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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Thomas A Watson who wrote (712220)	11/9/2005 2:46:39 PM
From: paret	Respond to of 769670

British Parliament rejects terror laws In heated exchanges at prime minister's questions, Mr Blair said: "We are not living in a police state but we are living in a country that faces a real and serious threat of terrorism." news.bbc.co.uk

To: Thomas A Watson who wrote (712220)	11/9/2005 2:48:11 PM
From: paret	Respond to of 769670

NBC News Executive Defends Tim Russert but Refuses To Divulge Copy of NBC News Ethics Guidelines By Special Reports \| November 7, 2005 "There are questions about Russert's account of his conversations with Libby." Send this page to a friend Format this page for printing The following is an exchange of email correspondence between AIM editor Cliff Kincaid and David McCormick of NBC News, and Kincaid's response: Dear Mr. McCormick: how can you defend Tim Russert covering and commenting on a story, the Libby case, in which he, Russert, is involved as an accuser and likely prosecution witness? Can you please provide me a copy of the NBC News ethics guidelines covering the activities of your employees. Thank you. Cliff Kincaid, editor, Accuracy in Media. November 4, 2005 Dear Mr. Kincaid: I am responding to your email and column. I hope you will post this on your website to share with your readers. Let me state very clearly that Tim Russert is NOT "an accuser" as you have characterized him in your email. NBC News is very comfortable with the manner in which Mr. Russert has covered the "Leak" investigation. He has been very careful to limit his comments to the essence of the indictment itself. He has not taken a partisan position on the issue. As we have stated before, NBC News went to court to overturn the subpoena that sought Mr. Russert's testimony. The court rejected the First Amendment arguments and ordered Mr. Russert to testify. Under an agreement with the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Russert was not required to appear before the grand jury. In a meeting with the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Russert was asked questions which addressed a telephone conversation initiated by Mr. Libby and focused on what Russert said during that conversation. Mr. Libby had previously told the FBI about that conversation and had formally requested that the conversation be disclosed. I think it is evident that Tim Russert did not seek to become involved in this case and is not tied to either side of the issue. All along the way, NBC News has clearly and promptly explained his involvement in this matter including a detailed segment on last Sunday's Meet The Press. We have full confidence in Tim Russert and believe he will continue to cover this story in a fair and objective manner. Sincerely, David McCormick Executive Producer Broadcast Standards NBC News Cliff Kincaid responds: While Russert did not personally testify before the grand jury, his sworn testimony before Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald was provided to the grand jury and was used to produce the Libby indictment. In effect, he has become a witness in the case. McCormick may disagree with the term "accuser," used to describe Russert, but his testimony is a major part of the basis for the Libby indictment. At issue is who told what to whom about knowledge of Wilson's CIA wife. Libby maintains that he was told by Russert that knowledge of Wilson's wife being CIA was common among Washington reporters. We have a lot of respect for Russert and the way he conducts himself and his programs. But with his own credibility ultimately on the line in this case, we do not think that he has covered this story in a fair and objective manner. On the October 23 Meet the Press show, before the Libby indictments were handed down, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison told Russert: "I think we should be very careful here, especially as we are dealing with something very public and people's lives in the public arena. I do not think we should prejudge. I think it is unfair to drag people through the newspapers week after week after week, and let's just see what the charges are. Let's tone down the rhetoric and let's make sure that if there are indictments that we don't prejudge." (emphasis added). But Russert, knowing that he was already deeply involved in the case, continued to hype the controversy, saying that "perjury or obstruction of justice is a very serious crime and Republicans certainly thought so when charges were placed against Bill Clinton before the United States Senate." Russert may just have been trying to be provocative. But the difference, of course, involves Clinton's deliberate lying under oath about an affair with a female White House intern, as compared to different recollections of conversations that happened more than two years ago. On his October 30 program, after the indictments were filed, Russert led a discussion of the charges and his own testimony in the case. Turning to David Broder of the Washington Post, Russert asked about the allegations and the indictment of Libby. Broder responded, "It's very hard to imagine that somebody as smart and as organized as Scooter Libby would disremember where he heard that kind of information about a person that he was very much interested in understanding what the background was of this person's trip. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence, but I think his lawyers have a heavy burden to disprove these charges." In other words, Broder basically found Libby guilty of lying. Judy Woodruff, formerly of CNN, told Russert: "Well, whether you agree with what Mr. Fitzgerald did or not, Tim, it's hard to remember a prosecutor who came across as smart and as well-prepared as he did in that news conference on Friday. I think it's very hard to discredit what he did… if you look at the list of incidents that Tim just cited, I think it's going to be very difficult for Scooter Libby [to] defend himself. We haven't heard his side yet. We want to hear that. But I think Mr. Fitzgerald did a pretty credible job of explaining why truth is central to our judicial system" (emphasis added). In other words, Libby is guilty as charged. However, Libby has declared his innocence and says that he will be exonerated in a court of law. Russert – and his colleagues –wanted us to simply assume that what Russert testified to is absolutely true. He enjoys respect and credibility from the viewing audience and has a reputation for grilling spokesmen for both sides of controversial issues. However, there are questions about Russert's account of his conversations with Libby – questions that Russert never raised on Meet the Press. According to the indictment, Libby's version is that during a conversation with Russert on July 10 or 11, 2003, Russert asked Libby if Libby was aware that Wilson's wife worked for the CIA, and that Libby responded to Russert that he did not know that. Libby's version is that Russert went on to say that all the reporters knew it. Russert disputes this. Russert maintains that, at the time of his conversation with Libby, Russert didn't know Valerie Plame's name or that she was a CIA operative, and that he did not provide that information to Libby. Russert insists that he learned the information only when he later read a column by Robert Novak -- which would have been three or four days later. Russert's version is that Libby called Russert to complain about a report he had been watching on MSNBC. In a November 3 story, "Questions Raised about Tim Russert's Story," Newsmax.com said that it discovered an account by senior NBC correspondent Andrea Mitchell that "raises questions about whether Mr. Russert may have known about Plame's employment well before the Novak column." According to Newsmax, Mitchell was a guest on CNBC's Oct. 3, 2003, Capital Report show, where she was asked by host Alan Murray, "Do we have any idea how widely known it was in Washington that Joe Wilson's wife worked for the CIA?" Mitchell reportedly replied: "It was widely known among those of us who cover the intelligence community and who were actively engaged in trying to track down who among the foreign service community was the envoy to Niger. So a number of us began to pick up on that." If this is true, Newsmax.com asks, "How is it that her boss, Mr. Russert, who - as NBC Washington bureau chief was presumably monitoring developments in 'the intelligence community' as they related to the Wilson story - would have been oblivious to this same 'widely known' information?" Newsmax concludes that "In fact, according to the text of Fitzgerald's indictment, Libby's version of events more closely matches Mitchell's on the subject of who knew about Plame's employment." Newsmax commented: "None of this means that Mr. Libby actually told the truth and that Fitzgerald's star witness against him, Tim Russert, perhaps didn't. But Mr. Russert might want to clear the air and explain how he managed to stay in the dark about key information in a case that was the talk of the town in early July 2003 - while the same information was 'widely known,' according to a senior reporter who worked under him." Is it possible that Russert stayed in the dark? Not only are these questions not being asked on NBC News, but McCormick did not provide a copy of the NBC News ethics code regarding activities by network employees. He told us it is an internal document. However, if it is like other journalism ethics codes, it has a provision prohibiting conflicts of interest by news employees. That would seem to prohibit covering or commenting on a story in which the journalist is playing a part. aim.org

