Howard Kurtz also buys the thesis that CNN’s caterwauling is an example of “reporters growing a spine” rather than an escalation of already-open hostility toward the administration.

Wake Forest, N.C.: I was absolutely shocked to see CNN develop a spine – I guess being put on the ground without the government watching your every move (ala embedded reporters) makes you see a lot more of reality. Paula Zahn (no kidding) was even ripping into Michael Brown from FEMA (who should be fired immediately). I doubt this new found journalistic integrity will last long, but it is nice to see.
Howard Kurtz: I’ve seen folks from the networks, including CNN, show more emotion and aggressiveness on this story than on anything I can remember for a long time.

PostWatch notes: “Again, this works well when you agree with the target selection.”