Say Anything Blog

I agree the details of the story add up to a yawn. There are some interesting aspects to the saga though. Why would a reporter get a day pass for 2 years? Wouldn’t the White House find out about this stuff when they’re doing their background check?

Probably nothing behind these thoughts but they do make me wonder.

Jadegold, prove that he’s a prostitute.  I’ll wait.

Can’t?  Aww… so all this story amounts to is that a homosexual exhibitionist got press credentials.  So what?  So what if he’s gay?  What do you care what his sex life entails?  This is sheer hypocrisy.

Frankly, InDC’s analysis of this matter has been consistently erroneous. The WH controls who gets credentials and who doesn’t.

Jeff Goldstein, whose work will someday appear in Cat Fancier if the breaks go his way, is ignoring the fact that a gay prostitute--not a gay man, not a gay woman--but a prostitute obviously has some WH connection that enabled him to obtain a WH press pass, even though such passes are difficult for legit news organizations to come by.

Mike K’s analysis is just goofy considering the source.

Oh look, a gay pro-Bush reporter. Let’s organize a lynch mob. The left has gone off the rails. Poor sods.

When you offer to have sex with strangers for money, the conclusion is inescapable. Additionally, we’re also getting evidence of reports from Gannon/Guckert’s satisfied customers.

Do you really have verified proof of that?  Because I’ve seen none.

Untrue. WH journalists are subject to security investigations. Being a gay prostitute (not to mention having a $20K lien) are big security no-nos.

Owing money and being gay are security risks?  I don’t think so.

The point is Talon doesn’t compete; they have no market. Nobody pays to read them. That’s one reason why Talon was denied Congressional Press credentials.

Air America doesn’t compete.  They’re entirely funded by the DNC...yet Al Franken got credentials for the GOP convention.  Would you put Air America in the same boat as Talon?  Would you be against Al Franken getting a White House credential?  I think you’d be supportive of that.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

But this issue has zip to do with Guckert/Gannon being gay; I’d imagine chances are pretty good some of the WH press corps are gay.

I see...so using this man’s sexuality against him is really just about allowing the left to further its political agenda.

Whew.  Load off my mind.  For a minute there I was thinking you people hated gays.  Turns out its just Republicans.  The gay thing is just a meanst to an end, right?

this issue is about how the WH gave special access and special treatment to a fake reporter

Gannon got the same acess and treatment as other credentialed White House journalists.  And his publication is no more fake, though admittedly partisan, than The Village Voice which has also received White House credentials.

also a working male prostitute.

Gannon is/was a gay exhibitionist.  He ran a gay porn site.  Where does this make him a prostitute?  And, really, what bearing does it have on what is supposed to be the original story?

the Village Voice is biased but it is a real, live news outlet which competes in the marketplace.

And where do the Washington Times, Fox News and Talon compete...Mars?

And bias is very much the issue.  The whole point of all this is supposed to be about the White House “planting” a friendly voice in the press room.  How is bias not a part of that?

Of course, I could see where you’d get the idea that this is really about tarring-and-feathering a gay Republican given the coverage its getting from the left.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

"I see...so using this man’s sexuality against him is really just about allowing the left to further its political agenda.”

Reread what I wrote, Rob. I believe I said his being gay has zip (meaning nothing)to do with it. OTOH, being a prostitute (an activity illegal in most states) does.

“Gannon got the same acess and treatment as other credentialed White House journalists.”

Untrue.  WH journalists are subject to security investigations.  Being a gay prostitute (not to mention having a $20K lien) are big security no-nos.

“Where does this make him a prostitute?”

When you offer to have sex with strangers for money, the conclusion is inescapable.  Additionally, we’re also getting evidence of reports from Gannon/Guckert’s satisfied customers.

“And where do the Washington Times, Fox News and Talon compete...Mars?”

The point is Talon doesn’t compete; they have no market. Nobody pays to read them.  That’s one reason why Talon was denied Congressional Press credentials.

One thing to remember when discussing this issue is that the Village Voice has been granted White House press credentials.  That publication is every bit as biased as Talon.

Wouldn’t it be safe to say that for every softball question Gannon tossed out there was probably at least one nasty question from a publication on the other side of the political spectrum?

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

The GOP---the party of homophobia, of denying equal rights to GLBT Americans---is quick to play the sexual orientation card when it benefits them.

Don’t let them throw up a smokescreen---they gave a White House press pass to a ringer with a fake name with the intention of deceiving the American people.

Nothing else matters about this story, at least until we draw up the Articles of Impeachment.

Mark J: Check the Americablog site for evidence. I’d also note DailyKos has discovered correspondence from Guckert’s/Gannon’s satisfied customers.

But this issue has zip to do with Guckert/Gannon being gay; I’d imagine chances are pretty good some of the WH press corps are gay.

