Aaron Coleman, 19 Year Old Democratic Kansas State Rep Nominee, Withdraws After His History of Revenge Porn and Harassment Came to Light...

[SmokeMaxX]

They are not particularly bad with factual reporting, as most media bias research will show you. They are on par with CNN and well above Fox. They do some fantastic investigative journalism that has had real impact in delivering justice for various minorities - minimizing these as some 'scopes' is disingenuous at best. Their editorials are often problematic but so is conflating the social media of their contributors with the site itself. They provide analysis and context to their reporting - it can be equally problematic when such is missing. This is especially true with foreign reporting because of incredibly low knowledge about foreign affairs among the US population.

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I'd like to see such media bias research and what metrics they look at. I just recently read an article about a "media bias" company that wasn't quite on the up-and-up (https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-the-nxivm-sex-cult-defended-trump-from-media-attacks). I don't doubt that they are capable of printing facts, but I will never form an opinion on an issue with them as the sole source as I don't trust them to not spin things. And yes, it's possible for them to get exclusives where, unfortunately, they are going to be the ones providing the information. In that particular case, I guess it sucks for them that they've released such shoddy articles in the past that it's affected their credibility.

I don't agree with your last few lines. Analysis and context is not what I'm referring to. Saying that Russian interference in the 2016 election is a hoax isn't "analysis and context." It's just plain untrue. Even Intelligence Agencies under Trump's administration have admitted that Russia interfered in our elections. Every once in a while, even Senate committees headed by Republicans will silently release something that admits it. It's just like what I said earlier. *Fact, fact, fact* -Some blatantly untrue and/or inflammatory statement- *Fact, fact, fact* And even worse than not providing context, it provides a FALSE context of what's going on so people who don't know any better read it and are like "oh wow, so Russia really IS innocent!"

 

[Baji Boxer]

While I certainly agree in general that we shouldn't judge people by things they did as a child, not only is this guy still a teen, but this past behavior is a bit more psychopathic than typical.

 

[Mezentine]

As an aside, I genuinely don't think I've ever seen Greenwald mentioned in a positive light a single time. Not once. I don't think I'd have ever heard of him if it wasn't for his endorsements of questionable people, and the occasional tyrant.

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Greenwald started as a libertarian, became something of a leftist, and has evolved into an...incoherent political position as he's gotten older? I honestly don't know what the guys politics are anymore. He does great work attacking Bolsonaro and then goes on Tucker Carlson to talk about how Democrats are overreacting to Trump.

 

[gcubed]

Posting underage revenge porn and causing someone to attempt suicide is slightly beyond the "i made a mistake".

I mean sure, it's a good excuse to not be in prison, not a good excuse to be a politician a few years later

 

[sangreal]

Good, and I can't believe that some people were excusing his behavior (presumably because he's a Democrat). I'd rather have Republicans be the party of electing shitbags - Democrats should always aim higher than that.

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Democrats never supported him. The party was pushing the incumbent in a write-in campaign

 

[Brawly Likes to Brawl]

yeah... this kid clearly didn't learn shit and can't handle being a politician

 

[Deleted member 14459]

I'd like to see such media bias research and what metrics they look at. I just recently read an article about a "media bias" company that wasn't quite on the up-and-up (https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-the-nxivm-sex-cult-defended-trump-from-media-attacks). I don't doubt that they are capable of printing facts, but I will never form an opinion on an issue with them as the sole source as I don't trust them to not spin things. And yes, it's possible for them to get exclusives where, unfortunately, they are going to be the ones providing the information. In that particular case, I guess it sucks for them that they've released such shoddy articles in the past that it's affected their credibility.

I don't agree with your last few lines. Analysis and context is not what I'm referring to. Saying that Russian interference in the 2016 election is a hoax isn't "analysis and context." It's just plain untrue. Even Intelligence Agencies under Trump's administration have admitted that Russia interfered in our elections. Every once in a while, even Senate committees headed by Republicans will silently release something that admits it. It's just like what I said earlier. *Fact, fact, fact* -Some blatantly untrue and/or inflammatory statement- *Fact, fact, fact* And even worse than not providing context, it provides a FALSE context of what's going on so people who don't know any better read it and are like "oh wow, so Russia really IS innocent!"

