Bozell Blasts White House and CNN for Playing Politics with American Troops and Their Families - Press Release - February 18, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 1998

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
KEITH APPELL (703)-683-5004

Bozell Blasts White House and CNN for Playing Politics with American Troops and Their Families
"If Your Son Is About To Go To War And You Don't Get CNN, You're Not Supposed To Know About It?"

ALEXANDRIA, Va. --- Media Research Center Chairman Brent Bozell blasted the White House and CNN today for playing politics with American troops poised to attack Iraq, as well as their families. Today's town meeting on war with Iraq, held in Columbus, Ohio, was covered by CNN as part of an exclusive arrangement the network has with the White House. All other television networks were banned from participating. Bozell said it is outrageous that both the White House and CNN would exclude other news organizations - as well as much of the American public - from such an important event on the eve of war with another country.

"You would think the White House would want to inform as many Americans as possible as to its rationale for war. But if your son is about to go to war and you don't get CNN, you're not supposed to know about it? This is the White House playing politics with people's lives. President Clinton has an obligation to the country to get all of the facts to all Americans before sending troops into battle. The practice of only giving one news organization the permission to carry such a proceeding on the eve of war, when our military leaders are predicting American casualties, is not only unprecedented but it is an insult to anyone who has a relative, friend , or neighbor in the Persian Gulf," Bozell said.

Media Interviews
To schedule an interview with Mr. Bozell, or another MRC spokesman, contact Keith Appell at (703)-683-5004.