2 journalists defend roles at White House meetings

[rainbow4321]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2002164731_pundits30.html

WASHINGTON — Columnist Charles Krauthammer heaped praise on President Bush's inaugural address. But, he says, he had nothing to do with shaping the speech.

Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol also lauded the speech. He says he did not consult on the speech itself but discussed with two White House officials "themes for the second term and included in that, themes for the inaugural." Both conservatives are unapologetic about having privately offered advice to top White House aides, saying that is perfectly proper for commentators.

Krauthammer was invited to the 90-minute session by Peter Wehner, director of the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives. Presidential speechwriter Michael Gerson also was there, along with counselor Dan Bartlett, senior adviser Karl Rove and more than a half-dozen other administration officials.


Hiatt noted that Krauthammer also serves on the President's Council on Bioethics. "I wouldn't do it, but as long as he disclosed it, which he did, and mentions it when he writes about the subject, which he does, it seems to me a legitimate choice."

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Of course it had nothing to do with shaping the speech

it had everything to do with the fact that he, too, probably gets some compensation to whore them

[Selteri]

2. Begging the question

How do you defend the indefenisble?

[flordehinojos]

3. just like in the matter of triangles and love affairs ... there is denial

of the illicit/illegal/unethical/amoral/lying/cheating leg of the triangle...always.

Krauthammer and Bill Kristol just proved it all -- once again.