Comments on: Talking Points Memo bloggers won’t comment on Maureen Dowd controversy

By: Drew

Drew — Wed, 20 May 2009 04:01:51 +0000

Marshall posted about it, finally. Class:

Very Briefly on Dowd

I generally think we’re too quick to pull the trigger with charges of plagiarism. I haven’t said anything about this because I really didn’t think I had anything to add. Whatever the mechanics of how it happened, I never thought it was intentional. Dowd and the Times quickly corrected it, which I appreciated. And for me, that’s pretty much the end of it.

–Josh Marshall

By: Annette

Annette — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:26:25 +0000

Simon,
Thanks for the email. I have quoted your post on my site and linked back to you.

Thanks for the heads up and the shout out.

It means a lot.

Annette

By: fishbane

fishbane — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:31:32 +0000

I think Drew is right on here – there is simply no reason for Josh to comment. I don’t think I would here, either – the facts are plain, his reputation is only burnished by this, and displaying class and maturity just makes me like him all that much more.

If I were quoted (with or without attribution) by the NYT, That in and of itself would be a wonderful moment in the sun. Why ruin it?

By: Drew

Drew — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:26:00 +0000

Seems like a win win for Marshall no matter what happens. He a) got his actually message on the subject out to a wider audience and b) he and his site will get an incredible amount of free publicity from a mention in the Times and countless other sites talking it up. No matter what happens to Dowd he benefits from just letting it ride.

By: Rogers Cadenhead

Rogers Cadenhead — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:29:40 +0000

I don’t think it shows class, I think it shows he’s afraid of making enemies at The Times. It’s definitely weird to give a no comment when you’re completely in the right.

By: Art Kane

Art Kane — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:27:14 +0000

Q: “I can’t help but wonder why Marshall doesn’t want to comment on this issue.”

A: It’s called “class”.

By: Ralph Kramden

Ralph Kramden — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:26:22 +0000

“I canâ€™t help but wonder why Marshall doesnâ€™t want to comment on this issue.”

Well, OK, but what do you suppose Marshall might want to say? I think the incident pretty much speaks for itself, and I can’t imagine a comment from Josh that would illumine it any further.