Talk:MeidasTouch

The Rolling Stone article is a opinion article with bias and should not be included in the "Timeline" category

@2600:8805:C980:9400:B519:21BC:C1D0:9F0F: If you want to add the Rolling Stone article to the page, create a "Criticism" category and collect some articles criticizing Medias Touch. The article does not belong in the Timeline category. Eliegot (talk) 22:31, 16 October 2021 (UTC)

Please provide sources that disprove the article thanks2600:8805:C980:9400:B519:21BC:C1D0:9F0F (talk) 01:28, 17 October 2021 (UTC)

Can you tell me your thoughts on moving the the article to a "Criticism" section? Eliegot (talk) 01:36, 17 October 2021 (UTC)

Fine with me2600:8805:C980:9400:1C2E:831F:CAEE:8765 (talk) 02:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC)

Relliable Sourcees

I have not seen anyone dispute the validity of the article so why is this locked? 2600:8805:C980:9400:1C2E:831F:CAEE:8765 (talk) 02:50, 18 October 2021 (UTC)

Your behavior of edit warring is the reason. Conflicts on Wikipedia are resolved through discussion. The onus is not on one particular party in a conflict to discuss and cease reverting, but on all parties (in particular, the rule is not "it's the other person's fault for not discussing"). Comments like this focus on contributor, not content, and are therefore counterproductive. — Bilorv (talk) 20:07, 18 October 2021 (UTC)

How am I edit warring with reliable information? It's a reliable source.2600:8805:C980:9400:7D81:9DCC:7EB7:3962 (talk) 00:46, 19 October 2021 (UTC)

It doesn't matter if it's reliable. You could get a letter with an absolute truth hand delivered by your deity of choice while simultaneously forcing every news outlet and academic journal to publish it at once. If consensus is that it shouldn't be included then it won't be, and the onus is on you to discuss that. See WP:INDISCRIMINATE DarmaniLink (talk) 19:48, 18 October 2023 (UTC)

Unlock

Thanks — Preceding unsigned comment added by 137.49.133.104 (talk) 20:44, 25 October 2021 (UTC)

Extended-confirmed-protected edit request on 22 December 2021

The below paragraph is in the article, with the main cite (number 30) being to a tweet that does not say the information attributed to it. The following sentences seem promotional around that information that has no way of being verified. This looks like another thing added to the article by the group's supporters that doesn't belong on Wikipedia. This paragraph should be deleted.

Specific request- delete this paragraph as without cite 30 (to twitter and not saying what it is cited to) it has no purpose.

"MeidasTouch knocked on doors in more Republican areas of Georgia, including Forsyth, Cherokee, Hall and Coweta counties.[30] These four counties are counties that Trump carried with between 65%-70%.[31] During the Georgia special elections, Senators Ossoff and Warnock improved their performance in these counties from the General Election in November by somewhere between 2-3% per county.[32]" SuperPACFacts (talk) 06:05, 22 December 2021 (UTC).

 Done, failed verification + WP:SYNTH. ◢  Ganbaruby!  (talk) 15:29, 26 December 2021 (UTC)

Portnoy Confrontation

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/joe-rogan-says-hes-the-victim-of-a-political-hit-job-in-the-on-going-spotify-drama/55MYB5AHEFUZWWUACUS7U3DWAQ/ This is another article about portnoy confronting them and him saying that one of the brother used a racial slur in 2014 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:193:4103:FA40:643F:42DC:E01F:AF9B (talk) 02:17, 14 February 2022 (UTC)

These articles are based on conjecture from accused rapist Dave Portnoy and are not reliable sources. Gossip is not permitted. Further spamming will result in a request for an IP ban. This is a final warning. HeroicSSD (talk) 02:36, 23 February 2022 (UTC)

You know that’s a opinion right and it is sourced with them saying the bigoted slur right. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:193:4103:FA40:E0AB:1D90:D6ED:5071 (talk) 18:33, 23 February 2022 (UTC)

Semi protection

I think this page needs to have a semi protection since heroicSSD keeps removing a news story that is properly sourced about one of the brothers using a racial slur. Persesus (talk) 21:38, 25 February 2022 (UTC)

That story was put up by someone else and it was sourced Persesus (talk) 21:53, 25 February 2022 (UTC)

Edit Warring

@HeroicSSD: Stop removing Sourced content from MeidasTouch, you did this four times and now you are edit warring. Chip3004 (talk) 06:28, 26 February 2022 (UTC)

He really needs to stop or the page needs to be put under protection Persesus (talk) 06:38, 26 February 2022 (UTC)

New controversy

The people at the Post Millenal have just found a new debacle involing meidastouch https://thepostmillennial.com/democrat-super-pac-revealed-spreading-lies-about-texas-man-that-traveled-to-russia-to-fight?utm campaign=64470 — Preceding unsigned comment added by Persesus (talk • contribs) 19:06, 2 March 2022 (UTC)

Citations needed

This claim seems to be doing a lot of heavy lifting with no citations.

