Edwards’s Bloggers Making More News Than Candidate
After several days of criticism from the right side of the blogosphere, John Edwards’ blog outreach team is now coming under fire from the Catholic League, which is demanding that Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan be fired for anti-Catholic comments written on their blogs, Pandagon and Shakespeare’s Sister. Bill Donohue issued a statement saying, “John Edwards is a decent man who has had his campaign tarnished by two anti-Catholic vulgar trash-talking bigots.”
As more campaigns (and corporations and PR firms) get aboard the “blogger relations” bandwagon, the natural impulse is to hire established bloggers. Hillary Clinton has hired Peter Daou, John McCain has Patrick Hynes, Rudy Giuliani has Patrick Ruffini, and the Senate Republicans have hired Jon Henke, who was also brought on too late to do George Allen much good.
Having top bloggers on the staff makes sense, because these people have demonstrated not only that they have the ability to express themselves in writing but that they “get” blogging. As a bonus, they probably have a network of other bloggers that they can reach out to with more credibility than some flack on the communications staff.
At the same time, however, there is a serious downside that Edwards is now discovering: Bloggers have a “paper” trail. The longer someone has been blogging, the more of their sometimes-developed thoughts are out there for public consumption. Not only have they likely written things uncomplimentary to their now-boss, but they have almost certainly written things that could embarrass him. At the very least, as Marcotte and McEwan are demonstrating, the bloggers can wind up taking the attention away from the candidate’s message.
UPDATE: WaPo has picked up the story, too, via the AP wire.
More blog coverage of the controversy:
- Patrick Frey digs up the offending quotes from Marcotte and McEwan. They’re pretty vulgar, frankly, even from a non-religious perspective.
- Barbara O’Brien sees intimidation at work here and observes that, “Donohue hates everybody who isn’t the Pope.”
- Bruce McQuain (Henke’s former blogmate) writes, “My guess is that both Marcotte and McEwan would wear such accusations by a religious group as badges of honor if they were still blogging at their own respective blogs.”
McQuain also points out this, which I had missed in the NYT story: “Mr. Edwards’s spokeswoman, Jennifer Palmieri, said Tuesday night that the campaign was weighing the fate of the two bloggers.”
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to their now-boss, but they have almost certainly written things that could embarrass him. At the very least, as Marcotte and McEwan are demonstrating, the bloggers can wind up taking the attention away from the candidate’s message. See “Edwards’s Bloggers Making More News Than Candidate
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For those who haven’t been following this cyber-drama: John Edwards hired two bloggers, Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan, whose pre-campaign offerings tended toward the profane, the blunt, and the sacreligious, leading conservatives to pounce on the campaign and decry allegedly “anti-Catholic” postings by Marcotte and McEwan. I thought for sure the campaign would hand the ladies a final check and wish them well before the next round of Sunday morning news shows — but Edwards is going to
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dogs over juicy bones; joining in a festival of righteous indignation, which I don’t think they realize will eventually come down on their own heads. Rumor has it that Edwards is going to fire them (or not). As Glenn Greenwald wrote: As James Joyner points out: “Bloggers have a ‘paper’ trail. The longer someone has been blogging, the more of their sometimes-developed thoughts are out there for public consumption. Not only have they likely written things uncomplimentary to their now-boss, but they have almost
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analyzes the reaction around the ’sphere, particularly on the left side of the aisle, over at Captain’s Quarters. 8. Patterico has a take on the MSM reaction. 9. Outside the Beltway, James Joyner points out the bloggers are bigger news than the candidate himself. 10. From The Anchoress, a well-written post about the difference between the willingness to engage in free speech and the willingness to accept the consequences thereof. 11. Astonishment that John Edwards actually hired the kind of blogger that the
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on a blog would be exempt from that same type of attack if they join a campaign? I mean, if you join the campaign as a blogger, why would you be surprised if people make judgments … based on your blog? James Joyner notes: As more campaigns (and corporations and PR firms) get aboard the “blogger relations†bandwagon, the natural impulse is to hire established bloggers. Hillary Clinton has hired Peter Daou, John McCain has Patrick Hynes, Rudy Giuliani has Patrick
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Good Morning, Sunshine [Dan Collins] Here’s your breakfast. Would you like toast with that? You still look hungry. Here’s more. And Pablo brought still more. The Captain’s on it. Q&O. James Joyner. Patterico. Dissenting voice PSoTD. Phin from Agent Bedhead: Wasn’t sure if you’d seen this: http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/2/7/80739.shtml I heard about this on the local news (I
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that their hiring process was incompetent and they didn’t vet someone with anextensivepublic record, or that they’ll collapse beneath even moderate pressure from rightwing professionals. Neither is a good look for the new campaign.” — James Joyner at Outside the Beltway: “Having top bloggers on the staff makes sense, because these people have demonstrated not only that they have the ability to express themselves in writing but that they ‘get blogging. As a bonus, they probably have a network of other bloggers that
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There are a number of links I would also like to include here regarding this story. Glen Greenwald has a great post on this story. So does Pam’s House Blend, Media Matters, Daily Kos, Memeorandum, Outside the Beltway, and Mahablog.
