George Santos charged with defrauding campaign donors - Page 5

Stacyhs · 9th January 2023, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

So the question might be better asked: Who covered it up?

Or was there a cover up vs lack of interest?

Remember, it was supposedly a blue safe seat.

Norman Alexander · 9th January 2023, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by Stacyhs

Or was there a cover up vs lack of interest?

Remember, it was supposedly a blue safe seat.

If it was a Dem who did all the cheating, what would have been the media response there? Off-the-wall wailing and Tucker Carlson thrown in?

Stacyhs · 9th January 2023, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

If it was a Dem who did all the cheating, what would have been the media response there? Off-the-wall wailing and Tucker Carlson thrown in?

Certainly not the response...or non-response... we've seen from most Republicans

mgidm86 · 9th January 2023, 09:11 PM

I'm going to go out on a limb and say something bad is going to come out about Santos and children (probably near water). Hell I got nothing to lose - that is my prediction.

I base this on my Skeptical Intuition (I'll be twenty years-old here in a few days, I've earned it!). Dude looks creepy and that's my only evidence other than his life of lying and thieving.

What else hasn't he been accused of already?

varwoche · 10th January 2023, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by mgidm86

What else hasn't he been accused of already?

He hasn't claimed, nor been accused, that he's Kaiser Soze.

thaiboxerken · 10th January 2023, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

So the question might be better asked: Who covered it up?

The media did. They wanted a horse race so they didn't want to cover G Santos' lies because it would've made the horse race less close and less interesting.

It's the same way the media covered Trump vs Hillary. They knew that most of what the Republicans were saying about Hillary was lies and nonsense but they thought that covering those as lies and nonsense would've made a close race less close.

In both cases, the media thought the Democrat was safe so they wanted to report on the races in the best way that they could to help the Republican have a close race. In both cases, they thought that there was no way the Republican would win. They were wrong, and now America and democracy is weaker for it.

Chris_Halkides · 10th January 2023, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by Stacyhs

I wouldn't doubt Santos spends at least part of his only Congressional term in prison.

That would disappoint whoever paid for that seat.

Random · 10th January 2023, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Chris_Halkides

That would disappoint whoever paid for that seat.

The people who paid for the seat are probably already upset about the fraudulent fundraising...

Skeptic Ginger · 10th January 2023, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by varwoche

He hasn't claimed, nor been accused, that he's Kaiser Soze.

Love that movie. They should remake it without Spacey so I could enjoy watching it again.

dudalb · 10th January 2023, 05:44 PM

This will not end well for Santos.
If the margin of members was more confortable, then I think the GOP might throw him to the dogs but they won't do anything with such a narrow majority.
Sadly, the GOP leadership has no morality or ethics except power.

Resume · 10th January 2023, 07:06 PM

Worst case of fake it 'til you make it.

newyorkguy · 10th January 2023, 07:20 PM

Just saw this and don't think its been mentioned here. (It's from a local news feed, so no link -it requires a login.)

Quote:

A civil complaint filed Monday, Jan. 9, by the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center accuses Santos, a Republican representing the 3rd District on Long Island’s North Shore and parts of Queens, of illegally using campaign funds for personal expenses, according to the outlet. The complaint also accuses Santos of concealing the sources of his campaign donations, calling into question how he was able to make a $705,000 loan to his campaign despite financial disclosure reports showing that the 34-year-old only made $55,000 in 2020. "The concealed true source behind $705,000 in contributions to Santos's campaign could be a corporation or foreign national — both of which are categorically barred from contributing to federal candidates,” CBS News quoted the complaint as saying.

This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign?

Puppycow · 10th January 2023, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by newyorkguy

Just saw this and don't think its been mentioned here. (It's from a local news feed, so no link -it requires a login.)

This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign?

If there's an actual crime here committed in the US, I'd guess that campaign finance law would be a good place to look for it. Apparently simply lying is not itself a crime.

Skeptic Ginger · 10th January 2023, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

If there's an actual crime here committed in the US, I'd guess that campaign finance law would be a good place to look for it. Apparently simply lying is not itself a crime.

Yes, it will depend on the money trail.

I don't see him being pressured to resign, why would he give up his salary and perks?

Bob001 · 10th January 2023, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by newyorkguy

Just saw this and don't think its been mentioned here. (It's from a local news feed, so no link -it requires a login.)

This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign?

He's making more money than he ever has in his life. He'll hold on as long as he can.

Ladewig · 10th January 2023, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by newyorkguy

Just saw this and don't think its been mentioned here. (It's from a local news feed, so no link -it requires a login.)

This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign?

Not as remote as Trump saying those words, but pretty remote nonetheless.

gnome · 10th January 2023, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by Bob001

He's making more money than he ever has in his life. He'll hold on as long as he can.

Wait, can we PAY him money to go away? It might be worth it.

Gulliver Foyle · 11th January 2023, 12:30 AM

Originally Posted by thaiboxerken

The media did. They wanted a horse race so they didn't want to cover G Santos' lies because it would've made the horse race less close and less interesting.

It's the same way the media covered Trump vs Hillary. They knew that most of what the Republicans were saying about Hillary was lies and nonsense but they thought that covering those as lies and nonsense would've made a close race less close.

In both cases, the media thought the Democrat was safe so they wanted to report on the races in the best way that they could to help the Republican have a close race. In both cases, they thought that there was no way the Republican would win. They were wrong, and now America and democracy is weaker for it.

I'm not sure the media were too worried about republicans winning nor about the death of political legitimacy in the US. Remember, owners, editors and senior reoprters/columnists are very right wing themselves.

phiwum · 11th January 2023, 12:32 AM

Originally Posted by thaiboxerken

The media did. They wanted a horse race so they didn't want to cover G Santos' lies because it would've made the horse race less close and less interesting.

It's the same way the media covered Trump vs Hillary. They knew that most of what the Republicans were saying about Hillary was lies and nonsense but they thought that covering those as lies and nonsense would've made a close race less close.

In both cases, the media thought the Democrat was safe so they wanted to report on the races in the best way that they could to help the Republican have a close race. In both cases, they thought that there was no way the Republican would win. They were wrong, and now America and democracy is weaker for it.

Twaddle.

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Norman Alexander · 11th January 2023, 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by phiwum

Twaddle.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

Thoughtful and well reasoned. Not.

a_unique_person · 11th January 2023, 03:14 AM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

So the question might be better asked: Who covered it up?

Cover up or just incompetence through lack of resources? My guess is the latter. News organisations are mere shadows of their former selves.

varwoche · 11th January 2023, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by Norman Alexander

Thoughtful and well reasoned. Not.

I beg to differ. I reject the notion that "the media", as if that's a singular entity, worked in concert to suppress damning Santos news. There's a section on this forum for that sort of twaddle.

Moreover, the news about Santos' truly extraordinary level of BS that was supposedly suppressed would almost certainly have drawn more readers/viewers than the horse race.

Suddenly · 11th January 2023, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by newyorkguy

This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign?

When you are halfway up the ramp about to jump over flaming wreckage it isn't wise to hit the brakes.

His only way out is forward, and, sadly, his being in the future willing to resign would be a plea bargaining chip.

pgwenthold · 11th January 2023, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by varwoche

I beg to differ. I reject the notion that "the media", as if that's a singular entity, worked in concert to suppress damning Santos news. There's a section on this forum for that sort of twaddle.

Moreover, the news about Santos' truly extraordinary level of BS that was supposedly suppressed would almost certainly have drawn more readers/viewers than the horse race.

That's not necessarily true. As much as I hate the word, it's basically that Trump has normalized excessive lying, to the point where it is clear that too many people don't care.

You even see that with Santos - it gets dismissed as just, "All politicians lie." It's not news. He's got an R next to his name, so who cares what else is true?

wareyin · 11th January 2023, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by varwoche

I beg to differ. I reject the notion that "the media", as if that's a singular entity, worked in concert to suppress damning Santos news. There's a section on this forum for that sort of twaddle.

Moreover, the news about Santos' truly extraordinary level of BS that was supposedly suppressed would almost certainly have drawn more readers/viewers than the horse race.

Eh, I doubt that "the media" works to suppress damning news (except of course for right wing media), but there certainly is a long and proven track record of mainstream media "both-siding" political reporting. thaiboxerken brought up the Trump/Hillary example where Trump's many scandals would not be reported on without a counterbalancing mention of Clinton's emails, for instance.

varwoche · 11th January 2023, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by pgwenthold

That's not necessarily true. As much as I hate the word, it's basically that Trump has normalized excessive lying, to the point where it is clear that too many people don't care.

You even see that with Santos - it gets dismissed as just, "All politicians lie." It's not news. He's got an R next to his name, so who cares what else is true?

I think you're wrong for at least two reasons:

1. The extent and nature of Santos' BS is special, and loaded with human interest.
2. The horse race for 1 measly seat out of 435 wouldn't have drawn national attention.

bruto · 11th January 2023, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by phiwum

Twaddle.

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I'm not convinced it's twaddle, except the part where it is assumed the media wanted a closer race but not a Republican victory. I can think of numerous examples of the press giving more weight to trivial faults of Democratic candidates than the serious faults of their opponents. Of course we see what we want when we're biased, but I think a case could be made there. But what I'm not convinced of is that the press wants it any other way. They may not go all out to promote bad government, and one can always point to the desire for fairness and impartiality in reporting as an excuse, but when the worse leaders win and the worse government ensues, it's better copy.

seayakin · 11th January 2023, 10:42 AM

Nassau County republicans call for his resignation.

pgwenthold · 11th January 2023, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by varwoche

I think you're wrong for at least two reasons:

1. The extent and nature of Santos' BS is special, and loaded with human interest.
2. The horse race for 1 measly seat out of 435 wouldn't have drawn national attention.

While I don't necessarily argue with #2, I think you are wrong about #1. You would think it would be special and unique, but, as I said, dishonesty is so normalized that it gets dismissed. Do you not agree that there have been many who have tried to excuse it with the old "all politicians lie" dodge?

Hercules56 · 11th January 2023, 12:33 PM

Every day that goes by, another expose about fraud and campaign finance crimes. And every day the GOP remains silent.

Guess the GOP literally does not care about honesty, integrity, the truth.

dudalb · 11th January 2023, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Hercules56

Every day that goes by, another expose about fraud and campaign finance crimes. And every day the GOP remains silent.

Guess the GOP literally does not care about honesty, integrity, the truth.

The GOP in Nassau county, Santos home district, just called for him to resign.
As much as I hate what much of the GOP has become, but I think "Everybody in the GOP Is evil" is pretty extreme.

Stacyhs · 11th January 2023, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by dudalb

The GOP in Nassau county, Santos home district, just called for him to resign.
As much as I hate what much of the GOP has become, but I think "Everybody in the GOP Is evil" is pretty extreme.

I agree. It's the GOP leadership and extremists that are the problem.

wareyin · 11th January 2023, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by dudalb

The GOP in Nassau county, Santos home district, just called for him to resign.
As much as I hate what much of the GOP has become, but I think "Everybody in the GOP Is evil" is pretty extreme.

Originally Posted by Stacyhs

I agree. It's the GOP leadership and extremists that are the problem.

...and the people who keep voting the extremist GOPers into power.

Hercules56 · 11th January 2023, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by dudalb

The GOP in Nassau county, Santos home district, just called for him to resign.
As much as I hate what much of the GOP has become, but I think "Everybody in the GOP Is evil" is pretty extreme.

Let me know when the state and national party calls for him to step down.

As for right now, they prefer power over integrity.

Skeptic Ginger · 11th January 2023, 02:11 PM

It is "twaddle" that the news media acts with some sort of CT motivation. Think about it, do they have secret meetings? Pass out talking points memos (a real thing at Faux News) so everyone is on the same page?

Santos' competitor said what the problem was and I linked to it above. His campaign could not get any national news interest because so much else during the run-up to the 2022 election drowned out stories like Santos' pathological lying (differs considerably from the usual political candidate and legislator lying). Losing local media is a serious problem the Santos election identifies.

How does the news media work? They sell a commodity and that commodity is not information. The business model is and has been for a very long time (always has been to varying degrees) is that sensation, scandal and controversy sells.

Good reporting, especially investigative reporting does sell sometimes but apparently not enough for news rooms to hire many investigative reporters. It takes too long to actually investigate some stories.

I also fault the Democrats who have yet to figure out basic marketing skills. They might have gotten more media interest in Santos had they approached it using the mentally disturbed aspect. I'd bet 10 to 1 they simply pointed out X or Y etc wasn't true. They might have looked more carefully into the guy's background and campaign finances. I'd also bet the DNC didn't give the district's candidate much financial help because they falsely assumed it was a safe seat.

varwoche · 11th January 2023, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by pgwenthold

While I don't necessarily argue with #2, I think you are wrong about #1. You would think it would be special and unique, but, as I said, dishonesty is so normalized that it gets dismissed. Do you not agree that there have been many who have tried to excuse it with the old "all politicians lie" dodge?

Yes, dishonesty has been normalized. And yes, I often hear people foist the "all politicians lie" excuse.

Notwithstanding, the unrelenting coverage Santos has received over the past few weeks pretty much proves my point.

varwoche · 11th January 2023, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by varwoche

the unrelenting coverage Santos has received over the past few weeks pretty much proves my point.

Expanding here...

* The horse race did not gain national attention.
* The scandal has been unrelenting for weeks.

This clearly proves out my point with a high level of certitude.

timhau · 12th January 2023, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by varwoche

Yes, dishonesty has been normalized. And yes, I often hear people foist the "all politicians lie" excuse.

It's also as if we've lost sight of the fact that all lies and other missteps are not equal. "I only had two beers" is a lie when I actually had four, and so is "I didn't spend the night snorting coke and banging underage hookers" when I actually did. I've been guilty of the former, but I still think that leaves me as a better person than someone who is guilty of the latter.

Parsman · 12th January 2023, 07:23 AM

I do think in general themedia want to make the electoral contest seem close to peak interest among their customer base. In the USA this is probably exacerbated by the 2 Party system where it seems about 40-45% of the population will always vote either Republican or Democrat. We have similar here in the UK for Labour and Conservatives, although we do have a 3rd party of varying electoral strengths in the Lib Dems and strong regional parties like the SNP or the Northern Irish parties. We even have a Green MP at Westminster and that is despite an electoral system that strongly favours a bi-polar political system, which means when it comes to national elections all the focus is on Lab/Con contest.

Mike! · 12th January 2023, 09:29 AM

I'm wondering if he wears glasses just to keep from getting punched in the face.

9th January 2023, 07:44 PM	#162
Norman Alexander Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Dharug & Gundungurra Posts: 16,174	Originally Posted by Stacyhs Or was there a cover up vs lack of interest? Remember, it was supposedly a blue safe seat. If it was a Dem who did all the cheating, what would have been the media response there? Off-the-wall wailing and Tucker Carlson thrown in?
	__________________ _{...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015}

9th January 2023, 09:11 PM	#164
mgidm86 Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 8,624	I'm going to go out on a limb and say something bad is going to come out about Santos and children (probably near water). Hell I got nothing to lose - that is my prediction. I base this on my Skeptical Intuition (I'll be twenty years-old here in a few days, I've earned it!). Dude looks creepy and that's my only evidence other than his life of lying and thieving. What else hasn't he been accused of already?
mgidm86 Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 8,624

10th January 2023, 07:02 AM	#165
varwoche Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Puget Sound Posts: 17,217	Originally Posted by mgidm86 What else hasn't he been accused of already? He hasn't claimed, nor been accused, that he's Kaiser Soze.
	__________________ To survive election season on a skeptics forum, one must understand Hymie-the-Robot.

10th January 2023, 09:23 AM	#166
thaiboxerken Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 32,585	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander So the question might be better asked: Who covered it up? The media did. They wanted a horse race so they didn't want to cover G Santos' lies because it would've made the horse race less close and less interesting. It's the same way the media covered Trump vs Hillary. They knew that most of what the Republicans were saying about Hillary was lies and nonsense but they thought that covering those as lies and nonsense would've made a close race less close. In both cases, the media thought the Democrat was safe so they wanted to report on the races in the best way that they could to help the Republican have a close race. In both cases, they thought that there was no way the Republican would win. They were wrong, and now America and democracy is weaker for it.
	__________________ 1. He'd never do that. 2. Okay but he's not currently doing it. 3. Okay but he's not currently technically doing it. 4. Okay but everyone does it. 5. He's doing it, we can't stop him, no point in complaining about it. 6. We all knew he was going to do it which... makes it okay somehow. 7. It's perfectly fine that's he's doing it.

10th January 2023, 11:15 AM	#167
Chris_Halkides Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 11,250	not money well spent Originally Posted by Stacyhs I wouldn't doubt Santos spends at least part of his only Congressional term in prison. That would disappoint whoever paid for that seat.
	__________________ It is possible both to be right about an issue and to take oneself a little too seriously, but I would rather be reminded of that by a friend than a foe. (a tip of the hat to Foolmewunz)

9th January 2023, 07:12 PM	#161
Stacyhs Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States Posts: 32,229	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander So the question might be better asked: Who covered it up? Or was there a cover up vs lack of interest? Remember, it was supposedly a blue safe seat.

9th January 2023, 07:46 PM	#163
Stacyhs Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States Posts: 32,229	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander If it was a Dem who did all the cheating, what would have been the media response there? Off-the-wall wailing and Tucker Carlson thrown in? Certainly not the response...or non-response... we've seen from most Republicans

10th January 2023, 11:30 AM	#168
Random Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,658	Originally Posted by Chris_Halkides That would disappoint whoever paid for that seat. The people who paid for the seat are probably already upset about the fraudulent fundraising...
Random Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,658	__________________ The road to Fascism is paved with people saying, "You're overreacting!".

10th January 2023, 05:37 PM	#169
Skeptic Ginger Nasty Woman Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 95,677	Originally Posted by varwoche He hasn't claimed, nor been accused, that he's Kaiser Soze. Love that movie. They should remake it without Spacey so I could enjoy watching it again.

10th January 2023, 05:44 PM	#170
dudalb Suspended Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Posts: 60,126	This will not end well for Santos. If the margin of members was more confortable, then I think the GOP might throw him to the dogs but they won't do anything with such a narrow majority. Sadly, the GOP leadership has no morality or ethics except power.

10th January 2023, 07:06 PM	#171
Resume Troublesome Passenger Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 21,734	Worst case of fake it 'til you make it.
	__________________ Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore, So do our minutes hasten to their end . . . WS

10th January 2023, 07:20 PM	#172
newyorkguy Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NY Posts: 13,432	Just saw this and don't think its been mentioned here. (It's from a local news feed, so no link -it requires a login.) Quote: A civil complaint filed Monday, Jan. 9, by the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center accuses Santos, a Republican representing the 3rd District on Long Island’s North Shore and parts of Queens, of illegally using campaign funds for personal expenses, according to the outlet. The complaint also accuses Santos of concealing the sources of his campaign donations, calling into question how he was able to make a $705,000 loan to his campaign despite financial disclosure reports showing that the 34-year-old only made $55,000 in 2020. "The concealed true source behind $705,000 in contributions to Santos's campaign could be a corporation or foreign national — both of which are categorically barred from contributing to federal candidates,” CBS News quoted the complaint as saying. This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign?

10th January 2023, 08:44 PM	#173
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 28,691	Originally Posted by newyorkguy Just saw this and don't think its been mentioned here. (It's from a local news feed, so no link -it requires a login.) This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign? If there's an actual crime here committed in the US, I'd guess that campaign finance law would be a good place to look for it. Apparently simply lying is not itself a crime.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

10th January 2023, 08:54 PM	#174
Skeptic Ginger Nasty Woman Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 95,677	Originally Posted by Puppycow If there's an actual crime here committed in the US, I'd guess that campaign finance law would be a good place to look for it. Apparently simply lying is not itself a crime. Yes, it will depend on the money trail. I don't see him being pressured to resign, why would he give up his salary and perks?

10th January 2023, 09:13 PM	#175
Bob001 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: US of A Posts: 16,613	Originally Posted by newyorkguy Just saw this and don't think its been mentioned here. (It's from a local news feed, so no link -it requires a login.) This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign? He's making more money than he ever has in his life. He'll hold on as long as he can.

10th January 2023, 10:03 PM	#176
Ladewig I lost an avatar bet. Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 28,781	Originally Posted by newyorkguy Just saw this and don't think its been mentioned here. (It's from a local news feed, so no link -it requires a login.) This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign? Not as remote as Trump saying those words, but pretty remote nonetheless.
	__________________ I lost an avatar bet to Doghouse Reilly.

10th January 2023, 11:42 PM	#177
gnome Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 14,493	Originally Posted by Bob001 He's making more money than he ever has in his life. He'll hold on as long as he can. Wait, can we PAY him money to go away? It might be worth it.
	__________________

11th January 2023, 12:30 AM	#178
Gulliver Foyle Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Cork baaaiii Posts: 2,835	Originally Posted by thaiboxerken The media did. They wanted a horse race so they didn't want to cover G Santos' lies because it would've made the horse race less close and less interesting. It's the same way the media covered Trump vs Hillary. They knew that most of what the Republicans were saying about Hillary was lies and nonsense but they thought that covering those as lies and nonsense would've made a close race less close. In both cases, the media thought the Democrat was safe so they wanted to report on the races in the best way that they could to help the Republican have a close race. In both cases, they thought that there was no way the Republican would win. They were wrong, and now America and democracy is weaker for it. I'm not sure the media were too worried about republicans winning nor about the death of political legitimacy in the US. Remember, owners, editors and senior reoprters/columnists are very right wing themselves.

11th January 2023, 12:32 AM	#179
phiwum Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 13,378	Originally Posted by thaiboxerken The media did. They wanted a horse race so they didn't want to cover G Santos' lies because it would've made the horse race less close and less interesting. It's the same way the media covered Trump vs Hillary. They knew that most of what the Republicans were saying about Hillary was lies and nonsense but they thought that covering those as lies and nonsense would've made a close race less close. In both cases, the media thought the Democrat was safe so they wanted to report on the races in the best way that they could to help the Republican have a close race. In both cases, they thought that there was no way the Republican would win. They were wrong, and now America and democracy is weaker for it. Twaddle. Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

11th January 2023, 01:46 AM	#180
Norman Alexander Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Dharug & Gundungurra Posts: 16,174	Originally Posted by phiwum Twaddle. Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk Thoughtful and well reasoned. Not.
	__________________ _{...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015}

11th January 2023, 03:14 AM	#181
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 46,005	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander So the question might be better asked: Who covered it up? Cover up or just incompetence through lack of resources? My guess is the latter. News organisations are mere shadows of their former selves.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

11th January 2023, 09:43 AM	#182
varwoche Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Puget Sound Posts: 17,217	Originally Posted by Norman Alexander Thoughtful and well reasoned. Not. I beg to differ. I reject the notion that "the media", as if that's a singular entity, worked in concert to suppress damning Santos news. There's a section on this forum for that sort of twaddle. Moreover, the news about Santos' truly extraordinary level of BS that was supposedly suppressed would almost certainly have drawn more readers/viewers than the horse race.
	__________________ To survive election season on a skeptics forum, one must understand Hymie-the-Robot.

11th January 2023, 09:55 AM	#183
Suddenly No Punting Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Not In Follansbee Posts: 5,749	Originally Posted by newyorkguy This guy's some piece of work. What are the chances he may just say, "I can't do this," and resign? When you are halfway up the ramp about to jump over flaming wreckage it isn't wise to hit the brakes. His only way out is forward, and, sadly, his being in the future willing to resign would be a plea bargaining chip.

11th January 2023, 09:55 AM	#184
pgwenthold Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 21,307	Originally Posted by varwoche I beg to differ. I reject the notion that "the media", as if that's a singular entity, worked in concert to suppress damning Santos news. There's a section on this forum for that sort of twaddle. Moreover, the news about Santos' truly extraordinary level of BS that was supposedly suppressed would almost certainly have drawn more readers/viewers than the horse race. That's not necessarily true. As much as I hate the word, it's basically that Trump has normalized excessive lying, to the point where it is clear that too many people don't care. You even see that with Santos - it gets dismissed as just, "All politicians lie." It's not news. He's got an R next to his name, so who cares what else is true?
	__________________ "As your friend, I have to be honest with you: I don't care about you or your problems" - Chloe, Secret Life of Pets

11th January 2023, 10:03 AM	#185
wareyin Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 11,828	Originally Posted by varwoche I beg to differ. I reject the notion that "the media", as if that's a singular entity, worked in concert to suppress damning Santos news. There's a section on this forum for that sort of twaddle. Moreover, the news about Santos' truly extraordinary level of BS that was supposedly suppressed would almost certainly have drawn more readers/viewers than the horse race. Eh, I doubt that "the media" works to suppress damning news (except of course for right wing media), but there certainly is a long and proven track record of mainstream media "both-siding" political reporting. thaiboxerken brought up the Trump/Hillary example where Trump's many scandals would not be reported on without a counterbalancing mention of Clinton's emails, for instance.

11th January 2023, 10:04 AM	#186
varwoche Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Puget Sound Posts: 17,217	Originally Posted by pgwenthold That's not necessarily true. As much as I hate the word, it's basically that Trump has normalized excessive lying, to the point where it is clear that too many people don't care. You even see that with Santos - it gets dismissed as just, "All politicians lie." It's not news. He's got an R next to his name, so who cares what else is true? I think you're wrong for at least two reasons: 1. The extent and nature of Santos' BS is special, and loaded with human interest. 2. The horse race for 1 measly seat out of 435 wouldn't have drawn national attention.
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11th January 2023, 10:40 AM	#187
bruto Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Way way north of Diddy Wah Diddy Posts: 35,525	Originally Posted by phiwum Twaddle. Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk I'm not convinced it's twaddle, except the part where it is assumed the media wanted a closer race but not a Republican victory. I can think of numerous examples of the press giving more weight to trivial faults of Democratic candidates than the serious faults of their opponents. Of course we see what we want when we're biased, but I think a case could be made there. But what I'm not convinced of is that the press wants it any other way. They may not go all out to promote bad government, and one can always point to the desire for fairness and impartiality in reporting as an excuse, but when the worse leaders win and the worse government ensues, it's better copy.
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11th January 2023, 10:42 AM	#188
seayakin Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,397	Nassau County republicans call for his resignation.
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11th January 2023, 10:55 AM	#189
pgwenthold Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 21,307	Originally Posted by varwoche I think you're wrong for at least two reasons: 1. The extent and nature of Santos' BS is special, and loaded with human interest. 2. The horse race for 1 measly seat out of 435 wouldn't have drawn national attention. While I don't necessarily argue with #2, I think you are wrong about #1. You would think it would be special and unique, but, as I said, dishonesty is so normalized that it gets dismissed. Do you not agree that there have been many who have tried to excuse it with the old "all politicians lie" dodge?
	__________________ "As your friend, I have to be honest with you: I don't care about you or your problems" - Chloe, Secret Life of Pets