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In general one of the most used (US) media bias charts is the so-called Media Bias Chart upkept by a watchdog called Ad Fontes Media - you can find the wiki-entry about them here and you can find their methodology here. Many libraries and universities use them and they are very transparent about their methods. We can always debate the weakness of different bias methods but in general this is considered OK and for sure more reliable than how internet randos "feel" about bias based on selective readings. Here is the newest version of their chart:

As you can see, to illustrate - the Intercept represents a cluster of media that focuses on complex analysis or mix of fact reporting and analysis, with mixed reliability. Here is their current full profile. For any major media outlet there will always be examples of mistakes and wrongful reporting, that is why it is important to consider their output somewhat holistically.

Out of interest for you, as you are concerned about media bias, the source you use, The Daily Beast - positions worse in terms of reliability, and considering your concerns you might want to reconsider using them if your are looking for original fact reporting. I don't know which articles has reported Russian interference as a hoax but I would assume it might be Greenwald's editorials, which are most often highly problematic - again it might help if you source your direct quotes. But hopefully no one assumes editorials are news reporting. In general I hope no one uses any media channel alone and without checking additional reports. I would say that the Intercept has a very important role in the US media landscape despite its flaws considering that there are very few media houses that focus on investigative journalism, any person who drives a systemic campaign to have them as a banned source on resetera, should probably reflect on their own bias and reasons.

 

[Dreams-Visions]

holy yikes

 

[Slayven]

Greenwald started as a libertarian, became something of a leftist, and has evolved into an...incoherent political position as he's gotten older? I honestly don't know what the guys politics are anymore. He does great work attacking Bolsonaro and then goes on Tucker Carlson to talk about how Democrats are overreacting to Trump.

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Dude stay on Fox news

 

[Mezentine]

Out of interest for you, as you are concerned about media bias, the source you use, The Daily Beast - positions worse in terms of reliability, and considering your concerns you might want to reconsider using them if your are looking for original fact reporting. I don't know which articles has reported Russian interference as a hoax but I would assume it might be Greenwald's editorials, which are most often highly problematic - again it might help if you source your direct quotes. But hopefully no one assumes editorials are news reporting. In general I hope no one uses any media channel alone and without checking additional reports. I would say that the Intercept has a very important role in the US media landscape despite its flaws considering that there are very few media houses that focus on investigative journalism, any person who drives a systemic campaign to have them as a banned source on resetera, should probably reflect on their own bias and reasons.

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Okay but The Intercept is not The New York Times, it very specifically does not have any sort of line between its editorial and its reporting arms (as we recently saw with the NYT opinion section implosion and how much it came out that the reporting arm hated those people). It is, in a very real sense, Glenn's project, he both provides opinion analysis and performs reporting, and much of his staff, even if they don't pen specific opinion pieces, are nevertheless very outspoken and include their personal framing in how they write and conduct interviews.

It is impossible to view its reporting and not consider the opinion content as well in the context of what that opinion content suggests about what The Intercept finds newsworthy or considers worth investigating and covering, and as you say Glenn's editorials are often highly problematic. You can argue that at least this makes The Intercept more transparent in its biases compared to NYT or Daily Beast, since every outlet has biases in what it chooses to cover, and yes, that is accurate, thanks to the culture The Intercept encourages I do "know the minds" of the reporting staff there more then I do your average beat reporter at another outlet (And this is not a bad thing! It would probably be better if more outlets let their staff off the leash a bit more instead of trying to cling to some illusion of "impartiality") But that still leaves us in a position where what I see in those minds I do not like

 

[Davidion]

Nothing wrong with culling the cancers before they metastasize.

