That pursuit may have fed public cynicism, but "watchdog journalism on this hidden subject is healthy for the political process," she said.

"These failures fed cynicism about the possibility of change."

Ultimately, the regular infusion of fresh talent could bring new spirit to the alienated squad room subculture that feeds cynicism and burnout, even protects the brutal or corrupt.

"Cynicism is feeding cynicism right now."

Overlooking such behavior weakens American credibility abroad and feeds cynicism at home.

But in a year like this one, when Mr. Pataki sought a significant spending increase, a late budget feeds voter apathy and cynicism.

When not serving up some violence at least once every 10 minutes, "CAT Squad" is stopping to feed its audience's paranoia and cynicism.

This official said the pope felt that there was too potent a tendency in the world to dwell on the dark side of human nature and preferred not to feed such cynicism.

A lack of a collective response is feeding public cynicism and political nihilism.

But there is no good reason for the linkage, which now only feeds public cynicism.