The Globe's Lantigua interview: not so exclusive
Earlier today, I talked up Brian McGrory's piece on embattled Lawrence mayor William Lantigua, while simultaneously urging the Globe to discuss Lantigua's profane tendencies in greater detail.
Now, though, I'm writing about a claim made in McGrory's piece--specifically, his suggestion that his interview with Lantigua was an exclusive. Here's how McGrory put it (emphasis added):
For nearly 90 minutes [yesterday], in his only interview amid the mounting
criticism, Lantigua - elected in November and sworn into office early
last month - offered a profanity-laced, point-by-point rejection of the
demands that he relinquish his position in the Legislature so he can
devote himself to being mayor of Lawrence.
But this "only interview" claim is problematic. Here's why: the Herald's Dave Wedge interviewed an already-embattled Lantigua on February 3. Wedge then sat down with Antigua again last Friday. And on February 9, WGBH-TV's "Greater Boston" aired an interview with Lantigua in his office. (Disclosure: I'm an occasional paid guest on "Greater Boston.")
For those keeping journalistic score at home: please adjust your tallies accordingly.