you mean to tell me NYTimes ran with the story without checking with the

[Hamlette]

pentagon?

WTF? I don't believe this guy.

[aden_nak]

1. They always say, "This is the first I've heard of it."

It's especially scary when Rice says that about some major National Security blunder. Why is it the first you've heard of it when you're on the air on CNN? How's this for an idea. Spend more time doing your job!

But they always deny being asked, being informed, being "in the loop". It serves a dual purpose. First of all, it gives them an excuse for nothing saying anything useful the first time they are asked. "Well, we didn't know, we have to investigate it all to make sure what we say is right."

The other purpose is more subtle. It implies that the story is of minor significance. "Well, no one's even MENTIONED it to us, you must be barking up the wrong tree." It belittles the story or the issue, implying that it shouldn't be considered a priority.