Meet the press? Trial facilitates it

IN the Libby trial testimony, we learned that the Bush administration considered “Meet the Press” a useful tool for getting out its political spin. Scott Collins acted surprised by this revelation, stating that “we” always thought Tim Russert was tough on the powerful [“Russert’s Fault? A Lack of Outrage,” Feb. 12]. Give me a break! Almost all of the TV news journalists fail in their responsibilities as truth finders. They seem to think that to ask provocative questions and then to permit their guests to spin is acceptable. It is not. That kind of interviewing is what sold the American people on an unjustified war in Iraq.

ALLAN BRUNMIER

Torrance

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COLLINS’ main criticism of Tim Russert is that Russert doesn’t pound his fist on the table during interviews or shout down his guests like Bill O’Reilly. Therefore, Collins asserts, Russert is not a rigorous journalist.

I would normally respond with an admonition that journalism is supposed to be based on facts and not emotion, that questions don’t have to be yelled in order to be both tough and incisive. But perhaps it would be better to use terms Collins can understand. So, here goes: Shut up, Collins, you illiterate moron. I’m cutting your mike because you’re a pudding-headed clown.

MICHAEL ZIMMER

Los Angeles

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COLLINS’ piece on Tim Russert misses the mark. It isn’t that Russert has gone “soft”; it’s that he -- like so many in the journalism arena these last few years -- played it safe. He traded legitimacy for access, and in so doing earned his reputation as lap dog for the most diabolical element that the Bush administration has to offer.

BLAISE JACKSON

Escondido