ABC loves Communists more than Vets
I had to email. I couldn’t help it. It was that bad. Ted Koppel gave John O’Neil 6 minutes to respond to a 25 minute piece and then belittled him when he tried to answer the broader question.
ABC and Ted afforded more credability to the Vietnamese peasents than this American veteran. In the few seconds he had, O’Neil said “You’ve been had, Ted,” pointing out that Vietnam is VERY fonda Kerry.
The story is here, complete with a picture of Kerry and a puppy.
Update: Wizbang has more:
Koppel said something to the effect of “Why not just admit Kerry was right?” It was a rather bold question considering the report was inconclusive at best.In reply, O’Neil took both Koppel and ABC to task for not asking any of the Swift Boat Vets on to tell their story and for not even telling John Kerry’s own version of the story but for only going to communist country and asking our former enemies.
By repeatedly highlighting that John Kerry even agreed with his version of the events in question, John O’Neil deflated what should have been a very good show for ABC.
This is my email: (The subject line was “What are You Afraid Of, Ted?)”
Dear Ted Koppel,
I find your report on Kerry’s medal both a disservice to the American people and a breach of your duty as an “impartial” reporter of news. It is amazing that you chose to focus on one sliver of the Kerry controversy. It is unfair to me that you allotted 6 minutes to John O’Neil and tried to restrict his comments to your agenda.
The larger issue of whether Kerry’s post war, antiwar activities negatively impacted the troops is completely uncovered. As some of your viewers had not experienced the disgust with which the US treated its returning veterans, it would seem that Kerry’s charges and their impact on the US policy and psyche are a real issue.
Your dismissive attitude toward Mr. O’Neill and all the Swift veterans is a mystery to me. These are decorated American patriots, our finest and bravest, who may have a relevant point considering Kerry’s fitness to serve as commander in chief is based on his Vietnam career. Where is YOUR respect to them and to the viewer?
I would not have expected from you what we have seen from Dan Rather- trying to impact an election with a distorted and one sided presentation. Clearly you invested time and resources to bring this story. Your insistence on taking the word of Vietnamese peasants over decorated American heroes, without even providing equal time, is fundamentally wrong.
You said you wanted to “set the record straight.” How much air time have you given the Swift veterans? I would like to hear more of their interpretation and believe they have a right to present it more than communist peasants have a right to their say.
You say “not reporting can be seen as much of a political statement as reporting.” Yes. You have not reported on the view of the Swift vets and this is a political statement.
I prefer not to have to buy the book to find out what O’Neil is trying to say. This is your job as the gatekeeper to the marketplace of ideas. I would have expected one media outlet to give them a fair shake. Unfortunately, the fair shake is not coming from Nightline. So I am expected to choose who would do a better job in Iraq, Bush or Kerry, while the media is imposing a blackout on the Swift veterans who may or may not have insight in Kerry’s leadership abilities and military views. Thanks for nothing.
Extremely disappointed with ABC, Nightline and you Ted,
Sincerely,
Jane Novak
(I gave my phone number in case he wants to call.)
