We all know the story by now. Drudge report. Flashing light. "Dark skinned" black man mutilates McCain volunteer. Victim personally speaks with Palin and McCain. Obama camp offers statement. McCain camp declines to comment to respect victim's privacy. Malkin smells a hoax. MySpace pages. Something called Twitter. Backwards "B." YouTube videos. Police may do polygraph. Story not substantiated, and then....
SHE MADE IT UP!
Wow. You could almost write a book about this tabloid tragedy.
Not to be lost amidst the chaos, there is something that should not go unnoticed - Obama's response.
Sure, there are some people who say that the Obama camp was "duped" into believing this poor woman's hoax. But let's take a closer look at the Obama campaign statement:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the young woman for her to make a speedy recovery, and we hope that the person who perpetrated this crime is swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
Interestingly, even after we know of the hoax, this statement remains just as accurate, relevant and empathetic.
Notably, the "person" who perpetrated this crime was not a non-existent black criminal, but the hoaxer herself. She has now been apprehended and, hopefully, will be brought to justice.
Further, the young woman who perpetrated the hoax is likely in need of mental health treatment, and it is right to pray for her speedy recovery.
So did the Obama team know it was a hoax from the outset? Who cares.
What matters is that even with a seemingly tiny press release, the Obama team demonstrates the wisdom and attention to detail that is certainly worthy of respect.