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Blogger Michelle Malkin Attacked in Denver near DNC08
August 26, 2008 - 8:24 pm PDT - by Mark 'Rizzn' Hopkins 182 Comments
Conservative blogger Michelle Malkin was beset by a horde of self-described leftist anarchists not far from the site of the Democratic National Convention earlier today. The mob was lead by well known left-wing conspiracy theory radio show host Alex Jones, who was at the protest designed to (and I’m not exaggerating at all) levitate the Denver Mint so as to shake out all the money. The mob was organized under the banner “Re-Create ‘68″, with the goal of re-igniting the riots of 1968 around the Chicago Democratic Convention.Alex Jones is indeed a left wing blogger (with an army of left wing bloggers under his New Media umbrella). He’s the curator of a number of New Media websites often cited by the left, including InfoWars, PrisonPlanet, The Jones Report, and Truth News.
Jones, accompanied by little more than a handful of protesters that showed up for the event were documented chanting “Kill Michelle Malkin,” only moments after chanting their previous refrain of “Love! Peace! Justice!”
After shouting orders out to his followers to “not let Michelle Malkin leave,” Alex Jones and the small mob of protesters (followed by the much larger mob of press) harangued and screamed a bevvy of personal and ideological attacks for a number of blocks, as the diminutive Malkin attempted to calmly flee the scene.
But for a bit of shoving, a lot of yelling and a number of intimidation tactics, no physical violence directly against Malkin took place, but as the video captured by Pajamas Media reporters on the scene shows, it couldn’t have been a picnic for Michelle.
What’s most irritating is that once again, tactics that originate from left-wing bloggers have bled into meatspace and painted a picture that puts all of New Media in a poor light.
Of course, I’m referring to the lousy vetting process that was in place during the Republican Primary YouTube debates. It was discovered during the broadcast of the show that one of the questioners was a plant from one of the Democratic campaigns, and a careful analysis of the rest of the bunch showed that almost half of the questioners were Democratic plants, staffers, organizers or bloggers. The net result was that the first “New Media” handled presidential debate in history had a black eye from appearance of impropriety.
Similarly, this event leaves New Media journalists and bloggers with what undoubtedly will be seen as a propensity for immaturity, unable to behave themselves in public without attacking one another physically as viciously as on the message boards and comment fields. Watching the footage from the event, I had to wonder if this is what a YouTube or Daily Kos message board looks like if it were acted out LARP style.
Interestingly, it seems that despite being present for the threats, the Denver police took no action against Alex Jones or any of the other protesters calling for the death of Ms. Malkin.
Instead of taking the position of some liberals in the blogosphere, the best move for Democrat aligned bloggers would be to immediately denounce the actions of Alex Jones. Of course, the right will denounce Jones & Company, but they would never link to a PrisonPlanet article but to ridicule it.
Those that use Jones’ sources on a regular basis would do good to distance themselves from this sort of ridiculous behavior or risk being painted with the same brush.
[foto credits to GatewayPundit]
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182 Comments
It is not accurate to characterize Jones as a leftist. He is a conspiracy theorist that has no love for the Democrats or Republicans. A brief perusal of his sites would quickly confirm that.
I tend to see PrisonPlanet and Infowars quoted by leftists as supporting evidence, and rightists as something to mock, hence my categorization.
He goes after whomever is in power. He was just as vehemently anti-Clinton as he was anti-Bush.
The left/right label is a false dichotomy that is perpetuated by the Democrats and Republicans. Both groups trample on the Constitution and your rights in different ways.
Really? I read a lot of left-wing blogs and I live in Austin where Jones bases and have seen him around and his show on cable access numerous times. I’ve never seen a left leaning site link him or quote him. He’s a kook of the highest order and in no way on the left of the spectrum. He is a small government libertarian who is much closer to you on the issues that those of us on the left. To claim otherwise and then use a lame “I’ve seen some unnamed left wing sites quote him” excuse when called on it makes you look either lazy or outright dishonest. I suspect a little of both.
It’s not often I’ll see sites quoting him directly, but very often (particularly when it comes to topics like BlackBoxVoting or Iraq War/Haliburton stuff), I’ll see PrisonPlanet cited as an authoritative source.
