Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire

Josh Marshall on Friday spread the falsehood that a woman (Gayle Quinnel) who spoke to John McCain that afternoon had called Barack Obama an "Arab terrorist."

The video, however, shows the woman called Obama an "Arab", which is admittedly false, but not "Arab terrorist".

value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p7R-s-71 csY&hl=en&fs=1"> <value="true">

Marshall's "lie" and other recent examples of bad journalism on his part have led the exasperated Bob Somerby, creator of the Daily Howler website, to call for Marshall's early retirement.

It's time for Josh to go: Then there's Josh, continuing downward in his own astonishing spiral. This post is simply astounding. It represents an astounding moral/intellectual breakdown. It's time for this guy to go.

Please note: That 75-year-old woman called Obama an "Arab," not an "Arab terrorist." (Not that it hugely matters.) The latter claim began with the endlessly hapless Ana Marie Cox, who engaged in some typically lazy "quotation" (click here), then disappeared for the weekend. (She finally corrected her error this morning, some three days later.) As Wonkette, Cox endlessly played the "dirty girl;" today, she masquerades as a "journalist." But Josh has become a black helicopter-level nut, as he displays in that ludicrous post. How does Josh do business these days? Even when the tape made it clear that Quinnell hadn't actually said the word "terrorist," Josh kept pretending that she might have done so, suggesting that the microphone might have magically turned itself off--no doubt when the black choppers swooped by the event. And he linked you to a tape/transcript of later interviews with Quinnell, saying that she called Obama a "terrorist" there. Except that simply isn't true either (a point which Cox also fudges today, as her own misstatements continue). For some unknown reason, Josh was determined to peddle this utterly pointless "lie." He was willing to play the consummate fool to keep this in circulation. (Since "lie" has become Josh's favorite word, he won't mind our using it there.)

Upon learning he was wrong, Marshall then told another LIE by claiming that the woman insisted in a post-meeting interview that Obama was a "terrorist". But the transcript of Quinnel being interviewed by one Noah Kunin proves this to be false as well:

Noah Kunin( The UpTake):  Do you volunteer at the Republican Party Headquarters or the McCain Campaign office over in Burnsville?

Quinnell McCain.  McCain Headquarters in Burnsville.

Noah: The McCain headquarters.

Quinnell It's out over by , over by that post station there.

Noah: Yeah, I know which one you're talking about.  And just to be sure to make sure we got your quote OK, you called Obama and Arab terrorist?

Quinnell ardon?

Noah: You called him an Arab terrorist?  Is that correct?  Why do you think he is an Arab?

Quinnell Because his dad is.   If you... I'll send you the paper.

As you can see, Quinnel answered the question of why she thought Obama was an Arab. The scurrilous Noah, of course, knew he had screwed up as reflected by the fact that he did not ask "why do you think he's an Arab terrorist". He chose to chop off the "terrorist" part that he knew she had never uttered.

How slick.



Display:


Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 1)

What?


by NewOaklandDem on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 06:52:16 PM EST

Nice spin... (2.00 / 3)

Tp quote the article you linked, but distorted:

In the next clip McCain is speaking up close with a woman in the audience who says she can't trust Obama and then blurts out that it's because he's "Arab". Some reports have it that she said 'Arab terrorist'. But at least on this tape only 'Arab' is audible.

Josh said SOME reports have it, but on the tape only Arab is audible.

This is VERY Republican of you.

You take a SMALL slice of the story, and use it to BASH the entire story, then use it to your REAL ends, to discredit someone you have a grudge with?

Dan Rather, anyone?


On Nov 4th, Barack Obama officially ends the Southern Strategy....
by WashStateBlue on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 06:58:15 PM EST

Re: Nice spin... (1.00 / 3)

Why did Marshall claim that the woman "insisted" in the post-meeting interview that Obama was a terrorist, when in fact she did not?


by truthseeker77 on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:23:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Nice spin... (1.00 / 2)

By the way, I'd like you to tell me whether you think the lady called Obama a terrorist, during or after the town hall meeting.

Then, tell me how a blogger of Josh's caliber can't wait till he verifies a claim like that instead of spreading BS.


by truthseeker77 on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:25:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 6)

Fat chance.  And while we're on the subject we owe Talking Points Memo, and Josh, a debt of gratitude for their courageous lead on the Federal Prosecutor/Justice Department story last year, those are serious issues and TPM's brand of investigative reporting is essential in exposing and publicising these stories.  Unlike many blogsites which simply generate 'opinion' and cite one another in an endless scatter diagram of hyperlinks, TPM is genuinely doing what used to be called 'journalism.'

Josh ultimately retracted his assertion, in any case, and the misquoting of a rally attendee is hardly earth-shattering stuff.


by Shaun Appleby on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:07:33 PM EST

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 4)

The reporting on the attorney scandal was fantastic.  On a political note, it could lead, somewhat indirectly, to New Mexico being represented entirely by Democrats at the federal level.


by NewOaklandDem on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:12:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Heather Wilson? (2.00 / 3)

You telling me Heather Wilson might get knocked off?

Oh, please, there is a God!!!!!!!


On Nov 4th, Barack Obama officially ends the Southern Strategy....
by WashStateBlue on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:16:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Heather Wilson? (2.00 / 3)

Pete Domenici was also directly involved.  He's retiring this year.


Change has come to America.
by the mystical vortexes of sedona on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:18:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Heather Wilson? (2.00 / 2)

Heather Wilson is evil.  She's like an older, less cheery version of Nancy Pfotenhauer.  


by ProfessorReo on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 09:12:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 2)

In Josh's article that you link to he says:

In the next clip McCain is speaking up close with a woman in the audience who says she can't trust Obama and then blurts out that it's because he's "Arab". Some reports have it that she said 'Arab terrorist'. But at least on this tape only 'Arab' is audible.

Josh has done some incredible work on his blog, it's going to take a lot more than this little thing to make me lose the deep respect I have for him and his blog.


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:27:09 PM EST

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (1.00 / 2)

You conveniently ignore that Marshall claimed that the lady "insisted" in the post-meeting interview that Obama was a terrorist.

Do you know what "insisting" means? It's to stick to one's previous claim.

Marshall believed the lie and did nothing to debunk it. Instead, he chose to make us believe that the microphone miraculously got turned off just long enough for the lady to have said the word that Josh wanted her to say: Terrorist.

Puhlease.


by truthseeker77 on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:30:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 2)

in·sist    
-verb (used without object)
1. to be emphatic, firm, or resolute on some matter of desire, demand, intention, etc.: He insists on checking every shipment.  

It seems that you have some sort of problem with Josh, in that you are unable to read his posts clearly.

You can see the video I've embedded below. The gist is that Quinnell apparently did say "Arab terrorist." (ed.note: It would be more accurate to say that she insisted he was one in the interview. It's unclear from interview whether she actually used the second word with McCain.)

Either way, you don't seem to be convincing anyone here.


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:40:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (1.00 / 1)

Two questions, Skohayes.

1-) Why did Marshall say the following day that "You can see the video I've embedded below. The gist is that Quinnell apparently did say "Arab terrorist.". What was "apparent" about her calling Obama terrorist? And aren't you trying to tell us that he simply spoke about "some reports" rather than his own opinion?

2-) Why did Marshall falsely claim that Quinnell called Obama a terrorist during the post-meeting interview, when in fact she didn't? (See transcript in my diary).

I know it's hard to debunk strong evidence like the one supporting this diary, but just try a bit.


by truthseeker77 on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:51:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (none / 0)

Oh yeah, her's the link to the Saturday follow-up post: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archive s/223708.php


by truthseeker77 on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:52:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 3)

By this standard there would be no journalists.  Don't know what your real beef is, but it's kind of fun to watch you hyperventilate.


by niksder on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:59:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (1.00 / 1)

By the way, Marshall did say the next day that he believed the lady had said "terrorist" in the video.

And I quote:

You can see the video I've embedded below. The gist is that Quinnell apparently did say "Arab terrorist."

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archive s/223708.php


by truthseeker77 on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:35:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 3)

It's unclear from interview whether she actually used the second word with McCain.

That's the next sentence you conveniently left out.


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:49:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (1.00 / 0)

October 11th:

"You can see the video I've embedded below. The gist is that Quinnell apparently did say "Arab terrorist."

--Josh Marshall.

That's the post that you are conveniently not reading.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archive s/223708.php


by truthseeker77 on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:53:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Commenter asks "truthseeker77" to retire (2.00 / 6)

Please?


Change has come to America.
by the mystical vortexes of sedona on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:29:50 PM EST

Not sure where Josh Marshall sits... (2.00 / 2)

On the Puma Enemy list, but I have a feeling it is WAY below Donna Brazille and Howard Dean.

I guess, with Obama winning, something has to fill their empty lives...


On Nov 4th, Barack Obama officially ends the Southern Strategy....
by WashStateBlue on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:33:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 2)

I see by your posts over at TPM, you're a real popular guy.
Did you get banned and come over here to find more "lefties" to stir up?

Obama himself told fring lefties such as TPM'ers and Kossacks to stay away from stories such as the Palin pregnancy story.

Was his call for civility unconvincing?

Posted by truthseeker77

(I think he meant "fringe lefties")

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/20 08/10/obama-campaign-lies-again.php


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 07:47:44 PM EST

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 1)

I'm not sure its fair to assume that any "truthseeker77" is the same as this one right here claiming that:

"It's not Obama's fault that Hamas endorsed him. But Hamas' endorsement is fair game, as critics may point out that Obama's positions attract terrorist groups."

and wondering if he can be sued for posting half-naked pictures of his ex-girlfriend on the internet along with her phone number.


Change has come to America.
by the mystical vortexes of sedona on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 08:31:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Troll (none / 0)

>:^(


See how Saxby Chambliss is helping you!
by Spiffarino on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 08:30:25 PM EST

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 0)

huhwat?


by Skaje on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 08:36:40 PM EST

you and Somerby need a laxative (2.00 / 1)

Big deal.  OK, two minutes to Marshall for getting too excited.  But you and your pal want to cut his nuts off.

For this woman, saying Arab terrorist would be redundant.  


Our Moment Is Now
by mboehm on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 08:36:54 PM EST

Daily Howler? (2.00 / 0)

Gimme a break.  That guy's just a ranter, like Lewis Black but not even as funny.


*meh*
by failsafe on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 09:10:42 PM EST

Wow (2.00 / 0)

Talk about a tempest in a teapot.


by Angry White Democrat on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 09:34:04 PM EST

I'd like Somerby to retire (2.00 / 1)

he hasn't been good in about 6 years.


by JJE on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 09:41:17 PM EST

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 0)

I read all of those posts on TPM as they came out and Marshall clearly stated that he wasn't absolutely sure what was said. Bob Somersby needs to get a life, the guy has been losing it for years. He occasionally provides lucid analysis but often delves into weird vendettas like this one. Always take the Howler with a huge grain of salt would be the moral of this story.


by Planet B on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 09:48:40 PM EST

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 0)

I'd say rightwing nutjob, and not even all that entertaining as far as they go.


*meh*
by failsafe on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 10:15:35 PM EST

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (2.00 / 1)

Wow.

Note, once again, the irrational hatred of "Pelosi", and the shameless swinging on Bob Summersby's tip.  Do they produce like one, long diary at big pink and send these guys to cut and paste a random section when they run out?  Because it all sounds like it's from the same person.

Pelosi involved in scandal: Paid husband with PAC funds
October 1, 2008, 11:17AM

Pelosi, you idiot: Obama has repeatedly warned against using a harsh tone
September 30, 2008, 7:15AM

Obama can't keep his promises
September 28, 2008, 1:45PM

Obama ad lies about McCain's position on stem cell research
September 25, 2008, 11:46AM

Americans Like Bush Better Than They Like Democrats in Congress
September 23, 2008, 9:11PM

47% believe media is too liberal; 13% say too conservative (Gallup)
September 22, 2008, 9:37PM

and easily, EASILY my favorite:

We Democrats should stop hacking into people's emails/[!!!!!]
September 18, 2008, 9:53PM

What can I say.  I think, first of all, we Republicans should stop sucking off poodles.


I'm voting for Saxby Chambliss!
by Jess81 on Tue Oct 14, 2008 at 07:06:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Of all the journalists to retire (2.00 / 1)

and all the reasons to retire them, you picked THIS?

Do something useful, and get Sean Hannity retired.


by Neef on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 10:17:21 PM EST

Re: Of all the journalists to retire (none / 0)

Lying is bad.


by truthseeker77 on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 10:18:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Of all the journalists to retire (2.00 / 1)

Get to work.


*meh*
by failsafe on Mon Oct 13, 2008 at 11:08:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Of all the journalists to retire (2.00 / 0)

troll diary


by ithaca on Wed Oct 15, 2008 at 10:32:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Let's see ... (2.00 / 0)

So you're saying Josh lies ...

And here you're saying Obama lies:

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/20 08/10/obama-campaign-lies-again.php

For some reason, I wasn't able to find the diary where you accuse Howard Dean of lying.  


by Chino Blanco on Tue Oct 14, 2008 at 04:55:30 AM EST

Re: Media critic asks Josh Marshall to retire (none / 0)

What a colossal bore.


I'm voting for Saxby Chambliss!
by Jess81 on Tue Oct 14, 2008 at 07:07:30 AM EST


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