Why Is Michael Ware Still At CNN?
By Erick Posted in Liberals — Comments (62) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Watch this clip:
First, note that it took Michael Ware a bit of time to actually deny he heckled McCain.
Second, note that Ware spends the first part of the interview accusing McCain and others of repackaging old news as new. McCain said he has never been able to go out into the city as he has been now. Michael Ware says that generals do it all the time, so this is not news, but propaganda according to Ware.
Here's the funny thing though, Ware said the things McCain mentioned as showing signs of progress are "no way a sign of the real progress of the surge, which the Senators should be talking about." And his vocal emphasis was on the words "which" and "should." Go see and listen for yourself. Start at 1:20 mark.
What this tells me is that Michael Ware thinks there were other signs that the surge is working and McCain and the administration *should* focus on those signs.
My question is, has Michael Ware? Every report I've seen from him in Iraq has been to emphasize what a disaster the war has been and is. He is not focusing on the signs of progress either. Instead, he's using his unique outlet to the world to convey terrorist propaganda films of the terrorists killing American troops while Ware willingly provides commentary.
Why is Ware still at CNN?
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It was a snippet of a CNN broadcast.
But, yes, Michael Ware has no business being a reporter. An opinion columnist, maybe. But a reporter is not supposed to be dispassionate -- he's anything but.
There's tons of CNN footage on Youtube - even clips with Michael Ware. They only took this down because Drudge linked to it and it made their boy look bad.
And is it me, or does Ware sound like the Crocodile Hunter (God rest his soul)? What is this goofball doing reporting news?
Your question "Why is Ware still at CNN?" must be sarcasm. Answers: Because it's CNN? Because the MSM is the advertising wing of the Democrats? Because "truth" must be governed by a "higher truth"?
Michael Ware has been in Iraq from Day 1 and my guess is that he will remain there. I would suggest you withhold judgement until you yourself have been there first hand. Maybe when your citizen bloggers go there, you'll like what they have to say. Maybe they'll paint that rosey picture you seem to crave. Even Gen McCaffrey knows the truth. We will stay until W leaves office and not leave until the next President is in office. It does not matter what anyone says or thinks, especially John McCain. He has staked his future on this war and he has to play that card. The decision has already been made. The Dems have to put on the front that they are leading the charge to get out. Michael Ware's opinion, when you really think about it,doesn't even matter.
A reporter is supposed to report -- even if he strenuously objects to what his subjects say or do, it's still his job to take his notes, make a story, and pass them on.
There is supposed to be a stark and sacred difference between a reporter and a commentator. It's a commentator's job to pass along what he thinks. It's a reporter's job to pass on what he sees and hears.
For him to be sitting in the press pool at the conference and laughing or whatever he was doing was beyond unprofessional and beyond rude. It's actually a cardinal sin in his profession.
Granted, most reporters have their own opinions about things -- usually something widely reflecting conventional wisdom. But, in the interest of professionalism, what they typically do to advance their own view is ask particular types of questions -- questions premised upon doubt and skepticism, etc.
What this looks like is somebody with a particular opinion objecting to the story that "the surge is working." Whether it's working or not is certainly a matter up for debate. And, you're right, it's awfully hard to tell from over here....which is why we all have to rely on what we hear from first-hand accounts.
Be that as it may, this is just a moment of candor -- where a journalist reveals that, in fact, he's neither objective nor dispassionate. None of them are -- most of them are just better at hiding it than Ware is.
Heaven forfend that a policymaker has a different take on the situation than a journalist.
with BDS bigtime and at worst a mindless tool of the enemies of America. He should be relegated to standing on a street corner with a rolled up copy of the NYT as a megaphone. Instead, CNN gives him a legitimate platform to pee on America. I too hope he remains there.
Envisioning when all that is Left is the Right.
Not sure why it seems to be that some are getting the message that it was taken down.
He doesn't deny acting like a moron, instead he says where's the proof, I'm guessing that CNN is not going to provide THAT video.
Well done is better than well said. —Benjamin Franklin
He challenges Drudge or whomever to show the video of the presser.
Why doesn't he get CNN to play it? I'd be very interested in seeing it.
on CNN, then CNN ought to make that video available. It is complete BS to say "watch the video" and you will see I didn't act unprofessionally and then not let people see it....
I am going to assume that Ware was lying until CNN shows that video.
