Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

AP Bureau Chief Considered Job With McCain

It's the 2nd accusation of cozying up to right wing for Fournier

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 30, 2008 1:58 PM CDT

(Newser) – Ron Fournier’s objectivity is being questioned yet again, as Politico reports that the AP’s Washington bureau chief was offered a senior position in the McCain campaign before returning to the wire service in March 2007. Fournier’s political leanings have been a hot topic lately, since a 2004 email surfaced in which the reporter told Bush adviser Karl Rove to “keep up the fight.”

McCain adviser Mark Salter says he wanted to hire Fournier for his expertise, and doesn’t know what the reporter’s political leanings are. But Media Matters says the AP’s coverage under Fournier has been distinctly right-leaning. Fournier has told reporters to use a more interpretive, blunt style. Once a hard news reporter, Fournier now writes mostly opinion and analysis.

John McCain takes questions from Ron Fournier, right, during an Associated Press interview in Washington, April 14, 2008.
John McCain takes questions from Ron Fournier, right, during an Associated Press interview in Washington, April 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
John McCain takes questions from Associated Press political reporters Liz Sidoti, center, and Ron Fournier, Monday, April 14, 2008, the Associated Press Annual meeting in Washington.
John McCain takes questions from Associated Press political reporters Liz Sidoti, center, and Ron Fournier, Monday, April 14, 2008, the Associated Press Annual meeting in Washington.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Ron Fournier, right, looks on as Republican presidential candidate John McCain, left, holds up a box of Dunkin' Donuts presented to him by AP political reporter Liz Sidoti, Monday, April 14, 2008, in Washington.
Ron Fournier, right, looks on as Republican presidential candidate John McCain, left, holds up a box of Dunkin' Donuts presented to him by AP political reporter Liz Sidoti, Monday, April 14, 2008, in...   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

How McCain Lost His Media 'Base'

Rove: What McCain Must Do

Wire Service's Objectivity Under Scrutiny

Rove: Get Ready for November, Obama

Full Game Change Trailer Debuts


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne