Five national news programs hosted DeLay, only one mentioned his current indictments
Since January 1, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) has been a guest on two NBC News programs and has participated in three cable news interviews. But on only one of these programs did a host mention that DeLay is currently under indictment in Texas on both money laundering and conspiracy* charges relating to a campaign finance probe. The other four programs also failed to note that DeLay was forced from the House leadership by his own party following his indictment in 2005 and resigned from Congress in 2006 after Tony C. Rudy, his former deputy chief of staff, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and corruption charges related to the federal investigation surrounding convicted GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff:
- DeLay appeared on the March 18 edition of NBC's Meet the Press to discuss the war in Iraq, the war on terror, and his new book. In his lead-in to the program, host Tim Russert introduced DeLay as "former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, author of No Retreat, No Surrender [Sentinel, March 2007]." At no point during the broadcast did Russert mention DeLay's criminal indictment or resignation from Congress.
- DeLay appeared on the February 7 edition of CNN's The Situation Room to discuss the 2008 presidential campaigns and, in particular, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). Host Wolf Blitzer introduced the segment: "One key Republican left Capitol Hill as a scandal overtook his party, but can the man they used to call 'the Hammer' now launch a conservative comeback? That would be the former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay." Blitzer failed to note that the scandal that "overtook" the Republican Party involved DeLay's indictment and the investigation into his office's ties to Abramoff.
- On January 9, DeLay appeared on Fox News' Your World With Neil Cavuto to discuss the Democrats' first 100 hours in control of the 110th Congress. At no point did host Neil Cavuto note DeLay's indictment or resignation.
- DeLay was also a guest on the February 6 edition of Your World, on which Cavuto introduced him as "former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay." The two then discussed DeLay's thoughts on former New York City mayor and candidate for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, Rudy Giuliani. Again, Cavuto did not mention DeLay's legal troubles.
By contrast, during an interview on the March 20 edition of NBC's Today, co-host Meredith Vieira addressed DeLay's indictment. She asked him: "[Y]ou say that one of the reasons Republicans lost control of the Congress was because of a general perception of Republican incompetence and lack of principles. But many critics say that you were a part of that problem -- that you were cited by the House ethics committee numerous times, indicted on campaign finance-related charges, and that two of your top aides pled guilty in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. So what responsibility do you think you bear?"
From the February 7, 7 p.m. ET, edition of CNN's The Situation Room:
BLITZER: Let's move on to the shock of November's elections. It may be wearing off, but for some conservatives, they're already having nightmares about 2008. Those nightmares involve a Hillary Rodham Clinton presidency.
One key Republican left Capitol Hill as a scandal overtook his party, but can the man they used to call "the Hammer" now launch a conservative comeback? That would be the former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
[begin video clip]
BLITZER: Thanks very much for coming in.
DeLAY: My pleasure, Wolf.
BLITZER: Appreciate it very much.
Hillary Clinton -- you fear she may, may be unbeatable right now, is that right?
DeLAY: Absolutely.
BLITZER: Why?
From the March 20 edition of NBC's Today:
VIEIRA: Let me talk about that, because it's not just Republicans in the White House that are in trouble. It's the Republican Party in general. And in your book, you say that one of the reasons Republicans lost control of the Congress was because of a general perception of Republican incompetence and lack of principles. But many critics say that you were a part of that problem -- that you were cited by the House ethics committee numerous times, indicted on campaign finance-related charges, and that two of your top aides pled guilty in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. So what responsibility do you think you bear?
DeLAY: Well, first of all, I disagree with what you just laid out. I have never been found --
VIEIRA: Where do you disagree?
DeLAY: Well, I have never been found guilty of any ethics charges. I have not been cited by the ethics committee on anything. Most of the charges brought against me were frivolous. They've all been dismissed. I even had a racketeering suit brought against me that was --
VIEIRA: You don't bear any responsibility for this perception of Republicans as being corrupt?
DeLAY: I haven't done anything wrong. This was a strategy, a concerted strategy by the Democrats announced 12 years ago by the campaign committee and [Rep.] Pat Kennedy [D-RI] that they were going to demonize Tom DeLay. It was on their website. And so --
VIEIRA: It worked.
DeLAY: It worked, unfortunately.
* Clarification: This item originally linked to an indictment filed on September 28, 2005 -- which charged Tom DeLay with conspiracy to violate the Texas election code -- and to an October 3, 2005, indictment on separate money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges arising out of the campaign finance probe on. The conspiracy to violate the Texas election code charge was dismissed by a state district judge in December 2005. On June 27, The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals upheld that decision in a 5-4 ruling. The money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges listed in the October 2005 indictment remain pending.
