Question Everything with Brian Reed The Journalist and the Firefighter: How Predicting January 6 Led a Top Reporter to Quit Journalism
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Sep 26, 2024 Barton Gellman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for covering 9/11 and the Snowden leaks, opens up about his crisis of confidence in journalism. He discusses the evolution of truth in reporting, advocating for a shift from observation to active engagement in democracy. Gellman shares insights on the daunting task of combating misinformation and the personal risks journalists face today. His transition to activism underscores the crucial role of journalism in defending democracy, especially as we prepare for future political challenges.
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Gellman's Prediction
- Barton Gellman accurately predicted Trump's election denial tactics in a 2020 Atlantic article.
- This included predicting pressure on Pence and potential chaos on January 6th.
Leaving Journalism
- Gellman's decision to quit journalism stemmed from a feeling of its limitations.
- He wanted to actively participate in democracy's defense, rather than just observe.
Encounter with Patterson
- Gellman engaged in extensive fact-checking with a firefighter, Richard Patterson, regarding election theories.
- Despite providing evidence, Patterson's views remained unchanged, highlighting a challenge to journalism's impact.