James O'Keefe published his statement on Andrew Breitbart's Big Government a few hours ago. He insists that there was no wiretapping involved, or even an attempt to shut down the phone lines.
Instead, according to O'Keefe, what he did is what investigative journalists have done for decades.
I learned from a number of sources that many of Senator Landrieu’s constituents were having trouble getting through to her office to tell her that they didn’t want her taking millions of federal dollars in exchange for her vote on the healthcare bill. When asked about this, Senator Landrieu’s explanation was that, “Our lines have been jammed for weeks.” I decided to investigate why a representative of the people would be out of touch with her constituents for “weeks” because her phones were broken. In investigating this matter, we decided to visit Senator Landrieu’s district office – the people’s office – to ask the staff if their phones were working.
Did Landrieu say broken? I read "jammed." And that could be for lots of reasons.
But O'Keefe admits that he could have used different methods of investigative journalism. That would be true, if you believe what his above stated goal was. But if you think about why he would need a four-person team with extreme interest (or professional experience) in the intelligence field, checking the phone lines doesn't make a whole lot of sense. And this investigation cannot possibly be over.
And then O'Keefe takes his shot at the media:
It has been amazing to witness the journalistic malpractice committed by many of the organizations covering this story. MSNBC falsely claimed that I violated a non-existent “gag order.” The Associated Press incorrectly reported that I “broke in” to an office which is open to the public. The Washington Post has now had to print corrections in two stories on me. And these are just a few examples of inaccurate and false reporting. The public will judge whether reporters who can’t get their facts straight have the credibility to question my integrity as a journalist.
Mistakes are made, James--but your intent was nothing but deceptive from the get-go. You're an activist who produces faux news.
Read the whole piece in its entirety here.
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