I think in this case its actually safer to assume that CNN doesn't have the bandwidth to support a Drudge Storm hitting their servers. And that's a far more pleasant thought: Drudge probably has so many daily readers, he needs better throughput for his website than CNN does for theirs!
And I'm quite sure that YouTube can withstand a Drudge Storm.
In any case, it doesn't look like it was actually removed. Maybe some kind of technical glitch.
The Fred Thompson video, however, has been removed.
that since the success of the surge, there are some neighborhoods where Americans can safely go for a stroll and that General Petraeus drives around parts of the city freely in an unarmed Humvee.
Did you see the comments by McCain that started this?
The US military laughed at the thought of American strolling around Baghdad.
and its advertisers until this irresponsible, unprofessional terrorist propogandist is gone!
Find something objectionable and then call in the activists to bombard them.
Why don't we do things like this?
Certainly a list of the corporations that fund CNN through advertising can be made up, is this contrary to our belief system as conservatives?
Well done is better than well said. —Benjamin Franklin
Because mostly it just irritates people or makes enemies; it doesn't usually generate net benefits for anyone. And to the extent that the left gets it to work for them, it's because they already control the MSM, so when Jesse bil- I mean boycotts a company for racism, they play it as standing up for the little guy, whereas when the American Family Federation calls for a boycott on a distributor of pornagraphy its gets played as the mean conservatives trying to censor things and legislate their morality (even when the boycott is not linked to legsislation).
so Kosian. I think not.
Buy their stock instead, then raise the question of whether their leftward tilt on the news is adversely affecting their profits instead.
I am still wondering how they made it through sorbannes oxley without people going to jail.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
ie, the terrorist propaganda network. Blitzer and Cooper are NO BETTER.
Mike Gamecock DeVine @ The Charlotte Observer
Starbucks: Coffee, good. Cups, bad, but
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
the "Paris Hilton of cable news?" They do seem to be stockpiling poor anchors/reporters at CNN these days. I have read that in the transition from Atlanta to NY they have lost quality and vision . . . quite evident if you have watched at all recently.
I switch around just to see what & how stories are being covered but I mostly stick to Fox News.
"CNN reporter slams Drudge's charge that he 'heckled' McCain; Exclusive video confirms his claim"
http://rawstory.com/
More accurately, I'm indifferent. But sites like the one that you just linked to have the same effect on people's IQs that deep fry vats have on ice cubes. If for no other reason than your own pride's sake, find a better backup next time.
Moe
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.
...a Michael Ware fan site (mickware.com) as its source for the video "evidence".
Like about 299.5 million other Americans, I don't watch CNN frequently enough to care one way or the other about the fleeting phenomenon that is Michael Ware. I'm just saying that a fanboy site is hardly the journalistic gold standard.
--
"We can all do our part to save the planet by dying." - R.E. Finch
Even though Ware comes across as a bit overbearing, I will repeat as in earlier comments that the guy has been there since day one. I would give his perspective a bit more clout than Senators who skip over there for a day trip. While the press has its own issues, when did us conservatives start trusting politicians and the government to tell us the truth? C'mon....
After all,it is just a rumor...nobody apparently has seen the footage to tell whether or not he was actually heckling. So all this is just supposition.
"While the press has its own issues, when did us conservatives start trusting politicians and the government to tell us the truth? C'mon...."
Damn straight.
Didn't the above post pretty much outline it all? He's a very functional mouthpiece of the enemy.
He fits in just fine at CNN.
"I could explain, but that would be very long, very convoluted, and make you look very stupid. Nobody wants that... except maybe me."
not their version of it.
“Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April 15.”
-Ronald Reagan
not when it comes to Iraq. None.
All you can ask for is personal integrity and honesty - that each reports the "truth" as they see it.
Personally, I can't wait until Redstate reports from Iraq.
Because their opinion will color it. I understand that my version of "truth" and my neighbor's version of it on any given subject will likely differ. And that doesn't necessarily mean either of us is wrong.
What I want are a fair representation of "facts". And that is sadly lacking. No, on second thought, it's non-existent in the major media.
____
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
However,
I'm not ready to give into the phenomenological approach to objective reality just yet.
“Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April 15.”
-Ronald Reagan
---
Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman
Where is the proof that Mike Ware did in fact heckle Mr. McCain?
I couldn't find anything on Drudge's site.
