Scandal Puts Focus On Role of Bloggers (WaPo on FR, NCPAC and MD4Bush)

Washington Post ^ | 02/11/05 | David Snyder and Matthew Mosk

[conservative in nyc]

The Web site began as a sort of Internet boutique for like-minded conservatives and libertarians, suspicious of federal power and angry at President Bill Clinton.

Started in 1997 by a reclusive California conservative, freerepublic.com saw its membership blossom with Clinton's impeachment and the election of George W. Bush. Attention to the site reached a zenith last fall, when a "freeper" -- the group's moniker for its bloggers -- first discussed flaws in documents CBS News used in a report critical of Bush's National Guard service.

---Snip---

One participant working under the handle MD4BUSH, whose identity is unknown, drew Steffen into a private conversation and appeared to coax him to share more details about his role in spreading the rumor. Copies of those chat room e-mails were later provided to The Washington Post.

The Oct. 18 conversation began with MD4BUSH complimenting Steffen and saying how obvious it was that the rumors about the mayor were true. Steffen, writing under the name NCPAC, replied:

"I don't look for the MO'M [O'Malley] story to hit for a little bit yet. . . . However, a lot of what everyone knows about MO'M is because of work that has occurred. It's been a wild ride."

MD4BUSH later probed further:

"Your saying that my dentist knows [about the rumors] because of work you did? Wow, I must say, I'm impressed. I mean really, everyone knows -- how did that happen?"

[NormsRevenge]

I also read his posts from his account creation date Oct 7, 2004, in reverse chronological order,, he was laying a line of distaste for the mayor thruout his initial offerings, his profile page was 'desirous' of Bush victory.. he repeated rumors that had surfaced elsewhere,, he was then off line for a couple of months as I recall and then a few days ago, waa laaa. Ka Boom.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Reynolds ? or Alcoa ?

[Cold Heat]

BTW the very first post on FR for MD4Bush, was to NCPAC.

I think we can draw a conclusion from that.

[conservative in nyc]

There are two new articles in the Baltimore Sun dated 2/10 (which I think will appear in today's paper), one on NCPAC's apology; the other on NCPAC himself.

Links:
O’Malley gets apology from rumor-spreader
Steffen e-mails his regrets for ‘mean-spirited’ action

Steffen worked in dark behind political scenes
A self-described 'Prince of Darkness' on behalf of favorite Republicans -- including the governor -- the 45-year-old finds himself in the limelight.

Note to anyone who wants to post the articles: Baltimore Sun articles must be excerpted.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Yeah, even U.F.Os from MARS.

[conservative in nyc]

But you have to admit .. this sure smells of a set up

I think I've said that. We just can't prove it (yet - hopefully).

[AnimalLover]

BUMP

[MEG33]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1246101/posts
TIPP Tracking poll 10/15/04 Bush 47% Kerry 44, Bush 47%-43% 2 way.
TIPP ^


The thread and your post have been restored and MD is no longer banned...Perhaps so he may reply?

[BigSkyFreeper]

Far as I can see, his profile page is still up.

[Mo1]

Reynolds ? or Alcoa ?

Since I've never heard of Alcoa ... I'll have to go with the Reynolds :0)

[des]

Boo! So, what?

[NormsRevenge]

D4Bush sure did NOT post like an agent proveucater or a mole. He posted of joy after the Bush victory.

I saw that and He also revelled in having heckled O'Malley and other dems at a gathering ,, while on the surface , convincing, I don't know that can be considered as absolute proof of anything much, he also reiterated rumors of the Mayor and other incidents that are alleged to have occurred.

As they old saying go, Let God sort 'em out.

MD4Bush can make an appeal to the FR proprietor via webmaster or a friend here. Jim has always been more than fair.

[MEG33]

Just saw the thread has been restored, he's alive again..Now I would love some answers from the poster.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

I would also point out that a number of people (myself among them) became aware of NCPAC's line of work when Alan Keyes jumped into the Illinois senate race. He may have been publicly open about it prior to that time, but I know it was revealed on the Keyes threads - which would have been a short time before the November election, maybe September, at the earliest...then in October, MD4BUSH shows up and starts posting to NCPAC.

[Jim Robinson]

The original thread ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1190972/posts ) was pulled earlier today along with MD4Bush's posting privileges and at least one post on this thread by the moderators. I have restored all so this entire mess can be exposed to the light of day. Looks like Democrat dirty tricks to me. Also looks like a couple members of our fearless and trusty media were in on it. I think MD4Bush has some splainin' to do. Also think this story is far from over.

Developing...

[John Lenin]

Anyone with gung ho Bush, God, War, in their new profiles is suspect to me.

[Kay]

YES!! Go GIT 'EM, JIM!!!

[Cold Heat]

How did he know his screen name I wonder.???

Like someone said, they must have scoped out his computer.

What a set up. Nicely done, I must admit.

I think I get the picture, the Democrat killer gets whacked.

LOL Dems are nasty.

[kcvl]

Uh Oh...

[Mo1]

Surprise Suprise .. What a Shocker .. NOT!