The Bully's Pulpit

From Krugman:

We need people in Washington who are willing to stand up to the bully in chief. Unfortunately, and somewhat mysteriously, they’re still in short supply.

You can understand, if not condone, the way the political and media establishment let itself be browbeaten by Mr. Bush in his post-9/11 political prime. What’s amazing is the extent to which insiders still cringe before a lame duck with a 60 percent disapproval rating....

Well, here’s a question for those who might be tempted, yet again, to shy away from a confrontation with Mr. Bush over Iraq: How do you ask a man to be the last to die for a bully’s ego?

No, I don't understand how the political and media establishment let itself be browbeaten by Bush. I understand for Democrats how, during the first year, maybe two, after September 11, it was difficult publicly challenging Bush on foreign policy issues because of the 9/11 effect. But for the media? Come on. What price would the media have paid for doing their job? Not getting re-elected? I don't forgive much of anybody for not taking on Bush since 2003, when the 9/11 effect was starting to wane, but pre-03, the media had ample opportunity to do their job and tell the public the truth, and they didn't.