CBS: We knew Bush was using us in Baghdad, but in a way we kind of like

[Human Torch]

Summary: On CNN's Reliable Sources, CBS News contributor Gloria Borger acknowledged that the media "are suckers" because of their coverage of President Bush's surprise June 13 trip to Iraq. Borger concluded: "You know you're being used, but in a way you kind of like it because it's good pictures." From the June 18 edition of CNN's Reliable Sources:

KURTZ: Gloria Borger, are journalists suckers for this kind of secret trip to Baghdad stuff? I mean, Bush was there less than six hours but got an avalanche of mostly positive coverage.

BORGER: I think we are suckers. Particularly if you're the one who gets to go on the pool, Howie, and gets to travel with the president on a secret trip to Baghdad. We do like these secret trips.

Believe it or not, we kind of like to be surprised, but I think if you're a bureau chief in Washington, you may be asking, "Gee, why didn't we have more information?" And when you ask that question, the answer you always get from the White House is, "Because this has to be shrouded in secrecy because this is a matter of presidential security. So we can't tell you more about this in advance." So you know you're being used, but in a way you kind of like it because it's good pictures.

KURTZ: You enjoy it.

http://mediamatters.org/items/200606190003

[kenny blankenship]

1. Lie back and enjoy it?

The old wisdom is new again.

[gator_in_Ontario]

7. pass the vaseline! lol

[babylonsister]

2. Borger is really partisan, and it shows all the time. So much for

being objective. I cannot stand her.

[BlueManDude]

10. she's been shilling for rw for 15+ years. n/t

[liberal N proud]

3. Explains the last 6 years of media complacency - They like being abused

you know you're being used, but in a way you kind of like it

[gratuitous]

4. Putting the "fun" in a dysfunctional relationship!

Golly gee, we sure like going on secret trips. Makes us feel all cool and privileged! YOU don't get to go on secret trips with the President, do you? That means we're better than you.

Media coverage by cases of arrested development who never got over their sandbox mentality.

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. Dang! Wish I could rec a reply. :^)

[blm]

8. This is the DC Kool Kidz - they were never the cool kids in high school so

Karl tapped into that arrested development and unfulfilled longing and made them a Kool Kid in DC.

[neoblues]

6. I just had a sick thought...

<retracted> it was too gross... but expressed just how sick the media are.

[yorkiemommie1]

9. this is sick thinking

and the world suffers because of their neediness. borders on immorality, imho.

[Supersedeas]

11. when a cozy relationship becomes even more 'enjoyable'

[hadrons]

12. "you kind of like it because it's good pictures"

I guess Clinton didn't provide enough pictures

[Libby2]

13. Well ya' know, the base can't read.