To: Thomas A Watson who wrote (712220)	11/9/2005 2:49:57 PM
From: paret	Respond to of 769670

AIM Charges Russert With Ethics Violations In Coverage of Libby Case; Urges Public to Contact NBC News Official November 4, 2005 aim.org WASHINGTON -- Accuracy in Media (AIM) says that Tim Russert, by covering the Lewis Libby case, is violating the ethics code of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Russert was a witness against Libby and his testimony was provided to the grand jury that produced the Libby indictment. Russert is reported to be a likely prosecution witness against the former vice presidential chief of staff. The SPJ code declares that journalists should: • Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived, and • Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility. "By covering this story on his NBC programs last weekend," stated AIM editor Cliff Kincaid, "Russert violated the SPJ ethics code and engaged in unprofessional conduct. He should have removed himself from coverage of this case." AIM also called attention to the Radio and Television News Directors Association Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which calls on the media to "Respect the right to a fair trial." "Russert has undermined Lewis Libby's right to a fair trial by covering a case in which he, Russert, is a prominent player and accuser," said Kincaid. AIM is urging concerned citizens to contact David McCormick, NBC News ombudsman, with their concerns about Russert's role. McCormick's formal title is NBC News Executive Producer for Broadcast Standards. AIM has called and emailed McCormick's office to say: How can you defend Tim Russert covering and commenting on a story, the Libby case, in which he, Russert, is involved as an accuser and likely prosecution witness? Can you please provide a copy of the NBC News ethics guidelines covering the activities of your employees? McCornick's telephone number is 212-664-3984 His email address is david.mccormick@nbc.com Address: David McCormick Executive Producer Broadcast Standards NBC News 30 Rockefeller Center New York, NY 10112-0036 Accuracy In Media (AIM) is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage. To schedule an interview with AIM Editor Cliff Kincaid, contact Anne Tyrrell at (703)739-5920 or atyrrell@sbpublicaffairs.com Recent Press Release AIM Charges Russert With Ethics Violations In Coverage of Libby Case; Urges Public to Contact NBC News Official November 4, 2005 Put Tim Russert on Trial For Prejudicial Pretrial Coverage of Libby Case November 3, 2005 Tim Russert Joins Prosecution Team Against Former Cheney Aide Libby October 31, 2005 AIM Urges NBC's Russert to Step Aside From Network Coverage of CIA Leak Case October 29, 2005 -->

