Google "Gannon." It's dead. The top Dems wont back up Conyers.

[Dr Fate]

The best we get is "conspiracy planet." Most of the stories are about some football player.

How many headlines would there be if say, 10 top Democrats including Kerry & Dean backed up Conyers and echoed his pointed questions?

If this story dies, I dont want to here anyone asking why the GOP owned media did not repeat Conyer's talking points for him- I want us to ask why his fellow Democrats refused to do this.

http://www.conspiracyplanet.com/channel.cfm?channelid=65&contentid=2123

The Bush White House gay sex scandal heats up, as new revelations show that fake reporter and male prostitute Jeff Gannon "slept over" on numerous occasions at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Gannon had previously advertised his services on the internet as a male prostitute "top" at $1200 per weekend.

White House overnight trysts were not uncommon, according to Secret Service logs of Jeff Gannon's White House entries and exits, requested by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) using the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act).

[Fovea]

1. What the Pugs are not counting on.

Is that this story, now having worked its way into the WH, will not die in the foreign press. Nor will the digging stop.

It is already too late for the WH.

[Dr Fate]

4. Big whoop. The "foreign press" covered the forged yellow cake docs too.

Yet we never heard any Dems go on TV, night after night and ask "Who forged the documents, and why." Nope- too many of them remained silent and backed the war.

The same seems to be happening here. We have a chance to expose media propaganda- but instead we appear at this point to be giving Bush yet another free pass.

[Botany]

2. you are right ......

...... I keep thinking if this had happened under Clinton it would be on the
news 24/7 ....... What a joke.

[leveymg]

3. The AP story got picked up on Sunday evening in the WP, SF Chron,

NY Newsday, NC News Ledger, and UK Guardian.

The story was only 3 paras long, and omitted the 14 no sign-outs (security breach and/overnight) aspect. Weak, but not dead.

Don't despair. This one isn't going to go away.

:bounce:

[Dr Fate]

5. This is Wednesday morning- were are the Top named DEMs on this?

Will they leave Conyers twisting in the wind, like they did on voting reform?

I hope not, but if history is an indicator...

We should all call our reps and demand that they repeat Conyer's questions.

[Dr Fate]

6. 4 simple questions that Kerry, Dean Hillary etc need to repeat on TV:

Conyers did the work- now all the top, house-hold named DEMs need to do is go on those network/interview interview shows and repeat them:

1. The Department of Homeland Security's records indicate that Mr. "Gannon" entered the White House Complex 196 times in the past two years. He attended 155 of the 196 press conferences held at the White House in the two year period. This is disconcerting considering that your office and "Mr. Gannon" have maintained that his access was sporadic. At what point is a "hard pass" required?

2. The records show that Mr. "Gannon" was allowed access to the White House 38 times when no public press events occurred. He also spent hours in the White House both before and after press events took place. With whom did he meet on those occasions and what was the subject matter of those meetings?

3. On 13 occasions there is a record where he checked in with security, but is never registered as leaving the White House complex. How do you explain this?

4. Your Media Assistant, Lois Cassano, requested a total of 48 day passes for Mr. "Gannon" which helped facilitate his access for nearly 200 times over the last two years. It is nearly impossible that she would have made Gannon such a priority without direction from a supervisor. Would you like to revise your claim that, "I don't involve myself in that process, it's handled at a staff level."<1>

[blm]

49. Didn't Kerry and some others sign a letter calling for a Gannon probe?

And it would seem that Kerry was rejected for airtime last week while he was attacking the tactics of the GOP on every current issue. His video released to all his list, including the media, was summarily dismissed and deemed unnewsworthy by the news channels and their show bookers.

[Dr Fate]

62. More "letters"- I guess that is a start. Accusations onTV would be better.

And If top DEMs really are being denied interviews on TV, then they could go on Air America or the Daily Show and publically back Conyers- AND bring up the fact that CNN, etc is censoring them.

I'll need to hear the top DEMs SAY that they are being denied equal time on cable Debate/interview shows b/f I accept it as fact.

[bush_is_wacko]

94. The pugs are keeping them mighty busy running ads on all

the Constitutional changes and corruption regarding DeLay, social security, banning the fillibuster, blah, blah, blah. Personally I think it is deliberate so they can KEEP them from running ads about Gannon. Just an opinion, but I DO think it is time THOSE ads start being run too. Just the facts $50 "journalism course," unfettered access, overnight stays, Internet prostitution. WTF are THEY not investigating this? Prostitution is Still a crime. Why is Guckert NOT behind bars fro prostitution and why did they EVER let him in to the White House. Security checks SHOULD have uncovered those websites.

I'm in agreement here. IT'S TIME THE DEM'S START ASKING SOME SERIOUS QUESTIONS REGARDING GANNON AND PAY TO ADVERTISE THOSE QUESTIONS. In fact, I am donating money to them on a monthly basis and THAT is where I want my money spent. Dem's have learned one critical lesson, hit em' hard and often, but they don't seem to realize them the ALSO need to hit them with EVERYTHING they've got. Unfortunately, that makes me wonder if Gannon wasn't working both sides of the aisle, if you know what I mean?

[Dr Fate]

96. Thank you, fellow Rocket Scientist!

WOW- go on TV and ASK QUESTIONS that make Bush look bad instead of waiting for Republcian journalists to to it- GENIUS, huh?

;)

[bush_is_wacko]

108. Isn't that the truth?

I think they might start doing it eventually, but you know all those other fish they have to fry right? One can only hope they realize that Monica and Gannon DO have a few things in common!

[Dr Fate]

116. Multi-tasking.

The average citizen has to work 2 or 3 jobs at once-I say DEMs can fry many fish at once as well- it just takes a little work.

Besides, exposing media propaganda could aid in frying those other fish you speak of.

[bush_is_wacko]

137. I guess if the average employer can ask his/her worker to do

eighty things at once the Dem's should be able to split 500 things up amongst themselves! Yeah, that gotta get a clue. This doesn't really belong on the back burner. I just saw the most despicable bushhitler car on the road today. It included a bumper sticker depicting the AMERICAN Flag partially flush down a toilet with the words "we flushed the johns!" Um, can anyone explain to me how THAT is patriotic?!?! The guy was your typical aggressive driver in a gas guzzling SUV with derogatory bumper stickers EVERY-where. I don't mind freedom of expression, but his frigging opinions are distasteful and arrogant. Among his "speech" was the infamous fish magnet. I don't have a clue how these people can reconcile ANYTHING thugs do with religion, but I guess ignorance is bliss!

