King Has No Spine

Alessandra Stanley said it.

"Larry King Live" is the first stop in any damage control operation — a chance to explain oneself to the least contentious journalist in the land.

And, oh, the damage that has been done. Mr. King and the President had a very safe interview. Unbelievably safe.

At times, Mr. King even provided the president with answers. "You've always had a lot of compassion for the Mexican people," the interviewer interjected in a discussion of the president's immigration bill. Mr. Bush seemed a little surprised, but grateful. "Yes, sir!" he replied.

I hate to see that. Reporters shouldn't be like that. They should be repectful, yes, and cordial, but hard-hitting. They shouldn't be wary of the big questions, and they sure as hell shouldn't provide answers. They should be vicious, blood-sucking creatures who feast on cold hard facts. Give Bush a one-on-one interview with Kieth Olberman, or Murray Waas, and the man would be ripped to shreds. Why? Because he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about half the time.