CNN Rewrites Ethics Rules for Gingrich

The new Crossfire has only just begun, and CNN is already trying to explain how and why Newt Gingrich is exempted from the cable news channel's ethics policies. CNN is apparently willing to rewrite its own ethics guidelines in order to help him get back to doing what he does best, which is extracting money from suckers, reports Alex Pareene of Salon. "We are clarifying the policy and making it clear Newt Gingrich is not in violation," said CNN vice president Rick Davis. "The policy: If a Crossfire co-host has made a financial contribution to a politician who appears on the program or is the focus of the program, disclosure is not required during the show since the co-host's political support is obvious by his or her point of view expressed on the program." A month earlier, Davis said that if Gingrich was helping a candidate on the show, "of course he'll disclose that."