How not to report

"We decide, you report" doesn't quite work, but here's a good example of a reporter wanting something to be true:

Even Fred Thompson doesn't think he will become president. Chatting off-air to a television reporter, a stunningly candid off-the-cuff quip from the Hollywood actor cemented the impression that his heart is not in the 2008 race.

Trying to encourage his studio to hurry up so an interview could start, Carl Cameron of Fox News said into his microphone: "The next president of the United States has a schedule to keep." Standing beside him, a deadpan Mr Thompson interjected: "And so do I."

As some Thompson aides looked bemused and others cringed, a taken-aback Mr Cameron, Fox's chief political correspondent, exclaimed: "You can't do that kind of stuff!"


Goodness, no, can't be genuine even for a moment.

The only thing stunning there is the stupidity and dishonesty of the entire news organization that printed it. So here's the pool: How many U.S. media will pick this up? After all, it fits their narrative that Fred lacks fire in the belly; there's probably no room for it, what with all the cancer.