Staff Reports
An investigative journalist has set off a fireworks display of controversy this week by publishing what he claims is a dossier on Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, allegedly compiled by Donald Trump’s campaign until it was hacked by none other than Iran. Yes, because in 2023, what could possibly go wrong with a dossier from a foreign adversary—especially when it’s about one of Trump’s expected running mates? If this isn’t a spicy political thriller waiting to happen, one must wonder what is.
The dossier, draped in the finest irony, outlines “vulnerabilities” of a senator who, less than a week ago, was being celebrated for his principled stance against endless foreign aid, particularly to Ukraine. This dossier made its rounds in the media elite like Politico, New York Times, and the Washington Post, but ironically, they all passed on running the actual content. Apparently, uncovering the potential weaknesses of a senator who embodies a resistance to the Washington establishment was too scandalous for their liking. Instead, those outlets shifted their focus towards who might have leaked this information—because protecting Vance seems more important than discussing whether he’s a reliable candidate for an administration that wants to put America first.
Also… the dossier for J D Vance was published publicly… can't link it here i will be suspended… @ProjectLincoln https://t.co/XwCzp1uxLR
— VA⚡VOLTNAMI⚡⚡ (@JamesRo34053808) September 27, 2024
The Trump campaign wasted no time in addressing the situation, hinting that the document was a product of illegitimate hacking. They were emphatic that any foreign actors looking to undermine American values and politics would be delighted by anything that steals the thunder from a strong candidate. They suggested Klippenstein, the journalist behind this leak, was essentially a mouthpiece for Iran’s interests—a claim that raises eyebrows while spotlighting how highly selective and convenient freedom of the press can be when right-wing figures are involved.
Klippenstein, who has a background with the Intercept (a site known for its distinctly left-leaning spin), declared he was releasing the dossier for the sake of public interest. One can’t help but wonder if “public interest” is code for “let’s throw dirt on someone respected on the conservative side of the aisle.” His attempt to proclaim nobility in sharing hacked documents for electoral scrutiny is laughable at best, especially when weighed against the history of leftist journalists who dodged publishing materials that could put their favorite candidates in a negative light.
As the social media site X (formerly Twitter) swiftly suspended Klippenstein’s account, it was almost comedic to see the gasps from his colleagues in the media about the censorship. Here’s a man scrambling for relevance in an era where many left-wing journalists have historically received pats on the back for publishing hacked documents if the target is the right—cue the late-night chuckles. Onlookers noted that this was troubling because Musk himself pitched X as a bastion of free speech while so conveniently erasing an account amid the release of information that could embarrass a Republican.
The political landscape hasn’t seen this much fuss over leaked documents since WikiLeaks dredged up Democratic emails in 2016, which led to more than a few cheeky memes. When a 2017 BuzzFeed article saw the light of day with a dubious opposition dossier against Trump, the outrage was ecstasy against the backdrop of a politically charged battlefield. Now, as this dossier on Vance throws another log on the fire, the hypocrisy of media outlets and their treatment of leaks continues to frustrate those who actually prioritize transparency and honesty.
Clinging to their ideological narratives in the face of evidence from across the aisle seems to be the modus operandi for many journalists today. Klippenstein’s attempt at exposure is surely to enter the annals of history not as a principled stand for journalistic integrity, but rather as a cautionary tale about the extent to which some writers will go to score points against conservative figures. After all, the narrative of “vulnerability” never seems to apply to the progressive power players, does it? A sense of humor is needed in politics today, and watching this unfold is certainly providing that, one hacked dossier at a time.