[leveymg]

13. Whoever is strategizing this issue has decided to wait. Don't ask me why.

I think it's ripe, particularly tiptoeing in on the heals of the Shrub-Abdullah stroll through the Texas bluebells imbroglio. But, what do I know?

The Gannon pay per view p-j parties at the White House may yet get the same treatment. There's plenty of room for development of the story -- those 14 no sign-outs "suggestive" of security breaches and/or sleep overs in the Lincoln Bedroom. And then there's Gannon's role in the Valerie Plame affair. Lots more than the 196 visits by Guckert mentioned in the AP story.

And, then, that rare gem of understatement: Gannon's call boy website "suggestive of gay pornography" -- jeez, MIILITARYESCORTS.com looks like prostitution (a crime) to me. See, below.

Perhaps, I'm being too optimistic here. Let's say that this story doesn't ever again see the light of day. This sort of management of the news is masterful trademark of the American corporate media. Frame the story by omitting and obscuring the key facts. Break the story into pieces and let "conspiracy theorists" put it back together again. Any mistakes in reassembly calls the very reality of the original story into question. This is how the 9/11/Iraq crimes of command got covered up.

That makes the WP andother "independent", "objective", "professional" American papers really are just the funny pages stuck amidst advertising paid for by multinational corporations.

______________________________________________________________________
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/25/AR2005042501254_pf.html
washingtonpost.com
Records: Writer at White House 196 Times

The Associated Press
Monday, April 25, 2005; 8:21 PM



WASHINGTON -- A conservative writer who quit his job covering President Bush amid criticism for his pointedly political questions visited the White House 196 times in two years, the Secret Service has disclosed.

James D. Guckert, who wrote under the name Jeff Gannon, was Washington bureau chief for Talon News, a conservative online news outlet associated with another Web site, GOPUSA. Guckert posed questions with conservative overtones, attracting scrutiny from liberal bloggers who linked Guckert with online domain addresses suggestive of gay pornography. Guckert resigned in February.

Democratic Reps. Louise Slaughter of New York and John Conyers of Michigan filed a freedom of information request and were given Secret Service records of Guckert's visits to the White House.

______________________________________________________________________

Undoubtedly, the best coverage has been by small web-based media abroad. Take a gander at this:

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0502/S00178.htm
A Gay Prostitute Inside Bush's Inner Media Circle
Wednesday, 16 February 2005, 11:32 am
Article: Alastair Thompson

A Gay Prostitute Inside Bush's Inner Media Circle
Scoop Links: A Jeff Gannon (James D. Guckert) Primer

Compiled By Scoop's Alastair Thompson
In the past few days one of the most bizarre stories in US political media ever emerged via the blogosphere, and has since spilled out into the mainstream.

While on first blush the story appears a wee bit prurient - thanks to the involvement of prostitution and homosexuality themes - the central thesis of the story does involve some serious issues of journalistic ethics.

Jeff Gannon, a reporter from an extremely partisan web based news service operating under a false name, is working in the White House, and is even selected to ask questions of the President himself at his January 26th press conference.

This same reporter is discovered brazenly boasting about his access to classified CIA documents related to outed CIA undercover agent Valerie Plame, the wife of Ambassador Joseph Wilson who publicly exposed the Vice President's knowledge of the fact that the Niger yellow-cake documents used to justify the Iraq war were forgeries.

The following is a series of links to coverage in both the blogosphere and the mainstream media of the Jeff Gannon affair.


*********


Jeff Gannon (James D. Guckert) at a White House press briefing

The Gannon/Guckert Story Unfolds In The Blogoshere
Americablog – the blog that outed Jeff Gannon
In particular see…this post - where the truly bizarre aspects of this story emerge



A wing-nut White House reporter's alter-ego – Jim Guckert
apparently also a gay prostitution website proprietor

Jeffgannon.com - Jeff Gannon's Blog – which has now ceased operation

Websites also owned by the same person and company that owns JeffGannon.com


Hotmilitarystud.com
Militaryescorts.com
Militaryescortsm4m.com

[sendero]

24. For goodness sakes....

... you made me spit my drink all over the place :)

" tiptoeing in on the heals of the Shrub-Abdullah stroll through the Texas bluebells imbroglio"

[leveymg]

27. Considering the topic. purple prose seemed apropos

Try this smiley: :spray:

Next round's on me: :toast:

[Dr Fate]

30. the same "strategists" who lost the last 3 elections, perhaps?

???

[ClassWarrior]

32. We won the last 3 elections.

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

38. Conyers will back you up on that- but not the top DEMs.

Kind of my point.

If we had played the game like the GOP does, they would not have been close enough to steal.

[ClassWarrior]

41. Your point is, because you think you know what Dems have done...

...in the past, you're sure you know what they're doing now.

MY point is, idle speculation like that on a public forum, especially when it advances Radical RW frames like "the top Dems have rolled over" or "we lost the last 3 elections," is irresponsible and harmful to us.

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

43. I still dont have faith in the DEM "strategists"

And I will speak out loudly when I think they are making the same mistakes that they have made over the past 3 election cycles.

I'll speak out even louder when I support them.

If DEMs drop the ball on this, it will be a big mistake.

All I'm asking is that the top DEMs with name recognition start contributing to the echo chamber on this matter- the GOP owned media aint gonna do it for us.

[ClassWarrior]

45. If... IF... the Dems drop the ball on this?? LOL

You've already ACCUSED them of dropping the ball on this. Yours are the words of judge, jury, and executioner.

And yes, we SHOULD demand that the top Dems contribute to the echo chamber. OF COURSE WE SHOULD. But here's a tip - the closest any of them comes to posting here is Elizabeth Edwards, and her husband isn't even IN the Senate anymore. You'd have better success at their offices... <LOL>

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

46. It appears they have. I hope I'm wrong.

If I am, then we can both be very happy about all this.

I'd love to be proved 100% wrong and see all the top DEms on TV repeating Conyers concerns. PLEASE OH PLEASE be wrong, Dr Fate!!!

God- believe me, I hope I'm, wrong.

I hope that either DEMs or the GOP owned media decides to persue this further.

[ClassWarrior]

50. Instead of just "hoping," why not try...

...calling or visiting the Dems and the Corporate Media?

<LOL>

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

51. I've done that and oh, so much more. I'm very active. More so than most.

I used to post activism threads here during the election- they all sunk like stones.

I hope I'm wrong and you are right.

I had a thread yesterday calling on all DUers to call their DEM reps and demand that they back Conyers- after I did just that myself.

I failed to put "flame" language in that post title, so it too sunk like a stone.