Has the raw videos, and shows that Ware did not heckle anyone. So why is it still up on Redstate? How about an update guys?
...or whatever else it is that you need to hear in order to validate your opinions. Hey, for $50 American we'll craft a scenario just for ya; $100 and we'll do what we can to get it narrated by a girl.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.
I realize Raw/Kos/ThinkProgress all produce similar reactions in this forum, but Raw Story was the first to produce the footage of the press conference with Ware. Since no one else had linked to the videos yet, I thought I would share.
Direct link to the story containing videos:
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/CNN_reporter_slams_Drudges_charge_that_040...
Drudge published a false story; it wasn't the first time, certainly won't be the last. At least you don't have to be agnostic about it anymore ;)
It's your brain to rot; however, fair warning? We show 911 Truthers the door here in short order, so let's be careful about what other stories you embrace over there.
Moe
PS: Use of the "Reply To This" feature gives a +2 to other people's rolls to perceive your intelligence. Just a hint.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.
I think perhaps Drudge got punked on this "story" - maybe someone's idea of an April Fools Day prank?
In any case, unless the "official" who witnessed the heckling comes forward or video showing the incident is offered, the backlash for Mr. Drudge and Senator McCain isn't going to be pretty.
I watched that video at the raw story and it seams that it has been clipped in spots. My understanding on the incident wasn't that Michael Ware verbally harassed McCain (who by the way was absolutely boring to listen to) but was making laughing sounds and faces when McCain made that comment. That is what I thought some of the people there were commenting on, Ware's unprofessional-ism.
What evidence do you have that this actually happened? Basically all you are doing is repeating something that an un-named source said to Drudge. Can anyone find an actual person who can substantiate this claim?
about the disasters in New Orleans during Katrina, huh? Remember all those raped and murdered people in the Dome? That stuff was not only not substantiated, it was proved wrong, just never widely reported.
____
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
...would you assert that Mr. Drudge (or any of the posters on this thread flinging dung, for that matter) need not substantiate claims with evidence? Surely not...that would be the basest sort of moral relativism, asserting that the irresponsible actions of one group justify those of another.
Didn't find the link on Drudge's site. Like some other posters, I'd like to see him respond, or at least clarify what would seem to be a quiet effort to back away from the charge.
According to the Washington Times:
"During a live press conference in Baghdad, Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina were heckled by CNN reporter Michael Ware, according to the Drudge Report. But that's modern journalism, according to John Hinderaker of Power Line."
One can only wonder if Hinderaker is referring to Drudge's "modern journalism", which on this particular incident seems to be pretty shaky. There isn't a trace of the story remaining on his site
Proof should be offered, or retractions made...it seems pretty simple.
Thats unprofessional of the WT to run a story citing someone else's anonymous source. Unless of course they talked to the source also. But from the wording it doesn't appear the WT did any actual reporting.
But I think I would have had hard time not laughing at McCain- for his ridiculous comments-
At the press conference, an attendee began a question, "You said there are areas in Baghdad that you can walk around freely..."
McCain interrupted, "Yeah, I just came from one."
Of course, McCain's appalling response failed to note that he had taken his little stroll accompanied by more than a hundred troops, three Blackhawk helicopters, and two Apache gunships. I'm curious what McCain's little walk in the park cost American taxpayers; all to supply him with the transparently dishonest "cover" to claim things are improving in Baghdad. (They may be, but his stunt creates precisely the opposite impression.)
Now, many here at RedState are understandably concerned about taxes. I think anyone with any sense of decency would have responded viscerally to McCain's outrageous performance. I'm curious, given the absence of any proof (or even evidence) that Ware did heckle McCain -- Drudge has been known to be completely wrong before -- why aren't people here directing their own outrage at the Senator, instead of the journalist, who heckling or not, didn't spend a single dime of taxpayer money to do whatever he did or didn't do? Further, like him or not, I think Ware (or anyone else)would be justified in vociferously protesting McCain's disingenousness. Politeness would certainly not have been my first reaction.
McCain is desperate. He's behind in fundraising, his poll numbers have slipped, and he's tied his fortunes to success, or the appearance of success, in Iraq.
