What's Wrong With This Picture? Joe Klein Hasn't Been Fired Yet

[ProSense]

RJ Eskow

04.14.2006

What's Wrong With This Picture? Joe Klein Hasn't Been Fired Yet

Here's what's wrong with the American press: It's Friday and Joe Klein still has a job. Klein has pathetically attempted to defend himself in HuffPo from the wave of outrage over his recent remark about progressive Democrats - that is, that there is a "hate America tendency of the left wing." Somehow Klein thinks it's less offensive that he said "left wing" instead of "liberal wing" (I guess because his job title at TIME is still "liberal columnist.")

It's a vile and baseless comment. As one who might be considered a member of that "left" wing, I'm deeply offended. Anyone who wants to stand in front of this country-music-playing American and challenge his love for the United States is going to get his ass kicked - Klein included.

Snip...

If you can't provides names and quotes, the conclusion becomes inevitable: you, Joe Klein, are profoundly full of shit. And if you don't apologize, your resignation letter should be on the desk of Time's editor-in-chief by close of business today - and it should be promptly accepted. In fact, you should resign either way. Your credibility is shot.

Snip...
________

And over at Slate, Jacob Wiesberg was so desperate to keep the media's beloved "McCain Is a Maverick" trope alive this week that he played http://www.slate.com/id/2139775/">a hilarious game of Twister with himself. Read it and chuckle.

Here's a choice excerpt: "McCain was not always the moderate, tolerant character I'm describing. He was a conservative before he was a liberal before he became a conservative again." Cue the laugh track.

more...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rj-eskow/whats-wrong-with-this-pi_b_19136.html

[gratuitous]

1. Klein still has a job because he pleases his employer

As soon as Klein does something his employer doesn't like, he'll be fired. Apparently claiming all left wing people hate America pleases Klein's employer. He hasn't been fired, or disciplined, or suspended, or reprimanded. What conclusion should you draw from Time's treatment of its employee for saying such an odious thing?

[politicaholic]

2. Joe Klein is a pretty good writer, I'm surprised he would write that...

of course he IS a member of the media. By saying that he's just playing catch up to all of the hacks who have found out that lies=ratings.

[karynnj]

3. But isn't that a very huge flip flop

Here's a choice excerpt: "McCain was not always the moderate, tolerant character I'm describing. He was a conservative before he was a liberal before he became a conservative again."

Far far greater than any in Kerry's past.