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Something Wikipedia This Way Comes: Gingrich Campaign Accused Of Improper Editing Of Wikipedia Site

Newt Gingrich’s communications director Joe DeSantis is in a controversy with the editors of Wikipedia over dozens of edits he has made or requested of Gingrich’s wikipedia site, including the deletion of references to his three marriages.


DeSantis also wanted factual references to Gingrich’s ethics charges removed. It seems that DeSantis does not believe Gingrich’s prior ethical violations would be relevant to people wanting to learn more about his background as he seeks the highest office in the land.

DeSantis made 60 adjustments to entries as well as the page of Gingrich’s wife, Callista. For example, DeSantis removed from Callista’s site that “She met her husband met while he was in the House, and had an affair while he was conducting the impeachment investigation for President Bill Clinton.”

One editor noted “I’ll raise the question in the appropriate place, but I have to say this micro-managing by a Gingrich campaign director is a matter of concern to me even though you now are identifying yourself. Pointing out factual errors is one thing, but your input should not go beyond that, even here on Talk.” Ironically, the elimination of references to things like Gingrich’s ethical violations is viewed as violating the site’s conflict of interest guideline that individuals should not edit “on behalf of clients,” or on subjects to which they have “close relationships” or “financial interest.”

They better be careful or the latest ethics controversy may be added to the Wikipedia page for Gingrich.

Source: CNN

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