Step Down And The Press Steps Up

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: In The News

(AP Photo)

Let's say you're, oh, I don't know, an evangelical preacher who has been accused of having a three-year sexual relationship with a male prostitute while using crystal meth. Media outlets aren't sure how to play the story, since no evidence, other than the word of the escort, has surfaced. What do you do?

One hint: Don't step aside. When Mike Jones told a Denver radio station about his alleged relationship with Rev. Ted Haggard, who opposes gay rights (and presumably meth use, though I'd have to confirm that), many media outlets reacted cautiously. The Denver Post ran a small story. The national media waited to see how it would play out. But when Haggard stepped down, the kind of action that offers a solid news peg, he gave the press a green light to have at the story.

In fairness, it looks like Haggard had little choice – according to the acting senior pastor at Haggard's church, "there is an admission of some guilt" from Haggard. Wrote the acting senior pastor in an e-mail to Church members: "It is important for you to know that he confessed to the overseers that some of the accusations against him are true."

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by sanfelz November 4, 2006 10:10 PM EST: If Haggard was not preaching against same *** marriage and head of a 14,000 member church, no one would care. His private life and habits are no concern to the public ordinarily. But he is a public figure. And as clergy, he lives off tax deductible donations to his church. Therefore, even if you abhor his politics or his lifestyle, you support his activities.
Yes, he deserves to have his activities reported. He judges other, other can judge him.; Reply to this comment


by appledog2 November 4, 2006 12:12 AM EST: sgtjosburn, you must feel pretty dumb right now.

And Nolan, no one is saying that having gay *** is "immoral and hypocritical." It's gay-bashing (while being gay), adultery, and lying that is "immoral and hypocritical." What don't you get about that?; Reply to this comment


by nolan_s November 3, 2006 8:51 PM EST: Some of the comments posted above are simply amazing to me. The ones complaining the most and shouting the loudest call Haggard's behavior immoral and hypocritical, yet, this behavior is tolerated and accepted in their own community (more hypocrisy?).

And then, there are the ones who feel someone of Haggard's stature is infallible. Guess what, we all fail and typically we do so frequently.

What we know is that someone of Haggard's stature is expected to operate at a level equivalent to their convictions/morals/standards and set the example for their congregation. By Haggard's admissions alone, he has shown that he was not able to be superhuman and resist some temptations which are unbecoming of a head pastor. He did the correct thing and removed himself from leadership.

For those of you dancing in the streets over this issue - shame on you for celebrating the falling of your fellow man. Figuratively speaking, you are no better than the Middle Eastern radical thugs that rejoice in decapitating their adversary. What happened to loving your fellow man, respecting diversity, and practicing tolerance of a different view.

For those in denial that this could be true - pull your head out of the sand. Ted is a human too and falls short. Respect the positive contributions that he has made to the community and continue to carry the torch. Your faith should not hinge on a man but rather The Man.; Reply to this comment


by tjr1270 November 3, 2006 6:36 PM EST: From ABC:
He declined to make the voice mails available to the AP, but KUSA-TV reported what it said were excerpts late Thursday that referred to methamphetamine.

"Hi Mike, this is Art," one call began, according to the station. "Hey, I was just calling to see if we could get any more. Either $100 or $200 supply."

A second message, left a few hours later, began: "Hi Mike, this is Art, I am here in Denver and sorry that I missed you. But as I said, if you want to go ahead and get the stuff, then that would be great. And I'll get it sometime next week or the week after or whenever."; Reply to this comment


by gearoidmm November 3, 2006 6:02 PM EST: It seems that your attacks were a little premature now that he is admitting that he got a 'massage' from the said gentleman and that he did actually buy some methamphetamine (out of curiosity, you know).

I seem to recall seeing video of him denying that he ever met Jones just yesterday, so you can add lying to the list of sins.

I have gay friends who have to endure abuse (both verbal and physical) as a result of the small-minded hate peddled by people like these. I don't normally revel in others misery but maybe something like this might make people think a little more about what they say about their fellow man.; Reply to this comment


by tjr1270 November 3, 2006 5:59 PM EST: Sgtjosburn,
He has already admitted "some guilt" to his church, he has admitted to the press that he bought meth and received massages from a male prostitute, and he has very quickly resigned. I'd say we have a little more to go on than just the word of the accuser.; Reply to this comment


by gearoidmm November 3, 2006 4:40 PM EST: Can't help feeling a little bit of schadenfreude. The hypocrisy of these guys peddling their message of hate against homosexuals which is entirely at variance with the teachings of Jesus while their leader is (allegedly) gay.; Reply to this comment


by peterbaldwin-2009 November 3, 2006 4:30 PM EST: "Some guilt" is being a little bit pregnant. And it involves prostitution and illicit drugs. And this guy was a White House advisor. What next with the Republican scumbags.; Reply to this comment