10/27/1787: First Federalist Paper is published.

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The New York Times published more excerpts from Bob Woodward's new book. It seems that Woodward has material from Justices Breyer and Kagan:

Mr. Woodward also writes about encounters with more recent justices. He reports that his wife, Elsa Walsh, a former journalist for The Post and The New Yorker, sat next to former Justice Stephen G. Breyer at a dinner and he told her that he was "forced out" to make way for someone younger on the court.

He also recalls running into Justice Elena Kagan at a Washington party in 2023. Justice Kagan expressed admiration for "The Brethren" and Mr. Woodward noted that the main point was how the ideological center of the court in that era dominated. "Yes, I prefer it that way," Justice Kagan said. "That's exactly what it should be."

When he asked her if she was happy on the court, Justice Kagan said no, she was not, given the situation.

I don't think Justice Breyer gets to complain to a reporter's wife about being pushed out. It was his choice. No one forced him to step aside for Justice Jackson. But he folded. By contrast, Justices Thomas and Alito resisted all of the pressure.

As for Justice Kagan, does she really want the Court to be governed by the "ideological center"? Would the center of the Court have been Merrick Garland? I don't doubt that she is unhappy.

The post Woodward: Justice Breyer Was "'Forced Out' To Make Way For Someone Younger" and Justice Kagan Was Not Happy appeared first on Reason Magazine.

I am pleased that my interview with the New York Times continues to resonate. James Freeman features the piece in the Wall Street Journal's "Best of the Web" column. It begins:

This column sometimes notes the shortcomings of the New York Times so it seems only fair to credit the Gray Lady when she gets it right. With refreshing humility and openness to constructive criticism, a Times editor considers the manner in which the newspaper addresses a speaker's point of view.

And it ends:

Kudos to Patrick Healy. Let's hope that people across the media industry will take Josh Blackman's criticism to heart.

Let's hope so!

After reading about Bob Woodward's new book this morning, I've reflected about the relationship between journalists and sources. I take very seriously my connections to reporters, though I never pretend they are friends who owe me anything. The bond is transactional, sometimes counterproductive, but often fruitful. Some of these relationships have developed over the course of nearly two decades.

Most reporters do not finish their career where they started. More often than not, they start at smaller outlets, and if they're successful, move up the ranks. I always take care to respond to journalists at smaller outlets, in part, knowing that that is a relationship I can foster over time. Indeed, one reporter who started out at the Houston Chronicle moved onto the Wall Street Journal. Other reporters who started out in print moved into TV. And os on.

You never know when a relationship with a reporter will come in handy. Over the years, I've had pieces of information that I could provide to just the right person at just the right time, only because of the relationship I've built.  Anecdotally, I've noticed that the reporters who are best at fairly reaching out to both sides are the ones most likely to move up in the world. I hope the reporters at the Times can now set the tone for media balance, and it trickles down.

The post The Wall Street Journal Praises The Old Gray Lady appeared first on Reason Magazine.