Can Politico S[t]ink Any Lower?

Weekend Edition January 20-22, 2012

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Managing Corporate Reputations

by RUSSELL MOKHIBER

Politico is out this morning with a glossy State of the Union edition with this cover story headline – “The Worst Ever? Extreme Fighting. Public Scorn. Can Congress Sink Any Lower?”

That of course raises the question – Can Politico Sink Any Lower?

The Politico cover story, written by Jonathan Allen, not once mentions the corrupting influence of big corporate money as a reason for Congress’ poor approval rating.

But then again, guess who is paying for Politico?

Splashed across pages 24 and 25 is an ad from military contractor Lockheed Martin with a picture of The Armed Aerial Scout 72X helicopter – “carrying a 2,300 pound mission payload.”

On page 9 is a full page ad from Boeing and Bell Helicopter promoting the troubled tiltrotor V-22 Osprey.

The back cover is brought to you by none other than the vampire squid Goldman Sachs.

Inside the front cover is paid for by your friends at the American Hospital Association.

And page 10 by Toyota.

And then on page 15 is a picture of a dog with the headline – “Some say that if you need a friend in Washington, you should get one of these.”

“We beg to differ.”

“We help our clients succeed in Washington through advocacy advertising. Issues and reputation management. And digital engagement.”

The ad’s sponsor?

The public relations firm Ogilvy.

The key words?

“Reputation management.”

Politico is held in high esteem in Washington.

It’s considered the go to publication for the power elite.

But in fact, it’s just as corrupt as the Congress it covers.

Money in, product out.

That’s why you won’t see columnists advocating for deep cuts in military spending.

Lockheed, Boeing and Bell Helicopter wouldn’t approve.

Or for the corporate death penalty for those who rip off the government.

The American Hospital Association wouldn’t approve.

Or for an all out assault on corporate crime.

Ogilvy’s clients wouldn’t approve.

After all, what bigger hit to corporate reputation is there than a corporate criminal conviction?

Manage that.

Russell Mokhiber edits the Corporate Crime Reporter.