Why is this guy even being invited on these shows to discuss anything?
It used to be that once you were discredited you became obsolete.
But hey look at our society today... Bad behavior gets rewarded.
He accidentally set off a fogger under his rock last weekend. He had nowhere else to go.
As far as I'm concerned, DeLay is one of the worst Troglodytes in American politics. The man has ZERO credibility.
"demonize Tom DeLay"
Of course even the democrats could pull that off.
"demonize Tom DeLay"
Of course even the democrats could pull that off.
Wasn't he forced out of the House by his own party?
Not to mention by his own actions.
Yup, unlike Mr. Jefferson of Louisiana (accused but not charged). An indictment is an accusation, but here two + years after the indictment, no formal charges have been filed. HMMMMMMM?
Can't Jefferson keep his money where he damn pleases? In some markets (deflationary), cash is king. Maybe he attends a lot of auctions. Maybe he saves a lot.
In any case the mere presence of 90k in his freezer doesn't make him a criminal.
Dont look at the man behind the curtain alert. What exactly does Jefferson have to do with Delay on TV? Was Jefferson all over the newsprograms lately? No? Then this is another desperate attempt at a distraction from the topic right?
Jefferson needs to go too.
OK....now that we've addressed that, what are your opinions on DeLay?
DeLAY: I haven't done anything wrong. This was a strategy, a concerted strategy by the Democrats announced 12 years ago by the campaign committee and [Rep.] Pat Kennedy [D-RI] that they were going to demonize Tom DeLay. It was on their website. And so --
Comedy at its finest.
Aren't Republicans the "Law and Order" and "Restoring Ethics " crowd that doesn't want common criminals voting or being allowed to stay in the country? Why does it seem to be a prerequisite for their spokesmen to have at least accusations of dirty deeds to get them all over the media?
Republicans are also supposedly the party that promotes the idea of "personal responsibility" -- except when it comes to their own indictments and convictions. Then they're poor little victims.
If Delay is not convicted of anything, you boys'll say the jury, or the court, was corrupt.
So amusing how quickly the meme fell from 'we are the ethics and responsibility people' to 'we haven't been convicted, yet'
Yeah, I would say, I havent done anything wrong constitutes an outright lie.
William Jefferson Clinton, the impeached and disbarred former president...is that how he should be introduced every time he's in the public eye?
Hardly any misinformation here...just childish politics by mmfa.
Rifgt on, Wesley. We should give Delay a pass, it's not like he was receiving oral sex or something serious.
Roundhouse, you're not getting enough Sean Hannity in your diet. Clinton also forced that huge investigation and the legal proceedings that cost taxpayers millions of dollars and distracted the entire government. I can't believe he did that!
Oh, how could I forget that Clinton was wasting my money? I promise to remember to take my one-a-day plus irony vitamin.
Clinton wasn't impeached. Look up the process of impeachment and get your facts straight.
Regardless, I've rarely heard a story on Clinton that doesn't at least mention the scandal of his later years in office.
So, basically, you're wrong.
Ahh, Clinton was impeached.
Clinton was indeed impeached by the House of Representatives and later acquitted by the Senate.
Technically, Clinton was indeed impeached, so it is not wrong to say that about him.
If you really want to use the adverb "technically" then, technically, Clinton was NOT impeached.
A full impeachment requires two parts: Articles of Impeachment drawn up by the House, and a conviction by the Senate. The latter did not occur.
Clinton was, however, disbarred by the Arkansas bar officials. That much is correct, and I would not object to the inclusion of that fact in a news report IF it were germane to the topic of the report.
In the case of Tom Delay (to get back on topic), if he is on TV to talk about politics, the war, and/or any candidates for national office and their platforms, then it is certainly relevant to mention his indictments both past and present as it provides context for establishing his credibility and background. Any news outlet that omits these facts under these circumstances is not doing its job.
Sorry nuts, but you're clinging to a sinking ship. Clinton's official biography at the white house reads:
Clinton was the second U.S. president to be impeached by the House of Representatives.
You also assert, "then it is certainly relevant to mention his indictments both past and present as it provides context for establishing his credibility and background."
That means it would also apply to Clinton.
I don't think an introduction of Clinton should have to include the impeachment and disbarment charges...but mmfa pulls this juvenile stunt on a regular basis.
If they really believed what they preach...then any introduction of mmfa's Brock would have to include...former right wing smear merchant and closeted gay...you know...just to establish that credibility and background thing you espouse.
