Yesterday, the new WAPO Ombudsman, Deborah Howell, launched a verbal attack on Froomkin's "White House Briefing". She said political reporters in the news division think it's too opinionated and liberal. Cited was John Harris, a political editor, who believes Froomkin's column dilutes the credibility of their news reporters.
Froomkin's writes a transparent anthology. He clearly and consistently identifies his sources and links. He provides context, questions, depth and breadth. I won't go into the kabillion refutations of Howell's criticism posted at Froomkin's site, but I do have some SPECULATION to share.
Could this be another instance of the White House pressuring the media? Have WAPO political reporters been chided with subtle WH criticism of that liberal Froomkin? We know there is a WH history of attempted media manipulation. Critics have been denied WH access. And remember Libby contacting Russert about Matthews.
Has Bob (My book is more important than the news) Woodward relayed anything negative? If he encountered adverse WH commentary about Froomkin, would he perceive it to be attempted manipulation?
As I said, this is only a theory. Does anyone have facts that would refute or support it?