How many faces does one need?

A highly qualified US general goes to Iraq. Meets up with a very impressive and comprehensive range of contacts. Comes back and writes a report which is his view of where things are in Iraq.

So, why does this differ from the stories our respective great leaders tell us about how wonderful things are?

Say no more

Tony Blair on Ruth Turner 2007:
Ruth is a person of the highest integrity for whom I have great regard and I continue to have complete confidence in her
William Hague on Jeffrey Archer 1999:
This candidate is a candidate of probity and intergity - I am going to back him to the hilt