This is all about partisan politics and not conservative misinformation...typical.
"You also assert, "then it is certainly relevant to mention his indictments both past and present as it provides context for establishing his credibility and background."
That means it would also apply to Clinton."
Clinton was never criminally indicted for anything and is currently not under impeachment (except in conservative wet dreams). Nothing noted here applies to Clinton.
To suggest MMFA should support Brocks introductions to include a closeted gay reference, then that would mean MMFA should also support politicians disclosing how many times they have had anal sex with their wives or any non-missionary sex for that matter. Silly. Not relevant.
This web site is a response by Brock to his past as a conservative smear merchant and in certain contexts like a "Fairness in Media" news segment or debate, it is important to mention Brocks history. It is relevant .
Delay is now, today, under criminal indictment for money laundering. It’s relevant. To have someone under indictment for being a crooked politician is relevant when they are providing political commentary.
Bringing in Clinton and Brock is obfuscation of this very simple observation.
There is nothing closeted about Brock. I actually think you have a point on this one. IF his indictments were material to what he was talking about it WOULD be imperative that they be mentioned. I usually find when MMFA makes this argument they are. I dont see it in this case. Say he was talking about Congressional ethics. Or about lobbyists, then it would be material. Just to say it should be said if he is to be on a show at all I dont see.
My sentence structure maybe wasn't clear...it was meant to mean former...on both counts...rightwing smear merchant and closeted gay.
mmfa points out many instances of rightwing spin on lots issues...the same way that other sites reveal leftwing spin...laudable in both cases. However, this thread runs afoul of their stated objectives and falls into the realm of political pandering...which may be their unstated objective.
Many of mmfa's threads are well-sourced with documentation. Yet, this thread is not...to use a term...it's very "Hannity-like". Hannity's blather is blatantly partisan and does little to promote thoughtful discourse on the issues.
In this case...mmfa is acting like Hannity...tossing red meat to their base to inflame them. Brock can choose to run this site anyway he thinks fit...I choose to recognize the difference between pointing out conservative misinformation...and overt political pandering.
Delay's commentary on how the two month plus Dem majority finally providing oversight after 6 years of corruption and abuse of power is... priceless
The man has zero credibility. And I'm very glad MM is monitoring the various "news" shows trotting him out allowing him to push his book.
I'm all for "innocent until proven guilty." But this man stretches the truth to be well ... lies. His stating on the Today show that he had no trouble with ethics in his own Republican led Congress was a lie. He was reprimanded several times. And yes, there is certainly a lot of convictions around him, and though his case has not gone to trial yet- his legal troubles are damning.
I realize he needs the the profits from his book sale to continue to fund his legal defense.. but really having him as a spokesperson for the Republicans? He personifies hypocrisy?
I had to laugh out loud with his stating to Vierra basically saying "nothing to see here folks" with the ongoing Justice Department Scandal.. "it's all just political." Uh huh.. bingo! Firing the prosecutors going after the Republicans involved in corruption.. oh yeah I'm sure Hammer time wanted them all fired.
On an entertainment scale he can be highly amusing. His antics and efforts in gerrymandering Texas districts to get rid of Dem strongholds was quite a show. It was great theater when the Dems all left the state. What fun.
Once again I am glad that Media matters is monitoring this. Yeah, Vierra did ask the obvious, but really I was offended in seeing this guy who was forced out in disgrace given prime view time on the Today show. If they are going to have a disgraced, ethics challenged indited former Congressman- why don't they at least have someone with some kind of integrity representing the other side. How about Tom Daschle for instance. The contrast would have been a breath of fresh air.
It's incredible to me how low standards for credibility have sunk on all networks. Why Delay? On Faux I understand. He and Gingrich can have at it. But really how lazy is ti that networks aren't bothering for any kind of thoughtful, meaningful, or though provoking commentary?
Impeachment is just a fancy term for indictment. The Republican House did indict him.
if clinton were presently under indictment, you can bet the farm that any program he appeared on would note that fact.
Egg-zack'ly.
Keep in mind that impeachment is essentially a political act. The only punishment that can be bestowed, I guess, upon losing your impeachment trial is removal from office.
It's a little different for The Exterminator. He's got those pesky little criminal charges hanging around his neck. If he's convicted, he's doing time (unless Bush pardons him.)
So not only are the results different, but the means to get there are, too.
Nice try, but Delay's legal troubles are current and ongoing.
