3 CNN journalists resign after Trump-Russia article pulled

Hey, D.J., take cue from someone with class (Obama) stop with your petty attacks on Twitter and get to running the country. An added benefit is you'd stop creating problems for yourself like causing yourself to be under investigation for obstruction of justice. I know this is news to you, but the presidency isn't a reality TV show.

Media digging their own grave and giving credit to DT's fake news narrative.

Some would have thought DT had shaken them. Apparently not...

Short version: CNN is a reputable organization that retracts its stories when they are incorrect. The Trump White House lies daily and never retracts anything.

The western mainstream media is a propaganda machine for the powers that be. Its refreshing to see a president do something about it.

Oh crazy Joe, have you seen this yet? How does the adage go? Out of the mouth of babes...

https://www.yahoo.com/tv/cnn-producer-says-trump-russia-story-mostly-bulls-144015925.html

Please try something n that revelation.

RIP CNN

CrazyJoe: the WH is not retracting anything because they are supposed to be the source of truth. Good on CNN to retract but people will think it proves DT's fake news narrative and this is a problem.

It is the height of hypocrisy to hear Trump utter the words "fake news" given he was the head of the birthed movement. Not to mention all the other "fake utterance," i.e., lies, that fall out of his gob.

Oh, and then there is his deputy press secretary pushing unverified "news":

“There’s a video circulating now — whether it’s accurate or not I don’t know — but I would encourage everybody in this room and frankly everybody across the country to take a look at it,” Sanders said.

(Emphasis added.)

Tisk, risk. Quite irresponsible of Mrs. Sanders.

For the individuals that still have their massive cognitive dissonance glasses on, the retraction of the false narrative plus subsequent firing coupled with the release of the video is the reason people abandoned career politics for trump. If there's no real changes, expect 8 years

Actually, if anything, the retraction of the article publication shows that the article is being better vetted to be sure it's on more solid ground if it's ever going to be shared with the public

Compare that to, say, tweets about Obama bugging the Trump Tower being publicly published on a whim without first being vetted to how solid its standing

First President to care about honesty enough to call out and systematically destroy America's totally worthless propaganda networks. If he accomplishes nothing else, he has already done more for this country than any other president.

Reminds me of the scandal surrounding the dodgy dossier in the run up to the invasion of Iraq. Journalists had to resign over that but were eventually proved correct.

CNN have been routinely attacked by Trump, so it's only right they back off and get prepared for the eventual fireworks.

The Trump administration has learned well from past authoritarian regimes how to maintain support from its mob. First, foment suspicion about minority groups that the base views as threatening (e.g. Muslims, Mexicans, academics). Second, vilify journalists and news outlets that question or investigate problematic behavior of elected leaders. Third, repeat the same falsehoods and distortions in bite-size cliches until they become established truth among the believers.

*“There’s a video circulating now — whether it’s accurate or not I don’t know — but I would encourage everybody in this room and frankly everybody across the country to take a look at it,” Sanders said.*

So now a CNN health editor with no connection to coverage of the Russia investigation is being touted by the White House as an expert witness to discredit said investigation. You know, the more this administration squawks about the illegitimacy of the investigation, the more I think they're hiding something.

And what is Sanders doing encouraging everybody to watch something that she can't confirm is accurate?

Let me fix that for you ....

CNN is a reputable centric-left-leaning organization that retracts its stories when they are incorrect. The Trump White House lies daily and never retracts anything.

Better?

BTW, most news outlets in the USA are left-leaning. It seems to be the nature of people drawn to that type of work.

The right-leaning (and sometimes falling) news outlets don't even pretend to be centric, sadly.

I've seen a few excellent journalists choose to leave their long-term employment to create a new blog website to give them control over the stories and content.

One example is Brian Krebs. Since leaving the Washington Post, he has blown open lots and lots of stories and provided in-depth reporting beyond what any typical news outlet would allow.

Hopefully, these 3 former CNN journalists will be successful in a similar manner.

@CrazyJoe

Short version: CNN is a reputable organization

Reputable organization?? LOLLL!! Try "CNN fake news" on Youtube, you'll find a lot very interesting and very new to you.

This was good:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB4RelW5M-c

So now a CNN health editor with no connection to coverage of the Russia investigation is being touted by the White House as an expert witness to discredit said investigation. You know, the more this administration squawks about the illegitimacy of the investigation, the more I think they're hiding something.

Uh-huh and the more the Democrats spend time relentlessly searching and going down more Fox holes and not getting things done in Washington, they will continue to lose elections, which is fine by me, but if I were a levelheaded thinking liberal, I'd be very concerned with my party.

And what is Sanders doing encouraging everybody to watch something that she can't confirm is accurate?

Apparently, something is very wrong here, otherwise why lawyer up with some of the best lawyers money can buy?

