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ICYMI: VA GOP F's Around and is about to FO [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-09-12

I’m not a lawyer, but I can read. I can write too. In fact, I even know how to report news responsibly.

And the way I read it, someone committed, and a journalistic institution aided and abetted a crime against a Democratic candidate, woman, mom, nurse, and loving wife. And that someone, is a “Republican operative.”

At least that’s how the Washington Post described the source of a salacious story about steamy NSFW videos of the woman, and her husband, engaged in a variety of sexual activities and streamed on an adult chat and video platform.

And I want to start there. While everybody else is focusing on the juicy content, I want to talk about the source.

x We see you VA GOP -- the party of voyeurs. And here's the thing, this is the ONLY bit they have. That's why they RAN to WaPo with it. Not very sexy of you VA GOP, not very sexy at all. And WaPo, is this in the public interest? Well, is it? If not, then it's not even journalism. pic.twitter.com/LS471WbZzv — Cat Porterfield (@PorterfieldCat) September 11, 2023

When I worked as a print journalist, editor, and publisher – I wouldn’t use an anonymous source. I’d take a tip from one and follow up on that tip by getting an actual person with a name on record. Without a name, the story has less credibility. Unless you have photos and video, then the photos and video might stand on their own. I guess that applies here. But what WaPo did with that tip from a “Republican operative,” served no purpose other than to damage the reputation of this woman, and by association, her lawyer husband. Another thing about sources is to examine whether they may have an axe to grind when sharing information. If the source is an ex-anything – wife, employee, friend – be suspicious and verify everything. And if the source is a political operative who gains from being your unnamed source… puhlease. Don’t skip the steps just because the story is sexy and you’re pretty sure it’s true.

All media outlets have rules for when and if it’s appropriate to use an unnamed source.

Here’s what the Associated Press has to say about it.

AP's basic rules for anonymous source material apply to material from other news outlets just as they do in our own reporting: The material must be factual and obtainable no other way. The story must be truly significant and newsworthy. Use of anonymous material must be authorized by a manager.

And this, taken from a WaPo memo:

Sources often insist that we agree not to name them in the newspaper before they agree to talk with us. We must be reluctant to grant their wish. When we use an unnamed source, we are asking our readers to take an extra step to trust the credibility of the information we are providing. We must be certain in our own minds that the benefit to readers is worth the cost in credibility.

When the woman’s lawyer told the WaPo that what is happening to his client is a crime, perhaps that reporter should have taken a hard look at the Virginia Law that supports his statement.

I know Class 1 Misdemeanor may not sound like a big deal, but it actually is – DUI, assault and battery, shoplifting, and driving under the influence – all charged similarly. This crime can carry fines of up to $2,500 but it could also land you in jail for a year if convicted.

§ 18.2-386.2. Unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another; penalty.

A. Any person who, with the intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate, maliciously disseminates or sells any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever that depicts another person who is totally nude, or in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast, where such person knows or has reason to know that he is not licensed or authorized to disseminate or sell such videographic or still image is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor…

Look at that. So succinctly stated in one simple sentence. A “Republican operative” broke the law (and you better believe he didn’t do it alone) In addition to the people who helped this unnamed source along the way – the Washington Post gave them the platform and now the whole world knows.

Revenge porn. Character assassination. Garbage. Yellow. Journalism. Serving up porn to minors courtesy of GOP trolls. Rules for me but not for thee. Misogyny on parade. I could go on, but my blood pressure won’t let me.

x via @NYTimes #susannagibson livestream hubby sex on age-restricted adult website shows how women are held to a different standard. No one would blink if she was a man. Many Virginians might not do what she did but women need to stand by her! #unity https://t.co/NI1URaa2dn — Chimie Mal Ⓥ for animals & the planet (@ChimieMal) September 12, 2023

A newspaper like WaPo, or any other news outlet for that matter, also needs to weigh a story on whether it provides a service to its readers. Does this story do that?

I haven’t seen these videos, although if I wanted to there are plenty of links posted on Twitter where the under-18 crowd has easy access. Good job Republicans, you are literally posting porn on Twitter in an attempt to slut shame a candidate out of existence. But hey, what do Republicans do if it isn't the opposite of what they say?

Weird flex bro. And it’s backfiring on you as voters are rallying around this woman and giving her campaign a real financial boost because they know she didn’t do anything wrong. Maybe it offends you how she and her traditional marriage are shoving heterosexuality in your faces.

All kidding aside, here’s what they say should disqualify her as a public servant: sexual preferences that evangelical Christians believe fall out of their realm of normalcy leave her weak and prone to victimization by coercion or blackmail.

Here’s where that argument falls apart: The couple did this together. She was not keeping a secret that would blow up her personal life like an affair or engaging in something illegal. Nothing to see here. Move along Republican operative, move along. In fact, why don't you go ahead and move yourself along to the nearest police precinct and turn yourself in? Party of law and order, right? It’s the responsible thing to do. You might also want to call any of your buddies that you involved in this because you implicated them also.

Once you’ve done that and lawyered up for your criminal defense, ask your lawyer if he has a referral for a good civil attorney because you are going to need one of those too.

Under Virginia Code § 8.01-40.4, victims can sue for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. Injunctive relief may also be available.

Hey GOP, FAFO. Hey WaPo, we’re over here in Virginia waiting on the follow-up story, salting our popcorn, stirring our sweet tea, and contributing to her campaign. When you’re done clutching your pearls while watching her videos you’ll see there’s an actual story here and the one you reported ain’t it.

And in the meantime, here’s something we all can do. I donated to Susanna Gibson and you could too.

x I support @SusannaSGibson for 57th District Delegate! https://t.co/eLbNSLBv2B — Cat Porterfield (@PorterfieldCat) September 12, 2023

You can also give to these Democratic candidates identified by Daily Kos regular Brainwrap as being in races (given the right circumstances and support) that are winnable. I’m on his list with Susanna and proud to be there.

x 🚨 There’s only 5️⃣6️⃣ days left to FLIP VIRGINIA BLUE & prevent Glenn Youngkin & MAGA Republicans from banning abortion in yet another state.https://t.co/jRpnmnlXFA



Donate TODAY. — Charles Gaba isn't paying for this account. (@charles_gaba) September 12, 2023

The reality is that giving to any Dem in Virginia ultimately helps all of us.

We have 100 house seats in Virginia. This time around 65 have races. Of those, 42 are actual contests. And of those 42, the House Caucus is only concerned with about 14 and when you drill it down even more, they really only care about six, maybe seven. So nearly two cases of candidates and the caucus is only eyeing a six-pack. I wish we were a little more drunk on democracy here in Virginia, but you can help. Donate. Write postcards. Share candidate links on social media. Host a cocktail party and ask your friends to donate. Get creative. All-American ingenuity is how we save Democracy. It sets us apart.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/9/12/2192929/-ICYMI-VA-GOP-F-s-Around-and-is-about-to-FO

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