Media Matters Daily Summary 03-31-09

LA Times, Dobbs uncritically forward McCain's false claim that Wagoner's departure was "unprecedented"
The L.A. Times and Lou Dobbs uncritically repeated Sen. John McCain's false claim that the government's decision to ask for Rick Wagoner's resignation is "unprecedented." In fact, similar actions occurred at AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac in September 2008.
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Fox & Friends graphic falsely claims, "Bill lets government set your salary"
Fox & Friends aired a graphic that falsely claimed of the Pay for Performance Act: "Bill lets government set your salary." In fact, the bill would regulate compensation only for employees of financial institutions that have received federal assistance. Read More

Fox Nation says "yes" to "biased media" -- calls Frank and Dodd a "[d]angerous duo"
After Fox News aired promotions for The Fox Nation telling viewers, "It's time to say 'no' to biased media and 'yes' to fair play and free speech," The Fox Nation labeled Chris Dodd and Barney Frank a "[d]angerous duo," linking to an article that did not in any way characterize them as "[d]angerous." Read More

Fox News' La Jeunesse ignores effective tax rate to claim U.S. corporate tax "second highest in the world"
Fox News' William La Jeunesse asserted that "our corporate tax rate is second highest in the world," ignoring the effective tax rate, which is lower for corporations in the U.S. than for corporations in several other countries. Read More

Ignoring AIG, Fannie, and Freddie, Wash. Times editorial labeled Wagoner's departure "unprecedented"
A Washington Times editorial labeled Rick Wagoner's departure from GM as "unprecedented." At no point did the editorial mention that the government has required AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac to replace their CEOs as a condition of receiving government funds. Read More

Conservative media attack health-care reform in budget without addressing admin. response
Numerous media outlets and personalities have claimed or suggested that given the size of the current and projected U.S. federal debt, the Obama administration's health-care reform proposal is untenable, but did not address the administration's argument that health-care reform is essential to the long-term economic health of the country. Read More

American public doesn't buy media's characterization of "Obama recession"
Despite attempts by media figures to pin the blame for the current economic situation on President Obama, a recent ABC poll found that "[e]ight in 10 Americans blame the situation on banks and other financial institutions. ... Just 26 percent, though, blame the Obama administration." Read More