I joined the 'Times' in 1972, and I came with the mark of Cain on me because I was clearly against the war. But my editor, Abe Rosenthal, he hired me because he liked stories. He used to come to the Washington bureau and almost literally pat me on the head and say, 'How is my little Commie today? What do you have for me?'
Interpretation
The quote captures the challenges faced by a journalist with an unpopular stance during a controversial time.
Seymour Hersh reflects on his experience as a journalist at the 'Times' during the Vietnam War era, highlighting both the stigma he faced for being anti-war and the support he received from his editor, Abe Rosenthal. The quote illustrates the tension between journalistic integrity and the political climate of the time, as well as the sometimes personal relationships that can develop in the newsroom.
In practice
In a discussion about the role of journalists during conflicts, this quote can illustrate the personal sacrifices made for truth.
In Vietnam, our soldiers came back and they were reviled as baby killers, in shame and humiliation. It isn't happening now, but I will tell you, there has never been an American army as violent and murderous as our army has been in Iraq.
I don't think that my kind of journalism has ever been universally popular. It's lonely out here.
In campaign reporting more than any other kind of press coverage, reporters aren't just covering a story, they're a part of it - influencing outcomes, setting expectations, framing candidates - and despite what they tell themselves, it's impossible to both be a part of the action and report on it objectively.
Helping set the day's agenda and deciding what we used and editing it, that was a journalistic high point. I liked reporting as well. Just doing the news - the live performance - wasn't important. Working on the desk was.
The biggest problem I have in journalism is being quoted or misquoted and then being asked to defend something I haven't said.
As a journalist, I know what it is like to incur the self-righteous wrath of people who denounce you for things you didn't say or didn't mean.
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