GOP 2004: Nader Knocks Newspapers

By: Charles Geraci What was Ralph Nader doing at the Republican National Convention? We're still not sure, for when E&P spotted him walking around Madison Square Garden on Tuesday afternoon we had our mind on other subjects, i.e. newspapers, as usual.

And, sure enough, the independent candidate for president was quick to condemn the nation's newspapers. "They haven't been fair," he said. "They haven't reported the dirty tricks of the Democrats," presumably directed at him. "It's all a horse race."

He wishes newspapers would give him more coverage. "Who would say no to that?" Nader asked.

After calling Bush a "dangerous warmonger," he was quick to criticize both political parties: "There is one party with two heads using different makeup."

But Terry McAuliffe, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, had good things to say about the press when he spoke with E&P later Tuesday afternoon.

"They have done a very good job outing those 'Swift Boat' folks and help get out the truth," McAuliffe said. "I've been very happy with the newspapers and not happy with certain TV networks," in what was an apparent jab at the Fox News Channel.

E&P also caught up with journalist/novelist Joe Klein, who is writing a weekly column for Time magazine and analyzing the convention on CNN's "Newsnight" with Aaron Brown.

"There is nothing tremendous of substance going on here," Klein said. The conventions "just provide a convenient excuse for journalists to get together and have boozy dinners," he said, smiling puckishly, noting he has been to a few parties this week. "It's tribal." But he added a serious note: "I would be surprised, but not shocked, if something dramatic happened in Bush's speech."

John King, CNN's chief White House correspondent, said the magic words, noting that during the convention he has been reading The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, and skimming USA Today. Having worked for The Associated Press for 12 years, he said, "My day is not complete if I don't have newsprint on my hands and face."

King also went out on a limb, saying, "If the election were held today, I think Bush would win narrowly ... but I wouldn't want to bet more than $5 or $10 on that."