If anything he is rightwing, he hates communism and loves self defence, he often makes reference to religous beliefs.
He does hate those that would control others through violence, putting people in camps by forcibly rounding them up should be attacked.
Rule by force is wrong and thank all that brings good to exist that Alex brings the fight against tyranny to all that would control others through forceful means.
Just look at his record, it’s well documented on his sites.
Alex Jones is definitely not an anarchist or a leftist. See his about page (http://www.infowars.com/alexjones.html).
Not only is he a conspiracy theorist, he’s a Constitutionalist, which immediately rules him out as an anarchist or leftist.
I didn’t call Jones an anarchist, merely that the event was organized as an “anarchist event.” This is on the info website for the gathering.
well you said it was a self described leftist anarchist group of people… when in the footage jones himself mentions that he is an old school conservative…. also i couldnt find any point when they chant “kill michele malkin”… i think he said at one point “i would kill you before i supported your terrorism” or something along those lines…
fail
“Attacked Michelle Malkin?” She went there exactly for this reason. This will make her month.
“What’s most irritating is that once again, tactics that originate from left-wing bloggers have bled into meatspace and painted a picture that puts all of New Media in a poor light.”
What paints New Media in a poor light are people like Michelle Malkin and irresponsible, hyperventilating coverage like this. The way this item is written, Malkin comes across as some legitimate, reasonable voice of the mainstream conservative press. She’s a lunatic, on par with jackasses like Alex Jones.
Seriously guys, this feels very amateurish. This must be your first protest. I’m really sorry to see this on Mashable. It’s embarrassing.
She went there to cover the protest for her blog, rather than be attacked.
It’s pretty telling that you classify Malkin and Jones in the same category.
Malkin is a Coulter-wannabe flamebaiter hack. You are a Malkin-wannabe flamebaiter hack without the good looks.
Wow. I would say ‘Poor Michelle’ but from what I’ve seen she’s one tough chick. I love how people who proclaim to be peaceful supporters of innocent victims show their true colors when confronted with the truth.
I’ve been aware of Alex Jones for many years. As other commenter have pointed out, he is no leftist. I don’t know many leftist who advocated survivalist tactics in the face of Y2k, as Jones did. He’s all wound up about the New World Order, Bohemian Grove, etc. Libertarian, conspiracy theorist, and constitutionalist would all be better descriptions. I’m no fan of Jones, who lives in my home town has has had radio shows here for years. I do wonder, however, why Mr. Jones earns so many colorful (and wrong) adjectives describing his politics, while Ms. Malkin, a controversial theory by any measure, is simply referred to as a conservative.
I suppose that’s why liberal bloggers are already defending Jones, then, since they don’t identify with his politics. I’m sure that’s also why most of the folks in Jone’s mob wore Obama paraphernalia.
Malkin is a typical conservative blogger. I admit that Jones isn’t a typical leftist blogger, but he is a variety of leftist blogger.
What’s with all this liberal and leftist mumbo jumbo? Do you even know the definition of what a “liberal” is. Jones is neither and I’m tired of reactionaries such as yourself trying to pin every ailment and kook of society with tags you don’t even understand. Get a dictionary.
Great post. The only thing worse than CNN’s characterization of this election as strictly left vs. right is seeing real people publicly act as if this is the case and encourage such childish, harmful, and in this case threatening to the point of endangering the public and Malkin. Troublemakers like Jones and Malkin are one of the same and there will only be more rabble-rousing in the weeks and month ahead.
Three words of advice when it comes to such antics: DO NOT FOLLOW.
I was particularly impressed with how well she handled herself in the situation. Alex, the press, the mob, and well, just about everyone towered over her and would have been quite an effective intimidation regardless of size difference.
You can’t expect any experience that starts with a crowd chanting a call for your death to be all that pleasant.
While an attack on anyone is a travesty to free speech, using it to suggest actions are “a black eye” is not a way to create harmony.
The mix of people asking questions in the YouTube debates was reflective of the users of the web… is that suppose to be surprising. Obviously other supporters would be looking on and trying to ask questions.
Wow, these people think too highly about themselves. And did you see all the cameras around these people??
Wow, where have we gotten?
