One of the newspaper's most powerful tricks is to misidentify a source. After all, if someone who is "independent" is critical of the Governor or Legislature, that's much more powerful than saying that a partisan Democrat is critical of the Governor or Legislature.
Here's a great line from Reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez coverage of Governor Brewer's State of the State Speech.
The governor's plan didn't match the sweep of the centennial theme that framed Brewer's speech, said Kristin Borns, an independent policy consultant.
Independent policy consultant? Give me a break, Borns was a member of the Napolitano Administration. Here's how she describes her service.
Prior to joining Morrison Institute, Borns worked in Governor Napolitano's Office for Children, Youth and Families as the Director of Strategic Projects, with responsibilities including staffing the Governor's Children's Cabinet.
It's fine to quote her, but don't try to claim that she's "independent".
The Borns' quote in a key piece of Sanchez' theme that Brewer's speech was somehow "light" on policy. They must not have noticed that the speech was accompanied by a 4,500 word policy document filled with new initiatives. The Governor's "Four Cornerstones of Reform" can be found here.
Sanchez may not like the policies that Governor Brewer laid out. But don't ask a member of the Napolitano administration comment--identify her as "Independent"--and then use her quotes as foundation for a story claiming that the policies are somehow light.
Anoother example of laziness on the part of a MSM "reporter". It would be too difficult to actually READ the Governor's plan so why not just ask an "independent consultant" what they thought.
Reason #6,087 why I do not rely on the Republic or any MSM outlet for factual news.
Posted by: Benson | January 10, 2012 at 02:01 PM
I think you might be misinterpreting the use of "independent" in this instance.
I think it's being used to describe Borns current lack of corporate/institutional affiliation rather than her political affiliation.
Posted by: Anthony Michael McGeath | January 10, 2012 at 02:21 PM
That's not lazy.
That is purposeful and a primary example of how they have (attempted to) manipulated the discourse.
----------
There is no misunderstanding ... they meant "independent" just as they wrote it, they may have a 'cleaver' explanation ... but they meant it the way Greg interpreted it.
Posted by: Tod | January 10, 2012 at 02:53 PM
If she was any more "independent" we should put her on the Redistricting Commission!
Posted by: Its a Dry Heat | January 11, 2012 at 10:39 AM
Here is what Robert Robb thinks of the Governor's plan:
"Nor is there any credible plan being proposed to put state government on a sustainable path."
Posted by: westsider | January 11, 2012 at 12:37 PM
Does this mean that Matt Damon will play Kristin in the Movie version?
Or just that Greg Stanton will defy the legislature and bring back the film commission and Napolitano era film tax credits?
[and then Matt Damon plays Janet in the movie version]
Posted by: Phoenix48 | January 12, 2012 at 10:31 AM