Opinion: Those Outside Our Family

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On Second Thought. Despite the fact that some of the Goldwaterites' objections to the press are well taken, this is not the total picture. A large segment of the press has treated Goldwater with fairness in its news columns, dealt with him reasonably even when criticizing him in editorials. Most reporters are personally fond of him; some have even helped him out when his tongue seemed about to get him into trouble. While campaigning in San Diego, he once told reporters that it would be a good idea to get at the source of Communist supply lines to Viet Nam by striking South China—maybe with nuclear bombs. Incredulous newsmen read the statement back to him, asked if he really meant it. On second thought, he said he didn't, and little was written about it.

The real danger in Goldwater's intensifying feud with the press is that it might lead him to break off almost completely with the news gatherers, thus inhibiting the campaign and keeping the voter in the dark. If that happens, it will be as much Goldwater's fault as that of the press.