To: Thomas A Watson who wrote (712220)	11/9/2005 2:51:45 PM
From: paret	Respond to of 769670

AIM Urges NBC's Russert to Step Aside From Network Coverage of CIA Leak Case October 29, 2005 aim.org WASHINGTON: Citing his role as a likely prosecution witness in a criminal trial involving former vice-presidential chief of staff Lewis Libby, Accuracy in Media said today that Tim Russert of NBC News should voluntarily remove himself from any network coverage of the CIA leak case. "The basic standards of fair and objective journalism require that Russert withdraw from the coverage," declared AIM editor Cliff Kincaid. "He is a widely respected journalist but he is just too deeply involved in this case to continue to report or comment on it." "Russert was part of the investigation and now may be part of the prosecution," added Kincaid. "How, therefore, can he present himself on the air as a neutral, objective and disinterested party?" The New York Times notes that Russert, who is cited in the Libby indictment, may be appearing as a prosecution witness in the case. The Times also reports that Russert addressed his role on the air, saying, "Clearly the special counsel has made a judgment, that when taking the comments and statements of Matt Cooper and Judy Miller and myself as opposed to Scooter Libby, he has decided that Mr. Libby was not telling the truth." "In effect," said Kincaid. "Russert has labeled Lewis Libby a liar, in advance of an impartial jury judging the facts of the case." An NBC promo for Sunday's Meet the Press says that Russert will host a show that will examine the Libby indictment: "Trouble in the White House: Where does the Bush administration go from here?" His CNBC show will also deal with the indictment and investigation. According to NBC, Russert's duties include serving as moderator, Meet the Press; Anchor, MSNBC; Anchor, CNBC's Tim Russert show; and Senior Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief, NBC News. Accuracy In Media (AIM) is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage. To schedule an interview with AIM Editor Cliff Kincaid, contact Anne Tyrrell at (703)739-5920 or atyrrell@sbpublicaffairs.com Recent Press Release AIM Charges Russert With Ethics Violations In Coverage of Libby Case; Urges Public to Contact NBC News Official November 4, 2005 Put Tim Russert on Trial For Prejudicial Pretrial Coverage of Libby Case November 3, 2005 Tim Russert Joins Prosecution Team Against Former Cheney Aide Libby October 31, 2005 AIM Urges NBC's Russert to Step Aside From Network Coverage of CIA Leak Case AIM Urges NBC's Russert to Step Aside From Network Coverage of CIA Leak Case October 29, 2005 WASHINGTON: Citing his role as a likely prosecution witness in a criminal trial involving former vice-presidential chief of staff Lewis Libby, Accuracy in Media said today that Tim Russert of NBC News should voluntarily remove himself from any network coverage of the CIA leak case. "The basic standards of fair and objective journalism require that Russert withdraw from the coverage," declared AIM editor Cliff Kincaid. "He is a widely respected journalist but he is just too deeply involved in this case to continue to report or comment on it." "Russert was part of the investigation and now may be part of the prosecution," added Kincaid. "How, therefore, can he present himself on the air as a neutral, objective and disinterested party?" The New York Times notes that Russert, who is cited in the Libby indictment, may be appearing as a prosecution witness in the case. The Times also reports that Russert addressed his role on the air, saying, "Clearly the special counsel has made a judgment, that when taking the comments and statements of Matt Cooper and Judy Miller and myself as opposed to Scooter Libby, he has decided that Mr. Libby was not telling the truth." "In effect," said Kincaid. "Russert has labeled Lewis Libby a liar, in advance of an impartial jury judging the facts of the case." An NBC promo for Sunday's Meet the Press says that Russert will host a show that will examine the Libby indictment: "Trouble in the White House: Where does the Bush administration go from here?" His CNBC show will also deal with the indictment and investigation. According to NBC, Russert's duties include serving as moderator, Meet the Press; Anchor, MSNBC; Anchor, CNBC's Tim Russert show; and Senior Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief, NBC News. Accuracy In Media (AIM) is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage. To schedule an interview with AIM Editor Cliff Kincaid, contact Anne Tyrrell at (703)739-5920 or atyrrell@sbpublicaffairs.com Recent Press Release AIM Charges Russert With Ethics Violations In Coverage of Libby Case; Urges Public to Contact NBC News Official November 4, 2005 Put Tim Russert on Trial For Prejudicial Pretrial Coverage of Libby Case November 3, 2005 Tim Russert Joins Prosecution Team Against Former Cheney Aide Libby October 31, 2005 AIM Urges NBC's Russert to Step Aside From Network Coverage of CIA Leak Case AIM Urges NBC's Russert to Step Aside From Network Coverage of CIA Leak Case October 29, 2005 WASHINGTON: Citing his role as a likely prosecution witness in a criminal trial involving former vice-presidential chief of staff Lewis Libby, Accuracy in Media said today that Tim Russert of NBC News should voluntarily remove himself from any network coverage of the CIA leak case. "The basic standards of fair and objective journalism require that Russert withdraw from the coverage," declared AIM editor Cliff Kincaid. "He is a widely respected journalist but he is just too deeply involved in this case to continue to report or comment on it." "Russert was part of the investigation and now may be part of the prosecution," added Kincaid. "How, therefore, can he present himself on the air as a neutral, objective and disinterested party?" The New York Times notes that Russert, who is cited in the Libby indictment, may be appearing as a prosecution witness in the case. The Times also reports that Russert addressed his role on the air, saying, "Clearly the special counsel has made a judgment, that when taking the comments and statements of Matt Cooper and Judy Miller and myself as opposed to Scooter Libby, he has decided that Mr. Libby was not telling the truth." "In effect," said Kincaid. "Russert has labeled Lewis Libby a liar, in advance of an impartial jury judging the facts of the case." An NBC promo for Sunday's Meet the Press says that Russert will host a show that will examine the Libby indictment: "Trouble in the White House: Where does the Bush administration go from here?" His CNBC show will also deal with the indictment and investigation. According to NBC, Russert's duties include serving as moderator, Meet the Press; Anchor, MSNBC; Anchor, CNBC's Tim Russert show; and Senior Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief, NBC News. Accuracy In Media (AIM) is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage. To schedule an interview with AIM Editor Cliff Kincaid, contact Anne Tyrrell at (703)739-5920 or atyrrell@sbpublicaffairs.com Recent Press Release AIM Charges Russert With Ethics Violations In Coverage of Libby Case; Urges Public to Contact NBC News Official November 4, 2005 Put Tim Russert on Trial For Prejudicial Pretrial Coverage of Libby Case November 3, 2005 Tim Russert Joins Prosecution Team Against Former Cheney Aide Libby October 31, 2005 AIM Urges NBC's Russert to Step Aside From Network Coverage of CIA Leak Case

