Memo: LA TIMES Bloggers Told Not to Discuss Edwards Issue...

[trickblue]

Link (http://www.slate.com/id/2195914/#latedict)

LAT Gags Blogs: In a move that has apparently stirred up some internal discontent, the Los Angeles Times has banned its bloggers , including political bloggers, from mentioning the Edwards/Rielle Hunter (http://www.nationalenquirer.com/sen_john_edwards_caught_with_mistress_and_love_chi ld_in_la_hotel/celebrity/65193) story. Even bloggers who want to mention the story in order to make a skeptical we-don't-trust-the-Enquirer point are forbidden from doing so. Kausfiles has obtained a copy of the email Times bloggers received from editor Tony Pierce. [I've excised the recipient list and omitted Pierce's email address]:From: "Pierce, Tony"

Date: July 24, 2008 10:54:41 AM PDT

To: [XXX]

Subject: john edwards

Hey bloggers,
There has been a little buzz surrounding John Edwards and his alleged affair. Because the only source has been the National Enquirer we have decided not to cover the rumors or salacious speculations. So I am asking you all not to blog about this topic until further notified.

If you have any questions or are ever in need of story ideas that would best fit your blog, please don't hesitate to ask

Keep rockin,

Tony

[zrinkill]

:lmao:

[iceberg]

you mean validate the source before spreading rumors?

[trickblue]

you mean validate the source before spreading rumors?

I find all the "Holier Than Thou" types laughable among the media and others...

They didn't hesitate going after Rush Limbaugh after his oxy story broke in the National Enquirer...

[trickblue]

Link (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,391426,00.html)

Security Guard Confirms Late-Night Encounter Between Former Sen. John Edwards, Tabloid Reporters In Beverly Hills Hotel
AP

A hotel security guard told FOXNews.com he intervened this week between a man he identified as former Sen. John Edwards and tabloid reporters who chased down the former presidential hopeful after what they're calling a rendezvous with his mistress and love child.

The Beverly Hilton Hotel guard said he encountered a shaken and ashen-faced Edwards — whom he did not immediately recognize — in a hotel men's room early Tuesday morning in a literal tug-of-war with reporters on the other side of the door.

"What are they saying about me?" the guard said Edwards asked.

"His face just went totally white," the guard said, when Edwards was told the reporters were shouting out questions about Edwards and Rielle Hunter, a woman the National Enquirer says is the mother of his child.

The guard said he escorted Edwards, who was not a registered guest at the hotel, out of the building after 2 a.m. Edwards did not say anything while he was escorted out, said the guard, adding that at times the reporters on the scene were "rough on him," sticking a camera in his face and shouting questions.

The guard did not recognize Edwards at the time of the incident, but said he concluded it was the 2008 presidential hopeful after hearing reports about the incident and finding an Enquirer reporter's notebook at the scene.

The guard said during the chase the reporters had dropped the notebook, which he picked up. "This book has everything in it on him," he said, referring to Edwards. The guard later confirmed Edwards' identity after being shown a photograph.

A former campaign staffer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told FOXNews.com he wishes he were "more surprised" to hear reports Edwards was visiting Hunter. "I'm definitely upset by it. I wish I was more surprised, though."

Edwards this week has repeatedly refused to comment on the Enquirer report. Asked about it on Thursday at an event in New Orleans, he said: "I have no idea what you're asking about. I've responded, consistently, to these tabloid allegations by saying I don't respond to these lies and you know that ... and I stand by that."

Beverly Hills Police Sgt. Michael Publicker confirmed Friday that an incident report was filed with the department by two of the tabloid's reporters. Publicker said that contrary to a published report, a "criminal complaint" was not filed and there are no charges pending.

"It will be looked into," Publicker said, refusing to say whether Edwards would be contacted as part of a formal investigation. "We're not going to comment on the investigation," he said.

