How can we hold the Media Accountable for Out of Context Quotations?

In a recent blog post, I used my CiteIt Citation App to analyze quotes from Rachel Maddow’s July 30, 2024 show. (See Twitter thread) My investigation uncovered a troubling problem: Maddow’s portrayal of Donald Trump’s comments not only appeared to take his words out of context but may have deliberately misconstrued their meaning

Maddow’s producer, Steve Benen, had previously blogged that Trump isn’t literally telling Americans not to cast ballots, he’s instead arguing that he’s so wildly popular, receiving support from voters will be effortless as Election Day nears.

Yet just days later, Maddow warned viewers of what she called a “frightening truth”: “that He doesn’t think he needs to win the vote to win the election. He doesn’t think he needs to win the election in order to take power. 1

This stark discrepancy between Benen’s analysis and Maddow’s portrayal raises critical questions about accuracy and accountability in journalism.

Seeking a Correction from Maddow?

While I don’t consider myself a journalist, I felt it was important to seek a correction and answers for the public’s benefit. On November 17, I emailed Maddow’s team the following three questions:

1. Does your team conduct fact checks to ensure quotes are accurately represented?
2. Do you stand by the portrayal of these quotes as evidence that Trump lacked concern for getting votes?
3. Were you aware of Steve Benen’s analysis (July 26, 2024), which frames Trump’s comments as an expression of confidence rather than literal indifference?

To date, I have not received a response. That’s why I’m now asking for your help to amplify these questions and encourage Maddow’s team to address them directly.

The Cowboy Journalist’s Code of Honor

Walter Kirn recently spoke about a bygone era of “cowboy journalism”, when reporters adhered to a code of honor.

we’ve got honor when it comes to two things one we’re not out to hurt anybody we’re not out to hurt anybody who especially the weak we protect the weak right okay maybe we are out to hurt people who are hurting others you know cuz Cowboys do that too it’s like wait a second I’m gonna get that big bad blackheaded Rano yeah yeah yeah right we’re Cowboys and the other thing we’re not gonna do is We’re not gonna lie right because why should a cowboy lie he doesn’t claim to have anything but his horse his bed roll and his basic honor

Does today’s media have an equivalent code of honor? If you asked many Americans, I suspect their answer would be laughter, anger or tears.

Why This Matters

Maddow’s episode is emblematic of the broader challenges facing modern media. When quotes are taken out of context or misrepresented, the repercussions are far-reaching:

• It erodes trust in journalism.
• It deepens political polarization.
• It distorts public understanding of critical issues.

This isn’t just about one show or one quote—it’s about the broader responsibility of media figures to present facts accurately and fairly. With great influence should come great accountability.

What should we do about it?

I want to hear your thoughts:

1. Do you think Maddow’s show misrepresented Trump’s comments for dramatic effect?
2. How common do you believe it is for quotes to be taken out of context? Can you provide other examples?
3. How much do out-of-context quotations contribute to political polarization and distrust?
4. Lastly, what steps should the public take to hold the media accountable and ensure misinformation doesn’t fuel fear, anger, and distrust?

Is the time right for a conversation about how journalism can repent, become self policing, and restore a code of honor?

 

About CiteIt

CiteIt is developing new digital tools that help combat misinformation and selective quotations.

These tools show the context surrounding the quoted media in order to build trust and understanding.

 

CiteIt Home | Demos |  Try CiteIt | Blog | FAQ | About

 

---

 

Related Documents:

Demo of Matt Taibbi’s Who Blew Up the Nord Stream Pipelines? “Russia, Russia, Russia!”

 

Rachel Maddow Show: Request for Comment Screenshot:

 

DEBUNKED: Rachel Maddow’s Misreading of Trump’s “We Don’t Need the Votes” (Full Context)

Twitter thread:   https://x.com/CiteIt_net/status/1859470517901852718

 

---

 

Submit a quote to CiteIt:

If you have an example of a quote that you would like to be featured as a contextual demo, send an email to citeit@openpolitics.com, with:

• The URL of the source,
• the Quote,
• what is interesting, humorous, thought provoking, misleading, etc about the quote once the context is taken into account.