As an example of swift-changing remarks in Washington, D.C., Grumpy Editor cites a news conference this week when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) signaled Congress may not meet a year-end deadline in passing health care legislation.
That was news because it was the first public mention that lawmakers’ work may not be completed before 2010 rolls in.
“We’re not going to be bound by any timelines,” declared Reid. “We need to do the best job we can for the American people.”
Reporters scribbled notes.
TV and radio captured the words.
But hold on.
A few hours later, a spokesman from Reid’s office altered the Senate majority leader’s “live” remarks.
In a revised “what he meant to say,” the new line was:
“There is no reason why we can’t have a transparent and thorough debate in the Senate and still send a bill to the president by Christmas.”
This later was echoed from the White House when a spokesman related: “As Senator Reid said today, he shares the White House’s commitment to passing meaningful reform by Christmas.”
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