The Post blows it on the Perry hunting camp story

Hugh Hewitt:

There is no hint of prejudice or race-baiting in Rick Perry's long career in the public eye.  But the Washington Post puts the story of a fallen rock with a deeply offensive name at an obscure hunting camp on its front page in a stunning attempt to injure Perry by association with a name no one is quoted saying he ever used or did anything other than cause to have painted over.

The Post article has to be read in its entirety to grasp just how thin is the connection between Perry and the rock with the offensive place name, but here is the key line in the article:  "Of those interviewed, the seven who said they saw the rock said the block-lettered name was clearly visible at different points in the 1980s and 1990s. One, a former worker on the ranch, believes he saw it as recently as 2008."

Many, many people were interviewed for the story.  Only seven recall seeing the rock, and not one of them connect Rick Perry to it, nor do any of the people --either from among these seven or who knows how many more were contacted for the piece-- tie Rick Perry to offensive comments, language or actions.  Though a lot of space is devoted to this story, no detailed reporting on what the seven saw and when they saw it is included, which allows for incredible supposition about the ambiguity to take root.  Thus a story that could have major implications for the presidential campaign in 2012 is built on anonymous sources whose stories aren't even detailed.

It is a drive-by slander.

... 

The Post obviously wants Perry to lose and they are willing to be unfair to push their agenda.  Shame on them. I have watched Perry's career for over 20 years and he has never been involved in racist policies or remarks to my knowledge.  This article is a slander against a politician who has been fair to all races during his time in office.