For three years, I worked at the local newspaper in Corpus Christi, Texas, not a place that tends to garner much national attention. Really not since Selena was killed there have they had so much of the spotlight. So you can imagine my utter surprise when reading CNN.com. Vice-President shoots friend according to the Caller-Times.

Eh? Come again?

According to the Caller-Times because Cheney's office didn't release the information. A tipster called it in to them nearly a full day after the incident occurred just outside of town. I can only imagine the wave of hysteria that went through the newsroom.

A friend of mine was one of the reporters on the first story, a fantastically boisterous and colorful woman who is more fun than a barrel full of any primate. I would've given any amount of money to hear that conversation. "The vice-president did what? Seriously? No, seriously? He shot him, like with an actual gun?"

You know this story is going in her personal clip file.

According to the published story (I haven't talked to her personally about this, but am anxiously awaiting a return e-mail from other of the old gang), the vice-president's representative was asked if they would've revealed the incident if it hadn't been leaked. To which the rep replied, I won't speculate on that.

Uh, huh. I believe that's code for "not on your life."

Fortunately, it appears that the victim was not too badly injured considering, although he remains in the hospital, and Corpus and my old workplace remain at the center of a very interesting storm. A terrible accident, yes. And we all hope the man recovers. But also one of the worst PR bungles in recent memory. Tell me, Mr. Cheney, did you think no one would notice?