A great example of one of those “damning by faint blaming” articles that have become popular in the right-wing controlled media. And it’s not the first I’ve seen this in McClatchy, who’s fortunes have taken a right turn. The article eventually makes it obvious all states will share the largess, thus nullifying their original premise. But the opening still leaves the impression that Obama is playing favorites. Subtle, but not subtle enough.

The headline and introduction to this piece are quite misleading. Why would McClatchy (respected for the diligence and thoroughness of their investigative reporting) imply some impropriety and then provide evidence to dispel any suggestion of wrong-doing? Perhaps it is because Lightman has submitted the finished report before there are enough facts to form a thesis. This article says "the money is there; some have applied for it, some haven't." That's interesting, but what's the point? Maybe that's why Lightman opted for the titillating title.

The other reviewers correctly point out the unfairness of the article and the headline. Both imply presidential favoritism, even though the article eventually goes on to contradict the suggestion that Illinois somehow had an inside track. It's probably not right to blame the reporter for the headline. In most shops, an editor would have written that. But the headline does reflect how the article started out, so it's not surprising to see that. Since Illinois is the fifth largest state in population, it's not surprising to me that it would rank high in the number of stimulus projects. It would have been appropriate to mention that. Florida, at fourth largest, and Ohio, at 7th largest, will have had sizable bundles of ... More »

I believe this is quality journalism, the author goes in depth about the stimulus package and the effects it will have on a number of states spending money. I would have like to have seen more quotes to make the story even more credible but i believe Lightman did his research well.