Media Matters Daily Summary

Here are today's news items from Media Matters for America, click on the title or 'read more' to read the entirety of each story. Brzezinski's reading of CNN's Cheney poll contradicts CNN polling director Citing a CNN poll, Mika Brzezinski asserted, "[Dick] Cheney's recent foray into the media spotlight is boosting his approval rating." However, CNN's polling director refuted the notion that Cheney's higher favorability in the poll is related to his "recent foray into the media spotlight." Read More Karl Rove, Super Genius Karl Rove has a regular Wall Street Journal column. He's a Fox News contributor. Newsweek hired him as a contributor. As Gloria Borger said in 2007: "[W]hen Rove speaks, the political class pays attention -- usually with good reason." Read More Coulter falsehood: No evidence Guantánamo "has served as a recruiting tool for terrorists" Ann Coulter falsely asserted that there is "no evidence" that Guantánamo "has served as a recruiting tool for terrorists." In fact, military and FBI interrogators have stated that terrorists have successfully used the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay as a recruiting device. Read More Media uncritically aired Cheney claim that "EITs" were used after other techniques failed Four evening news programs uncritically aired discredited claims Dick Cheney made suggesting that detainees provided information after -- and only after -- "enhanced interrogation techniques" were used. Read More Obtuse Angle: Fox News correspondent repeats debunked Library Tower claim Reporting on Dick Cheney's speech, Jim Angle repeated the debunked claim that the use of harsh interrogation techniques helped thwart an attack on the U.S. Bank Tower in Los Angeles. Read More Will the NY Times issue correction to report on former Gitmo detainees? On May 21 on MSNBC, New York Times reporter Elisabeth Bumiller acknowledged that the assertion in an article published earlier that day that one in seven detainees at Guantánamo has "returned" to terrorist activities might not be accurate. Conservatives and media seized on the dubious assertion, but the paper has not run a correction. Read More Wash. Times fails to disclose op-ed author's ties to defense industry The Washington Times published an op-ed by John R. Guardiano criticizing Robert Gates' decision to cancel the Future Combat Systems' vehicle program but did not disclose Guardiano's ties to a contractor for the FCS vehicle program. Read More Memo to Chris Wallace: Military officials say Gitmo has been a "recruiting tool" for terrorists Ignoring statements from military officials and reports, Chris Wallace suggested that the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay has not been used by terrorists as a "huge recruiting tool." Read More Un-debatable: Contrary to media claim, national security was an issue during 2008 campaign Numerous media figures advanced the argument that national security issues discussed by President Obama and Dick Cheney in May 21 speeches weren't debated during the 2008 presidential election campaign. In fact, the issues were vigorously debated during the Republican primary campaign. Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Newburgh 4: "These Guys Picked the Wrong Town" - Yahoo! News

Newburgh 4: "These Guys Picked the Wrong Town" - Yahoo! News: "It will be days, possibly weeks, before we know all the details of how the attempted Riverdale, New York, bombing was foiled, but counterterrorism experts say it's already clear where the plotters made their first mistake: they picked targets in New York City. Since the devastating attacks on Sept. 11, the city has built up formidable intelligence resources that are designed to anticipate, detect and eliminate terror threats. 'No city is better prepared for this kind of attack than New York,' says Fred Burton, a counterterrorism expert at Stratfor, a global intelligence firm. 'These guys picked the wrong town to mess with.'"

Corruption in Illinois Costs Each Family $109 as Reform Stalls - Yahoo! News

Corruption in Illinois Costs Each Family $109 as Reform Stalls - Yahoo! News: "Now that former Governor Rod Blagojevich is out of the way, Illinois politicians are getting back to business as usual, Chicago style.

“I don’t believe we’ll see any real reform in my lifetime,” said Lupe Martinez, a 56-year-old crane operator, as he swept the sidewalk in front of his brick bungalow on Chicago’s southwest side. “Every time we think we’ve elected someone who will do the right thing, they turn out to be liars and thieves.”"

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com

After a one-two punch from Newt Gingrich and Dick Cheney, House Minority Leader John Boehner and other Republican lawmakers worry that their party has overplayed its hand on Nancy Pelosi.

CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News

CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News: "As the Memorial Day weekend and summer driving season approach, motorists are facing a familiar trend -- surging gasoline prices. But while pump prices have increased more than 15 percent over the last 23 days, and are likely to go even higher over the coming weeks, experts tell CNNMoney they don't foresee anything like the record levels of 2008"

Florida's BankUnited fails, will cost FDIC $4.9B - Yahoo! News

Florida's BankUnited fails, will cost FDIC $4.9B - Yahoo! News: "The federal seizure of struggling Florida thrift BankUnited FSB is expected to cost the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. $4.9 billion, representing the second-largest hit to the FDIC's insurance fund since the financial crisis began felling banks last year."

Hezbollah says Biden visit interferes in election - Yahoo! News

Hezbollah says Biden visit interferes in election - Yahoo! News: "Vice President Joe Biden reinforced U.S. support for Lebanon's government Friday ahead of key parliamentary elections that could see the pro-Western faction ousted by Iranian-backed Hezbollah and its allies."

European stocks recover ahead of expected US gains - Yahoo! News

European stocks recover ahead of expected US gains - Yahoo! News: "European stocks rose Friday, recovering from a sharp fall Thursday and shrugging off overnight losses in the U.S. and Asia as investors clung to hopes that the global recession is bottoming out and looked for bargains ahead of the weekend."

Obama set to approve new rules for credit cards - Yahoo! News

Obama set to approve new rules for credit cards - Yahoo! News: "New rules for the credit card industry that are designed to protect consumers from surprise charges, such as over-the-limit fees and costs for paying a bill by phone, are part of a bill President Barack Obama is set to sign into law."

Gates defends decision to close Guantanamo prison - Yahoo! News

Gates defends decision to close Guantanamo prison - Yahoo! News: "Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the Obama administration had no choice but to order the shutdown of the prison at Guantanamo because 'the name itself is a condemnation' of U.S. anti-terrorism strategy."