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Each of those bloggers, as well as any bloggers hired by campaigns in the future, should have (and I assume will have) their archives scoured to make certain that there are no controversial statements or positions. As James Joyner points out: “Bloggers have a ‘paper’ trail. The longer someone has been blogging, the more of their sometimes-developed thoughts are out there for public consumption. Not only have they likely written things uncomplimentary to their now-boss, but they have almost
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religious group.†I’m pretty certain he is wielding the political hatchet on behalf of the latter part of the group’s description, rather than the former. Dirty tricks by proxy are always more effective. (On this one, even conservative James Joyner agrees with me.) That the Edwards campaign is even considering bowing to the pressure of a man who defines the word “bigot” by looking in a mirror tells me a lot about the Edwards campaign, to be honest.
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The culture war has been ongoing for a long time. Their side has lost.” The Right People do not appreciate what you have done to Our Culture. They have a right to Our Culture that you do not. And if you speak harshly about the bigotry you see, you will be the bigot. Now like back and take it. Like a lady. Or else. Or not.
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Democratic faithful sizes up presidential rivals…
Barack Obama brought down the house, John Edwards brought out the sorrow and Hillary Rodham Clinton …
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I think this is a little overblown, James. The only people who seem to care about this are bloggers themselves.
I get four daily papers at the house–three national ones and a local–and each of these has had nearly daily coverage of Edwards and none of them have even mentioned blogging.
The Wall Street Journal and the NY Times have focused most of their coverage on his health plan and fundrasing efforts. Neither one has talked about inconsequential members of Edwards’ campaign staff.
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The link goes to a story in today’s NYT. My guess is that the blogs are simply ahead of this story and more will come.
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My bad—I just checked the print version. The story is buried on p. A15 with the obits.
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AP has picked up the story, too. It’s in WaPo and presumably hundreds of other papers. It takes a while for these stories to break out sometimes.
It may turn out to be no big deal in the long run. Certainly, it’s not going to derail Edwards’ campaign. But presidential candidates aren’t generally keen on low-level staffers getting them bad press.
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So Mel uses the F word occasionally.
I’m betting that if you check Donahue’s background, he’s not only said it he’s done it as well.
I’ve known Melissa McEwan as a blogging pal for a couple of years now. She’s often outspoken, even uses a few naughty words, but she is as far from a bigot as it is possible to be.
According to the NYT, Donahue is speaking for “The Catholic League, a conservative religious group.” I’m pretty certain he is weilding the political hatchet on behalf of the latter part of the group’s description, rather than the former. Dirty tricks by proxy are always more effective.
Regards, C
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[...] James Joyner at Outside the Beltway writes this morning: Having top bloggers on the staff makes sense, because these people have demonstrated not only that they have the ability to express themselves in writing but that they “get†blogging. [...]
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Cernig,
Agreed on Donahue’s political agenda and the use of profanity. See Frey’s link, above, though for legitimately offensive anti-Catholic writings.
I don’t read Pandagon that much in the post Klein-Taylor era and have only read Shakespear’s Sister a few times, usually following links from elsewhere. The writing at both sites is often thoughtful by blog standards but more over-the-top insulting than is my taste.
The problem is that bloggers writing for an insular audience can fall into the trap of writing for people who agree with them and share their prejudices. That’s great for building a sense of community and ginning up traffic; it doesn’t necessarily serve you well on the job market or otherwise outside the blog context.
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Donahue is just a republican posing as a Catholic. His opinions on matters concerning Catholicism are twisted by his politics.
The Catholic League has never been considered a credible source for information regarding the Catholic Church, its doctrine or its teachings.
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[...] The Right People do not appreciate what you have done to Our Culture. They have a right to Our Culture that you do not. And if you speak harshly about the bigotry you see, you will be the bigot. Now like back and take it. Like a lady. Or else. Or not. [...]
