In July, we learned from the New York Times that campaign and government stenographers have accepted the practice of manipulating quotes on behalf of Important People. Specifically, an official gives an interview, the reporter emails the quotes they intend to use back to that official, who cleans up the quote. The Times tells us that reporters believe nothing of substance is lost in the process. We are also told that reporters complain about this practice, but it appears they are too obsessed with access to say No, and too lazy to write articles that offer legitimate analysis (instead of propagandistic quotes from 'insiders').
Today, thanks to Talking Points Memo, we get to see this practice in action.
