>Many reporters, too. Those who begin conversations with, "Don't you
>think that..."
They're under the idiot constraints of American journalism, which means that they're not allowed to have opinions, or even independent analyses. They're supposed to be neutral, objective conduits for the wisdom of "experts." To get around this, they seek out people who will say the things they want to say. If you don't play along, they get annoyed.
Back during the '92 campaign, a friend who worked at U.S. News & World Report told me that owner Mort Zuckerman made it clear that he wanted Bush to lose, and that all stories must be spun with that goal in mind. Economic reports were required to reflect bearish views. One reporter was givena list of approved economists to call for quotes by the department editor. Editors at Zuckerman pubs serve largely as transmission belts for Zuckerman's instructions. This is one reason they don't last very long in their jobs.
Doug