Washington media scene: Goss pulls spotlight away from Kennedy
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WASHINGTON -- For a congressman who just crashed his Mustang into a Capitol Police barrier while under the influence of prescription drugs, Patrick Kennedy is one lucky guy.
An hour before the Rhode Island Democrat was to make a painful appearance in front of the cameras announcing that he was going into rehab, he was bumped off the cable news screens by the sudden and unexpected resignation of CIA boss Porter Goss. Suddenly there was another scandal vying with Mr. Kennedy to lead the news, as Washington began to whisper about what nefarious deed might have hastened Mr. Goss' hasty retreat.
On the other hand, Mr. Kennedy didn't look as if he was in a mood to send Mr. Goss a box of chocolates. Chased by cameras -- who had staked out his office, home and favorite hangout -- he tried to enter the Capitol but was redirected to another entrance, extending his walk of shame. He entered the House television studio with a forced grin and opened his speech with trembling hands. He began to speak, but something sounding like "argh" came out, and he cleared his throat and began again.
"The incident on Wednesday evening concerns me greatly," he said, tripping over the last word. "I simply do not remember getting out of bed, being pulled over by the police or being cited for three driving infractions."
As he spoke, he began to shake more noticeably. Perspiration built on his upper lip. The small room, with seating for 19 but crammed with 65 people, was silent except for the click of camera shutters. "I need to seek expert help," he continued. "This afternoon, I'm traveling to Minnesota to seek treatment at the Mayo Clinic."
Mr. Kennedy tried to ignore the din of shouted questions as he walked to the door but couldn't avoid the woman in the front row who asked if he would resign. He shook his head no. "I need to stay in the fight," he said.
Then the latest victim of the Kennedy Curse disappeared. On the decorative bookshelf behind the lectern where he spoke, there was still a copy of the Warren Commission's report on his uncle's assassination.
The media mob, expecting to duel with a feisty Mr. Kennedy who would deny wrongdoing, instead found a miserable character. Before his appearance, jokes about Chappaquiddick and Ambien filled the room. After the appearance, some felt bad for him that his father, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., didn't join him. Others said the return to rehab would douse the story. "It's a get-out-of-jail-free card," one producer predicted.
Fortunately for scandalmongers -- not to mention Mr. Kennedy -- Mr. Goss was ready to take over the spotlight. Neither Mr. Goss nor President Bush gave any reason for his quick resignation when they appeared.
For some reason, none of this came up when White House press secretary Scott McClellan, in his last day on the job, interrupted his briefing to say: "One thing I forgot to mention at the top, and I know this will stir some interest, but it just popped back in my mind, and I apologize for not mentioning it at the top." Yup, just popped into his mind that the central intelligence director was resigning in half an hour.
As for Mr. Kennedy, if his last name were different, his mishap might not have been big news. There was no major damage to the barrier he hit at 1st and C Streets SE, and the photos of his car showed light damage to a front headlight and rear fender.
But he's a Kennedy, so when news came of the crash Thursday -- and of the friendly ride home from police, who declined to give him a sobriety test -- reporters camped for six hours outside the congressman's office.
When the unhappy man finally emerged, he was asked if he had received special treatment. "I didn't ask for any," he replied.
First Published May 6, 2006 12:00 am
