At WashPost, conservatives allegations just need to be repeated, not fact-checked

In its report today on the unfolding Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) saga, the Post leans heavily on how right-wing partisans are pushing the story. Apparently, that's what makes it especially newsworthy.

From the Post:

Conservatives have complained about other examples of what they see as illegitimate deal-making to secure votes: what they call the “Cornhusker Kickback” and the “Louisiana Purchase” in the Senate to line up Sens. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.), respectively, and Obama's appointment last week of a Utah professor -- the brother of Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah), an opponent of the health bill -- to the federal appeals bench.

The Post notes how conservatives are latching onto the Massa story because it fits into their pre-existing narrative about Democratic corruption in connection to health care reform. And then the Post dutifully recites the right-wing laundry list of alleged Democratic offenses.

What the Post never bothers to do though, is report on whether any of the conservative attacks are true.

Yes, for example, right-wing partisans last week accused the Obama White House of “bribery” and “selling” judgeships to get health care reform passed. But were the allegations credible? Because didn't even Republicans members of Congress step forward and declare that the judgeship allegation in connection to Rep. Matheson's brother was absurd?

On those points, the Post takes a pass.