re: #996 NJDhockeyfan

What are the chances the MSM will pick up this scandal?

Obama bullies CBO chief the Chicago Way

What scandal? Frankly, there’s no actual story here - only spin. Elmendorf isn’t claiming he was strongarmed; the CBO hasn’t altered it’s estimates; there is no prohibition on the President meeting with the head of the CBO. The author takes a few sparse facts and weaves them with pure speculation to create the suggestion that something untoward took place.

I’d like nothing better than a story showing unethical strong arming by the White House. But this piece is a work of fiction; it offers exactly no evidence at all to back up it’s allegations.

I used to really like Ed Morrisey; his columns at Captain’s Quarters were thoughtful and well researched, and he never allowed himself to get out in front of facts and fill in the blanks with wishful thinking. Unfortunately, that has all changed since his move to Hot Air, where he has joined in the company of shrill ideological zealots engaging in negativity for the sheer sake of being negative, facts and careful thought be damned. I understand Ed’s need for income. But reporting has lost a genuine talent.

If Elmendorf comes out and says he was badgered by the White House, there will be story to report. He works for Congress; he has nothing to lose by coming forward if there has been a breach of ethics. Until he changes his story, or some actual facts emerge, the only charitable thing that can be said about this article is that it belongs squarely on the editorial page - not in the news section.