This puts the whole “freedom of speech” into perspective, doesn’t it?
Alex Jones is not Left-Wing!
What is the purpose of this post? Why do the fringe get this attention? Juvenile post.
“left wing conspiracy theorist”… lol, jesus christ somebody obviously didn’t his research.
Alex is a diehard constitutionalist (think Ron Paul) and the furthest thing from a Lefty.
Great post Mark. Love Peace Justice what a joke from the protesters if they were with Jones.
Attn: Mr. Hopkins
Thank you for linking my blog. I’ve received some extra traffic as a result Unfortunately your reference to my work was either dishonest, grossly misunderstood or very poorly worded. You linked my blog to the bolded portion of the following sentence:
Instead of taking the position of some liberals in the blogosphere, the best move for Democrat aligned bloggers would be to immediately denounce the actions of Alex Jones.
This arrangement suggest that my blog is representive of “liberals in the blogosphere” who do not “immediately denounce the actions of Alex Jones”. Anyone who clicks through will note that the title of my entry on Jones reads, “Alex Jones: You’re Not Helping”. Another moment of reading shows that this title very much reflects the sentiments of the post.
Further, as noted elsewhare in this comments section, you have apparently made the mistake of assuming that Jones is a liberal, but rather his positions align more closely with the extreme right and libertarians who tread in that direction. So perhaps you should rethink your next sentence as well, “Of course the right will denounce Jones & Company, but they would never link to a PrisonPlanet article but to ridicule it.”
Yours,
Joe
In your post, you give credence to Alex by likening him to Michelle Malkin. Rather than distancing yourself from the mob who called for her head, you instead say she is just as bad as Alex.
Maybe you’re right. A denouncement, but a backhanded one at that.
(a) Awesome bias
(b) According to http://www.fortcollinsnow.com/article/20080825/NEWS/1306569/1054, you pretty much have none of your facts right. They say, (1) Jones was there on his own, not leading Recreate 68 rally, (2) Recreate 68 members actually defended Malkin and blasted Jones, both during and after the scuffle.
(c) Despite media and right-wing characterizations, Recreate 68 has been quite clear that they want to recreate the spirit of countercultural spirit, NOT the rioting and violence that occurred, and thus far they’ve lived up to their claims.
(d) All the other things you got wrong that others have already pointed out. Sheesh.
I never said he was leading the rally. I said he was leading the mob chanting “Kill Michelle Malkin.”
Awesome reading skills.
Several reports about this incident seem to indicate that Jones somehow yelled “Kill Michelle Malkin”, but it doesn’t appear he did anything of the sort. Certainly he was oafish in his verbal attacks, but he didn’t appear to actually threaten Malkin. The goofs in the green shirts and 70’s sun glasses are the only people yelling kill and have no relation to Jones.
Jones did not lead the chanting. It was the Recreate 68 people. He has issued a statement to that effect and, no where in any of the video, do you hear those words come from Jones.
He does say ‘fark her’, but who can blame him?
Please, get this joker off of Mashable. Every post of his is flamebait conservative BS with a tiny dash of relevance to social media to force it into this blog. Judging from the fact that he has to defend his post against every single comment, I’d say he is not doing a good job even at his irrelevant blogging.
Rizzn, dude, get your own political blog and stay there. Go to Ron Paul events and amass your own readership. Mashable is not for what you abusing it for.
Wow, someone actually has the gall to publish something on a technology blog that does not glorify the messiah (Obama) or the left…(gulp)…how dare he!?
Polical bloggers are part of the social web, like it or not. Good job, Mark.
I agree. Just doesn’t belong here. It must have been an extremely slow day at the office. It is called laziness.
It’s called engagement. I interact with my readers. Sorry this offends you.
Obama rules, McCain drools…
Ladies and gentleman…
…the LUNATIC fringe.
While Jones is more of a self promoting ass with claims based on hearsay, personal theories, and the want to be the opposite of mainstream, it certainly is not a stretch to say many of his cohorts ARE leftists.
Love, Peace, Justice, ….KILL! Wow!
Malkin simply showing up and taking pictures does NOT deserve death threats, intimidation, and stalking.
How anyone can call Jones an authority on any subject baffles me.