If this kid is truly repentant, even if you were to give him The benefit of the doubt given he did this shit in the 6th grade, then he has a whole lifetime of making up to do. It doesn't look hopeful, but we'll see

 

[Deleted member 14459]

Okay but The Intercept is not The New York Times, it very specifically does not have any sort of line between its editorial and its reporting arms (as we recently saw with the NYT opinion section implosion and how much it came out that the reporting arm hated those people). It is, in a very real sense, Glenn's project, he both provides opinion analysis and performs reporting, and much of his staff, even if they don't pen specific opinion pieces, are nevertheless very outspoken and include their personal framing in how they write and conduct interviews.

It is impossible to view its reporting and not consider the opinion content as well in the context of what that opinion content suggests about what The Intercept finds newsworthy or considers worth investigating and covering, and as you say Glenn's editorials are often highly problematic. You can argue that at least this makes The Intercept more transparent in its biases compared to NYT or Daily Beast, since every outlet has biases in what it chooses to cover, and yes, that is accurate, thanks to the culture The Intercept encourages I do "know the minds" of the reporting staff there more then I do your average beat reporter at another outlet (And this is not a bad thing! It would probably be better if more outlets let their staff off the leash a bit more instead of trying to cling to some illusion of "impartiality") But that still leaves us in a position where what I see in those minds I do not like

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That is fair, I don't disagree with you analysis. But not liking reporting that comes with particular analysis does not warrant a campaign to have it as a blacklisted source on resetera. Not saying you suggest such, but there has recently been systematic calls for such.

 

[NHarmonic.]

The party of #ChristianValues.

Edit: wait, it's a dem? I misread the info! Maan lmao. What the fuck.

 

[KoopaTheCasual]

This guy is really citing Donatism as the reason feminism can never work? Are you FUCKING kidding me.

For reference, if you don't know Donatism was basically a subset of Christians who said the clergy couldn't have any faults if they were to be clergy. So they were to be perfect faultless beings.


So basically, the people on the left calling him to account are a bunch of heretical zealots demanding perfection where there can be none. His hubris would be funny if it wasn't so offensive. Dude pushed a middle schooler to attempt suicide and he's all "pobodys nerfect! You guys are so unreasonable!"

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This^

The fact that he brings up Donatism means he's a massive piece of shit and blows up any "he's changed" argument out of the water.

Like, that's on some "so much for the tolerant left!" level of trolling bullshit, and made me double take. And he considers himself 'progressive'?

That's on some Evilore level of gaslighting.

 

[Barrel_Roll]

How do you even have a track record like that at nineteen years old, holy fuck...

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These teenagers be putting in work...

 

[Scuffed]

This guy sounds like a legit sociopath and this "new him" was a conjob. At least he's ruined now.

 

[heathen earth]

As an aside, I genuinely don't think I've ever seen Greenwald mentioned in a positive light a single time. Not once. I don't think I'd have ever heard of him if it wasn't for his endorsements of questionable people, and the occasional tyrant.

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Greenwald wrote a very good and influential paper on drug decriminalization a few years back. And yes, I know Cato is shitty, but that doesn't detract from this paper in particular.

Back on topic. I firmly believe that people can and do change. I regularly work with people who have blown up their own lives in the most spectacular way possible, and I have seen these people change and forge a better path. That being said, I can't see any genuine signs of remorse or indication that Coleman is one of them. His actions are indefensible and his recent statements definitely do not make up for them.

 

[808s & Villainy]

honestly i rather judge him on future events rather that things he did when he was freaking 13.... kids change, a lot! Yeah the apology isn't great for sure, what he did was shit and he should have faced consquence back then... but he has still time to grow, he's not even 20 yet!

Anyway he resigned so nothing we can do about it now

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I knew revenge porn and blackmail were bad as a kid and I'd vouch the vast majority of people did. Fuck this dude. If, by your admission, he still has time to grow, then this setback shouldn't be enough to derail his entire life since "he has time"

 

[meowdi gras]

Over/under on this kid running on the Republican ticket in the near future?

 

[fontguy]

Over/under on this kid running on the Republican ticket in the near future?

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Nah he's just gonna get a standup special on Netflix.