If there wasn't a valid reason, CNN wouldn't have terminated the guy, they really need people, so there must have been compelling evidence for the termination.

Too many retractions in this business is not good, it shows sloppiness and destroys all credibility of the company and if it becomes a problem as in this case, people will get cut and good on CNN for taking responsibility and accountability for this.

The Trump administration has learned well from past authoritarian regimes how to maintain support from its mob.

Not allowing conservatives to speak on college campuses, following representatives of congress and driving them off the roads, pelting Trump supporters with eggs, following congressmen to their homes and harassing them on their property, shooting and almost killing a sitting congressman, staging riots attacking and physically assaulting Trump supporters. Yeah, you have a mob culture going on, but it's not coming from the right, that's for sure.

First, foment suspicion about minority groups that the base views as threatening (e.g. Muslims, Mexicans, academics). Second, vilify journalists and news outlets that question or investigate problematic behavior of elected leaders.

If they weren't partisan in their endeavors to seek the truth, fine, but that's not what's happening here.

Third, repeat the same falsehoods and distortions in bite-size cliches until they become established truth among the believers.

With the dwindling power of the left and the Democratic Party, they would be wise to heed your words.

A CNN producer was caught on hidden camera commenting on the Russia fake news.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efrVhE1SvwQ

@comraderawbeer A CNN producer was caught

The Russia Today clip you posted is an example of a what's allowed with a free press. It's worrying that states are pushing fake news via their outlets and then their employees are spreading the made up and/or distorted news on social media, but that's a reality of modern life.

Still, I'll take a free press any day over one controlled by the state.

I note in the list below Russia's ranked 148th, making it hard for me to believe anything Russia Today reports.

https://rsf.org/en/ranking_table

Oh yeah the project veritas video I mentioned yesterday that said exactly what I said it would. Audio and video of a person who would know saying its all for ratings and they have no proof of anything. But some of you want to try to explain it away even the person is describing not his opinion but what he and others were told to do by the boss.

CNN is fake news, plain as day.

Watched the Clip. The guy video'd does indeed appear to be John Bonifield

http://edition.cnn.com/profiles/john-bonifield

Wonder if he was one of the people to resign ?

Not surprised over the comments he made, chasing sensationalism in order to attract viewers and gain Advertising revenue.

You've only got to watch CNN to see that it's more focused towards hearsay than real investigative journalism, most of their 24 News channel appears to consist of the same several "Experts" arguing together over what they see as the latest trending (?) news items, and the remainder with static data - basic Market data stats (sometimes laughably incorrect), and Weather - very occasionally, do they add a historical piece. Completely Not News.

Video and audio and people still wont believe it. Say that he isnt authorized to say what he said. Of course, he isnt! that is why it was so important for people to hear the truth that should not have been told. Audio and video on this, yet its not good enough. But Russia collusion with no audio, video or documents is believable?

And what is Sanders doing encouraging everybody to watch something that she can't confirm is accurate?

Same as everyone was told by CNN to read the Russian dossier. Both CNN and Buzzfeed avoided to say it was accurate. They just said it was just being presented so that people could make up their own mind about its accuracy. Same as the Veritas video, watch it and make up your own mind. Who is in the video? Is he John Bonifield? Does a John Bonifield work at CNN? would he join meetings where such topics would be discussed? Make up your own mind, at least you have some actual evidence to review, unlike but Russia!

@Blacklabel - read the link I provided above, perhaps the Video showed his doppelganger (look-alike) ?

It's worrying that states are pushing fake news via their outlets and then their employees are spreading the made up and/or distorted news on social media, but that's a reality of modern life. 

You mean like the so called Russian-Trump collusion fake news??

It is one thing to retract every once in a while for making a simple mistake on close sounding names or mistaking the exact number of casulties, etc. But no news organisation should ever have to retract simply because they purposely lied or ran mostly with just an assumption with only loose facts. 

The first thing people hear or see will most likely stick with them even after the retraction. Fox News knows this very well and uses this tactic all the time. So often in fact, that most people in the world just ignore it for what it is.

But reputable news agencies should be held to a higher standard of honesty, integrity and trust.

@PTown *It's worrying that states are pushing fake news via their outlets and then their employees are spreading the made up and/or distorted news on social media, but that's a reality of modern life. *

@bass4 You mean like the so called Russian-Trump collusion fake news??

I'm not aware that the US, i.e. the state, is pushing that story. Are you an employee of a state? Are you spreading fake news? Are you saying Russia is pushing the collusion story? Do you understand the difference between for profit media and state sponsored media?

Are you spreading fake news?

No, but the left has been for the last 6 months.

Are you saying Russia is pushing the collusion story? Do you understand the difference between for profit media and state sponsored media?

