Press Releases

Today, Congressman Hodes officially called on Chairman John Tierney of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs to hold a hearing on a recent New York Times story published on Sunday, April 20, 2008 on how Department of Defense officials used undue influence with former military officers serving as “independent” military analysts commenting on developments on the war in Iraq for network news stations. The Department of Defense used these analysts to manipulate public opinion toward supporting the Administration’s policy in the War in Iraq. 

A hearing also could examine whether some of these analysts were given military contracts with the Defense Department in exchange for reading Bush Administration talking points on the public airwaves.

April 24, 2008

Dear Chairman Tierney:  

            I respectfully request that the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs hold a hearing on the information contained in an article in the New York Times published on Sunday, April 20, alleging that the Pentagon used undue influence with former military officers serving as “independent” military analysts commenting on developments on the war in Iraq for network news stations.   

            The report detailed a concerted effort by former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield and Department of Defense officials to manipulate network news military analysts to promote Bush Administration spin on the war in Iraq, even though many analysts knew the information not to be accurate. In fact, one analyst referred to the efforts by the Pentagon as “brainwashing.” 

            It was also noted that an analyst for Fox News TV and Radio was receiving instructions from the Pentagon while working as a lobbyist at Patton Boggs, a firm which helps firms win Pentagon contracts including defense contracts in Iraq.  This creates at least the appearance of an improper relationship.  The public deserves to know if any contracts were awarded to this analyst’s clients. 

            Internal Pentagon documents obtained by the New York Times refer to these military analysts as “message force multipliers, surrogates who can be counted on to deliver Administration themes and messages to millions of Americans in the form of their own opinions.”

           If these reports are true, it is unacceptable that the Bush Administration would attempt to manipulate the public with false propaganda on matters of war and our national security.

           A hearing also could examine whether some of these analysts were given military contracts with the Defense Department in exchange for reading Bush Administration talking points on the public airwaves.

            The issue at stake here is the public’s right to the truth about our security, our military, and what their government is doing.  I look forward to working with you on this matter of great importance to American taxpayers and to restoring the trust the American people should have in their government.  Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely,

Paul Hodes

Member of Congress

Cc:  The Honorable Henry Waxman, Chairman, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee