'Chronicle' defends editorial cartoon

The Augusta Chronicle refused demands Friday that it apologize for an editorial page cartoon.

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Georgia and Richmond County Democratic leaders called a news conference asking for the apology for the cartoon that they said implies Osama bin Laden supports presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.

"Thursday's editorial cartoon in The Augusta Chronicle was a disgrace," Georgia Democratic Party Chairman Bobby Kahn said in a statement. "We are embarrassed for The Chronicle."

The cartoon shows a news anchorman reading a script who says: "Sen. Kerry claimed he has spoken to several foreign leaders who privately support him, but he refused the White House's request to identify them citing confidentiality reasons. ... In other news, Osama bin Laden has released another videotape ..." Pictured on the screen next to the anchorman is a bearded man with a turban and an automatic rifle holding a sign that reads, "Vote Kerry! (Call me, John. We need to talk.)"

In demanding the apology, Richmond County Democratic Party Chairman Lowell Greenbaum said Friday, "Either you take the high road or you'll hear from us."

Editorial Page Editor Michael Ryan said he would "no sooner apologize for an opinion than we would ask Mr. Greenbaum to apologize for his. To me, this cartoon is merely saying that terrorists would rather have John Kerry to deal with than George W. Bush. And I think that's not only a legitimate opinion but one that is borne out by the facts."

--From the Saturday, March 20, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle