No-Facts the Hack

Apologists for Bob Novak are always saying Novak is one of the few opinion columnists around who does actual reporting. Yeah, but his "reporting" usually involves reprinting gossip from such worthies as Russian spy and Opus Dei member Robert Hanssen. And how much reporting did Novak do in re-writing a press release into the following item:

Lobbyists and others on a select Washington mailing list have been invited to a two-hour presentation Feb. 26 by one of President Bush's brothers: Marvin Bush, who heads a private investment firm in Alexandria, Va. "You are cordially invited to learn more about methods of managing risk in volatile markets utilizing alternative investment strategies," says the invitation. The event is scheduled at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, with "light refreshments" promised to be served. "Seating is limited to 50 guests," says the invitation, which also sets a financial requirement for guests: "Investor suitability: $5 million of investable assets." Bush is co-founder, president and a partner in Winston Partners, described as a sub-adviser to Brown Brothers Harriman Hedged Partners. Bush promises to discuss hedge funds and how "volatility" is reduced by "alternatives to stocks and bonds."

I rewrite the e-mail that's sent to me, too, and nobody calls me a journalist.