Kerry Spot    [ jim geraghty reporting ]
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Dear friends at ABC,

I don't know if Drudge has this story right, but if he does, and the government has authenticated the tape, it would probably be a good idea for you guys to mention it at some point in the near future. Like, tonight.

If you're worried that the tape might be a signal to sleeper cells or al-Qaeda agents to trigger their attacks, then just run a still or an excerpt of the tape. You can still talk about how the tape came to you, what your experts say, what the government said.

If Drudge has stuff wrong, like his report that you "withheld" part of the tape, you ought to say so. If Drudge is right, you ought to explain what's going on.

I've been suggesting to Kerry Spot readers that you guys are just doing your job, checking things out and gathering the facts. The general reaction has been, "Geraghty, you sellout!"

Unfortunately, CBS rushed its fake memo to air, and now the widespread perception is that every network is as bad as they are. Now, I don't think that's the case, but refuting that idea would be easier if the tape ran. Or if it was at least mentioned. If you have doubts about the tape, if you think it's just some loon and not an actual member of al-Qaeda, say so. If that's what your experts are saying, then let them say it. But by putting the tape out there, you would let the audience start drawing its own conclusions.

UPDATE: As I was writing this, I got an e-mail from a guy at ABC saying to watch the news tonight.

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: My guy tells me to watch the evening news just a bit after 5:30. A little before 6, Drudge reports: "WORLD EXCLUSIVE: ABCNEWS TO AIR TERROR TAPE ON WORLD NEWS TONIGHT AT 6:30 EST."

Uh, not that exclusive, Matt.

YET ANOTHER UPDATE: Well, having seen their report, I think they handled it pretty well. If the tape includes threats of U.S. officials, it might have been a good move to mention which officials. And the reporter said the tape includes a reference to American television, during which the reporter showed Bill Maher. Hmm. That would have been an interesting excerpt. I hope ABC eventually puts the entire 75 minute tape on its web site at some point, so the public can continue to draw its own conclusions. But I think that by and large, ABC's reporters did their jobs.

[Posted 10/28 05:34 PM]