My girlfriend works in media relations for a DC nonprofit. She’s constantly expressing frustration about how lazy some reporters can be. For years her major problem was getting them to see the difference between medical abortion (=RU486) and emergency contraception (=the morning after pill / ‘Plan B’). Reporters still make the mistake. One terminates a pregnacy, the other prevents one. But never mind that, you’ve got a deadline.
Last night I was watching C-Span for a bit, and they were showing a press conference with Sens. Rockefeller, Levin, and (I think) Boxer. As you may know, the Dems forced a closed session out of which it was resolved that three Republicans and three Dems would report back to the senate by Nov. 14 to report on how the intelligence committee’s progress and plans to move forward on Phase II of its investigation of prewar intelligence issues. I know all this without having read a single article on the issue.
So when it becomes time for questions at this press conference, a reporter raises her hand and asks: “Why did you wait until three weeks before the Intelligence Committee’s final report was due on Nov. 14? Why not just wait until it’s issued?” Levin looked at her as TI would look at you if you asked, “OK, I know that Hobbes is a eudaimonist. But if so, why is he so hostile to Aristotle?”
Basically, Chris, I’m just saying that if you ever decide to go into journalism, my guess is that you’ll rise to Josh Marshall’s level with great celerity. ‘Cause, you see, you’re competent.
I can see it now: ExplanandaCafe.com
Chris | 05-Nov-05 at 11:58 am | Permalink
We’ll be rich! Rich, I tell you!
Chris | 05-Nov-05 at 12:32 pm | Permalink
“OK, I know that Hobbes is a eudaimonist. But if so, why is he so hostile to Aristotle?”
Man, that one never gets old.
Paul | 05-Nov-05 at 12:37 pm | Permalink
I don’t recall uttering that one before…It must be yours then!