This piece does a good job of explaining how the media/politics game is played: "The Libby trial contained examples of the Vice President's office trading talking points with reporters in exchange for access (TIME reporter Matt Cooper got an "exclusive," while in the same bargain Libby got his message in the magazine), and soliciting talking points from the President's office. Cheney himself demanded that the White House spokesman tell "key press" that Libby was as innocent of the ... More »

Really great analysis. Cox's line that "The drama in a D.C. courtroom demonstrated the extent to which political "talking points" aren't just messages, but rather the very currency of government." really resonates. She successfully shows how this trial has exposed the inner workings, and absurdities, of the relationship between the White House and the MSM.

This story should focus more on the discrepancy between the drama of political "friendships" and the hardships that millions of people have suffered between 2003 and 2007. I say millions, because that includes not only the veterans, but the extended families on both sides, and the many who are sick and will become sick from environmental poisoning. Fiction and non fiction are not the same genre. Hello, is anyone in DC capable of hearing that?