MSNBC

The good, the bad and the ‘shifting’ Oct. 17 — Bill Clinton’s former press rep has some harsh words for the way George W. Bush’s people have been dealing with the press, calling some actions by the current administration “troubling” and “dangerous.”

JOE LOCKHART, a White House press secretary under Bill Clinton, gave a talk in New York on Monday evening to some public relations students.

In particular, sources say, Lockhart singled out what he called the “shifting explanations” that the Bush administration gave to the media as to why they shouldn’t run the full text of Osama bin Laden’s taped message.

When called by the Scoop, Lockhart re-iterated his comments. “The first reason they gave [that bin Laden’s speech might contain coded messages] is legitimate. Protecting people’s lives is legitimate. However, the shifting explanations were troubling. If it’s just that they don’t want [bin Laden] to get free airtime, that’s very troubling. It’s not the government’s job to tell journalists what they should do. That’s very dangerous.”

Lockhart also singled out recent comments by Charlotte Beers, the new undersecretary of state for public diplomacy. Beers told the Wall Street Journal that it was her task to “redefine what America is” to the world, adding, “This is the most sophisticated brand assignment I have ever had.”

“The government shouldn’t be deciding what makes us good and then advertising it around the world,” Lockhart told The Scoop. “We’re not a product. We’re not to be sold. I thought it was a little dangerous if bureaucrats are getting around the table deciding what’s good about us.”

Lockhart was speaking as one of the panelists at “Power, Politics & Prima Donnas,” sponsored by the Center for Communications at Rockefeller Center.

Lockhart pointed out to the Scoop that he has been largely positive about the current administration. When asked how he thinks his successor, Ari Fleisher is doing, Lockhart said, “He’s doing great. It’s in this little thing you sign when you leave. Whenever you’re asked, you have to say it. He’s doing great. It’s my answer and I’m sticking with it.”

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001