As a writer who occasionally commits political journalism, I understand the need for the occasional background quote in an article about a sensitive topic. But it’s a tool to be used with care rather than abandon.

Here are the anti-Deeds sources in today’s Wash Post smackdown:

  • “Democrats at the national level”
  • “Senior administration officials”
  • “Democratic strategists”
  • “a national Democratic strategist”
  • “A senior administration official”
  • “A second administration official”
  • “national Democrats”
  • “administration officials”

Not a single one is named. Apparently none had the courage to go on the record. Apparently the Post didn’t think it was necessary to demand it of them. The line between journalism and gossip blurs.