Rep. Patrick Kennedy calls news media ‘despicable’ for ignoring war in Afghanistan

Rep. Patrick Kennedy rips media in Afghan speech

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy is blasting the news media as “despicable,” accusing it of ignoring the war in Afghanistan even as troops continue to die there.

The Rhode Island Democrat shouted, pointed and waved his arms excitedly during a speech on the House floor Wednesday on U.S. policy in Afghanistan.

He chastised the media for focusing “24/7″ on former Rep. Eric Massa of New York, who resigned from Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, at a time when lawmakers were debating the future of the war.

He counted two members of the news media in the gallery, and said a lack of attention on the war was feeding public cynicism about government.

Kennedy announced last month he would not seek a ninth term in Congress.