Politico Reporter Criticizes Washington Free Beacon
- Politico reporter criticizes Washington Free Beacon for denouncing his article on Kamala Harris.
- The article was described as poorly written and biased by the Free Beacon.
- Controversy arises over media reporting on Vice President Harris's fracking policy.
On July 29, 2024, Politico reporter Ben Lefebvre expressed his frustration with the Washington Free Beacon after his article on Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on fracking faced backlash. The piece, initially titled "Harris campaign pledges she won't ban fracking after Trump accusation," was criticized for its perceived partisan bias and poor writing. In response to the criticism, Lefebvre offered his "condolences" to the Free Beacon, which he described as a "neocon war blog" situated above Politico's Arlington headquarters. The controversy arose when CNN reporter Andy Kaczynski pointed out the article's "bizarre framing," highlighting that Harris had previously promised to ban fracking during her 2019 primary campaign. Lefebvre acknowledged former President Donald Trump's remarks regarding Harris's past statements but notably refrained from quoting her previous commitments, which are documented on video. This incident reflects a broader trend among mainstream journalists attempting to reshape Harris's public image as she emerges as the Democratic Party's presumptive presidential nominee. In a personal reflection, Lefebvre recounted a moment from November 2020 when he was ridiculed by a future Free Beacon Man of the Year while driving his cousin in Washington, D.C. He shared anecdotes about his life, including amusing conversations with his son and vivid dreams, showcasing a more personal side amid the professional turmoil. The article highlights the ongoing tensions in political journalism and the challenges faced by reporters in navigating partisan narratives.