White House ' Very Concerned' About Paid Iraq Propaganda

Conservatives not only defended the Iraq media propaganda efforts by the U.S. military and defense contractors, they have praised them. I gave my own quick take on this story last night, so I won't repeat myself here.

Anyway, conservatives may be praising it, but...

The White House not only denied knowledge of the program, but Scott McClellan assured reporters that "We're very concerned about the reports". Oop. Guess it's a big fucking deal after all.

In addition, the Senate Armed Services Committee summoned top Pentagon officials to Capitol Hill to explain the program to them. Senator John W. Warner (R- VA), who heads the Committee, said in a statement that "I am concerned about any actions that may undermine the credibility of the United States as we help the Iraqi people stand up as a democracy... A free and independent press is critical to the functioning of a democracy, and I am concerned about any actions which may erode the independence of the Iraqi media".

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch defended the program in Iraq, saying it's needed to combat Zarqawi's media presence.

[New York Times has the info: Senate Summons Pentagon to Explain Effort to Plant News Stories in Iraqi Media]

PS-
What story is Drudge leading with today? KING KONG RULES!