In 2022, MeidasTouch was accused by various sources of a defamation attempt on Joe Rogan by utilizing deceptively edited footage of him quoting a racial slur out of proper context, first published by the political action committee PatriotTakes, who MeidasTouch has openly partnered with.

It feels like there should be many citations for this single sentence. Could those that contributed to it please provide them? Without the citations it feels like this should be removed.

Citizen Gold (talk) 18:48, 7 March 2022 (UTC)

It is cited Persesus (talk) 17:00, 11 March 2022 (UTC)

Much better. Thanks for the citations. Much appreciated. Citizen Gold (talk) 07:26, 12 March 2022 (UTC)

And wokal distance ring a bell Persesus (talk) 17:02, 11 March 2022 (UTC)

Other stories

Should these count? https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-jan-6-plead-fifth-b2019793.html https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-5th-amendment-ad_n_62109120e4b08ee35ee2b076 Persesus (talk) 03:39, 18 March 2022 (UTC)

Thread Protection request

I need protection for this thread Persesus (talk) 20:28, 21 March 2022 (UTC)

Persesus should not be allowed to edit this page. Not only was I personally attacked for my edits by Persesus on my talk page, but the edits and sources this user as well as others have provided are not accurate or reliable. There is an obvious concerted campaign by Persesus and associated accounts to provide incorrect information for political purposes on this page. To be clear, an anonymous Twitter user named ‘Wokal Distance’ is not a credible source for Wikipedia and the information posted by this anonymous Twitter user was not accurate. For instance, PatriotTakes was founded many years after the Joe Rogan video showing him using the N word was made. PatriotTakes was one of thousands of accounts (possibly more) that retweeted these previously circulated videos. In the interview with Dave Portnoy, the brothers explain the group's relationship to Patriot Takes is to provide minimal administrative support. They do no control PatriotTakes editorial decisions to criticize Joe Rogan for racism. Also, Portnoy has not even released the alleged text messages from 2014, therefore it is not a fact. Jordan Meiselas also did not admit to using a racial slur during the interview with Portnoy or ever. The additions of Marjorie Taylor Greene as well as the entry about accusing a Republican of helping Russia are not controversial. The tweet by MeidasTouch stated that Marjorie Taylor Greene refused to applaud when President Zelensky came out to speak. This is true. The purported fact check claimed she ‘clapped’ later during the speech. The distinction between an ‘applause’ vs. ‘a clap’ does not rise to the level of a controversy. If that was the case, every major news outlet or politician's page would be filled with legitimate disagreements. Also, after the Zelensky speech Marjorie Taylor gave a speech calling for America to stop giving aid to Ukraine. Overall, how Pesesus and other users have framed the controversy section is biased and not based in fact and exactly the type of a politically motivated hitjob Wikipedia should guard against. It should noted that Persesus appears to target other accounts associated with liberal or progressive causes with similar inaccurate information. CrunchyOcean (talk) 02:44, 22 March 2022 (UTC)

The page should revert back to 20:02, 21 March 2022. CrunchyOcean (talk) 02:45, 22 March 2022 (UTC)

I think it’s safe to safe you are heroicSSD trying to around the ban and the wokal Distance guy is not anonymous. he provided sources and All of it is documented.

Persesus (talk) 04:47, 22 March 2022 (UTC)

Persesus continues to engage in edit warring, as the sources he has provided do not accurately lend credence to the section that says Jordan Meiselas used a racial slur in a text message conversation. During the interview, Portnoy alleges he has a text message exchange from Jordan but will not reveal the text message in conversation. Jordan Meiselas never admitted to using the slur during the interview or in any subsequent exchanges- something that is easily verifiable during the interview which I cited.