You make me sick!! Why don’t you watch the video of the altercation before posting ignorant misinformed opinions.Better yet listen to one of Alex’s broadcasts then research everything he says during the broadcast and find out the real truth!! Wake up bud!!Alex may get loud and angry sometimes, but if you listen to what he says and also look at how dumbed down the general population is then maybe you could see how the currant world situation could enrage someone who is trying to spread the truth and has people like yourself, opposing him at every turn, without knowledge of currant affairs,and the blatant covering up and lying of the media. Alex did not call for the death of anyone, and the media (especially Fox News)is of course going to try to discredit anyone who opposes or confronts them. Recreate 68 happened to be there when Alex confronted Michelle and took advantage of the situation. GOD BLESS ALEX,KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT!
Wow, I watched the video. Are you trying to redefine the meaning of the word ‘attack’? Hahaha. Conservatives are such pansies. This woman calls for torture, war, internment camps, and worse and we’re supposed to cry for her because somebody shouted loudly at her? Hahaha.
I am sure this is how you like to be treated on your afternoon stroll.
This woman called for torture (of AlQueda), War (on Al Queda), and internment camps for islamic radicals….for some reason I get the feeling you are trying to distort reality to satisfy your own beliefs. Kinda like all the 911-hoax people…way to be…congratulations on being a brainchild.
In a street fight Michelle Malkin would destroy Jones. She’s one tough and classy lady.
i must echo joe in thanking you for the link, i appreciate the one person who came from this site to see mine.
but i also have to point out, like anonymous did before me, that there was no “attack” involved, unless by “attack” you mean “berate, confront, harangue, scold, criticize, or yell at.”
yeah, the guy was obnoxious. so is malkin.
and the guy confronted her specifically about things she said about him.
as to the “protesters” yelling “kill michelle malkin,” if you notice, it was one guy (the guy in green shirt) who yelled it twice. later on, the same guy yells “alex jones is a corporate tool.” so this guy in green is obviously not a friend or associate of alex, he’s apparently just a shit-stirrer looking to make trouble.
and, if you’d bother to listen to the crowd, the folks gathered there specifically admonished each other to “don’t touch them” and “calm down.”
without resorting to name calling, as mr. anonymous did so succinctly when he said conservatives are such pansies, i’d posit that if malkin makes a career out of provoking, she shouldn’t be surprised when some one gets provoked.
I will preface this by saying that before going to the DNC, Alex Jones frequently said on his radio show that there are leftist elements inside the protest groups that intend to use violence to start a riot and also said that this would be used to discredit real protesters that come peacefully.
So it has.
Look at the video produced by infowars, and the one put out by PJtv. Listen to the interviews of Michelle and Alex. infowars.com
The mob itself is fractured, with the majority being leftist movements, anarchist movements, and, of course, the truth movement.
Michelle, yes, is despised by leftists, for obvious reasons; she’s on FOX. Notice that there are anywhere from two to four people shouting behind Alex Jones “Kill Michelle Malkin”. Does this mean that they are with him OR they are “truthers” just by virtue of standing behind him and shouting Kill Michelle Malkin? Do your own research, and watch the multiple different versions of the same account.
What would be the most beneficial for all establishment parties, the media, the government, etc, is any violent riot that could occur for any reason, so it would be of little wonder that they might be trying to cause it. Recreate ‘68 indeed…
As far as my personal judgment goes, which is beyond what I just see on television, this seems like a perfect way to discredit other legitimate groups, by using outside controlled sources, such as the leftist movements, to quell any real dissent.
Those nuts, like you call them, are more prevalent than many of you believe. We’re in the woodwork so to speak.
So you might want to work on getting those internment camps set up sooner.
Look at the video produced by infowars, and the one put out by PJtv. Listen to the interviews of Michelle and Alex. infowars.com
The mob itself is fractured, with the majority being leftist movements, anarchist movements, and, of course, the truth movement.
Michelle, yes, is despised by leftists, for obvious reasons; she’s on FOX. Notice that there are anywhere from two to four people shouting behind Alex Jones “Kill Michelle Malkin”. Does this mean that they are with him OR they are “truthers” just by virtue of standing behind him and shouting Kill Michelle Malkin? Do your own research, and watch the multiple different versions of the same account.
