When Public Figures Lie

Flying Headbutt · Jan 22, 2008

Started this while reading something from Dan Kennedy from the Boston Phoenix.

http://medianation.blogspot.com/2008/01/mitt-romney-and-truth.html

I wonder, why don't we ever say someone has out and out lied when we know for a fact they have? Clearly, it would go beyond just when a source gets something wrong or whatever. But when we know someone currently is, or has previously lied to us, why don't we just come out and say that's what happened? Especially since we'd have the truth as a defense?

forever_town · Jan 22, 2008

I would guess it's because many of us worry about being sued for libel. Even though we probably have evidence to back us up, the legal costs and the mere perception that we could possiby have lied are enough to force extra caution.

Stitch · Jan 22, 2008

Journalists can point out issues with the truth, but calling someone a liar seems to be too personal and mean-spirited. Newspapers should take the high road.

Flying Headbutt · Jan 22, 2008

Well I never even see someone say that person lied, which is different than calling him an out and out liar.

Write-brained · Jan 22, 2008

I've been lied to over and over again. The proper thing to do is spell out the facts and let readers decide for themselves if the person lied. "Lied" can be somewhat subjective - especially when they backtrack, which they always do.

awriter · Jan 22, 2008

Flying Headbutt said:
Started this while reading something from Dan Kennedy from the Boston Phoenix.

http://medianation.blogspot.com/2008/01/mitt-romney-and-truth.html

I wonder, why don't we ever say someone has out and out lied when we know for a fact they have? Clearly, it would go beyond just when a source gets something wrong or whatever. But when we know someone currently is, or has previously lied to us, why don't we just come out and say that's what happened? Especially since we'd have the truth as a defense?

What does a reporter gain by using that word -- "liar" -- in a story? If a candidate or a coach or a GM contradicts himself/herself, then point it out and let the readers decide.