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OK, Class, What's Wrong With This Story?

This is the lead paragraph from a story in the Anchorage Daily News today about a state ethics investigation:

Todd Palin will answer a series of questions from a legislative investigator by mid-week -- but only in writing, and with the answers funneled through his lawyer, the McCain-Palin campaign said Monday.

So, just what does the Alaska Independence Party think about such Washington interference in the state's business?

Previous Comments

ID
138812
Comment

Okay, Donna, I'm a taker. Facts are missing. The only fact in the entire piece is that "the McCain-Palin campaign said Monday." First paragraph: Todd Palin's actions haven't happened yet and they are presented in future tense. Expectations and suppositions that haven't happened aren't yet news. What "the McCain-Palin campaign said" is hidden at the end of the sentence and the Todd Palin WILL DO is showcased. Is a bit deceptive. Second paragraph: It does not contain a statement of fact. It is a question that tries to link ideas not yet in evidence, e.g., the Alaska Independent Party and Washington interference with a state legislative investigation of Todd Palin. If there is a link, the writer should write it. Otherwise, the reader is left in the dark. If there is not a link, the writer assumes one. Assumptions aren't reporting.

Author
J.T.
Date
2008-10-07T22:37:27-06:00

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