The Bush rule of journalism
The first rule is "don't call it 'journalism'."
The consequences of crossing the Bushes – even if you turn out to be right – can be devastating.
“Don’t take on the Bushes” is becoming an unwritten rule in American journalism. Reporters can make mistakes in covering other politicians and suffer little or no consequence, but a false step when doing a critical piece on the Bushes is a career killer. 
Unlike other political figures, the Bushes must be given the benefit of the doubt, even if an innocent explanation stretches credulity. Also, any ambiguity in the reporting – such as sources who are less than pristine or evidence that isn’t 100 percent clear – must be interpreted in the Bushes’ favor.
Journalists or other investigators who violate these Bush rules must expect that they are putting their reputations and livelihoods in jeopardy.
Unlike other political figures, the Bushes must be given the benefit of the doubt, even if an innocent explanation stretches credulity. Also, any ambiguity in the reporting – such as sources who are less than pristine or evidence that isn’t 100 percent clear – must be interpreted in the Bushes’ favor.
Journalists or other investigators who violate these Bush rules must expect that they are putting their reputations and livelihoods in jeopardy.
- Robert Parry.
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