Enquirer Editor-in-Chief David Perel told FOXNews.com his reporters caught Edwards visiting Hunter and her baby at the hotel earlier Monday evening. Perel said Hunter and Edwards have been occasionally getting together so Edwards can see the baby. Hunter came to Beverly Hills with a male friend, Bob McGovern, said Perel. Hunter and her companion reportedly booked two rooms under McGovern's name, and McGovern picked up Edwards to bring him back to the hotel.

Perel said Enquirer staff had been given information about the planned Edwards-Hunter meeting, and the tabloid sent reporters to the hotel in anticipation of Edwards' arrival. According to the Enquirer, Edwards was first spotted being dropped off at the hotel at 9:45 p.m. PT, about 25 minutes after reporters watched McGovern leave the building in his BMW.

Edwards went to Hunter's room and the two left the hotel together and returned 45 minutes later, Perel said. Edwards reportedly entered her room and stayed there until after 2:30 a.m. PT.

FOXNews.com could not independently confirm the Enquirer's allegations. Perel also declined to identify where the Enquirer received the information about Edwards' alleged visits.

Perel told FOXNews.com that after leaving Hunter's room, Edwards took an elevator to the basement, where he was confronted by two Enquirer reporters. He ran into the bathroom, where he remained until the security guard arrived.

The Enquirer says it has videotape showing Hunter entering the room where she met Edwards, and shows Edwards leaving the same room. However, the Enquirer has thus far declined repeated requests by FOXNews.com to release any photographs or videotape evidence of the incident.

Lynda Simonetti, director of public relations at the Beverly Hills Hilton, refused to comment on the guard's version of the incident, citing the hotel's privacy policy.

"We value the privacy of all the guests," Simonetti told FOXNews.com, adding, "The non-disclosure policy applies to the requests of the names, whether it's past, current or anticipated guests... That's our policy."

Simonetti said she had "no knowledge" of the incident report filed by the two Enquirer reporters, and "I don't have any knowledge of any other circumstances."

As recently as last month, individuals vetting vice presidential candidates for Barack Obama had listed Edwards as a potential running mate. Edwards was viewed as a candidate who could help Obama appeal to white, working-class voters who had favored Hillary Clinton in the primaries.

Edwards, who was John Kerry's running mate in 2004, endorsed Obama in May, saying the presumptive presidential nominee held the same views he did about uniting a divided America.

Before and during the Democratic primaries, Edwards urged all candidates to boycott planned debates on FOX News, even though he had made prior appearances on the channel. One of those debates was to be sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus.

Last October, the Enquirer reported that several sources said a former campaign worker on Edwards' campaign had been having an affair with the former North Carolina senator. In an e-mail allegedly written by Hunter to a friend, she wrote that she is "in love with John," but it's "difficult because he is married and has kids."

Edwards' wife Elizabeth, whom many have credited as being one of the driving forces behind Edwards' campaign, announced in March that her breast cancer had re-emerged after going into remission following a 2004 diagnosis.

Hunter has said that the father of her child is former Edwards campaign official Andrew Young. The 41-year-old married father of three has also said he is the father.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Sounds pretty silly to me.

At the very least I don't understand why they could not say something along the lines of, we don't know if it is true because it came from the Enquirer or something along those lines.

[burmafrd]

No, Brain, not silly. I can Imagine what you would say if it was about McCain and it was Fox News.

[bbgun]

No, Brain, not silly. I can Imagine what you would say if it was about McCain and it was Fox News.

Pretty sure Brain was ridiculing the LA Times.

[AtlCB]

Sounds pretty silly to me.

At the very least I don't understand why they could not say something along the lines of, we don't know if it is true because it came from the Enquirer or something along those lines.

If you really feel that way, why did you send me this PM?



AtlCB,

Please refrain from criticizing my friend and fellow West Virginian, Senator Robert Byrd. Byrd is, by far, the most honorable, intelligent Senator in Congress. He has the best vision for America of any candidate, and I will continue to vote for him every chance that I get.

