Rick Sanchez Calls Out Media That Fell For "Mutilation" Hoax

The big political story of the day revolves around what turned out to be a non-story. Several media outlets (the vast majority conservative) were left with egg on their faces after they trumpeted up the tale of a McCain volunteer who claimed to have been assaulted by a large black man because of a McCain bumper sticker on her car. On her face was carved a backwards 'B' (meant to represent Obama's name). The Drudge Report called it "mutilation."

It was a hoax. And now, some in the fourth estate are left to explain why they pushed this apparent political ploy. Those in the business who showed some prudence are calling out their competitors for taking the bait.

On CNN today, anchor Rick Sanchez did just that, naming the outlets that not only reported but actively pushed the story of Ashley Todd. In addition to explaining why his station didn't report the story, Sanchez dug the knife in a bit deeper when it came to Hugh Hewitt, the conservative radio talk show host who appeared on CNN Thursday and blamed "that side" (i.e. the Democrats) for engaging in "extraordinarily" disturbing acts.

"Part of the story is the fact that it was reported by the media," said Sanchez. "We would not be telling the story now had it not been carried by so many outlets. As I mentioned before, it was mentioned on, as a matter of fact I have a list and not to mention names, but the initials of the news organizations are Fox News, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Newsday. And also radio talk show hosts went on their radio stations and talked ad infinitum about the story yesterday, one of them even seemingly being a braggadocio about it when he was on the air with our own Wolf Blitzer yesterday."

Separately, the College Republicans -- a group of which Todd is a member -- sought to distance themselves from the whole affair, telling the Huffington Post: "When Ms. Todd initially contacted us claiming to have been attacked, our first reaction was obviously to be concerned for her safety ... We are as upset as anyone to learn of her deceit. Ashley must take full responsibility for her actions."

Comments

[ajax2]

Fox is not news. It is a propaganda machine for the Republican Party. Anyone and everyone who goes on their "news" shows helps perpetuate the fraud.

[1Smartchik]

And how come Bill Reilly gets mad at MSNBC and they are biased to the left, oh only they can do it, they really make me sick, I use to watch just to laugh and now it is no longer in our line up, on either of our televisions.

[Raminovsky]

Actually MJ Webber, the people who brought us Steve Jobs' heart attack was Bloomberg News.
Get your facts right. As for McCain and Palin. They're just failin'. End of. Wrap em up and send them back from whence they came.

[Spesabsquemetu]

Goshdarnit.

Someone needs to let the FBI know that John McCain's communications director was releasing detailed information on the mutilation/beating-LIE story, even declaring that the figure carved was a B with knowledge of WHAT IT STOOD FOR ... which is quite astounding when one considers that NO publications of the story had been released when McCain's communications director was already providing detailed information about the entire escapade.

Goshdarnit. HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THAT?

hmmmmmmm.

[DMSmith]

As usual, by opening his mouth. i.e. lying.

[tarasmom]

what I find interesting is that so close to the election GOP supporters seem to be going off the deep end. Indiviuals in my area were taking down McCain signs in the middle of the night and it was blamed on Obama supporters instead of just kids acting stupid on a Friday night. It become this huge blogging support group for all the McCain supports here. How they were so in fear over sign theft....

I hate being Blue in a Red state.

[Dtach]

That makes two of us, I'm in Alabama, and I feel that if I were to go around telling people about my political views, it would be the equivalent of wearing a Star of David in WWII era Germany. I could cut the ignorance with a knife.

[SoulKeeper]

I am also in Alabama and I am sure my friends wish I would shut up about my political views but I can't. My business partner brought me a couple of Obama yard signs last night, gonna put them up today. Anyone wanna take bets on how long they last?

[delirium42]

I'm also blue in a red state - Indiana - and it's really tough. I feel for ya! Even here in the friggin' capital city, the largest city, it's hardly progressive at all. BUT -- there's a real chance the state might go blue this election. An actual honest to god chance, if it does I think I'll burst into tears. That will really prove to me this country is ready for change...

