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I'm not sure "standards" means what the NYT thinks it does

February 09, 2010 3:23 pm ET by Eric Boehlert

Go read the BradBlog for a truly eye-opneing encounter the blogger had with a Times standards editor after the blogger pressed for an ACORN/O'Keefe-related correction. Specifically, Brad Friedman urged the paper to correct its erroneous reports that suggested O'Keefe, when making his undercover ACORN clips, entered the ACORN offices dressed outlandishly as a pimp. 

According to an independent investigation into the ACORN matter, that claim is not true. (i.e. "He was dressed like a college student - in slacks and a button down shirt.") But the Times, like lots of news outlets, has made that dressed-as-a-pimp assertion again and again. 

Not only did the Times inform Friedman that no correction would be forthcoming, but a newspaper "Standards" editor, Greg Brock,  explained it was because the newspaper believed O'Keefe's claim that he was dressed up as a pimp inside the all ACORN offices he visited. (Good luck finding the video to back up that claim.) 

Writes Friedman: 

Incredibly, Brock originally cited claims by Fox News and O'Keefe himself as sources for why the New York Times stood by their apparently unverified and apparently incorrect report. "We believe him," Brock wrote, because he said as much on Fox News, apparently.

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    • Author by Bad News (February 09, 2010 3:30 pm ET)
         
      Hey, "You Reap what you Sow"
      In a few Months O'Keefe's body will be Meaded like Dow.
      His Prison Cellie will be his New best Friend.
      His only thought will be how to best protect his Rear End.

      Speak truth to power.


      Mr. News
      Report Abuse
    • Author by shaggles (February 09, 2010 5:26 pm ET)
         
      What? Aren't these the videos that have been all over the place? WTF is Friedman talking about?
      Report Abuse
      • Author by Brad Friedman (February 09, 2010 7:13 pm ET)
           
        Yep, they are all over the place. And the shots of O'Keefe in his pimp costume have been edited into them. Give 'em a look and you'll find, as the former MA AG did that: "Although Mr. O'Keefe appeared in all videos dressed as a pimp, in fact, when he appeared at each and every office, he was dressed like a college student - in slacks and a button down shirt."

        In other words, yes, the tapes were a scam.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by Major Tom (February 09, 2010 5:41 pm ET)
         
      NYT doesn't think O'Keefe lost any credibility with his latest stunt? I mean, wouldn't you question what that guy has said in the past?
      Report Abuse
    • Author by rtwmd1230 (February 09, 2010 6:02 pm ET)
         
      I haven't been following this too closely, and am also confused. Is it correct that none of the videos as released definitely show O'Keefe in his pimp costume in an actual Acorn office? Help!
      Report Abuse
      • Author by Brad Friedman (February 09, 2010 7:12 pm ET)
           
        That's correct, rtwmd1230, none of the videos as released show O'Keefe in his pimp costune in an actual ACORN office. At least none that I've been able to find.

        And the former MA AG confirms same in his official report on them: "Although Mr. O'Keefe appeared in all videos dressed as a pimp, in fact, when he appeared at each and every office, he was dressed like a college student - in slacks and a button down shirt."

        You are confused for a reason. O'Keefe/Breitbart meant you to be confused, and the NYTimes is helping them out to do so, if my article which Eric links above is any indication.
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      • Author by eweston8542983 (February 09, 2010 7:46 pm ET)
           
        No they don't.

        It's what we grownup newscastor people, call a background shot, to be inserted where it will most helpful.

        Everybody does it.

        :o))
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        • Author by rtwmd1230 (February 09, 2010 9:23 pm ET)
             
          Thanks for the clarification. Unbelievable (well, actually very believable) how sloppy the reporting on this has been.
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    • Author by Patterico (February 11, 2010 12:21 am ET)
         
      "the Times, like lots of news outlets, has made that dressed-as-a-pimp assertion again and again."

      Name one instance.

      Friedman hasn't.

      He cites stories saying O'Keefe "posed" as a pimp.

      You can pose as a pimp without dressing like one.
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