Repeated attempts to criticize Senator Byrd may result in disciplinary action.

- BrAinPaiNt

P.S. Be sure to write in Hillary Clinton in November 2008

[AtlCB]

No, Brain, not silly. I can Imagine what you would say if it was about McCain and it was Fox News.
You may want to read Brain's post more carefully before posting.

[trickblue]

If you really feel that way, why did you send me this PM?

GDBP... I HATE YOUR GUTS...

[Ben_n_austin]

I find all the "Holier Than Thou" types laughable among the media and others...

They didn't hesitate going after Rush Limbaugh after his oxy story broke in the National Enquirer...

Rush had already gone on radio claiming he had a disease that was causing him to lose his hearing. The fact of the matter is, when you take too much oxicontin, it can make you go deaf.

Rush was, and still is, in so much denial that in Jimmy Swaggart fashion, he called for the masses to pray for him citing positive results from mass prayers in the past. Shortly after, his character scam was over--and he was EXPOSED for the junkie he really is.

Silly comparison.

[Ben_n_austin]

If you really feel that way, why did you send me this PM?

It seems Burm doesn't make a habit of reading anything. At least he doesn't expect us to lend him merit or credibility.

[trickblue]

Rush had already gone on radio claiming he had a disease that was causing him to lose his hearing. The fact of the matter is, when you take too much oxicontin, it can make you go deaf.

Rush was, and still is, in so much denial that in Jimmy Swaggart fashion, he called for the masses to pray for him citing positive results from mass prayers in the past. Shortly after, his character scam was over--and he was EXPOSED for the junkie he really is.

Silly comparison.

Not at all... it's the SITUATION...

The LAT ran with it at that point... why do they not run with this...

I don't listen to Rush actually, but I don't even begin to understand your comparison...

They won't go after Edwards as it is the National Enquirer, but will go after Limbaugh if it is the National Enquirer...

Ben... do you not see the irony? or are you that entrenched...

[ZeroClub]

What a sad story, if true.

Edwards' wife has been through more than enough already ....

[trickblue]

What a sad story, if true.

Edwards' wife has been through more than enough already ....

Yep... very sad...

Multi-million dollar shyster lawyer... cheats on his wife who has cancer...

She didn't deserve it... he deserves an arse-kicking...

[ZeroClub]

Yep... very sad...

Multi-million dollar shyster lawyer... cheats on his wife who has cancer...

She didn't deserve it... he deserves an arse-kicking...

Yeah.

If true, it'll take a long while for Edwards to live this one down.

[Ben_n_austin]

Fox is now citing the Enquirer. No, they're not biased. I love that this comes right around the time Obama was supposed to pick a VP.

No right wing media conspiracy here. . . .

[Ben_n_austin]

Yep... very sad...

Multi-million dollar shyster lawyer... cheats on his wife who has cancer...

She didn't deserve it... he deserves an arse-kicking...

You want this to be true worse than a fat boy wants cake on his birthday. . . .

[Ben_n_austin]

Religious righties... remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVHTv0CHwVw

[AtlCB]

Fox is now citing the Enquirer. No, they're not biased. I love that this comes right around the time Obama was supposed to pick a VP.

No right wing media conspiracy here. . . .
The AP has already confirmed the story.

[ZeroClub]

Religious righties... remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVHTv0CHwVw


I was expecting McCain, not Swaggart.
:shush:

[trickblue]

Fox is now citing the Enquirer. No, they're not biased. I love that this comes right around the time Obama was supposed to pick a VP.

No right wing media conspiracy here. . . .

You want this to be true worse than a fat boy wants cake on his birthday. . . .

You aren't coming off well here, Ben...

I could care less how this turns out... I just want equal treatment...

After all of these years... you... the typical Austin liberal... are still only tolerant to your own beliefs... that is the thing that drives us all nuts...

Has irony not Bruce-Lee-roundhouse-kicked-you-in-the-head yet?