Yup! One based on what you hear from the grapevine, verifying isn't a prerequisite seems like anymore and if you are lucky and don't have to retract the story, you can move up ethics don't count anymore and the other, you print what they tell you or you get a bullet in your head or you disappear for a long time.

@mmwkdw:

Yes, I was thinking about that too. But CNN themselves confirmed it is him and are even defending what he said and his right to say it:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/presidential/cnn-defends-producer-caught-in-video-criticizing-networks-trump-coverage-20170627.html

My respect for CNN has only gone up after this, it means they still care whether stories are based on solid enough facts to publish. Trump the traitor is only upset that he doesn't have as good a reputation as even the lowliest media outlet and is treated like a moron, for good reason. It is important to keep the world reminded the Trump is an illegitimate moron and will find life very unpleasant anywhere on Earth after he is impeached

it means they still care whether stories are based on solid enough facts to publish.

If only it happened like that. But they publish anything speculative that they want, leave it up for a day and then retract it when another organization proves that the story was false. If a story doesnt have enough fact, dont publish it until it does. They just publish it anyway and hope no one can find enough proof of its fakeness to call them out on it.

My respect for CNN has only gone up after this, it means they still care whether stories are based on solid enough facts to publish.

LOL....reminds me of a Three Dog Night song about the number one.

CNN is a corporate tool/message board for the deep state.

Remember how CNN's Donna Brazil leaked questions to Hillary for a Hillary/Trump debate?

“My conscience — as an activist, a strategist — is very clear,” the interim chair of the Democratic National Committee said Monday during a satellite radio interview with liberal activist and SiriusXM host Joe Madison. She added that “if I had to do it all over again, I would know a hell of a lot more about cybersecurity.”

Yep, seems the insane lefties are not so immune to the "butwhadabout" tactic after all.

deep state

Often mentioned by the oh so balanced and not at all barking Alex Jones.

insane lefties

Again, because Alex Jones and Breitbart and so many of these respected outlets are clearly not peddaling paranoia and conspiracy theories. Like Pizzagate or the absolute nadir of the far right - Sandy Hook.

Oh, no. CNN; there's the enemy, close 'em down and protect the beloved king from their heresies.

And here we go!

"butwhadabout"

Alex Jones? I know who he is but never watch or listen to him. (Yoda voice) Grasping for straws you are.

No, I don't do FOX either.

maybe you need to watch this again toasted.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=efrVhE1SvwQ

And please try to stay on topic.

You're attempts at defending CNN is admirable. The video proves what I've known since the early ninties, and was confirmed with the 2nd Gulf War. A corporate "globalist" tool. Squashing individualism and promoting conformity.

I just dont get it. Audio and video and confirmed by CNN that it is him. People still wont believe it or even listen to and comprehend what the man said and what it means.

But a Russia collusion that has no evidence of any form that has been presented to the public. Same people who dont believe the CNN video: Yep, that happened! Impeach Trump!

I just dont get it.

Hence the word "insane".

By the way, I just read in NY Post that CNN retracted the story to avoid getting sued for 100 million dollars. Not out of any journalistic integrity. That explains their public apology to Mr. Scaramuchi, to get him to not sue them. Also, the reporters seem to have resigned in lieu of getting fired, not out of any sense of remorse at peddling fake news.

NY Times should have done the same thing before Sarah Palin sued them.

http://nypost.com/2017/06/27/cnn-staffers-didnt-resign-over-retracted-story-they-got-fired/amp/

So it was always a business decision for them, nothing more. Remember it's all about ratings, always has been and always will be.

I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!

That O'Keefe video was awesome! He does such great editing work.

Crazy: "CNN is a reputable organization"    Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Too funny!   Oh my...

CNN is unraveling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8vZdLqkXgE

As long as Trump spreads fake news with impunity, the anger from his followers about news organizations is cheap talk. Clean up your own house first.

Remember it's all about ratings, always has been and always will be.

Given that you think both Fox and CNN are purely in the ratings business ( a fair point ), it's confusing that a non-partisan would stubbornly and continuously defend Fox while usually tearing into CNN.

You of all people should be offended by trashy, Punch and Judy journalism.

In the end it's all about fanfare. People believe what they want to believe. They already made up their minds. It's a crazy crazy world.

If only it happened like that. But they publish anything speculative that they want, leave it up for a day and then retract it when another organization proves that the story was false. If a story doesnt have enough fact, dont publish it until it does.

This is a much, much different reaction than the one you had for the retracted Seth Rich story on Fox.

Why quit? I don't see Trump doing the same. If Wattle Chin were doing things by the same standards as these three journalists, he'd be quitting a thousand times over.

Fox. is reliable.  MS NBC won.

Fox. is unreliable.  It is MLB season anyway.

CNN depends on Washington Post .  and lost reporters. Maybe CBS,,,, ABC.  may create woollll channel?

