A Media Criticism Classic

(Getty Images/Stephen Brashear)

Technically this is from last week, but we just came across it (via The Hill), and it's just too good to ignore. Montana Sen. Conrad Burns, who just lost his seat to Jon Tester in a close race, has been agressively criticizing the media since the election. He has complained that some reporters "weren't very honest" with him, and that he was "taken advantage of" by them, though he did not offer specifics. Burns has also reportedly "lashed out at several reporters who have approached him around the Capitol." His most memorable (and subtle) complaint against the press corps, however, came as he stepped onto an elevator, when Burns told reporters that they should read the 109th Psalm from the Bible. Here's how it starts:

"Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer. And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love."

Oh, political reporters. Conrad Burns gave you love, and you repaid him with hate. For shame. Now if only we knew what Psalm Burns is recommending to Jack Abramoff.

Brian Montopoli

Brian Montopoli is the national reporter and political analyst for CBSNews.com.

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