Visit or call the media and ask them to cover this? I may as well ask Karl Rove to start talking about it.

Peace to you, CW.

[Q]

53. Don't get discouraged...

...by those who imply that you're hurting the party by demanding that representatives do their jobs and uphold the law.

The FACTS show that the Democratic leadership has allowed the Bush administration to get away/escape accountability on literally dozens of scandals/criminal acts over the last FOUR YEARS. Since the 2000 election...we've seen outright cowardice coming from the party leaders on issues ranging from election fraud to government/corporate accountability.

With a pisspoor record like this...do you really expect them to stand up now and be counted in opposition to the Bush regime?

[ClassWarrior]

56. So when you don't have an answer, you twist the other person's words?

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

58. Just what question is it that you want us to answer?

I'll be glad to answer you as soon as you clarify the statement/question.

I dont always agree with him, but I've never seen Q back down from questions either.

[ClassWarrior]

70. Well, for one, how is publicly bad-mouthing your own side...

..."demanding that representatives do their jobs and uphold the law??"

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

85. It's not bad-mouthing, its free advice, I'm telling them how to win.

We dont win by waiting for the Republican owned media to repeat our talking points for us- we win, or at least do better, if we do that ourselves.


Dr Fate is no longer your faithful cheerleader like he was during the election- sorry to break that to you.

Now he wants action, not excuses.

When DEMs do good, I'll say so. When DEMs repeat the mistakes that lost us the last 3 elections, I'll say so.

I'll continue to hold their feet to the fire when I disagree with their strategies or lack there of.

You call it "bad mouthing"- I call it honest concerns.

Peace.

[ClassWarrior]

89. First you claim they're clueless and out of touch, and then you assume...

...they're logging onto DU, waiting for whatever Dr. Fate has to say with bated breath.

:rofl:

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

91. I'm glad you think it's all about me.

Who said they were clueless or out of touch? perhaps they are, but I never said that. What i said is that their "strategies" cost us the last 3 elections, and that they are not backing Conyers on exposing gannon/media propaganda.

You were just admonishing me for putting words in your mouth- go figure.

It's not rocket science- DEMs should not have to read DU to know that their top names would do a better job of spreading DEM taklking points than Journalists who work for Republicans.

DUers can contact their reps and demand they back Conyers, or they can assume that the DEMs are already on it, or have strategically decided to drop it, or what ever.

Since all my detractors seem to think this about me, tell 'em Dr Fate sent ya!

[ClassWarrior]

93. And I repeat - don't tell ME, TELL THEM!!!

Unless of course this is all about you.

:rofl:

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

95. And I repeat- I already did. Hoping others will too.

Glad you find my frustration so funny. At least you are helping me keep this thread kicked.

Peace to you and yours.

[tavalon]

100. Um,

what the heck is your problem?

Lighten up dude! (or dudette!)

[Q]

99. I don't pretend to 'have an answer'...

...to this problem. But the RECORD shows that Bush has gotten away with more criminal/unethical acts (in broad daylight) than any other president in American history. The Democratic response has been to whine and then run away. Even worse...some Democrats have actually helped Bush coverup his crimes and misdeeds. (9-11, Enron, Halliburton, etc)

The Democratic rank and file are very pissed that Bush is allowed to get away with so much. It's no surprise that Republicans won't speak out. But it's still a shock to the senses that the Democratic leadership has been silent for so long.

[Dr Fate]

57. No- Wolf Blitzer held a gun to their heads and said: Dont talk about that

n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

47. For all we know

Conyers and Slaugther are still investigating. Maybe they're waiting until there's more of a story and more knowledge. Right now there's still a lot of mysteries.

[Dr Fate]

63. Yes- there ARE a lot of questions that need to be asked...

..and I prefer that they be asked on TV, by top, house-hold named Democrats.

[ClassWarrior]

71. There's the problem...

It's all about what YOU'd prefer - not necessarily about what'd be effective.

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

86. I'll bite-what would be more effective?

How can we get this on TV screens in Red States?

My plan would do it.

What is your plan?

[Im with Rosey]

80. This is exactly what I was thinking

I'm so glad you said it so eloquently! Thanks:applause:

[Dr Fate]

87. So how would you get this issue on TV screens in Red States?

???

My idea would work- I'm open to other ideas.

[BR_Parkway]

84. Well, it's not going anywhere and the longer they take to not

answer the questions asked is going to look worse. At the moment, look at the positive traction we're getting on Delay, Filibuster/Theocracy, and all the polls in general. Maybe they've decided to let this one keep simmering for a little while, that way it's not a distraction from the current scandals. As they start to die down, then they can start making more noise and bring it back to the front.

I personally think Reid & Dean are doing a great job in focusing the Dems (for once - it's like herding kittens) but look at how much more they can do once our reps have had a taste of a few successes? That's why it worked for Newt/Rove - the ReThugs have had good results getting what they want by sticking together, so it's easier for them to "stay the course"

And if finally looks like the Dem leadership is actually leading, setting some priorities and winning some of these battles.

[Gyre]

92. Preaching to the choir

Take a look at those papers. They all have monstrous progressive readerships who will automatically believe and and all negatives we hear about the WH. Now, if the story had been carried in the Topeka Dumbass, THAT would be newsworthy!

Gyre

[ClassWarrior]

7. "I dont want to here anyone asking why the GOP owned media..."

"...did not repeat Conyer's talking points."

I don't have to ask. I know why. Because the Corporate Media are whores for Bushco.

Besides, this isn't a story for Congress to pile onto quite yet - there's nothing solid and we're NOT in the majority. Let the surrogates fan the coals awhile first and see if it bursts into flames. If you excuse the pun.

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

8. 4 simple questions that top Dems need to be asking- NOW.

Screw surrogates- their quotes dont get repeated in "the papers" like they would if it were Kerry, Hillary, Dean or Obama.

Why wont they stand besside Conyers on this- why is he not afraid to ask these questions?

1. The Department of Homeland Security's records indicate that Mr. "Gannon" entered the White House Complex 196 times in the past two years. He attended 155 of the 196 press conferences held at the White House in the two year period. This is disconcerting considering that your office and "Mr. Gannon" have maintained that his access was sporadic. At what point is a "hard pass" required?

2. The records show that Mr. "Gannon" was allowed access to the White House 38 times when no public press events occurred. He also spent hours in the White House both before and after press events took place. With whom did he meet on those occasions and what was the subject matter of those meetings?

3. On 13 occasions there is a record where he checked in with security, but is never registered as leaving the White House complex. How do you explain this?

4. Your Media Assistant, Lois Cassano, requested a total of 48 day passes for Mr. "Gannon" which helped facilitate his access for nearly 200 times over the last two years. It is nearly impossible that she would have made Gannon such a priority without direction from a supervisor. Would you like to revise your claim that, "I don't involve myself in that process, it's handled at a staff level."<1>

[ClassWarrior]

9. Sure, if they want to look like lunatics and idiots.

<LOL>

You say out of one side of your mouth that they should go out there guns blazing, but out of the other side you say that they have no significant support if they do. Nuff said.

NGU.

[Botany]

14. Class Warrior

What do we have to loose? bush stole the election & lied to get us into a war.
We might as well blaze away. Hell, all we need is "lucky shot."

[ClassWarrior]

15. Read Sun Tsu.

NGU.

[Botany]

16. No need

I live in Columbus, Ohio and saw hard core thuggery @ work first hand.

Gannon = Gay Male Sex for Money

That will not wash with the fundies here. Their leadership will try to skip
over it but the rank and file bubbas hate them "gueers."

We have to fight them on all levels. No retreat No Surrender

[ClassWarrior]

19. Read Sun Tsu. A little reading never hurt anyone.

NGU.

[Botany]

21. I just read a little Sunny Tsu .......

..... he is down w/ attacking now with Gannon ......

"Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend;
march swiftly to places where you are not expected."
Sun Tsu

**********************************************************************************
And remember as the corn grows the mice fear the cat but hunger
urges them into the fields. For it is better to die w/ a belly full
and doing what you like than it is to starve in your nest.

Botany Tsu "The Art of the Blog."

[shance]

23. So you're more concerned what we look like than standing together

and speaking the truth?

THATS our problem Class Warrior. We need to quit letting Republicans dictate, especially by their neverending lies.

We are in deep trouble in this country if their abuses, crimes and lies are allowed to continue.

[ClassWarrior]

25. I totally agree with everything you say. But there's a time for acting...

...and a time for watching and waiting. And acting doesn't mean acting rashly or stupidly.

NGU.

[tavalon]

101. The time for waiting and watching is over

We spent an awful lot of time waiting and watching while the thugs stole all the goodies and set up a fascist shop. I'm really tired of being told that we should do more of that.

[Dr Fate]

103. Sit back & relax- the GOP owned media is ON THIS story!!!!

Dont you get it- the top DEMS are counting on Wolf Blitzer and Brit Hume to present the details of Conyer's letter!!!

They are "giving them enough rope to hang themsleves with" and "playing rope-a-dope"- either that or they are afraid Karl Rove will send them anthrax or "Wellstone" them. It depends on which excuse you like best, I guess.

[Dr Fate]

31. I see- Conyers is a nut.

I think he asks some very pointed questions- I'd love to know the answers.

[ClassWarrior]

34. So when you don't have an answer, you twist the other person's words?

Not very Progressive.

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

36. Oh- my bad "lunatics and idiots" instead of "nut"

I fail to see how demanding that Bush answer these questions makes anyone look like a "lunatic" or an "idiot."

I guess I'm not a progressive for thinking that???

[ClassWarrior]

37. So when you don't have an answer, you twist the other person's words?

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

40. I thought you suggested we would look like "Lunatics" if we backed Conyers

Other Duers can read your post and and they can interpret it however they want. I'm not trying to misquote you.

I never said anything about DEMs not having support for speaking out either.

[ClassWarrior]

42. So when you don't have an answer, you twist the other person's words?

NGU.

[Dr Fate]

44. Er, no. But feel free to clarify your post.

I could have sworn that you suggested we would look like "lunatics" if we repeat Conyers questions.

I apologize- please clarify what you meant.

I never said anything about "Guns blazing"- I said we could ask 4 simple questions.

[tavalon]

102. This is what I'm getting annoyed at

You have plenty of retorts directed at your fellow progressive here but you don't seem to have anything useful to contribute to the discussion, except to say that this discussion shouldn't be happening. Not good enough, not nearly good enough.

Feh, I'm going to work.

[Botany]

12. Great Post

I sent copies of your ?s along to the Head of the Ohio Democratic Party.

I think everybody should contact their state party chairpersons and demand
that Gannon be looked into.

Gannon = bush poison.

Although I do not put much stock into Denny White the head of the Ohio
Dems. He laid down last fall despite overwhelming evidence of electoral
theft and fraud.

His e mail is .....
Dennis White <[e-mail]>

[sandnsea]

22. Pretend answers

What if the answers go something like, tons of gay reporters in the White House, tons of gay reporters who forget to sign out. Going after the gay angle damages qualified gay reporters, not worth hurting good gay reporters or adding gay to liberal media bias.

The other questions are valid, but the blogosphere can't seem to stick to the important issue, and keep wanting to turn it into a gay issue.

It's a possiblity.

[Dr Fate]

29. Let bush split those hairs. n/t

n/t

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

10. Its the way of politics...If we drop a bomb then they will drop a bomb

Do you think only repubs do things that are bad? They have something on us so we can't tell on them....get my drift? Don't ya think there are dems that have had male prostitutes and engaged in pedophilia just like the repubs. Its time to clean house...I MEAN TOTALLY...on both sides but the American people are stupid and lazy and will just go on with their lives with their heads stuck in the sand. Ain't life grand.

[ClassWarrior]

11. Oh sure, they BOTH do it. Never mind the fact that...

...an occasional Dem breaks the rules while corporate crime is the first plank in the Republicon Party platform. They BOTH do it.

:rofl:

NGU.

[leveymg]

17. Mutually Assured Destruction - some bombs are too important to waste in

mere politics. Take Bush Sr.'s White House call-boy scandal from 1989: Includes scanned newspapers.

http://www.voxfux.com/features/bush_child_sex_coverup/f...

This stuff is reemerging now because of the imminent danger of a major war breaking out with Iran. The Europeans are against it, the Russians and Chinese are against it. Not sure about the Saudis, but they're split on every issue. Every side has intelligence agencies with miles and miles of files on stuff like this.

Any one of them can "go nuclear" with sex scandals involving each others leaders at any time. In fact, that may signal the real thing.

:evilgrin: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :dunce: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :grr:

[Dr Fate]

33. Not Conyers or Savage at least.

Are we really saying that anyone who wont speak up is "in on it?"

[Ian David]

18. "Slept over" Are we talking about The White House or Neverland Ranch?

"There's something sweet and innocent about cuddling in bed with a gay male prostitute pretending to be a reporter. Why do people have to turn it into something dirty? It's natural. It's innocent. I just love bald people."