To: Thomas A Watson who wrote (712220)	11/9/2005 2:53:18 PM
From: paret	Respond to of 769670

Put Tim Russert on Trial For Prejudicial Pretrial Coverage of Libby Case November 3, 2005 aim.org WASHINGTON -- Accuracy in Media (AIM) said today that Tim Russert should be on trial in the court of public opinion for his prejudicial pretrial coverage of the Lewis Libby case. "While Libby is expected to plead innocent Thursday before District Judge Reggie Walton, AIM finds Russert guilty of undermining Libby's constitutional right to a fair trial," said AIM editor Cliff Kincaid. Kincaid charged that Russert has used his NBC and CNBC programs to deliberately influence coverage of the Lewis Libby indictment, even though Russert was a witness before the grand jury that produced the indictment and figures to be a prosecution witness in the case. Kincaid commented, "Journalism 101 and common sense tell you that a reporter who is part of a story should not cover or comment on that story. But there's Russert – throwing his weight around to the detriment of Libby's constitutional rights. Libby's lawyers should demand that the indictment be thrown out of court because of prejudicial pretrial publicity." Accuracy In Media (AIM) is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage. To schedule an interview with AIM Editor Cliff Kincaid, contact Anne Tyrrell at (703)739-5920 or atyrrell@sbpublicaffairs.com Clarification: Russert's sworn testimony before Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald was provided to the grand jury and was used to produce the Libby indictment. So he was, in effect, a witness before the grand jury. However, reports indicate that Russert did not personally appear before the grand jury. Recent Press Release AIM Charges Russert With Ethics Violations In Coverage of Libby Case; Urges Public to Contact NBC News Official November 4, 2005 Put Tim Russert on Trial For Prejudicial Pretrial Coverage of Libby Case November 3, 2005 Tim Russert Joins Prosecution Team Against Former Cheney Aide Libby October 31, 2005 AIM Urges NBC's Russert to Step Aside From Network Coverage of CIA Leak Case October 29, 2005