Scott McClellan’s latest book, now number one on Amazon.com, not only has the White House treading water, but it’s caused a rash of journalist’s remorse. As McClellan accuses the media of being too soft and not liberal enough during the run-up to the Iraq war, some media members are putting their tails between their legs.

Reporters such as Katie Couric are shouting Amen to McClellan’s media-failed-us sermon. She calls the lack of criticism “one of the most embarrassing chapters in American journalism.” Author Greg Mitchell says that, even after five years, “there was almost no [media] self-assessment.” And even before McClellan, in an April speech to the National Association of Broadcasters, award-winning producer, director, and actor Tim Robbins lambasted the media for its lack of scrutiny.

There are big names such as NBC’s Tom Brokaw and ABC’s Charlie Gibson who refuse to lash themselves. But the prevailing sentiment is that the media should adorn black scarves and mourn the death of journalistic integrity.

But does a supposed lack of scrutiny then justify an explosive criticism, even hate, now? A new Harvard study shows the dangers of such a pendulum swing. In February, Radha Iyengar and Jonathan Monten released a study showing that “in periods after a spike in war-critical statements, insurgent attacks increase by 5-10 percent.” They call this an “emboldenment effect.” As cost-critical statements increase at home, insurgencies increase in Iraq and that translates into lives lost.

So what does this mean? Should public debate be squashed? Certainly not. But is there a way to hold others accountable while remaining tasteful, respectful, and fair? Can we have criticism, especially in the media, without emboldening divisiveness? Ironically, during his criticism-laced talk, Robbins says yes.

Robbins’s climax recognizes language’s power. “You [journalists and broadcasters] have the power to turn this nation away from the hatred and divisive dialogue that has rendered such a corrosive effect on our body politic,” he says. “You can lift us up into a more enlightened age.”

We cannot know exactly which words and statements increase insurgent’s resolve. Terrorist reasoning is flawed and defies logic. But Robbins, Iyengar, and Monten remind us of a piercing truth that must influence current and future dialogue: Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

North Carolina Dems will have to go to the polls on May 6 without a debate in their state between the party’s top two front-runners. The state Democratic Party announced today that the face-off between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton scheduled for this coming Sunday evening on CBS has been called off, mainly because Obama would not commit to doing it. It also means that CBS anchor Katie Couric will likely go the entire primary season without moderating a debate.