Ever since six retired generals voiced their criticisms of Donald Rumsfeld several weeks ago, the media have used the opportunity to cover the allegedly waning support of Rumsfeld and the increasing pressure on him to resign. Today, the AP gives us this article by Liz Sidoti, who spends the majority of her time quoting known critics of Rumsfeld, as well some “supporters”:

“[Whether or not Rumsfeld stays is] up to him and the president. I don’t see that his performance has changed,” said [Sen. Trent Lott (R., Miss.)], who has said he’s “not a fan” of Rumsfeld.
Hardly glowing endorsements.

At the end of the article, she reports on a “rally-around-Rumsfeld breakfast” hosted by Senator Jeff Sessions (R., Ala.). The only problem is, according to a source familiar with the meeting, the actual purpose of the breakfast was to get an update from Rumsfeld on Iraq and other issues before Congress. Also, according to the source, she interviewed pro-Rumsfeld Senators as well. They didn’t make her story.

The media appear to have already made up their minds that Rumsfeld should go. In order to advance this story, though, it seems they have to rely on shoddy, one-sided reporting.