You are only tolerant to your own beliefs...

While you lay back, light up a fatty and pat yourself on the back, I've accepted more people along with their lifestyles in the last hour than you will in the next five years...

Your turn... :D

[bbgun]

Fox is now citing the Enquirer. No, they're not biased.

The Enquirer broke the story. Who else did you want them to cite?

I love that this comes right around the time Obama was supposed to pick a VP.

Which explains why the pliant, Obama-loving MSM hasn't touched it.

No right wing media conspiracy here. . . .

Nope, just a left-wing media blackout.

[bbgun]

I find all the "Holier Than Thou" types laughable among the media and others...

They didn't hesitate going after Rush Limbaugh after his oxy story broke in the National Enquirer...

It's incredible that a major newspaper is instructing its reporters to suppress news and information. The same newspaper that revels in the sex lives of celebrities. Apparently, the Times thinks you need to be treated like a mushroom -- i.e. kept in the dark and fed ****.

[ZeroClub]

I don't see how this story hurts Obama.

If anything, it is better for Obama that it gets coverage now rather than later.

A long time ago, McCain' had an affair. To the extent that the Edwards story becomes a big story, it'll give the press the opportunity to dredge up a less than honorable chapter in McCain's distant past.

---

If this story is true about Edwards, it is interesting to think about how this (no longer secret) affair may have led to Edwards taking an ultra-low profile after dropping out of the primaries.

[trickblue]

I don't see how this story hurts Obama.

If anything, it is better for Obama that it gets coverage now rather than later.

A long time ago, McCain' had an affair. To the extent that the Edwards story becomes a big story, it'll give the press the opportunity to dredge up a less than honorable chapter in McCain's distant past.

---

If this story is true about Edwards, it is interesting to think about how this (no longer secret) affair may have led to Edwards taking an ultra-low profile after dropping out of the primaries.

Are you for real... really?

I can't imagine the nievity in your support...

Are you guys really for real? Seriously?

[ZeroClub]

Are you for real... really?

I can't imagine the nievity in your support...

Are you guys really for real? Seriously?

I'm for real. But what led you to ask?

Do you really think that Edwards having an affair hurts the Dem Nominee? I don't think it does.

If Romney were revealed to have had an affair, I don't think it'd hurt McCain. Do you?

[trickblue]

I'm for real. But what led you to ask?

Do you really think that Edwards having an affair hurts the Dem Nominee? I don't think it does.

If Romney were revealed to have had an affair, I don't think it's hurt McCain. Do you?

Only because you seem to be partisan...

I don't think Edwards hurt Obama as he neither adds or subtracts from him... Edwards is a societal zero...

I can give you a million reasons for anyone but Obama... why Obama...

McCain is an ***... give me a reason to vote against him...

Note: if you say "Change"... I will kill Brainpaint...

PLEASE have something more than that...

[BrAinPaiNt]

You may want to read Brain's post more carefully before posting.

He seems to have that problem from time to time.:D

[Ben_n_austin]

I don't see how this story hurts Obama.

If anything, it is better for Obama that it gets coverage now rather than later.

A long time ago, McCain' had an affair. To the extent that the Edwards story becomes a big story, it'll give the press the opportunity to dredge up a less than honorable chapter in McCain's distant past.

---

If this story is true about Edwards, it is interesting to think about how this (no longer secret) affair may have led to Edwards taking an ultra-low profile after dropping out of the primaries.

F' 'em. Let em keep running there trap on this one. It's Clinton time! :D

http://www.democraticunderground.com/img/06/0228_brilliant06.jpg

[Ben_n_austin]

Only because you seem to be partisan...

I don't think Edwards hurt Obama as he neither adds or subtracts from him... Edwards is a societal zero...

I can give you a million reasons for anyone but Obama... why Obama...

McCain is an ***... give me a reason to vote against him...

Note: if you say "Change"... I will kill Brainpaint...

PLEASE have something more than that...

I'll give you one, Trick, (now that I've taken a break), if you'll hear me out please.

He is very up to the task of being President for a few reasons. Number one being he is qualified. If we don't give people merit in this country for their education, what do we give them merit for... if any thing?

As a Harvard law student, although I know you hate lawyers, he is obviously a bright, influential, young man.

The biggest issue with our country right now is the economic home front. To be honest, I understand "the psychological" part of the economy. But I think that's what we're waiting on is a diplomat to give this country not only better relations, but a better trading system, internationally and internally. There are a lot of borders to be crossed, peace be had, with not only the romantic aspects of making amends. But also the financial aspects of bargaining power.

It's a give take relationship. I think the issue of the war is going to come up. I think Obama voted for the war because he knew we'd be in it. I think this man understands as well as McCain how much this country needs to work that thing out soon....

I think both men have good intentions and are for the most part equally qualified, or unqualified for that matter.

Yet I think Obama's heritage, youth and that so-called "moxie" or "pep in his step" that you need as a President and more importantly, a diplomat.

Naturally, it can only get better from here on up thanks to 'ol Dufas.

Hold your breath, but don't turn blue boys. It's almost over...

:cheers:

Welcome Obama '08.

[ZeroClub]

Only because you seem to be partisan...

I don't think Edwards hurt Obama as he neither adds or subtracts from him... Edwards is a societal zero...

I can give you a million reasons for anyone but Obama... why Obama...

McCain is an ***... give me a reason to vote against him...

Note: if you say "Change"... I will kill Brainpaint...

PLEASE have something more than that...

You seem to be a very nice and truly decent guy, but I don't know you well enough to know where your central/critical tipping points might be.

I'll take a stab at one of them, though.

If you had a choice between a) an honest and decent but clumsy and occasionally boneheaded guy, and b) a very smart and capable guy who you don't really trust -- in general, who do you find yourself leaning towards?

Again I don't really know you, but I'm guessing that, in general, you, personally, would strongly prefer "a" over "b." Am I right or am I wrong?

[iceberg]

It seems Burm doesn't make a habit of reading anything. At least he doesn't expect us to lend him merit or credibility.

as if you had any to lend.

[burmafrd]

Actually, Brain, its all your other posts over time that pretty much makes me believe the worst about your posts. You did not comment on the attempted
censureship of the blogs.

[burmafrd]

As for Benny baby, I have put him at about the same level as Kartr.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Actually, Brain, its all your other posts over time that pretty much makes me believe the worst about your posts. You did not comment on the attempted
censureship of the blogs.

Yes I did...I said it sounded silly to me. In other words I find it silly that they would tell the papers NOT to write about it.

[lewpac]

I wonder what the paper told the bloggers to do about Larry Craig's little "foot tapping" adventure? Anyone want to google that? I wonder if they were instructed to "hold your powder"?
Oh wait. No, not quite. It was more like "pounce, slash and burn like the ravening vampires that you are". Yeah, it was a little like the "back off" guidance concerning the "Ken Doll".

[zrinkill]

You aren't coming off well here, Ben...

I could care less how this turns out... I just want equal treatment...

After all of these years... you... the typical Austin liberal... are still only tolerant to your own beliefs... that is the thing that drives us all nuts...

Has irony not Bruce-Lee-roundhouse-kicked-you-in-the-head yet?

You are only tolerant to your own beliefs...

While you lay back, light up a fatty and pat yourself on the back, I've accepted more people along with their lifestyles in the last hour than you will in the next five years...

Your turn... :D

:bow:

Ben is the Edunce of the political forum ...... he gets kicked around every time he posts.

[Ben_n_austin]

:bow:

Ben is the Edunce of the political forum ...... he gets kicked around every time he posts.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing when you post.

[zrinkill]

Funny, I was thinking the same thing when you post.

Wow ..... the Pee Wee Herman defense ehh?

