Greetings,
I read Ms. Marinucci's recent article regarding a published Novak claim that Sen. Clinton was sitting on a story on Sen. Obama. Her distortion of Sen. Obama's response was severe. The quote I found the greatest offense to the truth was:
"Still, the Novak piece prompted an aggressive response from Obama, who - in an unusual move - released a six paragraph statement that flatly accused Clinton of political hypocrisy and dirty tactics."
In the actual statement issued by Sen. Obama, he called on Sen. Clinton to respond to Novak's claim by making public any information she has or "concede the truth: that there is none". I have reprinted the statement below, available at http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/17/obama_statement_on_reports_of.php. Sen. Obama's statement was not an attack on Sen. Clinton in any way, shape or form. The editor that wrote or allowed the headline, "Clinton using dirty tactics, Obama says", should receive whatever reprimand is appropriate for tarnishing the reputation of the San Francisco Chronicle.
I don't know what motivated Ms. Marinucci's blatant distortion of a printed statement, but I do believe the credibility has never been more important for either candidates or those that report on them. Our country is suffering from a flood of inaccurate and distorted information by those that thrive in chaos and doubt. I would encourage Ms. Marinucci to take greater pride in her work and increase her diligence in reporting. I will continue to read her work and offer what assistance I can when the need arises.
Sincerely,
Matt Phillips
Cottage Grove, Oregon
Statement from Sen. Obama:
"
"During our debate in Las Vegas on Thursday, we heard Senator Clinton rail against the politics of 'throwing mud.'
"At the very same time, in Washington, Robert Novak was publishing a column in which he reported the following: 'Agents of Sen. Hillary Clinton are spreading the word in Democratic circles that she has scandalous information about her principal opponent for the party's presidential nomination, Sen. Barack Obama...'
"The item did not identify these 'agents,' nor did it reveal the nature of the charge. It was devoid of facts, but heavy on innuendo and insinuation of the sort to which we've become all too accustomed in our politics these past two decades. If the purpose of this shameless item was to daunt or discourage me or supporters of our campaign from challenging and changing the politics of Washington, it will fail. In fact, it will only serve to steel our resolve.
"But in the interest of our party, and her own reputation, Senator Clinton should either make public any and all information referred to in the item, or concede the truth: that there is none.
"She of all people, having complained so often about 'the politics of personal destruction,' should move quickly to either stand by or renounce these tactics.
"I am prepared to stand up to that kind of politics, whether it's deployed by candidates in our party, in the other party or by any third party.
"The cause of change in this country will not be deterred or sidetracked by the old 'Swift boat' politics. The cause of moving America forward demands that we defeat it."
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