US - AP caught switching stories

Real Clear Politics was alerted by a reader that AP had switched one of its stories. The story was at first positive for Bush and Republicans, but that story was switched for one that was negative for both.

However, I do have a criticism regarding the way you posted yesterday's (9/15) AP Piece "Polls Shows GOP Not Making Its Case". That's the way the AP titled it, at least. You guys decided to title it on your site "GOP Gains Ground In Battle For Congress".

If you Google GOP Gains Ground In Battle For Congress you get this result.



If you click on the second result, the AP headline, instead of the "GOP Gains Ground In Battle For Congress" story you get the "Polls Shows GOP Not Making Its Case" story instead.

Now if you click on the "cache" copy of the link you get the original "GOP Gains Ground In Battle For Congress" story.

If you click on the ABC link you get the original positive AP story.

LIZ SIDOTI's story originally started this way:

WASHINGTON Sep 15, 2006 (AP)— President Bush and Republicans have gained some ground in their bid to hold onto Congress as a sustained GOP effort to portray Democrats and Iraq war critics as appeasing terrorists has swayed voters.

Democrats, however, hold a wide advantage when it comes to who should control Congress with seven weeks to the midterm elections.

The latest Associated Press-Ipsos poll found that voters view Republicans and Democrats as equally capable of protecting the country; Democrats had an edge last month. Approval of Bush's overall job performance also improved and the president earned slightly better marks for his handling of Iraq and the war on terrorism.

But now the story reads:

WASHINGTON - President Bush and Republicans want to convince voters the unpopular Iraq war is central in the anti-terror fight. Democrats argue they can win control of Congress if voters view Iraq — and the continued bloodshed there — on its own.

The latest Associated Press-Ipsos poll found Republicans haven't made their case despite a sustained effort to link the conflicts; a majority of the public views the two as distinct.

Sticking to the GOP strategy Friday, Bush characterized his decision to invade Iraq as a necessary step to protecting the United States after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Stealth editing is one thing, but this is takes it to a whole new level.