FreedomWorks Puts New York Times on Defense Over Political Advocacy
FreedomWorks Puts New York Times on Defense Over Political Advocacy
Washington, DC – FreedomWorks launched a social media campaign to bring awareness to the New York Times editorial board’s foray into political advocacy governed by the Federal Election Commission.
FreedomWorks drove tweets like the ones below:
FreedomWorks itself tweeted.
Call out the @nytimes as a political arm of the @DNC! Click here: https://t.co/wphCkwXuFF. #ampFW pic.twitter.com/UEN8PLZaCY
— FreedomWorks (@FreedomWorks) November 29, 2017
The tweets drew a defensive response from the New York Times editorial board, specifically Carol Giacomo.
Hmm, do you realize we write editorials, the opinion of the NYT as an institution, based not on anyone's 'talking points' but the considered views of the editorial board? I don't think you understand our role. We try to influence the debate on this and many other issues.
— Carol Giacomo (@giacomonyt) November 29, 2017
FreedomWorks responded, pointing out that expressing an opinion and driving political activity are completely different activities.
Editorials express opinions. This is just political advocacy. There's a big difference. #ampFW https://t.co/z4nUlyoGgj
— FreedomWorks (@FreedomWorks) November 29, 2017
Vice President of Legislative Affairs Jason Pye commented as well.
So, just to be clear, does the Times now support Citizens United?
— Jason Pye (@pye) November 29, 2017