Fox News tries to overcome 'pro- Republican' reputation (USA Today)

By Mark Memmott, USA TODAY

Twins Barbara and Jenna Bush "came off, frankly, as ditzes" when they spoke to the Republican National Convention, one commentator said. Laura Bush's speech "did not help" the president's campaign, said another. The first lady and her daughters "had no place up there" on the convention stage, said a third. ..

The setting was Fox News Channel's skybox inside Madison Square Garden. The show was Special Report, moderated by Brit Hume. Mort Kondracke, executive editor of Roll Call dissed the twins. William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, gave Laura Bush's speech a low rating. Fred Barnes, executive editor of The Weekly Standard, thought the women shouldn't have been addressing delegates because "we're not electing a family."

All three are known for their conservative or independent political views. Their comments couldn't have been more opposite what conventional wisdom would predict a Fox News panel would say. ..

Some critics say Fox and other cable networks overplayed the story of the veterans who accused Sen. John Kerry of lying about his war record — and gave too much attention to the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" group even after some of its claims had been contradicted.

But Hume, who has been with Fox since its beginning in 1996, said Fox took the story seriously because "you had Vietnam veterans, on the record, who were there and who were making serious allegations. How can you not do that story?" ..

Need A Hug Go To The Store!

wolf in sheep's clothing

Brit Hume makes my skin crawl.

Organizations like Media Matters, along with we the people can make a difference.

If Fox feels like they have to respond to the pressure by moving a tiny bit to the left, that's still some progress.

Fox will never be fair and balanced, but at least they are feeling some pressure.

Keep it up everyone!

instead of the constant pro-Republican slant is what I find repugnant. Hey FOX, wanna shake of the GOP waterboy image, then try reading and following your own motto.

Next up, in the Can a Leopard Change His Spots? department . . .

Seriously, if Rupert Murdoch's Fox News really wants to redefine itself, it will need complete editorial independence from management. Nuclear winter over Avenue of the Americas is far likelier.