[MRougely760]

I recieved a heavy dose hate speech and a death threat for posrting this video in response to McCain supporter's lie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ8xtARGuMA

[BluePrideSMW]

I, too... Also, anytime I upload a vid I've made (as political statement, mind you..!) IF it has 'Obama' in the title HUNDREDS of right-wing nuts deluge the vid w/ nasty statements and low ratings... it's funny, I've seen the same vid start with hundreds of negatives go overwhelmingly possitive after sufficient numbers have viewed it. CASE IN POINT:

This is a special Moms Mabley version of Abraham, Martin & John...(and then, Bobby...)

http://current.com/items/89450598_obama_08_abraham_martin_john

[cody58]

There are only two people responsible for this madness and they are John McCain and Sarah Palin. The have created this climate of hate and division. Their campaign has been spurious. They have called Obama everything but the devil himself. This woman whether mentally ill or not felt compelled to perpetrate this HOAX because of the evil of these two. They have set race relations in the US back 50 years in their six weeks of hate mongering. Their code words of "Who is the real Barack Obama," And "He doesn't see the world like we do." It is nothing more than race baiting. McCain has given up his honor and integrity in his quest for the White House. As for his running mate it is debatable if she ever had any. How either one of them can look themselves in the mirror is beyond me. They will be repudiated on November 4th.

[oliviaah]

....repudiated AND denounced.
Both of them knew exactly that they were poking sticks at a hornet's nest. What really angered me was the smugness, and acting as if they were too clever by half.
Everyone brings up McCain's honor and integrity, or lack thereof, but REALLY, he's always struck me as a priviledged, spoiled brat trying to prove his worth. He's full of himself, and historically has been a screw-up. This campaign has solidified those thoughts.

[MJWeber]

I commend anything resembling the "news" on CNN -- but let's not go overboard with kudos about Rick Sanchez! I've never seen an anchorman more in love with himself since CNN fired Aaron Brown for felonious navel gazing. These two hams would have you believe new anchoring is more difficult than quantum physics.

CNN = Cable News Nitwits - The same jokers that brought you Steve Jobs heart attack!

Barrack 4 Prez... Down with CNN!

[BluePrideSMW]

in the info age the repubs neanderthal tactics aren't working... Moms Mabley sings Abraham, Martin & John (and then, Bobby...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNoBmaWICeo

[Bluejay00234]

http://origin.barackobama.com/live/

O live!

[Americatortures]

Fongolagatz!!

[FaceYourFears]

This would be a great script for Law and Order....I hope someone from the show jumps on it!

[johnqsittinzen]

It's probably already in production. (cue CUT TO sound effect)

[anopenmind]

Huffpo how about a newer headline!

[dennybop]

I hate to see the personal attacks on this young woman. I know it was politically and racially motivated. That's horrible. But this young woman is obviously either mentally or emotionally ill. I think we need to lay off of her and direct our outrage squarely where it belongs: On those who used this story to smear the Obama campaign. Those supposedly well-adjusted commentators and campaign workers are the real scoundels here. This event should also lay at the feet of all the hatemongers on all sides for promoting a climate in which this unstable young woman seemed to think what she justiied in her actions. I fear things will only get worse over the next couple of years. Today I read someone call Michelle Malkin a "remora" I think the same label applies to Drudge and alot of others. How dare these demagogues make millions of dollars by spreading spurious lies and inflaming hatred and division among the public.

[FaceYourFears]

She should have thought of the consequences first. To be honest, I don't think she has mental problems.....it was too crafted and thought out for a mental person.

[byx byx]

Um, she's an Aggie? Talk about indoctrination in to the Conservative Culture...

[gretcheno]

Who cares she was not to mental to tell a lie and the possibility of bringing in innocent blk men into a line up for this bogus crime. She was not mentally ill to conjer up this bogus story trying to make it seem like the Obama camp was somehow involved. I say I hope the prosecution bring about the toughest charges against her. So for the personal attacks she brought them on HER -SELF so she gets what she deserved.

[afgail]

I don't think the woman is mentally ill. I think she was manipulated into doing the HOAX, That's why the Reeps are saying she's mentally ill. It absolves them of complicity.

[JiminNC]

Hey HuffPo! How about something new here?

[bygollymissmolly]

What's the matter, you find this story embarrassing. You should. It's your and your ilk that has brought this upon this country.

[smarternu]

Republicans are such fearful cowards who cling to guns, religion and hate

[Americatortures]

Those bitter folk?? The moronic beer-swilling sloths who vote against their financial interests because "w" is a good guy to get drunk with??? YUP!YUP!!

[mclean08]

Exactly. They vote against thier financial intrests so that they can have thier con soapbox to holler 'bout abortion gays and guns ? (no one on either side of the aisle is going to attempt to take away guns anyway)

[gretcheno]

I was sitting in bingo today and a McCain Palin fan was in there and the sour puss look she had on her face, reminded me of the people who attend thier rallies.


They are hat.e mon.gers.

[iluvsam]

Yeah, that's about right.