Chris Mitchell the editor, writing for first time about this matter over the weekend, essentially saying that whilst he was at Kirribilli House on the evening when the phone call took place,

1. He didn’t breach confidence.

2. He stands by the version of the story that the paper printed

On the substantial issue he was involved in - waterfront reform - the overall objective of much more efficient ports was worth fighting hard for. But he and Howard gave the battle a harsh class warfare edge that was unnecessary but typical of their divisive style.

That the so-called offense was to hurt the worst lame-duck American president in the annals of US history. A man who lies have led to death and misery on a scale to equal Saddam Hussein, seems to be imagined as being the offended party-by the Oz press is lying on a scale as Bush himself would do. The Oz should put up or shut up. Play the tape or pi*s off.

Mitchell has spoken at last. He says essentially:

The story is really a non-event.

But 1. He confirmed that he was there at Kirribilli House but not who else if anyone.
2. He didn’t breach confidence, i.e. he did not publish a story that was not ok’ed by the source
3. He stands by the version of the story that the paper printed.

Now it is firmly established that Bush never said “What’s the G20?”

Therefore The Australian was lied to by this source……..and was given the false impression that Rudd had to masterfully persuade Bush who was reluctant, ignorant and incredibly stupid.

Who was this source……. that lied and endeavoured however ineptly to give the impression that Rudd was an adroit statesman dealing with a reluctant idiot in the interests of the ‘war’ against the global financial crisis ?

And honestly, who gives a rat’s rear end about what Mitchell told Franklin about what Rudd said Bush told Rudd. As if we didn’t already know that Bush wouldn’t know which way round to put on his undies if Laura didn’t help him out, let alone understand what a G20 was. The Oz needs to ditch this garbage and find some real news to report, they shouldn’t find that too hard, surely.

“The facts of the matter are that on October 10 Rudd hosted a dinner at Kirribilli House for a number of guests, one of whom was Mitchell”

No the facts are that Rudd did not host a dinner at Kirribilli House that night.

Perhaps if MacCallum had actually read the reports in The Oz that he so ineptly criticises, then he would already know that.

The fact that the Aussie public couldn’t give the slightest toss about George W.Bush or his sensibilities and can’t wait to see the back of him as the majority of Yanks think likewise, it’s clear the Aussie media is losing the plot. Time for them to grow up and have a look at just why their circulations are plunging. Perhaps they might like to consider the quality of their content but I suppsoe that’s just wishful thinking.