Twice the Rice

Ah, to see our city's tabloids on the opposite sides of a table. Headline check: The Daily News goes for the literal, while the Post recalls a tune (although it seems backhanded, since the song is "The Lady is a Tramp).

The Times' David Sanger says Condoleeza Rice sticks to the script while the Washington Post's Tom Shales says she could have done the whole testimony with "a teacup and saucer on her head. She's that cool." More about the Commission, Atrios on the PDB, and we're sure there will be more on Wonkette. Plus more about Rice's testimony from the Center for American Progress.

And was Gothamist the only one who thought September 11 Commissioner Richard Ben-Veniste's hair looked cartoonish? That is some thick hair!

Richard Ben-Veniste and Sonic the Hedgehog

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on April 9, 2004 9:05 AM

Comments [rss]

hoofin

I think the Bush Administration is through for reasons just like this.

They send a shill up there to convince an investigative/deliberative body on some issue. And then a couple of days/weeks/months later, it turns out that the truth is entirely different. (i.e. Bush knew al Qaida could attack at any moment in 2001.)

I just hope Ohio, West Virginia and New Hampshire switch their votes to Kerry in the fall and we can put an end to this talking-head liars show.

not wonkette

The black community in D.C. has drawn more than a few comparisons btw. the position Anita Hill found herself in and the one that Condi Rice found herself in. Today's Condi coverage in the Post is reminiscent of the spin News Corp. put on Anita Hill (read: tramp).

It almost makes you want to unearth David Brock's nasty puns for the re-run:

Condi is a little bit too nutty (awash in Cold War nostalgia) and her administration a little bit too slutty (with corporate contractors) to be believed.

Jen

I think a lot of the coverage goes that way too -patronizing Rice as a black woman. In fact, pre-September 11 coverage of CR was about how she worked out and could talk about football. Bizoring.

nkw

Sure, the Post cover is pro-Rice, but it's also sexist- if Dr. Rice were a man, no one would call Rice "tough"- is it *that* special that a woman stands firm under strong questioning?

My impression is that the "Lady Is A Champ" headline gives the cover a "pat-on-the-head, good job, little lady" feel...

Matt

I started laughing when I saw these two covers side-to-side in the deli this morning

Leslita

Jen, you crack me up. (All I could think of was "Condaskeeza.") Have you seen the new faux-WWII posters of Condi on whitehouse.org: http://www.whitehouse.org/initiatives/posters/index.asp ? Also, I swear she winked at Bob Kerrey when his questions were over.

james

OK - that was harsh. Sometimes I can't resist an opportunity for a sarcastic remark!

james

yeah, that's funny. First time, too.

tien

it's so funny how the post's headline is pro-condi because of their conservative leanings.

Jen

Rejected titles for this post - and, yes, they were rejected for the reasons you think:

"Like White [9/11 Commissioners] On Rice"

"Rice-A-Roni [Something]"

"Condi Candy"

"Pleeza, Condoleeza"