Instead, this issue is about how the WH gave special access and special treatment to a fake reporter working for a fake news organization who was also a working male prostitute. This same prostitute was also given classified info about a covert CIA agent.

"That publication is every bit as biased as Talon.”

Bias is not the issue.  After all, the Moonie Times and Fox News get credentials.  You are free to claim the Village Voice is biased but it is a real, live news outlet which competes in the marketplace.

No, the issue is that Talon isn’t a news organization.  It is a front group for GOP USA.

They’re entirely funded by the DNC...yet Al Franken got credentials for the GOP convention

Pure fantasy. Even you can do better than that, Rob.

And you’re still pretending that hiring a ringer with a fake name in order to deceive the American people is no big deal. Those of us in the reality-based coalition consider it a very, very big deal, indeed.

The fact that Gannon is also a gay prostitute working for the same people who rode into Washington on the backs of the “God Hates Fags” brigade is just plain funny---comedy gold, I’m tellin’ ya.

I’m showing my age but I can remember a time when being gay decidedly constituted a security risk. I’m glad to see that America has moved beyond that. Gayness is interesting only insofar as Gannon’s writings were quite anti-gay and many Republicans hold out their party as standing for a lifestyle quite at odds with one that includes solicitation and escort services.

Gannon’s status as a long term daily accredited WH reporter is unusual. Whether there’s more to the story is interesting to contemplate.

BTW Rob...do you have a reference for the Air America funding? I won’t belabour that debate but this is the first time I’ve heard or seen that claim.

Don Myers says, “Those of us in the reality-based coalition consider it a very, very big deal, indeed.”

Condescension?  Check.

The fact that Gannon is also a gay prostitute working for the same people who rode into Washington on the backs of the “God Hates Fags” brigade is just plain funny—comedy gold, I’m tellin’ ya.

Insult?  Check.

"Do you really have verified proof of that? Because I’ve seen none.”

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/02/man-called-jeff.html

“Owing money and being gay are security risks? I don’t think so.”

You don’t think.  If you’re gay, it’s going to be tough to get a clearance; if you’re gay and a prostitute, it’s impossible.

Owing money is also a flag in security clearances.  The rationale is that if you owe a lot of money, you’re susceptible to bribes or payments for info.

“Air America doesn’t compete.”

On the contrary, they do.  They run ads and their continued viability is incumbent on attracting a big enough audience to get the necessary ad revenue.

Point out the hyperbole, Brandon.

The GOP professes that homosexuality is bad and values are good.  Yet, they seem to have little hesitation about using a gay prostitute from a phony news organization to lob phony questions at your president and WH spokespeople.

Those of us in the reality-based coalition consider it a very, very big deal, indeed.

You’re killing me, Don. Your side is derided as the tin-foil hat brigade for a reason.

The fact that Gannon is also a gay prostitute working for the same people who rode into Washington on the backs of the “God Hates Fags� brigade is just plain funny—comedy gold, I’m tellin’ ya.

Nothing like hyperbole to back up your point, huh?

Jadegold is just irked because the GOP is capable of agreeing that “homosexuality is less than ideal” without actually discriminating against homosexuals. 

Doesn’t it seem a little bit incongruous that he should be happier if we DID discriminate against Mr. Gannon on the basis of his sexuality?

Hypocrite.

PS: John Avarosis (Amerikablog) is to gay rights what Fred Phelps is to homophobia.  Neither of them can see beyond their penis, and will say absolutely ANYTHING that demonizes the opposition.

Marty:

But the GOP IS actively discriminating against homosexuals. haven’t you heard about the drive to deny marriage rights to GLBT Americans?

Why do you think all those people carrying the “God Hates Fags” banners are all Bush supporters?

And you’re still pretending that hiring a ringer with a fake name in order to deceive the American people is no big deal.

Still tapdancing like mad around that White House deception, and hoping no one will notice how desperate you---and your Party---are getting?

Check

Sheesh, speaking of gay prostitutes, check out Alexa on the other thread.

Don, don’t be so naive. The GOP opposes same-sex marriage REGARDLESS of sexual orientation.  Likewise, GLBT Americans are as free as anyone else to marry, REGARDLESS of sexual orientation.  We could really care less if you are gay, straight, bi, tranny, or pedophile.  Marriage law still applies equally.

But gay activists aren’t after equality—this they already have—no, they want something special.

darned liberal blogs

Don, don’t be so naive. The GOP opposes same-sex marriage REGARDLESS of sexual orientation.

That’s one of the flimsiest rationalizations I’ve ever heard in my life...and on this blog, that’s something!

It’s like saying that the GOP opposes mixed-race marriage REGARDLESS of race. (And of course, it wasn’t that long ago that the GOP did oppose mixed race marriage)

Your claim that GLBT Americans have equality as long as they don’t have gay relationships is the worst kind of twisted logic.

I’m saying that “gay” has nothing to do with marriage.  Yep, that’s what i’m saying.

What on earth does race have to do with gay?

