ABC hits back against 'false premises' in RNC letter (primetime special on healthcare)

[babylonsister]

http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/06/16/abc-hits-back-against-false-premises-in-rnc-letter/

ABC hits back against 'false premises' in RNC letter
@ 11:48 am by Michael O'Brien


ABC fired back at the Republican National Committee's (RNC) letter criticizing a planned program inside the White House, saying the GOP relied on "false premises" in its criticism.

RNC Chief of Staff Ken McKay had written ABC to complain about a planned series of ABC specials on healthcare — to be broadcast in the White House.

"I am deeply concerned and disappointed with ABC's astonishing decision to exclude opposing voices on this critical issue on June 24, 2009," McKay wrote ABC News head David Westin in a letter published on the Drudge Report.

"In the absence of opposition, I am concerned this event will become a glorified infomercial to promote the Democrat agenda. If that is the case, this primetime infomercial should be paid for out of the DNC coffers," McKay added.

"I am in receipt of your letter of June 15, 2009 and wanted to respond to a number of false premises you raise regarding our ongoing and upcoming coverage of health care," ABC Senior VP Kerry Smith responded Tuesday.

Smith said the network sought to encourage a "robust debate of health care issues," which is why they scheduled the special.

"In the end, no one watching, listening to, or reading ABC News will lack for an understanding of all sides of these important questions," she said.

[Kalyke]

1. As a news person, I also would have added that McKay

consider taking an English grammar course so that he can learn that "Democrat" is a noun. I would have added that he should have used the adjective, "Democratic" to describe whatever agenda he thinks is being represented.

[Cha]

3. Good point, something about those people

and their problems with the English language..whether it be spelling or grammer. Not that everything has to be perfect all the time but the glaring mistakes show a lack of respect, imo.

[elehhhhna]

5. He blows his credibility with that "Democrat" baloney.

[Cha]

6. Yeah, it eats him alive

that the correct word is "Democratic".

[Cha]

2. Good.. I think the public will get

the idea that the republicans object to everything the White House wants and the gop's plan is rev up the hmo and insurance companies' power.

[rurallib]

4. Is there an ABC news special on June 24th?

"I am deeply concerned and disappointed with ABC's astonishing decision to exclude opposing voices on this critical issue on June 24, 2009," McKay wrote ABC News head David Westin in a letter published on the Drudge Report.

Or will there be just a small portion of their evening news?

[Bozita]

7. Thanks, GOPers. Knowing it's free of your BS, I'm gonna watch that ABC special.

Bullshit free is a big selling point to me.

[HopeOverFear]

8. The GOP is SKURRED! They know the visual power of Obama

and they know that once he's on television talking about healthcare, it's over!

[TomCADem]

9. The RNC Should Report The Fox News Operating Budget ...

...as an in-kind political campaign contribution. Talk about the pot calling the media kettle biased.

[CitizenPatriot]

10. typical rethug tactic

accuse and put on the defensive so the network makes sure they air MORE of your side just to be safe.

I'm so sick of it working.