No wonder you are a punchline.

[Ben_n_austin]

Wow ..... the Pee Wee Herman defense ehh?

No wonder you are a punchline.

... and you're punch drunk, dummy. Duh, duh, duh..... eh, Zrin?

You're definitely not the sharpest tack. But that's probably from getting your arse kicked so many times, verbally, and physically.

It happens to the weak. See Darwin's Origin of Species. It's OK, there have been wimps and dummies since the beginning of time. Somehow, they survive. But you have no reason to feel ashamed....

[zrinkill]

... and you're punch drunk, dummy. Duh, duh, duh..... eh, Zrin?

You're definitely not the sharpest tack. But that's probably from getting your arse kicked so many times, verbally, and physically.

It happens to the weak. See Darwin's Origin of Species. It's OK, there have been wimps and dummies since the beginning of time. Somehow, they survive. But you have no reason to feel ashamed....


:lmao:

I love when you get proven wrong ..... you get so defensive and insulting.

Unfortunately it seems to happen to you every day.

Shows your intelligence ...... and your lack of ability to support your argument.

[Ben_n_austin]

:lmao:

I love when you get proven wrong ..... you get so defensive and insulting.

Unfortunately it seems to happen to you every day.

Shows your intelligence ...... and your lack of ability to support your argument.

Here we go. As my good buddy [Cajun] is notorious for, claiming you've "proven" something when, in your case, you're still very much in the dark, and haven't proven anything--actually.

All you've really done is proven there's darkness in your mind about a lot of things. That, and you seem to get riled up in other threads when there is race involved--and conveniently ignore facts.

I'm on to you. . .and your hatred.

[zrinkill]

I'm on to you. . .and your hatred.

So now you try the old "claim someone is a racist to shut them up" routine.

You already tried that with Vintage and Heavyhitta.

Wont work on me kid ....... I am not white.

So I am not burdened with "white guilt"

I am sorry you have become the joke of the political forum ....... you brought it on yourself.

[Ben_n_austin]

So know you try the old "claim someone is a racist to shut them up" routine.

You already tried that with Vintage and Heavyhitta.

Wont work on me kid ....... I am not white.

So I am not burdened with "white guilt"

I am sorry you have become the joke of the political forum ....... you brought it on yourself.

Please tell. What is your ethnic background?

Well, we're all brothers in then aren't we Zrin? Some would rather ignore their history while others choose to inform themselves.

I never claimed you had white guilt--just that your ilk seems to have a problem with his name and its political correctness.

YOU'VE brought that up as a talking point for the debate, not I.

So... regardless of your race, you still seem silly to me because you pick and choose your facts on strictly technical grounds, which doesn't make sense to me on a message board or when discussing history. Some people think they read a page or two about a time period in history and assume that's all that went on.

[zrinkill]

Please tell. What is your ethnic background?

My mother is mexican American. She was put up for adoption and adopted by another mexican family who had lost a child in a fire. (there are some funny pics of me in the picture thread)

Well, we're all brothers in then aren't we Zrin? Some would rather ignore their history while others choose to inform themselves.
I never claimed you had white guilt--just that your ilk seems to have a problem with his name and its political correctness.

The only people I have seen with a problem saying his name, is his own followers.

YOU'VE brought that up as a talking point for the debate, not I.

Not once have a brought up Obama's race ..... I have defended him on this board time and time again when he is called a muslim or a terrorist.
And plenty will back me up on that.

So... regardless of your race, you still seem silly to me because you pick and choose your facts on strictly technical grounds, which doesn't make sense to me on a message board or when discussing history. Some people think they read a page or two about a time period in history and assume that's all that went on.

Thats only because you make stupid statements and then back them up with vague examples of what you were "trying to say"

Every time you get called out on something you start calling people names or just babbling nonsensically until we lose interest in the thread.

In example
http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122110

So you have earned the reputation you have on this forum.

sorry

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