http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/jun/25/edwards_campaign_blasts_new_york_times_over_poverty_storyEdwards Campaign Blasts New York Times Over Poverty StoryBy Greg Sargent | bio
Jonathan Prince, the deputy campaign manager for John Edwards, has just sent out a toughly-worded email to supporters directly blasting The New York Times and reporter Leslie Wayne over that Friday front-page story saying that Edwards' antipoverty nonprofit is nothing but a vehicle for his 2008 Presidential run.
From the email:
Last week The New York Times ran a story suggesting that it was wrong for John to have spent the last three years raising awareness of poverty and advocating for solutions. As if there's any way to draw attention to poverty without publicity! And to make matters worse, the reporter just refused to even talk with any of the people who benefited—like any of the 200 young people who got scholarships through the College for Everyone program, or the 700 students who went to New Orleans with John to help rebuild. So we really need your help to get our message out; please, give what you can today.
It's unusual, to be sure, for candidates to attack the almighty Paper of Record so directly. Also unusual: Pointing to a negative story about yourself in order to raise money. This reminds us, of course, that Edwards advisers know his supporters are inclined to believe the worst about the big news orgs and their intentions towards candidates that tilt left.
Indeed, in that same vein, the email also blasts the media over coverage of his haircut, saying it's a sign that "the whole Washington establishment wants our campaign to go away." The full email after the jump.
What happens when the candidate who will shake up Washington the most also has the best chance of getting elected?
Everyone who likes things just the way they are gets scared and goes on the attack. If they can't attack the substance, they'll create "scandals" any way they can.
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