Apparently he’s another conservative columnist who writes about a particular subject without disclosing that he’s being paid by the Bush administration to write about a particular subject.
For the “What’s the big deal?” crowd, read this nugget from Michelle Malkin:
I wonder if McManus will say he “forgot” about the $10,000 payment, too. That line seems to be working pretty well now among some of my fellow conservatives. I’ll have more to say about all this in the morning, but for now, let me just say that if I accepted $10,000 or $20,000 or $40,000 in taxpayer funds for my writing, I wouldn’t forget it in one year or 5 years or 10 years. And I’d make damn sure I disclosed it in relevant columns, books, or media appearances, even if it invited condescension from the “don’t be such a holier-than-thou-goody-two-shoes-must-you-disclose-everything?” crowd.
Accepting money to pay your bills is not the problem; failing to disclose you’re being paid to push a “product,” with taxpayer’s money, is the problem, especially when readers value your opinion and “independent” viewpoint. If you’re being paid by the government to promote government policy, say so!
Developing…
Update (1/28): From Editor & Publisher:
Senior writer Eric Boehlert wrote that Salon had confirmed that McManus “championed the plan in his columns without disclosing to readers he was being paid to help it succeed.â€This report emerged one day after President Bush ordered his Cabinet secretaries to stop hiring commentators to help promote administration initiatives, after revelations surrounding commentators Armstrong Williams and Maggie Gallagher.
According to Salon, Dr. Wade Horn, assistant secretary for children and families at HHS, had responded to the latest report by announcing that HHS would institute a new policy that forbids the agency from hiring any outside expert or consultant who has any working affiliation with the media. “I needed to draw this bright line,” Horn told Salon. “The policy is being implemented and we’re moving forward.”
McManus could not be reached for comment.
In order to remain on higher ground, Republicans need to stop allowing things like this to happen. We call upon each other to account; Democrats don’t. Let’s show the country why and how our system of values is morally superior.
Also see Pundit Payola: Williams, Gallagher Were Wrong, But What’s Right?