"Gay marriage” does NOT equal acceptance of gay lifestyle.  Marty is correct.  All are free to marry, that is, according to the true definition of marriage. Why then is there such a drive to change its definition????

Air America info.

They’re funded by Democrats.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

I won’t make a mountain out of a molehill Rob but this is was you said…

They’re entirely funded by the DNC...

I would be very surprised if this is true but life is full of surprises.

Ugh...didn’t mean to put that entirely in there.  I get too wordy sometimes.

They’re partially funded by the DNC.  Which makes them no less partisan than Talon, which is funded by the GOP.

And it certainly makes Air America different than Rush Limbaugh or any other right-leaning radio show I can think of as none of those shows receive any money from political campaigns.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

I will agree that Air America is just as partisan as Talon. I don’t think Air America has an accredited WH correspondent though and if they do, I wouldn’t think that the correpondent’s circumstances are as interesting as Gannon’s.

Thinking nonpartisanly for a minute...doesn’t the story strike you as odd? If the escort service stuff is true then how the heck did he get in to the press briefings? I’m not suggesting a grand conspiracy but it sure is weird to me.

The GOP professes that homosexuality is bad and values are good. Yet, they seem to have little hesitation about using a gay prostitute from a phony news organization to lob phony questions at your president and WH spokespeople.

I see my point flew right over your head.

Don said that we’re a part of the ‘God Hates Fags’ brigade. Disagreeing with somebody’s lifestyle choice is not tantamount to joining Fred Phelps wacked-out brigade.

Hmm, what’s wrong with being a gay prositute? Maybe because it’s illegal and it’s immoral?

They’re partially funded by the DNC

Prove it, Rob.  It should be very easy to do since the DNC, like any political organization, is required to list not only the donations it receives, but its expenditures.

Right here.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

Democrats raised 1.8 million for Air America and that’s not proof that they’re funded by the DNC?  Now you’re just being dishonest.

And note that I admitted to being mistaken when I said they were entirely funded by the DNC.  That was a typo on my part.  But they are partially funded, whether you choose to admit that or not.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

Not to put words in jadegold’s mouth but I think what he/she is saying that it would be unfair to say that the RNC funds the Unification Church merely because individual Republicans support it financially, whether they be well connected Republicans or not.

"Democrats raised 1.8 million for Air America and that’s not proof that they’re funded by the DNC?”

The DNC is a specific organiztion, Rob.

Still not proof, Rob.

Also, 1.8M funds all of Air America?  I don’t think so.

Air America is partisan, Rob.  Nobody’s hiding that fact.  Village Voice is partisan.  So is the WSJ and the Moonie Times.

Not...the...issue.

Each one of the media outlets above compete in the marketplace.  People don’t like the product...the business goes under--end of story.

OTOH, Talon News doesn’t have a market. It’s not competing in the marketplace.

Air America doesn’t compete.  Air America is funded by politicians as opposed to other radio shows (Rush, etc.) who get by on paid advertising.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

Democrats, DNC, whatever.  The point was to illustrate the partisanship of Air America.  The fact that the radio station is funded by Democrats bears that point out regardless of your attempts to muddy the waters.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

I think you’re wrong Rob and if you think about it I suspect you’ll realise that you’re overstating your case. That’s it for me though.

I don’t think I am wrong, Mike, but reasonable people can disagree.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB110616841893830479,00.html

Once again I need a clarification. What is wrong with prostitutes, they are honest, hard working citizens. Unlike lawyers and statisticians. And by the way, all seekers of elected office are, by definition, prostitutes. Just ask the losers.

’Bulldog’ Guckert gay escort, personal trainer, bodyguard and right wing media reporter is becoming famous by being so connected to a White House recently re-elected on a national security and moral values platform.

By admitting him to and favoring him with questions at White House Press Conferences for nearly two years, some people are asking:

With all the resources currently spent on national security, Who’s job was it to take a long hard look at Jeff Gannon when he asked for that press pass? Do they now believe that they should have probed harder? Did they find the naked pictures, the default judgement,

Beihg that it takes a Member of Congress to get on a White House Tour, Who approved and managed Jeff’s daily pass and gave it to him all those times?

Who were Jeff’s other administration contacts and what positions did they take then and now?

With this new spirit of tolerance being displayed by supporters, can we expect to see even more gay sex workers in other prominent positions at future public events?

Still waiting for someone to explain why it is important that this yahoo is gay. Are we not all supposed to be all tolerant and acceptant.

Gay is not the issue.  I could probably name 2-3 WH reporters who are gay.

Why, the head of the RNC is gay.

Prostitute is the issue, 2H9.  You remember--’me love you forever all night ten dollars’?

Don Myers spit out, Why do you think all those people carrying the “God Hates Fags” banners are all Bush supporters?

Oh..are you talking about Fred Phelps the Democrat? Guilt by association doesn’t look so hot now, does it?

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