 

[Huncho_Houdini]

Surprised a kid that young was able to do such terrible things. 12 years old, yeesh. The bullying is common in that age group but the photo idea is def something new. Nevertheless I won't know if I can judge him for his actions from that age.
I can however judge him for his current blunt attitude towards the issue. He should try to at least sound a bit more sincere in remorse. What a mess.

 

[Deleted member 5359]

This guy is a complete fucking moron. This reads like the sort of impassioned argument a precocious twelve year old makes up to demand a later bedtime.

"Mommy, did I truly spoil my dinner by eating cookies if cookies were what I wanted to eat for dinner?"

 

[Dodongo]

This kid sounds like a real psycho.

 

[uzipukki]

What a piece of shit.

 

[Sunster]

How do you even have a track record like that at nineteen years old, holy fuck...

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for the revenge porn? i think you'd be shocked to know how common it is. i mean there's literally millions of nude selfies online that were clearly sent to boyfriends originally. there's entire websites dedicated to them.

 

[Filipus]

Guys, I have a question. How is he supposed to show that he's changed? He won't be able to do anything in the career path he was going for (this will be brought up forever). What should he do?

The only thing that comes to my mind is the tweet he wrote (he sounds awful) but I feel no matter what he tries to do the conversation will always be restarted to this problematic past.

Like, if he had actually changed and wrote a proper tweet and didn't resign do we really think people would be okay with it?

I think I'm personally okay with expecting the best of people to be in positions of power with certain compromises (like Biden?)

 

[Sunster]

Guys, I have a question. How is he supposed to show that he's changed? He won't be able to do anything in the career path he was going for (this will be brought up forever). What should he do?

The only thing that comes to my mind is the tweet he wrote (he sounds awful) but I feel no matter what he tries to do the conversation will always be restarted to this problematic past.

Like, if he had actually changed and wrote a proper tweet and didn't resign do we really think people would be okay with it?

I think I'm personally okay with expecting the best of people to be in positions of power with certain compromises (like Biden?)

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The only thing we know for absolute certain based on the response is that he hasn't changed yet.

 

[DrEvil]

The worst event was when Coleman obtained from the internet a nude photo of one his middle school classmates, and demanded more photos from her upon threat of publishing the one he had, which he made good on when she refused. "

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Uh, wouldn't possessing and then persuading / blackmailing a middle schooler to send nude photos (and then subsequently PUBLISH THEM ON THE INTERNET) be.. uh, extremely illegal? even as a minor? how is that not a larger part of the lede? how is he not on a sex offender registry?

 

[Renna Hazel]

I'm surprised people are pointing his age out as if that makes his actions more shocking. From my experience, boys were much more racist, sexist and homophobic when they were in high school compared to when they became men. Revenge porn wasn't a thing when I was in school but I always assumed it was mostly a teenage thing when I hear about it.

 

[viskod]

Uh, wouldn't possessing and then persuading / blackmailing a middle schooler to send nude photos (and then subsequently PUBLISH THEM ON THE INTERNET) be.. uh, extremely illegal? even as a minor? how is that not a larger part of the lede? how is he not on a sex offender registry?

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No kidding. This little fucker should have gone to juvenile hall for that bullshit.

 

[Wilsongt]

Greenwald can go get fucked for defending this.

 

[danm999]

His apology is bad and I don't think he's sorry, good riddance!

 

[The Adder]

Just gonna leave this interview from two years ago here.

Some excerpts courtesy of @magi_jay on Twitter

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[iksenpets]

lol he's un-dropping out

 

[Juna]

He also admitted to having hit his girlfriend.


That guy should not be in calling distance to a democratic nominee. Hopefully they manage to get another candidate to win by write in.

 

[Musubi]

How is this guy not in jail for posting child porn? Like I get he was also a kid at the time but that doesn't make it any less illegal. Like holy shit.

 

[iksenpets]

He also admitted to having hit his girlfriend.


That guy should not be in calling distance to a democratic nominee. Hopefully they manage to get another candidate to win by write in.