I suspect the firings have more to do with CNN's battered image and the need for government approval of the merger between it's parent company Time Warner and AT&T that is currently in the works. Once the merger goes through CNN will be back to business as usual.

CNN has always been a left wing propaganda outfit. It didn't get the nickname Clinton News Network for nothing. But they are not the only ones carrying water for the Democrat party. CNN along with the New Times and the Washington Post are central to the "resistance". These media organizations are the primary conduits for leaks to undermine the current US government. Standards of accuracy are secondary to goal of getting Trump.

Wolf,, Ellen and Anderson are still on prime time discussions than repeating Washing Post gossips.

These media organizations are the primary conduits for leaks to undermine the current US government. Standards of accuracy are secondary to goal of getting Trump.

Speaking of which, did you ever see the June 1, 2009 issue of Time magazine? TRUMP IS HITTING ON ALL FRONTS . . . EVEN TV!

Trump's ego is what undermines the current US government.

Given that you think both Fox and CNN are purely in the ratings business ( a fair point ), it's confusing that a non-partisan would stubbornly and continuously defend Fox while

FNC had the least amount of retractions out of the 3 cable news and at being number one, there was no reason to catch up or falsify stories to get those ratings. So kudos to them.

usually tearing into CNN. 

You of all people should be offended by trashy, Punch and Judy journalism.

Yes, sir and without a doubt.

plasticmonkey:

Speaking of which, did you ever see the June 1, 2009 issue of Time magazine?

Are you talking about the fake covers plastered over Trump's golf courses? I think they were, wait for it........ fake, surprise surprise.

And I think the June 1, 2009 issue has Michelle Obama on the cover!

Or Kate Winslet. But definitely not the Mar-a-Lago person. Fake fake fake!

This is most unfortunate because it is the very first example of 'fake news' which does not benefit the dumpster. So now all the dumpster divers can point to it in an "I-told-you-so" manner. As if it were representative of anything.

CNN also said Trump didnt visit Senator Scalise in the hospital, he did. CNN said only Dems prayed before the baseball game, but Repubs were there with them too. So thats 3 fake news in the last couple of weeks just at CNN, not counting the newspapers.

Van Jones, CNN on tape: Russia is a big nothingburger.

maybe you need to watch this again toasted.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=efrVhE1SvwQ

No thanks. I don't do youtube links purporting to be "news".

I guess the Russian hack on the UK is "fake", too.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/25/cyber-attack-on-uk-parliament-russia-is-suspected-culprit

Or France

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/09/us-russians-hacking-france-election-macron-leak

Love it. More egg on the face of the corporate fake news network.

Toasted Heretic:

"No thanks. I don't do youtube links purporting to be "news".

....but you "do" the Guardian, purporting to be "news". LOL!

it is so bad now that CNN is pointing out the fake news of other media outlets to show that its not just them.

CNN Brian Stelter has called out the latest fake news, but somehow its not by CNN. It was reported by Vice that Disney wouldnt let the Trump robot at Disney World actually have a speaking role. This was supposedly because Trump has nothing to say, and should stay quiet and listen for once, according to now debunked sources. 2 stories related to that fake news have been retracted.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/339871-vice-retracts-two-stories-about-trump-disney-world-robot

It is pretty sad that fake news is even about things as simple as a robot and whether it will talk or not. Even robot Trump is a fake news victim.

Plus, you have all of the fake news from Trump.

Does it surprise anyone that CNN was publishing false news, and continues to do so?

The media hatred for Trump is endless, the mass media will stop at nothing simply because they do not like him.

Who needs things like facts and research when it's so easier to run a popularity contest?

Hate Trump or like him, but if you're a journalist you have a responsibility to report the truth. The media is clearly incapable of reporting the truth anymore and its extreme left wing bias and its neglect to report the truth has been made clear since the election started.

Non-mainstream news seems to be the only way to get accurate information.

....but you "do" the Guardian, purporting to be "news". LOL!

Whilst the grauniad has an anti-Corbyn agenda, which is acknowledged by anyone with an interest in politics it is certainly not fake news. Where on earth did you get that idea from?

This is usually the part where we ask the right-wingers for their fair and unbiased sources, and none of them answer.

I'm not giving CNN a free pass on this one, and their credibility took a nice hit with this.   When journalists rely more on sensationalism instead of factual journalism it will hurt their credibility (and the company they work for) all the time.    Sensationalist news peddlers always focus on what catches the eye and get's clicks now.   But it's too much to ask for factual information when they act like this.  At least they retracted the article.

Remember the day when journalism actually meant more than what it does today?  You got more news and less sensationalism.

And the last thing anyone needs is to help Trump's idiocy, and inflate his ego.

We all need to consider one thing, News papers / News media are in it for the money - what makes money for them ? Do they care if it's true or not - so long as it brings in the money... so then, what is truth ?