Years ago, one of my favorite columnists, Jack Germond, was on a TV show and he said something to the effect of, "The problem with the press today is that we aren't paid to say, 'I don't know,' so we have to say something, even when we don't know." I keep thinking of that as I see reports on the Gary Condit/Chandra Levy matter. Everything that the press really knows could probably be summarized in about 90 seconds…but CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, etc., have kicked into "All Condit, All the Time," recycling rumors and speculations, and giving it more air time than the Gulf War, the Olympics or even Regis Philbin.
It also strikes me that there is more interest in learning where Mr. Condit's genitalia has been than in where Ms. Levy might be. By virtue of being that rarest of oxymorons — a conservative Democrat — Condit has managed to get everyone in the public arena against him: Conservatives are hoping he goes down because he's a Democrat and liberals are hoping he goes down because he's a Conservative. He may well deserve to be ostracized and punished for his conduct (especially not being candid and forthcoming immediately upon his friend's disappearance) but there will be plenty of time for that.
At the moment, I am annoyed at the rampant rumor-mongering, especially by talking heads who want to spin this possible-tragedy for ratings or to slam their political opponents. They can't even do a good job of pretending they really care about what happened to Chandra Levy, aren't loving the scandal…and aren't praying that, if and when she turns up, it's in some manner that makes the story juicier and longer-lasting. No wonder Bozo was so popular…