What would be the most beneficial for all establishment parties, the media, the government, etc, is any violent riot that could occur for any reason, so it would be of little wonder that they might be trying to cause it. Recreate ‘68 indeed…
As far as my personal judgment goes, which is beyond what I just see on television, this seems like a perfect way to discredit other legitimate groups, by using outside controlled sources, such as the leftist movements, to quell any real dissent.
Those nuts, like you call them, are more prevalent than many of you believe. We’re in the woodwork so to speak.
So you might want to work on getting those internment camps set up sooner.
(Sorry, double post.)
Oops…
Alex Jones did not say “Kill Michele Malkim”, you can clearly see on the video it was some of Malkims followers trying to get Alex in trouble. One minute they are chanting Pro Malkim rants then they want to kill her. At no time did Alex Jones or his documentary entourage say anything about killing anybody.
Alex keep up the fight against the New World Order.
ha @ the thought of Alex Jones being characterized as “left-wing.”
The guy who yelled out “kill Michelle Malkin” is certainly some punk who should be taught a lesson about law and ethics.
~80% of the US and 99% of the rest of the world can understand an issue that’s anti-Bush & anti-neocon. So don’t be shocked that people of all “political affiliations” (gasp!) might agree with some of the stances. Obviously, the right-wing will be the first to denounce anything like that; they’re half comprised of the radical Christian neocon base who still thinks Bush is accomplishing “the mission” while the US circles the drain.
Shouting for something one believes in isn’t inherently wrong, but this probably went overboard. I don’t know the situation enough to know who around her was against her and who was around her just to take pictures or be a friendly buffer.
ALEX JONES WAS NOT THERE TO LEAD THIS PROTEST, THAT IS A TOTAL FARCE… FLAT OUT LIE, YOU SHOULD PUBLISH A CORRECTION. JONES IS A REAL CONSERVATIVE, MALKIN IS A TROTZKY-ITE NEOCON, JUST LIKE ALL THE LEO STRAUSS STUDENTS AND PNAC members. Jones is also not a leftist, he is a conservative against big government.
Go watch the full videos of the jones/malkin confrontation on youtube. Search ‘alex jones michelle malkin’, then you will see this news article is a hoax, as those like it. Jones confronted her due to her writing in her book that Americans should be put in internment camps, not ‘because she wrote a book’. Also, he never said ‘Kill Michelle Malkin’, which was actually said by what appeared to be a frat-boy wearing a jester-hat, either out of sarcasm or an attempt to provocateur a situation (such as what we have now, with these hoax articles cropping up everywhere). Disgusting. Also, Alex brought up the fact that the marine corps has admitted that the video of a soldier dropping a live puppy off a cliff was real, while Michelle still (to this day) claims the puppy was a fake, or already dead. According to a June Marine Corps press release: “Lance Cpl. David Motari received non-judicial punishment and was expelled from the service.
Sgt. Crismarvin Banez Encarnacion also received non-judicial punishment but was not expelled.
The results of non-judicial punishment are not made public.”
The 17-second video posted on YouTube in March drew sharp condemnation from animal-rights groups.
Wow, I never thought I would come to my daily chow of Mashable and read such a biased, unarticulated, partisan-infused, nibblet of excrement-laced hackery as this post.
Malkin is a self promoting media whore who is regarded as extremist poppycock by anyone with half a political brain, yet the inarticulate writer did even mention or contemplate why she is even hanging around the DLC nor anything about her pathetic history as an Agent provocateur.
Mashable, please sack Mark ‘Rizzn’ Hopkins - this is not the kind of crap I come to Mashable to read. I expect, if politics are to be covered by any of your writers, they should be covered by someone who is not a GOP hack and can actually ponder an incident with a respectable level of objectivity when it comes to political issues. Or take him off the political beat at least.
If Mashable starts to play the political partisan game - whether or not you claim to agree with your writers - you will lose readers. Period.
Politics should covered carefully and by someone who actually knows the players and has a bit of a hand on the pulse of it rather than someone who flips out a load of partisan crap like this.
I will go to littlegreenfootballs.com or dailykos.com if I want to read biased, partisan right or left squeals about politics. I don’t expect to come here and read this crap.
