The “breaking news”? A small mortar attack on the Green Zone. The attack caused no casualties and no targets of importance were reported hit or damaged. It’s a tactic, as Bob notes, that insurgents have use to harass Iraqis and troops throughout the war. The incident certainly didn’t warrant a breaking news alert.

So why was it run? Because it helps the anti-war left’s narrative on Iraq. McCain was giving a speech talking about Iraq’s undeniable security improvements (i.e. the 70-90% drop in suicide bombings and sectarian violence), so MSNBC finds a small harassment that caused no damage or casualties to interrupt the speech. I’d only be shocked if they don’t interrupt Gen. Petraeus’ testimony tomorrow for news that an innocent Iraqi has developed a hang nail.