We respectfully ask your office to look into how a partisan political organization and an individual with no credentials as a reporter – and apparently operating under an assumed name – landed a coveted spot in the White House press corps.

Sincerely,

Bruce Battaglia, publisher, Mike Hudson, editor in chief, Rebecca Day, senior editor, David Staba, sports editor, Bill Gallagher, national correspondent, John Hanchette, senior correspondent, Frank Thomas Croisdale, contributing editor, Bill Bradberry, contributing editor, Niagara Falls Reporter.

[Earth_First]

So at which point does all this become illegal?

...that's what I thought.

[paineinthearse]

Link to Niagra Falls Reporter editorial

http://www.niagarafallsreporter.com/editorial188.html

[paineinthearse]

My thank you note to Niagra Falls Reporter

Sent to [email protected] <[email protected]>

You guys rock!!!

:yourock:

THANK YOU!!!!!!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1224526&mesg_id=1224526&page=

From the members of DU.

[paineinthearse]

Reply from the Niagra Falls Reporter!!!!!!!

From: Mike Hudson
To: (me)
Subject: RE: You guys (& Rep. Slaughter) rock!!!!!
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 09:59:47 +0000


hey, thank you! congresswoman slaughter's a pretty tough customer.
mike hudson
niagara falls reporter

[Beaverhausen]

126. sweet

good for her!

[stepnw1f]

127. and There is AKA Radio Talk Show Host, Savage

or Severin. How many more... everyone of them. What about Dr. Laura?

[burythehatchet]

128. most excellent

[paineinthearse]

129. Verification on Rep. Slaughter's website

http://www.slaughter.house.gov/HoR/Louise/News/Press+Releases+By+Date/2005+Press+Releases/WH+Briefing+Room+Scandal.htm

For Immediate Release
February 9, 2005 Contact: Eric Burns
202-225-3615

Rep. Slaughter Calls on President Bush to Explain Emerging White House Briefing Room Scandal

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28), long time champion of media reform and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, sent a letter to President George W. Bush today asking him to explain how discredited "reporter" Jeff Gannon was credentialed as a member of the legitimate media by the White House.

The rest is the same as above.

To contact/thank Rep. Slaughter:

Washington Office
U.S. House of Representatives
2469 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
[phone]
[phone] Buffalo Office
465 Main Street
Suite 105
Buffalo, NY 14203
[phone]
[phone] Niagara Falls Office
1910 Pine Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
[phone]
[phone] Rochester Office
3120 Federal Building
100 State Street
Rochester, NY 14614
[phone]
[phone]

[sabra]

130. Today is good news Wednesday! n/t

[LiberallyInclined]

131. drip...drip...drip...

this is how it starts...:bounce:

[indie_voter]

1. I hope so.

From your keyboard to the lazy media's. :)

[NYC]

135. Your post is dated December 31, 1969.

indie_voter (624 posts) Wed Dec-31-69 07:00 PM
Response to Reply #131

Strange, isn't it?

[demgrrrll]

133. You know the thing is that Jeff Gannon has sullied the whole

WH Press group. They need to stand up here or they may as well all name themselves Jeff Gannon 1 - 1000. Helen Thomas is exempt. I'm serious. If they do not take a stand with the WH and cover this story then they are as complicit in this charade as he was. This has truly brought into relief the crisis we face with the media. In my opinion the bloggers are todays true journalists and the Press Corps are, with some notable exceptions, Jeff Gannon.

[d.l.Green]

141. So true! Great observation! eom

[Mnpaul]

145. Star/Trib in Mn does good op/ed on Gannon

Editorial: Phony journalist/Pimping for the White House
February 18, 2005

Here's a summary: For more than two years, a reporter named Jeff Gannon turned up at White House briefings and press conferences, where he asked softball questions with a decidedly pro-Bush bent. For example, at President Bush's Jan. 26 press conference, Gannon asked how Bush could work with lawmakers like Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Hillary Clinton, "who seem to have divorced themselves from reality."

Well, it turns out that "Jeff Gannon" is really Jim Guckert, and he was a reporter for an online outfit called "Talon News," which was associated with the online group GOPUSA. com, owned by Texas Republicans. It also turns out that Guckert, in addition to reporting for a phony Web site, has no real journalism training and is a $200-an-hour gay prostitute. He ran numerous Web sites like militaryescortsm4m. com. The photos of Gannon that were displayed on those Web sites left nothing to the imagination about his physical attributes.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/5247250.html