McCain Admits He Misspoke on Iraq Security; Deggans Goes Toe to Toe with Mr. Media

In a post earlier this week, I echoed questions other journalists were asking about John McCain's trip to a market in Baghdad which seemed custom-built for the cameras of CBS' 60 Minutes.

Earlier today, the network issued a press release about Sunday's show in which McCain now admits he "misspoke" when talking about security in Iraq -- acknowledging that heavily armed troops and helicopter gunships accompanied him when he visited a market there.

The network is touting their interview with McCain as his first since the market  visit, noting their story also will include the only video camera footage of the event. According to the release, McCain now regrets telling reporter Scott Pelley security had improved in Iraq and holding a press conference claming people could walk around the market neighborhood freely.

“Of course I am going to misspeak and I’ve done it on numerous occasions and I probably will do it in the future,” says McCain.  “I regret that when I divert attention to something I said from my message, but you know, that’s just life,” he tells Pelley, adding, “I’m happy, frankly, with the way I operate, otherwise it would be a lot less fun.”

He goes on to say that the fact that the military allowed his visit -- fortified by 100 troops, attack helicopters and sharpshooters -- is a sign of progress.

Left out of CBS' release is whether Pelley asked McCain if it was more a sign of how desperate the administration is for public support.

DEGGANS and Mr. Media Go Toe to Toe!

When I grow up, I want to be like Mr. Media, Bob Andelman.

A longtime friend and prolific author, Bob has been a great booster and inspiration during my time covering media at the Times. so when he asked me to help him out by siting for an interview to be posted on his revitalized Mr. Media blog, I jumped at the chance.

Now, the interview is up on his blog and available for download as a podcast through iTunes (I always wanted to have something available through iTunes, but I never thought it would be this!)

I have a feeling only a handful of people will be interested in my thoughts about Katie Couric, explicit TV content and Bill O'Reilly. But please feel free to check it out anyways and download the podcast. Two geeks talking about media never sounded so interesting!

NABJ Refuses Imus' Apology

The National Association of Black Journalists continues to call for the firing of Don Imus, following the broadcaster's apology for calling members of Rutgers University's female basketball team "nappy headed hos" on an April 4 broadcast.

A few quotes from the NABJ release:

""What he said has deeply hurt too many people -- black and white, male and female," said Bryan Monroe, NABJ president. "His so-called apology comes two days after the fact, and it is too little, too late."

Imus has had a history of racial insults on his program, having called award-winning journalist Gwen Ifill of PBS a "cleaning lady" and referring to columnist William Rhoden of the New York Times as "a quota hire."

"As journalists, we firmly believe in the First Amendment and free speech," Monroe added. "But free speech comes with responsibility, and sometimes with consequences. His removal must be that consequence."

Monroe is scheduled to appear on CNN's Paula Zahn Now Monday to discuss the controversy and press the issue of holding Imus accountable.

             

          

Comments

[Eric Deggans]

It's easy to play blame the victim.

But the fact is, imus has practiced his brand of high-paying bigotry for a long time. Doesn't really matter what else is going on in the world. the question remains: should NBC and CBS Radio be giving hours of air time to someone who regularly evokes stereotypes about people of color and Jewish people on his show?

Such images are a matter ofl ife and death for me -- and any other person of color. they are the attitudes and stereotypes that have often been used to keep black people down. And they really should have no place on modern day radio.

you aks how many black kids have been killed by other black kids? I ask how many black kids didn't get a job, got unfairly pulled over by police, couldn't rent the apartment they wanted, couldn't patronize the store they wanted, couldn't get into the fraternity or sorority they wanted or couldn't buy the kind of home they wanted because people had awfully stereotypical views of them based on listening to knuckleheads like imus?

Prejudice has real costs for the people it is directed against. And folks like Imus keep such ideas alive in the 21st century. I'm just wondering why CBS Radio and NBC would bother to associate themselves with such material...

[mikec]

How many black kids will be killed by other black kids while jackson and sharpton, and the naacp are out whining about Imus? I'm no Imus fan, but grow up and get over it!! Political correctness, mostly in the form of black hypersensitivity, has chilled free speech far more than the patriot act ever could. If these demagogues succeed in getting Imus canned, white people should be seriously alarmed.

[Brendon]

Colored? I think not!
I am really getting tired of hearing about how sensitive 'African-Americans' are being identified. First I am sick of referring to 'Black Humans' whether Americans or Africans as African-American!
Now I believe in history and the importance of learning from our past. However, I know folks who are first generation born and raised in America, from African parents who are White.

I reference The Feed article April 06,07 about Imus comments. Specifically, that there is a 'National Association of Black Journalist'? OK, I like it. Please note that in this article it also referenced (Divided)the team by stating "which is comprised of eight African-American and two white players".
Am I the first to re-address this issue? That the majority of Americas Black poulation are 3rd-4th-5th etc. generation African. We generally do not refer to "White Players" as 'European Americans'!

I think that so much of todays problem comes from our own Black population. Lets look at music for instance. I have heard Black artists, songwriters, RAP artists, comedians, and other public figures, refer to Black people as everything from 'African American' to...yes the 'N' word which I personnaly dislike and do not need to repeat here, including of course, Nappy Roots!
I would love to see an article by anyone representing the National Association of Black Journalist re-address this issue!

Keep up the good honest 'American' journalism. I do not want to split this country any more by either race, religion, color, sex, or language.