-- George W. Bush

[earth mom]

20. Lukewarm...but not dead.

GAWD! If we only had some video or audio tapes on Gannon and * & Co...ala Watergate...then this story would be HOT HOT HOT! :evilgrin:

[Al-CIAda]

26. Add the stolen election with rigged machines and voter purges,

the released yest final FINAL report about how we were LIED into a war...how the PNAC agenda is being implemented, etc, etc....


We're fucked.


In regard to Gannon, it should be used as a battering ram to expose all the propaganda and fake/paid news being perpetrated on the American people. We are being lied to constantly on every front.

[paineinthearse]

28. Not quite right - the AP story is getting some distribution.

Did you google "web" or "news"?

When I googled "news", between all the blog covers, I found the Associated Presses tiny report titled "Records: Writer at White House 196 times" several times. Most recently at http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/11487400.htm

[Dr Fate]

35. It's the same short, biased story- and it's two days old.

n/t

[leveymg]

115. Thanks for doing a complete search on that

and helping to set the record straight. This story still has legs.

A lot of pessimism out there to overcome. The frustration is understandable.

:hi:

[Dr Fate]

119. It's the same story- and its 2 days old. It proves my point.

n/t

[0007]

39. Bummer!

[libertypirate]

48. Dopey... Search Google News It's not dead yet...

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=&ie=UTF-8&scoring=d&q=guckert

Search for guckert, their are too many Gannons.

[Dr Fate]

52. Nothing my aunts & uncles in the red states will ever see though.

Raw Story and a Gay website?

My point is that this needs to be ON TV- "Monica Style."

The only way to do that is to have DEMs making hay about it.


I hope you are right- I hope your search indicates that this will be on TV screens in the Red States this week.

[libertypirate]

73. Why are you waiting for a miracle...

The miracle is when you get pissed off enough to tell them they are full of shit.

BTW You must still believe somehow that there is such a thing as a corporate liberal media.

[Dr Fate]

76. Dr Fate cant get on TV and talk about Gannon- Top DEMs can.

Dr Fate cant go on TV and tell "the liberal media" that they are full of it. Top DEMs can, unless Wolf Blitzer is holding a gun to their heads or somthing.

This is not about me- but if folks want to make this thread about me, then I suppose my ego will allow for that! :)

[Griffy]

135. TALK to them.. the MSM is not going to help.. word of mouth!!

its stronger than you think.... but its slow.. look at the polls if you want to see the slow turn.. 50% now saw bush lied us into war... his approval is falling! Air America continues to grow and so much new media!

[Terre]

54. WAIT A MINUTE HERE!

The title of your thread is very misleading to say the least, even using the word "Google". There is nothing in that blog that says anything about Dems not backing up Conyers. And just because you don't see a slew of Google entries by the MSM mentioning other Dem reps, doesn't mean it's not being given the attention it deserves.

And this from CP:

White House overnight trysts were not uncommon, according to Secret Service logs of Jeff Gannon's White House entries and exits, requested by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) using the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act).

There is absolutely nothing in the Secret Service records, that were provided, indicating that there was an overnight stay. In fact, entries and exists don't back up that contention. That's not to say he didn't, but it would have had to have been without a SS record.

I'm not defending or saying something isn't right in Denmark, but this type of blogging is irresponsible, and makes the rest of us look bad, if not hysterical.

[paineinthearse]

59. I agree

...but have you noticed it is the posts with sensationalist and grandiose subject lines that get the most notice?

[Dr Fate]

61. BULLSEYE.

My thread on this yesterday was simple call to notify your reps and demand that they back Conyers- that thread had two posts, one of them mine.

Last time I checked, opinions are allowed in subject headings.

Which DEMs are publically backing Conyers?- I'd like to send them a congratulatory note.

[Dr Fate]

60. OK- I'll bite- which Top DEMs are backing Conyers?

I really want to hear some news that turns my assumption on its head.

[Terre]

65. Oh com'on!

You said in your title:

The top Dems wont back up Conyers.

Very tricky and disingenuous title on your part, IMO

Why should I have to defend what YOU stated as a truth, when I don't know WHO these "top Dems" are to begin with?

For pete's sake - these records have only been available for a few days now, and misleading readers with a title just to get some sort of response is flat out irresponsible. So, if it's not against the rules, it certainly should be. Anyway, how do you know that your prior thread wasn't read and acted on, but those people just chose not to post a reply?

Ya know, not all threads get a rise from the readers here, and the majority of mine will prove it. I'm sure I'm not alone.

I suggest you spend a bit more time considering titles that will attract readers to your threads, instead of lowering yourself using this type of tactic.

[Dr Fate]

67. Show me examples of the top DEMs repeating his questions.

that is the jist of my thread- if top DEMs would go on TV and REPEAT his questions, there would be more headlines about this.

Until I see differently, I'll stand by my assumption that "top DEMs" will not back Conyers.


Top DEMs include:

Howard Dean
John Kerry
Hillary Clinton
Obama Barrack, etc, etc

In other words, high-profile, house-hold name DEMS that are quotable, have access to TV interview debate shows and who are known to non-political types.

If these DEMs or others would all just go on TV and back Conyers, this story would pick up some steam. as it is, it appears the story is dying. I'd love to be wrong.

I hope I'm wrong.

[Terre]

69. Why didn't your title read

"Top Dems will not go on TV" OR "Where are the Dems?"

Then again, whose to say they won't, or aren't there? It hasn't been that long since this information was released. The "Top Dems" can't just drop what there doing and rush the network or cable channels looking for air time. Just because you don't see it in print or television doesn't mean nothing is happening.

Give it time for heavens sake. They just can't willy nilly start making accusations.

I'd love to see this go somewhere too, but as we all know these days, we don't always get what we want.

[Dr Fate]

74. Because it is my thread and it conveys my opinions and emotions.

Not to mention the thoughts of lots of other DEMs who are tired of excuses and want action.

And here at DU, you have to craft "hot" titles in order to get people to respond. Just like DEMs need to use more "hot language" in order to fool the media into responding to them.

I tried this thread yesterday with a sober title- I got two responses, one of them was my own kick.

Hey- if DEMs dont have time to go on TV and fight Bush/media propaganda, that is fine, I guess- just dont blame the "MSM" if the story falls off the radar.

I cant expect Wolf, Woodruff or O'Reilly to talk about it on TV if Kerry, Dean Hillary & Obama wont talk about it on TV either.

[Terre]

79. I understand it's YOUR thread

but in 'my opinion' it's unfair to cry 'wolf' or tell us that the 'sky is falling' regarding this issue.

So anyway, enough said on that matter.

