Student Journalists Weigh In: Huckabee In the Wrong

We asked our HuffPost College news network for their reactions to the Huckabee scandal. The testimonials we received agreed on two things: The Perspective ought to post an unedited transcript of the interview, and Huckabee was out of bounds.

Here's what our editors had to say:

While I'm sure that the staff of The Perspective acted with all due professionalism, a sad reality of the college newspaper industry is that credibility is not assumed, and can be lost in an instant. Whereas if the Washington Post or New York Times are criticized in such a public manner they can shrug it off, no college paper enjoys such a luxury.

It is also critical, when handling stories with a national focus -- which can be few and far between for a college newspaper -- to stay away from sensationalism or from framing the story in a way that may skew the reader's perception of an interview. It would be highly unfortunate if this incident dissuaded Huckabee or similar figures from granting access to college papers, even though The Perspective has handled the fallout with admirable grace and professionalism.

-Asher Smith, Editor, The Emory Wheel

The Perspective would have been better off presenting this as a straight interview. This would have eliminated the opportunity for Huckabee to accuse the author of taking his quotes out of context. Huckabee is charismatic and dynamic and that shows in his quotes -- no matter how backwards you feel he is - and his interview can therefore stand alone. Sometimes journalists feel the need to insert their own writing into what is innately interesting interview material -- maybe to prove that they are capable of more than transcribing. This can lead to questionable summarizations and, honestly, a less intriguing story.

-Caleb Melby, Co-News Editor, North By Northwestern

Huckabee's quotes may very well have been taken out of context, but the most outrageous of his comments would be offensive in any context. The Perspective, however, should allow readers to judge for themselves and, if possible, post audio of the entire interview. For the sake of avoiding charges of sensationalism, the editors of The Perspective may consider giving some attention to Huckabee's comments about other topics (the "candid and frank conversation with the group about health care, education, the economy and national security" that Huckabee claims took place), as well.

-Keenan Weatherford, Editor, The Cornell Daily Sun

I find it unfortunate that a public official -- who aspires to be president -- would direct such a comment towards a student. If the journalists indeed erred as Huckabee alleged, is dropping their career plans the most sensible response for them? Are we not where we are right now to learn? To me, the college experience has provided an incredible amount of experiences and opportunities to improve myself as a journalist. At no point have I given up on my goals because of a error made nor have I ever expected a person in a leadership role to advise me to do so.

-Stephen Montemayor, Editor, The University Daily Kansan

Comments

[KriTiKiT]

07:28 PM on 04/14/2010

he did cash the 25,000 dollar check!

[Joan Jacobs]

04:24 PM on 04/14/2010

This article states, or implies, that Mr. Huckabee 'granted an interview' with a college newspaper. The article I read previously - written by the interviewer - says that he was paid for sitting down and answering the questions. Who is correct? I would like to suggest that interviews should be free of monetary interaction - freely granted, honestly written.

[greenwren]

04:04 PM on 04/14/2010

Wait a minute now. The excerpts above don't leave out subtle criticism of the student journalist -- cautioning against "sensationalism" and "framing" a piece in such a way as to skew the reader's perspective. The HuffPo headline, though, makes it appear Huckabee is the only party being criticized. I also read the student's questions about Steele, and Huckabee's responses, which did NOT 'rip into" Steele, but showed concern about his handling of the nightclub incident and pushing for a better explanation. No ripping!

So everybody -- stop skewering! I say this as a liberal and a journalist of 24 years who does care about fairness.

[mancoff]

02:57 PM on 04/14/2010

Huckabee is part of the Fox News programming and he dares to criticize any form of "journalism". He works for the most unethical, factually challenged, biased, news channel in the media. Perhaps he better look closer to home if he wants to talk about being misquoted and being taken out of context, that's Standard Operating Procedures for his Fox brethern, it's practically the Fox Mission Statement. And Huckabee whines about a student's reporting. This is soooooo like a Republican politician and a Fox team member. This so Sarah Palin style, stick it to everyone you oppose truth be dammed, talk as nasty as you want and then whine, whine, whine, when someone sticks it to you.

[shthar]

02:21 PM on 04/14/2010

Typical 20th century politician.

Unable to understand or cope with the speed of news.

In the old days it would have taken a week for that tape to get out, even if they could have found someone to listen. And by then noone would have even remembered.

But even the mtv flash mob mentality can remember something for 24 hours. Especially if there's a link to the first story at the bottom of the page.

[demarco5]

01:23 PM on 04/14/2010

This isn't just any student journalist, or a normal objective student publication. M.C. Tracey is Mike Tracey, the student who was arrested after the Ann Coulter lecture last year at The College of New Jersey. Remember the "Get off my head" YouTube video that went viral? http://www.tcnjsignal.net/2009/02/25/collegestudentallegesaggressioninarrest/#hide

Tracey started an "alternative" student magazine at the College this year. Most of the writers are also members of the College Democrats, College ACLU, etc. The Perspective is funded by Campus Progress, a national organization that aims to make students' "progressive voices" heard. The Perspective is not the College's main media organization and has a minute readership on campus. It's more of a joke among students than anything else.

The site's about page reads: "We strive to offer an eclectic take on this new decade, which has brought with it a bewildering, frustrating, but nevertheless satisfying collegiate existence." Poke around the site a little more, and you won't be surprised that the Perspective's credibility is being questioned.

[TheDeRanger]

02:11 PM on 04/14/2010

So you got nothin'

Ok, no problem, keep defending Huck

[tailgateshirts]

01:19 PM on 04/14/2010

Sounds no worse than what Wikileaks did..... presented a view out of context and then follow up with the full version, whatever. Huckabee should have more important people to try and burn, and maybe shouldnt compare homosexuals adopting a kid to owning a pet, that could be a start for him.

Maybe if some gay dudes had that russian kid he wouldnt have been shipped back on a 12 hour plane ride by himself