In 2006, HUD Secretary Alfonso Jackson was caught admitting in a speech that he openly steered contracts to Republicans, and was placed under investigation. Today, Edward Pound of National Journal reported that the scandal has deepened, and that Jackson might have lied to Congress about his meddling in HUD contracts.
At the time, though, reporters like Charles Babington were scoffing at bloggers for caring about corruption. Here's Babington, in a chat with readers dismissing the scandal as the huffing and puffing of liberal naifs.
Pittsford, N.Y.: The left-wing of the blogosphere is expressing outrage over the news that HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson won't give contracts to those who say they oppose the president. Aren't they being a bit naive? Hasn't politics always worked that way (at least since Andrew Jackson instituted the "spoils system)? I'm a bit surprised that anyone could be that Pollyannaish about the ways of the world and Washington. What do you think about this?
Charles Babington: I think people operating in Washington generally are more discreet. You'd think that someone who just landed a big federal contract would keep to himself the thought that, By the way, I hate your president.... And you'd think an administration official might handle it by saying, You should have enough discretion and courtesy to utter such thoughts somewhere other than my office.
Rarely is there such a clear and cynical statement from a reporter about the norms of the Village. Later in the chat, a reader filled in Babington.
Virginia: Alfonso Jackson has now changed his story - via his spokesperson:
"He was merely trying to explain to the audience how people in D.C., will say critical things about the secretary, will unfairly characterize the president and then turn around and ask you for money," Tucker said. "He did not actually meet with someone and turn down a contract. He's not part of the contracting process."
I guess it was all a misunderstanding ...
Charles Babington: Thanks for the update.
Jackson is now being investigated by the FBI for lying about being part of the contracting process. Who's being naive, Charles?
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