Now that you have everyone's attention (at least mine), what do you want the Dems to say at this early date?

Don't you think some careful investigation is warranted, rather than having them going off half-cocked?

Wouldn't it be better if everyone had their little duckies in a row first?

Just curious.

[Dr Fate]

82. John Conyers already did the work.

A good start would be to repeat the 4 simple questions
in his letter, and then demand that President Bush respond.

[SeanQ]

78. And of course there is this little tiny problem,

that most of the major outlets wont give the top dems the time of day, never mind free air time about an issue they have no intention of airing if they can at all avoid it.

Sure, the democratic leadership has been disappointing in recent years. But now that some are starting to show some spine, it's a bit too late and no one seems to be broadcasting it when they do. :mad:

Yeah, I hope they keep upping the heat on this. I hope it gets some legs in main stream media. But after some of Kerry's recent, _very_ strong statements got basically no airplay nationally, a deep fear that the media is to far gone has begun to set in. :scared:

[Dr Fate]

81. Who is refusing to interview Kerry, Hillary, Obama, Dean, etc???

Which network? Which show? Which host does this?

So NO Dems will be on the cable shows tonight?- and the ones who are will have a gun in their back and a message not to speak of certain issues?

I'll need proof- I'll even except the mere accusation from a public DEM that this is occuring.

[Laurab]

117. Thanks, Sean Q - finally!

I was wondering when someone was going to say just that. There really isn't a media anymore, and it IS scary. The good Dr. seems to think that these "top dems" can just call up some tv program, and ask to be on, to discuss any old thing they want, any old time. It just doesn't happen anymore. Maybe on Jon Stewart.

I read an article Molly Ivins recently wrote tonight. Seems the media was contacted by the repukes and told not to use the term "nuclear option" anymore. From now on, it's "constitutional option". If they don't follow their new marching orders, they will be cut off from whatever new propaganda the WH releases, I guess. Molly doesn't plan to follow the order, but I wonder who will. And in THAT media atmosphere, they're going to ask "top dems" to come on their shows and talk about something they're not supposed to be talking about?

I just don't think most people realize how far gone our media really is. This story won't get anywhere until it can no longer be avoided. It's a PERFECT National Enquirer/Star tabloid story - always has been, but it hasn't even been there. I'm pretty sure one or both are owned by Murdoch. They're owned by someone who can't or won't report it, that's for sure.

The only hope I see is the dems getting more organized, more outspoken, and, yes, showing spine. That, along with bushit's low rating, is opening up a few doors, a tiny bit. The media now needs to grow a bit of a spine. The "top dems" could talk until they were blue in the face, that doesn't mean we'll hear about it, or see it. If we do see it, it's an article like the AP one, that leaves all the JUICY stuff out.

This is a nasty, powerful machine running this country - it's not going to be easy to take it away from them, but I do think the dems are starting to get their act together, and I am hopeful.

[Dr Fate]

121. Who has ever refused Kerry, Obama , Dean or Hillary an interview???

????

And you mentioned John Stewart- that would be a great start- then they could go on The Daily Show and say what you just said- that the other news shows censor them and refuse to give them equal time-if that is indeed true.

I keep hearing the excuse that the interview debate shows refuse to have on the top DEMS- but I've seen no proof. Even a simple allegation from one of the DEMs who was denied equal time/access would suffice.

If Top Dems like Kerry or Dean REALLY cant get interviews on Wolf Blitzer, etc (which is odd, b/c I've seen them on those shows b/f) then they need to speak up about it.

[Laurab]

133. Maybe there is no proof?

Maybe there are "scheduling conflicts" and things like that. The Rovian machine works in very interesting ways. No one in "corporate media" wants to get on their bad side. I've seen too many great speeches by "top Dems" that have not been covered by the RW media. I've seen too many great stories that have not been covered by the RW media. I'm sure the "top Dems" can get on some shows, for some things, but I'm not so sure they can do it as easily as you think they can.

I don't KNOW for a fact, but from everything I've seen, it would appear that the media is owned lock, stock & barrel. Once again, proving it would be difficult, as is everything KKKRove and his facist friends do.

They leave no fingerprints, and they leave no proof, and my opinion is just that, an opinion, because I know how they work, and I've seen what the media covers.

[Dr Fate]

136. But I've SEEN Dean, Kerry, Obam AND Hillary on those shows...

..with my own eyes.

Is there a new effort to ban them from network & cableshows that I'm not aware of, or just another excuse?

Were there no DEMS on these shows last night??? Was someone holding guns tot heir heads?

If these top DEMs have been turned down from shows as DUers tell me, say more than 3 times, then it's time for them to go on local shows,Air America or The Daily Show and speak up about this censorship.

[leveymg]

118. I disagree. If you check in but don't check out that same day it's

pretty good evidence that you stayed real late, at least. In a divorce proceeding, that would be solid evidence of infidelity, at least. Not conclusive, in itself, but getting there. When you put it together with other stuff -- Gannon's history as a male prostitute and unusual access to insider dirt -- there's a solid case here.

:bounce:

[ComerPerro]

55. Probably a bunch of Legend of Zelda links

[Dr Fate]

64. Even on DU's own LBN: Not one single new story.

I give it another day or two.

Hope I'm wrong.

[rocktivity]

66. FYI, the SS logs have been converted to text files

making them easier to search.

link

They can be opened in Word or Excel.

:headbang:
rocknation

[Terre]

90. There is also another file

I did that you can get from Goldmund's page, to print out or to download an .xls file which opens already formatted in Word.

http://www.jeffgannon.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=1&lang=

If you use it, please be sure to up-date according to new information that I haven't up-dated myself.

[intheflow]

68. I googled Gannon and got CBS, Raw Story, AmericaBlog,

Daily Kos and Media Matters on the first two pages.

If I google "Jeff Gannon" I add 2 Washington Post links, NY Times, Alternet, Wonkette, Editor and Publisher, and the SF Gate.

I don't know how you can say this is dead.

[sabra]

72. OP meant news.google.com n/t

[intheflow]

111. Thanks.

My misunderstanding.

[Dr Fate]

75. Great- so I can expect this on Red State TV screens tonight?

I could if Kerry, Dean, Hillary, Obama etc went on TV and spoke up.

That is my point.

[EFerrari]

77. It ain't dead until we decide to bury it. And, I'm not done yet.

:)

[Dr Fate]

83. Me either- problem is, I cant get on those network & cable interview shows

If I could, I would read Conyer's letter aloud and demand answers.

[EFerrari]

104. Try harder : )

Really, since I've been on DU, I'm almost impressed at what we can get done.

You have to be willing to fail and to keep going anyway.

:hi:

[Disturbed]

88. "suggestive of gay pornography."

What BUSHIT! Guckert's Web Sites blatantly advertised his sexual services. Top Dems have remaimed silent on many violations of the Bush Junta. Why?

Top level Dems aren't backing Conyers. Why?

[EFerrari]

105. Immaturity? I say, we run Conyers in 2008. Am not kidding.

It's been a long, dry as dust long time since we had a real Democrat to run.

[troubleinwinter]

109. Me. Conyers. 2008. YESSSSS.

[EFerrari]

110. Let's do it! This is a man with a heart and a head AND a pair.

(And me, a good catholic girl saying that!)

[Tigress DEM]

126. Conyers for PREZ!!!

Boxer or Slaughter for VP



:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Tigress DEM]

128. Finnally broke down and sent him an email to run in 2008.

Who knows?

Email to Conyers:

SUBJECT: Run for President 2008, John, REALLY.

Everytime I log into the DemocraticUnderground and there is an issue that needs to be dealt with, you are there.

First with Boxer on the Voter Fraud and then with Slaughter on the Gannon scandle. The repukes don't listen to you, but the DEMs underground think you are the greatest.

[Tigress DEM]

129. Email for John Conyers

Anyone else want to encourage him or tell Dean what the American people expect in a President is already living and breathing in MI?

http://www.house.gov/conyers/letstalk.htm

[EFerrari]

132. Thank you, I will send him an email. n/t

[bvar22]

97. I agree with you Dr Fate.

Henry Waxman also demands answers, but is not a big enough name to demand Media time. The Dem leadership, if they spoke in unison could deliver the message....

on Gannon...

on Stolen Elections....

on Corporate Influence in DC....

on Republican Corruption....

on the Illegality of The War on the Iraqi People....

on the outrage over the Last Report on no WMDs.....

on the Destruction of the Constitution....

on Global Torture Networks....

on Valerie Plame.....

On the Class War....

On the hypocrisy of the Republican Fristian Right...

On the problems with Media Consolidation.....

On the Evils of unrestrained Corporatism...

SHIT MAN. The Democratic Party could BUY time for a weekly TV report on the TRUE state of the Nation.
The Internet and LeftRadio would carry it for FREE. MSM could NOT ignore it.




BTW: More on Gannon.
He has been documented on Video to be IN the Whitehouse WITHOUT official logs

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/4/27/85948/0070

Guckert/Gannon in White House with no record of entry or exit
by ePluribus Media
Wed Apr 27th, 2005 at 05:59:48 PDT

By Todd Johnston
ePluribus Media

To be fair, when Ronald Reagan was wounded by John Hinckley it was an unpredictable bank shot around his human shields that punctured the President's lung. And 24 years later, no doubt, somebody in the Secret Service is pulling "ricochet duty." Yet new documents, reported on Monday by Raw Story, reveal at least five days that James D. Guckert, a.k.a. Jeff Gannon, was inside the White House, apparently without the knowledge of the Secret Service.

The following clips, found by ePluribus Media researchers at C-Span and the White House, unmistakably capture Guckert at White House press briefings, asking questions, and being called on by name:


Diaries :: ePluribus Media's diary :: :: Trackback ::


April 15, 2003
Press Briefing by Ari Fleischer.

June 9, 2003
Press Briefing by Ari Fleischer

November 5, 2003
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan

January 6, 2005
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan

January 10, 2005
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan

[Dr Fate]

98. Thank you, fellow genius-rocket scientist!

Famous, house-hold name Democrats can spread our messages better than unknowns or Republican talking-heads- GENIUS I tells ya!

:)

[dxstone]

114. I've said it before, I'll say it again...

Leave it to bvar! A great list, plus some actual NEW news! Yay!

To the good Doctor: Bravo to you, on this whole post and on your extremely poised and rational demeanor in dealing with at least two real doofuses upthread; it's weird, you wave your hands to get attention on this, and there are all these people who start to shout you down for being so NEGATIVE, I guess; but if you weren't warning of this story's impending death, it would be sinking all the faster...
In terms of your main points, we are in total agreement...
What's my specific solution? I think that Conyers needs to be joined by a number of high-profile Dems, as you say... and I think they should all camp out in a tent or two outside their own Capitol Building or Senate or wherever would get them the most traffic and the most attention... they could grill hot dogs and give out balloons and just hang out there for like 2 weeks straight, daring the media... they could sit under a big banner saying "Ask Us Anything!"... and then when they were asked anything, they could ignore the specific question and just talk about two or three of the most vulnerable and provable areas of question and allegation...
I can't believe there's no way for such powerful people to get around this goddamned wretched clone-media...
Is it really gonna kill these people to camp out a few nights? If only to get some mics stuck under their faces, y'know?
Some of this Gannon/Guckert shit shoulda begin to stick GOOD now, if they keep some real pressure up; we are approaching a saturation point in terms of all the constant lying and outright manipulation of the national reality-set (and coming as this does on the heels of Bush's romantic stroll in the garden w/Prince Abdullah, I find it hilariously ironic that Bush is likely gonna finally go down not for all his bald-faced lies and goofy-faced fuck-ups and ass-faced sputterings and gaspings and flop-sweat flailings in the face of the simplest questions imaginable, but instead because enough of red-state mainstream no-neck slope-brained Amurrica is gonna finally begin to suspect he might be a sexual "flip-flopper"...)
Until then, we're pretty powerless down here, too; you can only sign so many petitions or go protest in so many darkened basement protestor-holes, and it doesn't seem to be making much difference... this thread is an important step in keeping the heat on; but if a few brave and honest leaders don't come together and do something soon, I'm afraid that the sheer weight and pressure and incredibly pointed stupidity of these bogus constructs of "new reality" will eventually punch a huge, gaping hole in actual reality itself, and then everything will begin to melt and change color and suck away into a big black hole of republican denial, where no light or rationality or truth can ever hope to survive or escape...
Again, great post, Doc! Nominated!
D
ps: Sometimes I DO think the good guys must all have guns to their heads, or the heads of their loved ones... that WOULD explain a LOT...
I gotta keep hopin', though, that someday they're gonna turn those tables...



"I LOVE horror movies, man... I just don't want to LIVE in one."
http://presidentevilonline.com

[Dr Fate]

120. I agree-you cant say "it wont work" until you try it.

Thanks for the props.

[mourningdove92]

106. try typing in Jeff Gannon

you will find plenty

[Dr Fate]

125. No need- nothing on Red State TV screens tonight. Story is dead.

Google all you want. It aint on TV.