For his part, Lindsey Graham hardly distinguished himself by commenting, "We went to the market and were just really warmly welcomed. I bought five rugs for five bucks." Wow, Senator Graham, only five dollars (plus your share of 100+ troops, three Blackhawks, and two Apaches). What a bargain! I assume that when he gets home he'll reimburse the American people. I don't mind paying his salary, but I'm not interested in footing the bill for him to go shopping, anymore than I want to pay for McCain's campaign stunts.
Sometimes reflexive hatred for one's opponents ought to yield to proportionate responses based on verifiable evidence and the relative seriousness of the real or perceived transgression.
In this case, I think McCain -- on the evidence -- should be the target, not Ware, whose breathlessness is unfortunately much more reminiscent of the Croc Hunter than Ed Murrow.
and the inability to sense irony, are the leftist's most identifying traits
Sometimes reflexive hatred for one's opponents ought to yield to proportionate responses based on verifiable evidence and the relative seriousness of the real or perceived transgression.
you have decided that I'm a "leftist," then I can only say, you have my sympathy. Name-calling and careless generalizations are a bit too common in these parts. Brave people who have served this country honorably are routinely called cowards and traitors. Politicians with solid conservative voting records are demonized as "liberals" and worse (is there anything worse?) because they disagree on an issue.
In the end, the rhetoric of "us versus the enemy" -- when the so-called enemies are one's fellow Americans who happen to disagree on one or more issues -- is mostly just sad.
but I repeat that the quoted statement is quite ironic, as it is the exactly the behavior the "left" (as a catch-all term, but used here primarily to mean the Chicken Little Brigades, and those so filled with hate for a man as honorable and decent as our President) exhibits with every word and every action, while accusing others of the same.
But it is perfectly legitimate for a Senator to go over to Iraq and see the situation for himself. This is about the least outrageous expense they incur. I'd rather pay for them to go and check out Iraq than go on a junket to Europe or Asia, or even to fly back and forth from DC to their home state. I also don't remember any complaining about cost when the Democrats were taking their trips to Iraq.
The fact that McCain can go for a stroll, even with all that protection, is not what I would call trivial. Senators rank as one of the very highest value targets to our enemies. They would be willing to sacrifice almost anything to take one out. A whole lot of situations would not allow for any kind of stroll by a Senator with any kind of protection in place. Further, there are a whole lot of countries we are not at war with that would've also required a lot of protection for a roaming Senator. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Columbia, and Mexico come to mind.
---
Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman
Senators rank as one of the very highest value targets to our enemies. They would be willing to sacrifice almost anything to take one out.
I am sure the Jihadis would move heaven and earth to make sure dingy Harry got back safely.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
it's legitimate for McCain to visit Iraq to try to get a feel for the situation. However, I see a difference between going there on a fact-finding mission and going there to create a self-serving photo-op. Rightly or wrongly, that's how I see his performance this time.
You wrote:
"The fact that McCain can go for a stroll, even with all that protection, is not what I would call trivial."
I guess we disagree. The fact that the area had to be cleared prior to his "stroll" and that a small army accompanied him makes the idea that things have improved highly dubious. His claim that he'd just walked in an area that was safe was ridiculous given what it took to make it that way.
I also agree with Joliphant that the insurgents/terrorists would love to kill or wound an American politician. That means he's got to have security -- lot's of it. Your point about other countries is well-taken; he certainly can't walk around the US without security. However, the level of security he had makes it impossible in my eyes to claim anything about security improvements. That's not the way to make his point. I used the word "stroll" because that's exactly what it wasn't. It was a highly orchestrated event, from which one could scarcely draw the conclusion that the situation in Iraq has improved. I'm not arguing that the situation isn't better; I'm arguing that his way of "proving" it was, given the reality of the situation, transparently self-serving and without any real merit.
Getting back to the gist of this story ( Did Ware heckle McCain?), it appears that he did not.
http://instapundit.com/archives2/003840.php
Perhaps a better title for this thread would be:
"Why Does Matt Drudge Get Taken Seriously?"
"We were wrong. We apologize."
See, that wasn't so hard. Try it. You'll feel better very quickly.
--
Momus Alexander Morgus, M.D.
The Old City Icehouse, New Orleans, LA
The Higher Order - Humanitarians devoted to the preservation and elevation of our planet through scientific means.
heh
“Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April 15.”
-Ronald Reagan
Envisioning when all that is Left is the Right.
Was it that embarrassing that CNN had it pulled this fast or did it exceed time or space limitations?