Post-Modern Journalism

Sullivan, riffing on Balk, has it in a nutshell:

Increasingly, these journos see themselves as conduits for politicians, not as independent actors determined to get at the truth and hold the powerful accountable. There are no follow-ups any more; and when you see how Palin was insulated from real questioning in the campaign and book tour, you realize how corrupted the MSM has become.

Mike Allen has done this before - giving Cheney or Rove a platform as well as anonymity - with no pushback or skepticism. What matters is the "get" and the pageviews, not the substance. These people are not checks on power; they are increasingly its willing accomplices.

Okay, we've still got McClatchy and a few magazine independents, but in most cases, the Cheneys and Palins of this world don't talk to them, so there is no follow-up allowed.