[Hippo_Tron]

107. I get: "The bad guy in the video game series Legend of Zelda"

I think that using his gay escort powers, Jeff Gannon is attempting to steal the Triforce.

[Califooyah Operative]

112. i don't think it's going that bad, but if you'd like to see more dems supp

ort conyers and such, write them and call them that, if you haven't already.

[Dr Fate]

122. I'd like others who agree to do that as well.

I've already made this suggestion-thanks for backing me on that.

[NewsHound123]

113. Better Source for Gannon White House Visits Report

Also as copies of Secret Service records. Link is here:

http://rawstory.com/exclusives/byrne/secret_service_gannon_424.htm

Brief Excerpt Below:

Guckert made more than 200 appearances at the White House during his two-year tenure with the fledging conservative websites GOPUSA and Talon News, attending 155 of 196 White House press briefings. He had little to no previous journalism experience, previously worked as a male escort, and was refused a congressional press pass.

Perhaps more notable than the frequency of his attendance, however, is several distinct anomalies about his visits.

Guckert made more than two dozen excursions to the White House when there were no scheduled briefings. On many of these days, the Press Office held press gaggles aboard Air Force One—which raises questions about what Guckert was doing at the White House. On other days, the president held photo opportunities.

On at least fourteen occasions, Secret Service records show either the entry or exit time missing. Generally, the existing entry or exit times correlate with press conferences; on most of these days, the records show that Guckert checked in but was never processed out.

In March, 2003, Guckert left the White House twice on days he had never checked in with the Secret Service. Over the next 22 months, Guckert failed to check out with the Service on fourteen days. On several of these visits, Guckert either entered or exited by a different entry/exit point than his usual one. On one of these days, no briefing was held; on another, he checked in twice but failed to check out.

“I’d be worried if I was the White House and I knew that a reporter with a day pass never left,” one White House reporter told RAW STORY. “I’d wonder, where is he hiding? It seems like a security risk.”

Others who have covered the White House say not checking in or out with the Secret Service is unusual, especially in the wake of Sept. 11. The Secret Service declined to comment.

Basically, this story is not going anywhere. Gannon/Guckert was probably seeing a Bush Aide (Karl Rover -- who is rumored to be a closeted gay anyway. He is over 50 years old and has never been married).

[Disturbed]

123. Rove is married.

That still does not eliminate him from the anal sex pool. He may be gay or Bi.

This story is one that the top Dems won't touch. Some guesses as to why they won't?

The think it's too sleazy?

The Bush Junta has dirt on most of the top dems?

The are cowards?

Your guesses?

[Dr Fate]

124. Probably a mix of all 3.

All 3 excuses are misguided to me.

"Too sleazy"- In America? In today's "Taxi-Cab Confessions","Desperate Housewives ,Lewinsky Scandal obsessed culture??? Surely you jest! :)

Dirt-
If there is that kind of dirt on certain DEMs, then I'd assume offer them up as sacrificial lambs now rather than close to an election. If true,then we dont need that kind shit hanging over our heads any longer. We need to destroy Bush's moral & politcal capital. As it is, there is a perception we have none anyway- so at the least we level the playing field.

Cowards-
Not really- Probably just misguided "choose your battles" strategy.

[Tigress DEM]

127. Looks like Gannon is back on Google at any rate 4/27

<http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=gannon&btnG=Google+Search>

[leveymg]

130. Byrne's Raw Story follow-up article on Gannon has an odd spin

Here's a copy of the post I left on Raw Story's comment board on response to John Byrne's follow-up Gannon checks into the White House but doesn't check out article on April 27. http://rawstory.com/exclusives/byrne/reporters_respond_gannon_white_house_427


Does anyone else notice how different this story is from Byrne's original report on April 24? http://rawstory.com/exclusives/byrne/secret_service_gannon_424.htm

It completely obscures the original focus on the 14 unaccounted for exits -- suggestive as they are of either late-night trysts or poor security/recordkeeping by the White House Secret Service desk. In this later story, the emphasis is almost entirely on access -- not the primary issue that Reps. Conyers and Slaughter have raised. This story is being spun into obscurity, and Byrne appears to be an agent in its demise. We strongly demand that Byrne and Raw Story explain this strange change in direction.

It should also be noted in this context that the AP story of April 25 entirely omits mention of Gannon's apparent failure to check out of the White House on 14 occasions. That wire story is practically the only mention of this matter that's been carried in the major media.

What's going on here, John?

This is what I have a problem with. Here's a representative extract from the original article:

Perhaps more notable than the frequency of his attendance, however, is several distinct anomalies about his visits. Guckert made more than two dozen excursions to the White House when there were no scheduled briefings. On many of these days, the Press Office held press gaggles aboard Air Force One—which raises questions about what Guckert was doing at the White House. On other days, the president held photo opportunities.On at least fourteen occasions, Secret Service records show either the entry or exit time missing. Generally, the existing entry or exit times correlate with press conferences; on most of these days, the records show that Guckert checked in but was never processed out.

But, this is the thrust of what we find in his April 27 follow-up story:

RAW STORY spoke with several reporters who covered the White House during the time of Gannon's access. The reporters had mixed reactions as to whether the last Gannon findings were significant. Most declined to comment for the record.

Dana Milbank, the Washington Post reporter who covered the White House for the first Bush term, spoke on Keith Olbermann's MSNBC program last night and gave his thoughts on the new findings today.Milbank told RAW STORY he believes that Gannon's remarkable access to the White House given the fact that he was a "phony journalist" is significant. But he dismissed suggestions that Gannon might have gotten by the Secret Service.

Has Byrne allowed The Washinton Post's Dana Milbank to frame this story? It sure looks that way to me. If so, it's a 180 degree backwards spin from a tale that focuses on what Gannon may have done after hours at the West Wing (and whom he might be doing) to a routine "third-rate burglary" type story about faulty security. The difference is everything.

We all deserve to hear Byrne's explanation.


:eyes:

[MADem]

131. I'm wondering if, given the fine foundation of RAW STORY's reportage

and of course, the work of Conyers and Slaughter...that some reporters aren't asking questions around town. Yes, we know he was in and out of the WH 196 times, on Sundays, at night, odd hours...but beyond that, we don't know FOR CERTAIN why. I am hoping someone from the WAPO or NYT is asking around. If not them, one of the salacious tabloids, like the Enquirer--some people only talk for money, and they've been a crack in the dam before. All we need is one person to flap their gums, and we are off to the races.

Rome wasn't built in a day!

[NVMojo]

134. Top leaders lack balls and/or critical thinking skills ...