I posted, a few hours ago, after seeing that the story was saturating the airwaves, this link:
John Edwards Affair With Rielle Hunter: Will Admit Infidelity On ABC Tonight
A week or two ago, when the Drudgereport was, daily, reporting their latest details on Edwards' affair Margaret, our 80+ year old, oldest editor, posted a link to the Enquirer story. I went to the senior editorial team and asked whether we should keep it up or take it down. The reaction was quick and unanimous. Some thought I'd posted it and they were particularly angry.
Our rationale was that the source was a tabloid and it would hurt the Edwards family.
Now, we know that John Edwards discussed this with his familyin 2006. Of course, I am sure this is hurting his family now, but not reporting in OEN. COmmenters who judge harshly, they may hurt. But just linking to what is now widely covered news is not hurtful. It is normal. It is not tabloid like. It would be ostrich like to ignore or refrain from publishing it.
I didn't ask the senior editors this time.
This is major news. Edwards' behavior will have repercussions that will last. As the Democratic candidate progressives leaned to the most, it is worth discussing what would have happened if we'd gotten what we'd wished for and then this came out.
If you don't think the link should have been posted, well you're welcome to your opinion.
I assure you EVERY, EVERY major newspaper in america will be covering
it. Failure to do so is irresponsible, cowardly and perhaps prudish and Victorian and not journalistic.
If we lose any readers or members over publishing it, I suggest they go to Readers Digest or weekly reader, where pre-digested pablum is fed.
For those of you who KNOW that this is news that ought to be discussed-- the morality, the repercussions, etc.-- use the comments on this diary as a forum to add your remarks. But I will add a poll to gauge reader opinion.
