Is There Truth In Fake News?

What a great tale unfolded yesterday, as the right-wing self-appointed media watchdog group "project veritas" (lower case is entirely justified by the group's activities) apparently used a shill with a fake story about being sexually assaulted by Roy Moore in the hope that the Washington Post would publish it and could later be unveiled for its "liberal fake news" bias.

Fortunately for many of us, the Post did its homework, and found that the woman's story lacked truthiness. Bigtime. Overall, this little incident has some interesting repercussions:

Project Veritas's credibility has suffered a big blow. The strategy of using stalking horses with fake stories also loses legitimacy, if it ever had any.  It's now clear that there is no truth in Veritas, but a lot of fakery in their project.

By contrast, the Post's rep shines brighter now.

How poetic that would-be Senator Moore owes the Post for saving him from another damaging allegation. Even supposing he had nothing to do with it (sure!), and even if the story were published and later revealed as untrue, it would have stuck in the minds of some voters. I do hope Moore plans to thank the Post. (Wait for it!) 

Finally the PV likely damages, to a small degree, Moore's chance of being elected. On this subtopic, another intriguing aspect. I do believe, however credible the accusations against Moore may be, that it's not legit to insist he step down as a candidate, until the facts have been vetted. That makes it all the more poetic (or is it pathetic?) that those crying most worriedly for him to bow out are his Republican political allies.  I have no doubt they know which way the wind blows, and they know why that breeze stinks so badly.

Comments

[PiedType]

There were already plenty of accusations against Moore. Now there's a big one against PV.

I do worry, however, about all the accustions of sexual misconduct flying around, but no charges, no trials, no convictions. Yes, "believe her," but follow up. An unproven accusation or two or a dozen should not be enough to ruin a career. And it sets a dangerous precedent for future elections.

"Trust but verify" was good advice.