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Takfir!
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James, I notice Frey’s link has nothing to say about Melissa’s posts.
As for Amanda, I don’t read her. Like you I stopped reading Pandagon post Klein/Taylor. Where one cannot speak, one must remain silent.
But I will climb the water tower to defend my Sis’s honor :-)
Especially from a man who define’s the word “bigot” simply by looking in a mirror.
Regards, C
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One wonders if Marcotte or McEwan spewed this vile towards Islam instead of Catholicism if they would still have a job in the Edwards campaign?
I am guessing the answer would be a resounding no.
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When Angry German Boy met Angry Edwards’ Blogger…
Hot Air Theater presents a second dramatic interpretation of official John Edwards’ blogmaster Amanda Marcotte’s wit and wisdom: The New York Times reports this morning: Two bloggers hired by John Edwards to reach out to liberals in the online world….
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[...] Blogger and MSM Roundup: MemeOrandum (another great roundup); NY Times; QandO; Hugh Hewitt; All Spin Zone; MyDD; The Carpetbagger Report; The Heretik; Decision ‘08; Beltway Blogroll; Terry Moran (ABC News blog); Washington Post; Captain’s Quarters; Blue Crab Boulevard; Glenn Greenwald; NewsHog; Outside the Beltway; Michelle Malkin; Polimom Says Technorati Tags:Â 2008 Presidential Election, American Politics, American Religion, biggotry, Bloggosphere, Christian Right, Current Events, Democrats Fight Back, Evanglicals, Gay Issues, hate politics, Hipocrisy, John+Edwards, Mud slinging, Pro Choice, Separation of Church and State, United States [...]
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Mark,
Show me where Melissa McEwan has “spewed vile” towards Catholicism, if you have such evidence. Or try getting your own opinion instead of relying on the noise machine telling you what to think.
Her degree is from Chicago’s Loyola University, by the way. A Jesuit university certainly seems an odd place for a supposed anti-Catholic bigot to study. Or maybe Mr Donahue’s handlers at the GOP just didn’t do enough OpFor research…
Regards, C
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Not to get too over the top here, but the first rule in debate is to never let emotion get the best of you, when you use profanity, you are simply stating that you do not have the valid resources to clearly state your views.
This issue is really one that is neither left or right, simply put it is a guilt by association. Our Mamas have all told us, “If you lie down with dogs, you’ll wake up with fleas”.
Edwards’ campaign is in its infancy and this is a bullet that he is going to want to dodge. Although Marcotte’s views are extreme at best, it is her lack of being able to engage in a true discussion of an issue without having to always run into the gutter for cover that makes her less than effective when debating the issues.
Marc
To James Joyner, your point on today’s 10:13am comment regarding writing to an “insular audience” is very well taken and is at the heart of this debate.
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I’ve never been a fan of Amanda, but I rely on the principle that William Donahue is never right about anything, and it hasn’t failed me yet.
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ignorant haters – pitch perfect for any Dem campaign
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Profanity = Strong expression from a weak mind.
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Can’t you just picture Amanda Marcotte in Tony Snow’s job?…
… Read the whole thing. Michelle has this covered like dumb on Democrats. … Edwards Campaign Reconsidering Blogger Hires Ed Morrissey The campaign of John Edwards, hailed for hiring two progressive bloggers for his 2008 Presidential campaign, has n…
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Edwards Pulls A Warner…
Candidates for office should read all the scriblings by bloggers before deciding to hire them. First Mark Warner hired a blogger and kooky astrologer, who was also under investigation by the SEC, and now Edwards is in hot water for…
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James, Salon is reporting that both bloggers have been fired.
Regards, C
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[...] Also writing: Instapundit Beltway Blogroll Jay Reding Ann Althouse Rand Simberg Confederate Yankee Political Pit Bull Dean Barnett CBS Public Eye Right Wing Nuthouse Hot Air American Princess Mary Katharine Ham Wizbang James Joyner The Political Pit Bull tracked back with John Edwards’s New Bloggers Causing Him Trouble; Update: Fired! Posted on: 7 Comments ? [...]
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here is a link to what they said
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Paul,
You’re link only gives Marcotte quotes. Which is exactly my point. Melissa McEwan is being swiftboated on a “her too” basis but when you actually look, there’s no “there” there.
Regards, C
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[...] Posted By: Sister Toldjah in: Blogging/Blog Watch, Clueless Wonders | EMail This Post | Print This Post | Trackback URI for this post:http://sistertoldjah.com/archives/2007/02/07/the-sad-tale-of-john-edwards-now-former-bloggers/trackback/ » [...]
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[...] As James Joyner points out: "Bloggers have a 'paper' trail. The longer someone has been blogging, the more of their sometimes-developed thoughts are out there for public consumption. Not only have they likely written things uncomplimentary to their now-boss, but they have almost certainly written things that could embarrass him." [...]
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Blogswarm Tsunami Drowns Edwards’ Bloggers:…
Today the Edwards Campaign predictably dumped their besieged bloggers after a blog-initiated and fed firestorm of criticism went mainstream and then, just as predicitably, cycled back into the Blogosphere for more fuel. The Edwards’ bloggers first sin…
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[...] Posted: Thursday, February 08, 2007 1:25 PM by Will Femia When I’m wrong, holy moly I am wrooo-ong with two syllables. Let the record show that I said, “I can’t see anyone really caring that much about the personal foibles of a candidate’s Web master.” Oh? How about readers of the New York Times and the Washington Post and … Catholics? Not only do Edwards’ bloggers run the risk of eclipsing him (and by the way, they were fired)but back and forth debates about candidates’ bloggers appears to be a new aspect of campaign coverage. Here’s the John Edwards blog by the way, in case you’re curious about how these particular bloggers were appearing. “A forthcoming bill in the U.S. Senate lays the groundwork for a national database of illegal images that Internet service providers would use to automatically flag and report suspicious content to police.” That sounds like a real Pandora’s Box to me, assuming it even works. I remember an idea for a parent filter once screened for pixel color codes that matched skin tones. I don’t think that one caught on. Meanwhile, I didn’t know that “cartoon minors” counted as child porn. I don’t doubt that pedophiles collect it but I’m surprised they could ban such a thing. Is there a similar law for anything else? Commuter Click: The Psychology of Security – I read about this as a presentation here and went to Bruce Schneier’s site to see if he had a transcript posted and it turns out he’s got a whole long essay. Speaking of psychology in blog entries, Thinking Faster Makes You Feel Happy and Brilliant Real-world success with virtual goods – The buzz phrase to know is “real-money trading” which is what they call selling virtual items for real money. The news in this story is that it’s looking like game makers may begin to sanction and even broker real-money trading, which could not only boost the industry but finally put hard numbers to what has been mostly anecdotal reports of moneymaking success. I don’t know how I missed the story of the guy trying to raise money for a Super Bowl ad to propose to his girlfriend because apparently it was in the news everywhere. In the end he didn’t make enough for a Super Bowl ad so he bought local TV ad time on a show his girl watches. Her reaction is here on iFilm. (She kind of freaks out. Better keep her away from the scissors.) That soundtrack from Feelgood Science is nice if you’re in the mood for it. I think the deadline on the Amy Sedaris craft challenge is past, but it still fun to look at the entries. Especially since we just looked at those “snackimals” photoshop contest entries. Lopez Murphy for President – When I first watched this I didn’t understand how a campaign video from Argentina would make it into mainstream English meme trackers. If you watch to at least the midpoint you’ll understand. It reminds me a little of the Tom Delay acrostics we saw in December. Nerf Druids – This is a bit esoteric, but also kind of funny and you gain a bit of insight on gamer culture. NOTE: Not vulgar or sexual but you should probably put your headphones on for it if you’re at work. You’ll see. Skateboarding robot – We should just hand our whole civilization over to them now, Sarah Connor and all. 5 Things You Need to Know About SLR Lenses – Very handy basics. 11 Most Important Philosophical Quotations – Ordinarily you’d expect this to be something stupid like the “drive on a parkway, park on a driveway” gag, but actually it’s real and interesting. A “Yakuza War†has started in Central Tokyo The true cost of bottled water, summarized here, full report here and from memory, “Bad to the last drop.” Basically bottled water is a blight from its starting point to the production to the shipping to the finished product that pollutes the earth with a jillion plastic bottles. Did you see that Ozzfest is free this year? – Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s actually free, it means it’ll be interesting to see how much the free tickets cost on eBay. Has anyone ever had sex in space? In the end it sounds like he’s saying No, not that we know of. But in the middle there’s a strange bit of implication that the space station is like an orbiting love shack. The Internet Anagram Server figures out anagrams for up to 12 letters. [...]
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These bloggers need a good, strong, Catholic man to straighten them out and show them the power of God’s love. Too bad I’m currently taken.
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