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I went to check what the margins are in the Kansas State House to see if really there'd be no harm in losing the seat altogether because it's not like one seat will make the difference in Kansas, but unfortunately it looks like Dems are currently one seat from ending the GOP supermajority there and returning some power to the Dem governor, so every seat really does matter right now.

And the Dem currently in the seat and running the write-in campaign really is an awful centrist from the look of things, in the genuine Blue Dog sense of centrist not just the to-the-right-of-Bernie sense.

But fuck this guy. He has absolutely zero record to establish any meaningful repentance or reform of himself, and seems happy to leverage that fact to dismiss all criticism as elitism and establishment conspiracy.

 

[Juna]

I went to check what the margins are in the Kansas State House to see if really there'd be no harm in losing the seat altogether because it's not like one seat will make the difference in Kansas, but unfortunately it looks like Dems are currently one seat from ending the GOP supermajority there and returning some power to the Dem governor, so every seat really does matter right now.

And the Dem currently in the seat and running the write-in campaign really is an awful centrist from the look of things, in the genuine Blue Dog sense of centrist not just the to-the-right-of-Bernie sense.

But fuck this guy. He has absolutely zero record to establish any meaningful repentance or reform of himself, and seems happy to leverage that fact to dismiss all criticism as elitism and establishment conspiracy.

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He is running unopposed. So there isn't much danger in losing the seat. And I agree with you. To me it's already fair to say that this guy is a genuine misogynist.

 

[Wilsongt]

This kid can go get fucked.

You just know the GOP is salivating about this.

 

[SmokeMaxX]

Really pulling a Jerry Falwell Jr. here. "I'm out." "Just kidding!"

 

[Disco Stu]

He also admitted to having hit his girlfriend.


That guy should not be in calling distance to a democratic nominee. Hopefully they manage to get another candidate to win by write in.

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Looks like his exGF and the reporter left his phone number in top left corner.

 

[Bob Beat]

I am also repentant of the multiple felonies I committed 5 years ago but the police didn't find out.

 

[iksenpets]

He is running unopposed. So there isn't much danger in losing the seat. And I agree with you. To me it's already fair to say that this guy is a genuine misogynist.

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If he's unopposed, this may be the rare race where I feel like just leaving it blank on your ballot is fine. No risk of a Republican, and between a hard centrist and a blatant misogynist there's not really a great choice. Though I guess this guy has at least made it clear whoever wins, next cycle an actual qualified progressive should primary it

If I lived there, I think I'd probably write in the current guy. He sucks, but I wouldn't want Coleman launching a career off of this

 

[Woylie]

I saw people concern trolling on Twitter, like "He was 14!! Can't people make mistakes??" and like no, blackmailing people for nudes is not an honest mistake from a misguided 14-year-old, what the hell

 

[BronzeWolf]

Politics is a dirty game. Why run if you've got dirt like this?

 

[ChippyTurtle]

fucking piece of shit. Greenwald gonna boost him in the next ten seconds, then Grim gonna conveniently ignore the fuck outta it despite boosting Coleman earlier himself and finally going "i didn't know the extent, please tell me more!" as the shitpile fell on him.

 

[Deleted member 4461]

Honestly, this is also a situation where a kid probably just shouldn't be running. I find it hard to judge someone for anything they did when they were 13... But then the fact that it's such a short time between then and now makes it hard to ignore, too.

 

[ItIsOkBro]

This guy is still a legit psychopath today, in the year 2020.

 

[Sho_Nuff82]

If you want the angle to be "he made some mistakes when he was younger, but he's grown into a better person fit for public office", you can't also go with "19 years old is perfectly mature to hold a state office."

Sure, maybe he's grown up a bit from his revenge porn days, but maybe give him another decade in the incubator before we give him power over other men and women, yeah?

Glenn is such a shitheel for his "All Moderates Are Bad" stances that it makes him the owner of perpetually bad causes like this. Grim is only slightly better. A shame because the Intercept does occasionally put out good investigative pieces.

 

[Plover]

Surely even a blue dog would be better than a person as disgusting and unqualified as Coleman. How the fuck did he even win the primary?