Anatomy of a Smear

The Weekly Standard ^ | 09/06/08 | Dean Barnett

[bigbob]

Given that we’re more than halfway to the century mark in Palin smears, I think it’s time to take another brief look at the left’s method of smear dissemination.

[bigbob]

It's very significant to note that it was a staffer from the (once prestigious) Atlantic that conducted this smear campaign. Days of passing the blame off to some nutroot in his pajamas are past.

[mreerm]

excellent analysis & article. given the overwhelming evidence of active campaigning for the left on the part of the MSM, what should be done? one approach might be to answer future claims with the list of this article and demand the the new claim be PROVEN while at the same time saying that otherwise the claim should just be considered another obvious fiction effort of active campaigning for the left...again.

[winner3000]

It is amazing how many ex-reputable media outlets have such weak internal controls that they allow partisans within their ranks to hurt their brand. This is the same as when MSNBC put on the ticker of the Palin choice for VP “How many houses will Palin add to the McCain 7”, or something similar. If I was the CEO of these outlets, I would fire the people responsible pronto...unless they are ok with sacrificing whatever remains of their reputation for obviously partisan objectives. The funny part is that it’s their previously good reputation that made them so dangerous to conservatives, as they could subtly help the Democrats. Now that the mask has been ripped out, by themselves, they no longer are powerful as so few believe them anymore.

[razorback-bert]

I’m sure in the interests of full disclosure, the magazine and its chief rumor spreader will rush this information to the public

I will not hold my breath awaiting this.

[Blackirish]

Andrew Sullivan has lost it and he can't even see it. He's the literary version of Britteny Spears.

But at least adults intervened in her case.

.

[Forward the Light Brigade]

The rumors are going to fly—the more far fetched the more they will be flung out by the Obama machine. The Magic One will hold his chin up and decry them as his minions spead them out all over the place—with the help of the MSM.
Rumor I heard: Sarah Palin called Obama a Sambo. More than likely she said she once had breakfast at Sambos.
They will get worse. I hope she’s ready for the incoming BS that will be lobed her way.