RGK
I don’t visit Mashable for political commentary. If you want to discuss the use of technology at a protest, fine. Hopkins, you found yourself outside the realm of your expertise on this one.
This is a hoax article. Go watch the full Malkin confrontation videos on youtube. Search for ‘Alex Jones Michelle Malkin’ on youtube.
Alex never said Kill Michelle Malkin. However, what appears to be an immature frat-boy wearing a balloon jester-hat, and some of his buddies, suddenly approached Mr. Jones and began chanting this, perhaps in sarcasm or in order to falsely associate such provocative statements with Mr. Jones.
The full videos speak for themselves.
The fact that the writer of this article will run with such nonsense to the point of composing an article for public view, speaks volumes regarding his/her character.
Here’s one more Austinite who’s very familiar with our local political wacko Alex Jones. He is indeed a libertarian who makes common cause with right- and left-wingers as it suits him.
I say he’s a wacko not because he’s a libertarian (although that certainly helps) but because of his conspiracy theories, from the 9/11-was-an-inside-job delusion to his belief that all past and sitting presidents joined a cult at Bohemian Grove.
People in Austin have an amused affection for Alex, which is why he pops up in such places as Richard Linklater’s “Waking Life.” But most of his political bedfellows, from his associates at hard-right pirate radio to lefty antiwar demonstrators, would be appalled if they actually listened to him.
Malkin is a facist piece of trash.
Malkin is part of the problem in this country. I wouldn’t shed a tear if she dropped dead.
Mr. Hopkins
Regarding my comment at 22:09:11 yesterday and your response; no, I did not in any way “liken” Alex Jones to Michelle Malkin. The only sentence in which I mentioned Malkin reads, “Obviously I’m no fan of Malkin but his hysterical behavior serves no useful purpose, whatsoever.” That statement quite plainly expresses that despite my distaste for Ms. Malkin, Mr. Jones’ behavior was unacceptable. Readers who care about the honesty of your work and your ability to objectively judge what you read can decide for themselves whether I’ve so likened those two people.
Given your now well documented penchant for simplistically labeling people you find disagreeable as “liberals” and your apparent deficiency in understanding the term, it’s not surprising that you would so misrepresent me. Even if you lack the self respect and personal integrity to ask honest questions and effort critical thought, I’m sure your readers would appreciate such traits, so perhaps you’ll consider stepping it up for them.
Yours,
joe
it’s been said but i’ll say it again. alex jones is no leftist blogger. author needs to do his homework. jones was at the forefront of the ron paul movement and ron paul is a frequent guest on his show.
while malkin may not be as fringe as jones, she is not much different. jones delusions revolve around the establishment, malkin’s delusions revolve around muslims. neither of them are based in reality.
do some homework and research before you print this tripe because you are dragging the new media medium just as far down as those 2 by forming associations where there clearly are none.
Whoever Mark ‘Rizzn’ Hopkins is, he sure does not know how to articulate FACTS. First, Jones NEVER said to “Kill Michelle Malkin”. Those who were saying that had NOTHING, and I repeat NOTHING to do with Alex. That ONE PERSON shouting it obviously did not like Alex because you can hear him in the background shouting bad things about Jones.
Second, Jones is a PATRIOT and was doing his duty to let the American public know that Malkin is nothing more than a fascist and is pushing on those who actually lend her an ear a total totaliatarian ideology. Malkin deserved to be confronted after her appalling book “In Defense of Interment.” If Malkin truly support interment, I want to see her at the front of the line when it happens. But we all know that she will run and cower like all chicken-hawks do.
And last, most Americans have too much fluoride and mercury streaming through their blood and into their brains to comprehend that 9/11 was set up as a pretext to an endless war and global goverment. So, if you believe the “official version” of 9/11 you are, by any measure, a conspiracy theorist. Like it or not, the “offical version” of the events that allegedly took place that fateful September morning were a massive conspiracy. But, you see, I use logic, and no man in ANY CAVE, can get a trillion dollar military industrial complex to stand down simultaneously. Just doesn’t add up folks. Think, it’s not illegal YET.
Why is it that the Republicans have all the hot women and the democrats have Hillary, Pelosi