One of (AP Ron) Fournier's job options: McCain

[Newsjock]

Source: Politico

Before Ron Fournier returned to The Associated Press in March 2007, the veteran political reporter had another professional suitor: John McCain’s presidential campaign.

In October 2006, the McCain team approached Fournier about joining the fledgling operation, according to a source with knowledge of the talks. In the months that followed, said a source, Fournier spoke about the job possibility with members of McCain’s inner circle, including political aides Mark Salter, John Weaver and Rick Davis.

Salter, who remains a top McCain adviser, said in an e-mail to Politico that Fournier was considered for “a senior advisory role” in communications.

... Even before Fournier was named bureau chief, some liberal critics asserted that the AP reporter seemed too cozy with McCain.

... On July 14, TPM founder Josh Marshall wrote that Fournier was the reason “why the premier wire service’s coverage sucks so bad” during the 2008 election.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/12149.html

[Faygo Kid]

1. Isn't this the guy who told Rove to "keep up the good fight?"

If so, he needs to be fired. Now.

Before he does an "analysis" of why Obama lost the election, and condemns the "ridiculous" charges of voter fraud.

[Diane R]

2. Yes it is. It's totally inappropriate that he cover this election. We need to contact the AP.

[neuvocat]

3. [email protected]

I already wrote them and told them they have a major problem with him and that they need to replace him.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. AP's Ron Fournier -- Who Is Directing Campaign Coverage -- Considered Job with McCain

Source: Editor&Publisher

NEW YORK Ron Fournier, the former top Associated Press reporter returned to AP in March 2007 and now serves as D.C. bureau chief, where he directs coverage of the 2008 campaign. But before he took that job, Politico.com revealed tonight, he considered taking a job as a senior adviser to Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign.

A source said that he had been approached for this job in October 2006 and in the following months talked to several top McCain advisers about it.

Earlier this month, Fournier was criticized over what some saw as an overly-friendly email ("Keep up the fight") to Karl Rove in 2004.

When reached by Politico by phone Monday, Fournier declined to comment, but referred the matter to AP spokesman Paul Colford, who issued a statement: “It is not uncommon for journalists to be approached by political campaigns, elected officials and government agencies about possible job opportunities. Ron Fournier was approached by the McCain campaign and decided he wasn't interested in working for a political campaign, months before he rejoined AP in March 2007.”

Read more: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003832904

[SpiralHawk]

5. AP has morphed into a republicon homelander propaganda catapult

What a shame. AP has turned its back on journalism and the American people -- this is just more evidence.

[LiberalFighter]

6. AP's Ron Fournier To Karl Rove: "Keep Up The Fight"

Mother Jones

Fournier was one of a number of reporters (including Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan) who contacted the White House after news of Tillman's death broke "to offer advice." For example, Noonan advised Peter Wehner, the White House director of strategic initiatives, that he "find out what faith Tillman practiced and have the president go by that church and light a candle and say a prayer." Fournier's exchange with Rove is also described:

Karl Rove exhanged e-mails about Pat Tillman with Associated Press reporter Ron Fournier, under the subject line "H-E-R-O." In response to Mr. Fournier's e-mail, Mr. Rove asked, "How does our country continue to produce men and women like this," to which Mr. Fournier replied, "The Lord creates men and women like this all over the world. But only the great and free countries allow them to flourish. Keep up the fight."



It's one thing to report on the news. It's another thing to provide advice on how to handle incidents.

[DCKit]

7. He didn't take the job? Could've fooled me. n/t

[flpoljunkie]

8. Chilling...

In a May 2008 shake-up, Fournier was named Washington bureau chief, a post from which he oversees daily campaign coverage and is entrusted to analyze returns and make the final election-night call on the presidential election in November.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/12149.html

[closeupready]

9. Fournier is the biggest GOP shill. I've followed his crap for years, and

I have no respect for his work.