Journalists: “Do Some Investigation Before You Go To Print” With A Story From Jason Chaffetz

Dear Reporters:

If Jason Chaffetz gives you a story, and you care about accuracy, do some investigation before you go to print.

— Ian Millhiser (@imillhiser) October 28, 2016

Chaffetz called it ‘reopen’ hence confusion https://t.co/Yzj8rNPZgU

— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) October 28, 2016

Interesting thing to watch: How local newspapers hed it. Chaffetz description of what Comey said is not holding up https://t.co/yLPQqAvLil

— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) October 28, 2016

A distinction: Comey did not say 'reopening investigation.' That language came from House Oversight Chair @jasoninthehouse.

— Katie Bo Williams (@KatieBoWill) October 28, 2016

As I said in my piece, Comey did not say case reopened. Rep Chaffetz said that. Now FBI saying to reporters on background thats incorrect.

— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) October 28, 2016

1) Chaffetz said re-opened
2) NBC said re-opened
3) Other media began reporting and decoding concise Comey letter https://t.co/jNftp10wdo

— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) October 28, 2016

1.Comey speaks. 2.Chaffetz over-reacts. 3. Dems panic. 4. Twitter freaks. 5. Markets jump. 6. Reporters report. 7. New Trump video surfaces.

— Marc Ambinder (@marcambinder) October 28, 2016

Let's look at politics. Chaffetz, who's cuddled up to DJT, seems to be first to talk about it...made it sound far graver than letter (1/2)

— Steve Singiser (@stevesingiser) October 28, 2016

Media immediately gives it Chaffetz's characterization, rather than much more vague characterization of Comey's letter. No? (2/2)

— Steve Singiser (@stevesingiser) October 28, 2016

Lots of bad headlines re Comey letter. Reason? Instead of leading with letter, reporters led with Republicans view of the letter.

— John Stoehr (@johnastoehr) October 28, 2016

Leaks and spin from Chaffetz, Gowdy et al are baker’s chocolate, and reporters are children who think “maybe it’ll taste sweet this time!" https://t.co/cb0U5Ne4wf

— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) October 28, 2016