11th January 2023, 12:33 PM	#190
Hercules56 Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 7,535	Every day that goes by, another expose about fraud and campaign finance crimes. And every day the GOP remains silent. Guess the GOP literally does not care about honesty, integrity, the truth.
Hercules56 Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 7,535

11th January 2023, 01:39 PM	#191
dudalb Suspended Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Posts: 60,126	Originally Posted by Hercules56 Every day that goes by, another expose about fraud and campaign finance crimes. And every day the GOP remains silent. Guess the GOP literally does not care about honesty, integrity, the truth. The GOP in Nassau county, Santos home district, just called for him to resign. As much as I hate what much of the GOP has become, but I think "Everybody in the GOP Is evil" is pretty extreme.

11th January 2023, 01:44 PM	#192
Stacyhs Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States Posts: 32,229	Originally Posted by dudalb The GOP in Nassau county, Santos home district, just called for him to resign. As much as I hate what much of the GOP has become, but I think "Everybody in the GOP Is evil" is pretty extreme. I agree. It's the GOP leadership and extremists that are the problem.

11th January 2023, 02:01 PM	#193
wareyin Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 11,828	Originally Posted by dudalb The GOP in Nassau county, Santos home district, just called for him to resign. As much as I hate what much of the GOP has become, but I think "Everybody in the GOP Is evil" is pretty extreme. Originally Posted by Stacyhs I agree. It's the GOP leadership and extremists that are the problem. ...and the people who keep voting the extremist GOPers into power.

11th January 2023, 02:09 PM	#194
Hercules56 Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 7,535	Originally Posted by dudalb The GOP in Nassau county, Santos home district, just called for him to resign. As much as I hate what much of the GOP has become, but I think "Everybody in the GOP Is evil" is pretty extreme. Let me know when the state and national party calls for him to step down. As for right now, they prefer power over integrity.
Hercules56 Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 7,535

11th January 2023, 02:11 PM	#195
Skeptic Ginger Nasty Woman Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 95,677	It is "twaddle" that the news media acts with some sort of CT motivation. Think about it, do they have secret meetings? Pass out talking points memos (a real thing at Faux News) so everyone is on the same page? Santos' competitor said what the problem was and I linked to it above. His campaign could not get any national news interest because so much else during the run-up to the 2022 election drowned out stories like Santos' pathological lying (differs considerably from the usual political candidate and legislator lying). Losing local media is a serious problem the Santos election identifies. How does the news media work? They sell a commodity and that commodity is not information. The business model is and has been for a very long time (always has been to varying degrees) is that sensation, scandal and controversy sells. Good reporting, especially investigative reporting does sell sometimes but apparently not enough for news rooms to hire many investigative reporters. It takes too long to actually investigate some stories. I also fault the Democrats who have yet to figure out basic marketing skills. They might have gotten more media interest in Santos had they approached it using the mentally disturbed aspect. I'd bet 10 to 1 they simply pointed out X or Y etc wasn't true. They might have looked more carefully into the guy's background and campaign finances. I'd also bet the DNC didn't give the district's candidate much financial help because they falsely assumed it was a safe seat.
	Last edited by Skeptic Ginger; 11th January 2023 at 02:15 PM.