I think I'm gonna go out and do some "frivolous" criminal acts and then I'll write a book and, let's see??? Oh, BS my way back to my old job and do some more "frivolous" criminal acts and then I'll write a book and, let's see??? Oh, BS my way back to my old job and do some more "frivolous" criminal acts and then I'll write a book.... PURE GOP PROPAGANDA..., End of story.
Mooner1, over and out.
Two things:
1. Clinton WAS impeached by the House of Representatives. He was ACQUITTED by the Senate.
2. Tom said he "didn't do anything wrong." Um, Tom, money-laundering IS wrong.
Shouldn't you be serving your sentence soon?
A few things have to happen first.
1) Formal charges have to be filed in a Court of Law.
2) A trial with a jury panel of his peers needs to be held.
3) A guilty verdict has to be reached by said jury.
4) The appeal process will have to uphold any conviction.
How soon will any of the above happen? It's been 2+ years since the indictments came down and to the best of my knowledge, no formal charges have been file, no court date has been set.
He was reprimanded three times for ethics violations. He allowed Abfamoff to pay for his Scotland trip which is EXPLICITLY against house ethics rules. There is no possible way saying I did nothing wrong is anything but an outright lie. HAD he said I didnt do anything illegal he would have had a slim thread to hang on, he didnt, he doesnt
And he lost his job, as a leader and as a member of Congress. However, no formal civil charges have been filed after 2+ years. Why?????????
I dont know but its irrelevant to the point I am making he said he did NOTHING wrong, that is a lie.
He was caught in a proported series of lies, he lost his job in Congress. But again, no formal civil charges have been filed after 2+ years. Is Nyfong(sp?) handling this case or WTH is going on? Probably an PA somewhere is saying as long as an indictment is hanging over his head, he is damaged goods. If it goes to trial and he is acquitted, then he has a chance to make a politcal comeback (ala Trent Lott). If the PA has a strong case, make it and get the BugMan out of circulation.
Have you guys stopped listening to NPR? When are you going to start standing up for what was the best news organisation in the USA?
Well, *I* might - if I could reliably hear them, and if the transcripts I find, didn't reliably cast them with the rest of the (sorry, here it comes) S.C.U.M.*, and if they were among the few outlets I find joining in the call for the removal of, oh, say the Cuyahoga Board of Elections. Oh, that's right - I didn't note the tense of your statement of NPR's former rectitude.
*So-Called Unbiased Media Acronym courtesy of Easy To Refute Wingnuts
It's appropriate to point out that Ms Vieira showed more ballls than any of the Tin Men (Russert, Blitzer, Cavuto, etc) hosting Delay, but you should likewise note the absence of a brain....ie, shouldn't you also have mentioned that she let him get away with an obvious and blatant lie?....to wit: "I have not been cited by the Ethics Committee..."....given that he is the only Congressman in history to be admonished by the Ethics Committee on four separate occasions, each by unanimous vote, that seems an important detail...don't you think?
YES! MV needs to do a little more homwework. She could have easily ha dates and number of times Delay's Congressional so called "ethics" commitee reprimanded him. And man you really had to be bad for that to happen...
I cannot believe that any show would have this criminal on television. This man cheated anddisrespected the entire nation because of his corruption and greed and his opinion has no place on any of these shows.
I am glad someone somewhere is finally talking about this, I was wondering when I would see something on MMFA about this. I don't care how long he served or what good -if any- he may have done while in office is irrelevant now.
DeLay is a disgrace to this country and our political system and any, I repeat ANY new show that has him on and fails to point out his history should be deluged with calls and emails from the public. The only way they will stop doing things like this is if we stand up and fire back.
I sent an email to Russert on Sunday. I was furious that this hack (I refer to DeLay) was on there bashing Democrats and giving his opinion on the Iraq war and on the firings of the Attorney's.
He said the dems were on a political fishing expedition and that there was no wrongdoing here; yeah and we are supposed to believe him?? After all we got him on one of these fishing trips so because of this anything he says is taken with a grain of salt. I have heard that prisons are full of innocent men too.
How low have the Repubs sunk to send this Hammer, this criminal out front to be their hatchet man. He is a glaring reminder to the American public of just how corrupt this party has become and just how much they will stand and lie to the faces of the American people. This shows the disdain this party has for us Americans.
SSkin:
You are right- the news shows are not showing any respect for viewers intelligence. It IS insulting that thy would allow Delay the air time to share his opinion on the scandals and misdeeds by the current Admin. Pleeze.
Funny having Delay talk about "fishing expeditions". I know his sport of choice is golf- and his golfing expeditions to Scotland are now legend. Nice.