Times Bags New Political Writer
John Harwood, the veteran Washington correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and CNBC, has joined The New York Times in a part time role, the paper announced this afternoon. Mr. Harwood "will contribute political stories and analysis to various sections of the newspaper and NYTimes.com," according to a Times press release.
As The Observer has reported, Times editors had hoped that Rupert Murdoch's takeover of The Journal would prompt Journal reporters to flee to the Grey Lady. So far, that hasn't happened. Could Mr. Harwood start a trend?
Gee, think this might have something to do with Harwood's relationship with CNBC?? If he'd stayed with the Journal, it's doubtful he'd have been allowed to keep that lucrative gig. He'd have a tough time getting the same terms with FBN. In any case, a byline search would reveal that Harwood's primary contribution to the Journal's editorial output has been the NBC/WSJ poll. Oh yeah, and he likes to appear on Tim Russert. Don't expect the Exodus in his wake.