As well, Wokal Distance is an anonymous Twitter user- this is not a credible source based on Wikipedia guidelines. It's clear that Persesus has an agenda. Additonally, his accusation that I am some other user is false. He continues to attack me on my page with his gaslighting. He should not be allowed to edit this page. CrunchyOcean (talk) 15:59, 22 March 2022 (UTC)

More so if it’s said in a article or gets quoted it goes into the page. Persesus (talk) 05:00, 22 March 2022 (UTC)

Also you didn’t provide any sources that back up your claims which are best opinions please provide sources Persesus (talk) 05:06, 22 March 2022 (UTC)

What do you mean by thread protection? Slatersteven (talk) 11:17, 22 March 2022 (UTC)

Probably like page Protection for a thread, which is impossible. Dronebogus (talk) 16:20, 22 March 2022 (UTC)

Woke

was informed by a Asian friend that told me it's a university term that means "You have been informed." Nothingmore.sick reporters should go to school.Chineese professors want the republican party to stop using their term you American pigs. That them not me. Cheers. 159.2.42.141 (talk) 15:23, 8 May 2023 (UTC)

MeidasTouch PAC no longer exists, Page Needs Update

MeidasTouch PAC no longer in existence as of 7/21/2023. This needs to be updated.

A separate page or section should be created about MeidasTouch Network, a pro-democracy media network created by the founders of the now defunct MeidasTouch PAC. The MeidasTouch Network has an extensive library of shows and has dozens of commentators. Their YouTube channel get more than 175 million views per month. The MeidasTouch Network website achieved 2.6 million page views in its first week. 76.89.146.181 (talk) 02:25, 13 August 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 15 August 2023

This page is out of date.

The MeidasTouch PAC no longer exists. This page conflates two separate entities. The now-defunct MeidasTouch PAC vs. the MeidasTouch Network. Here is a link affirming the ending of the MeidasTouch PAC on 7/21/2023/

A new page entirely may be required for the MeidasTouch Network, or this page may have to be updated to reflect that the group no longer has any association with a Political Action Committee.

The MeidasTouch Network, run by the same three brothers who co-founded the MeidasTouch PAC, is an unapologetically pro-democracy media network, as explained here by Newsweek.

The MeidasTouch Network is a digital-first media network that covers breaking political news, legal analysis and more across a variety of digital platforms.

On YouTube, the MeidasTouch Network averages 11-12 million views every 48 hours and boats 1.47M subscribers.

On Twitter, MeidasTouch has more than 1.1M followers.

In November 27,2020, The Hollywood Reporter reported on MeidasTouch's "audacious" plans to create a media network.

The MeidasTouch Network launched their news website in August 2023 and averages between 2.5 and 3 million page views per week. Bam21 (talk) 20:31, 15 August 2023 (UTC)

 Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate. Pinchme123 (talk) 22:59, 26 August 2023 (UTC)

The MeidasTouch political action committee no longer exists.

The first line of the page should be updated:

Current:

MeidasTouch is a liberal American political action committee formed in March 2020 with the purpose to stop the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. The SuperPAC has aligned with the Democratic Party in the 2020 United States presidential election, the 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, and the 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia.

This should be changed to

MeidasTouch was a liberal American political action committee formed in March 2020 with the purpose to stop the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. The SuperPAC was aligned with the Democratic Party in the 2020 United States presidential election, the 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, and the 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia. The political action committee ceased operations in July 2023. (SOURCE showing filing ending operations of committee and transferring ownership to new entity) The founders of MeidasTouch continue to operate the MeidasTouch Network, an independent pro-democracy news network. (Source referencing MeidasTouch Network)

The history section should be changed to reflect the update as well:

Current Last Line of History:

The group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold.

Should update to:

The group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. The political action committee ceased operations in July 2023 with the founders turning their focus on running the separate MeidasTouch Network, a pro-democracy news network.

The section containing the main information on the top right of the page should be updated to reflect this change as well.

Current iteration:

Founded March 2020; 3 years ago

Should be updated to:

Founded March 2020; 3 years ago

Operations Ended: July 2023 Bam21 (talk) 00:30, 7 September 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 25 September 2023

The MeidasTouch political action committee no longer exists.

Here are proposed changes to fix this page:

Please change: MeidasTouch is a liberal American political action committee formed in March 2020 with the purpose to stop the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. The SuperPAC has aligned with the Democratic Party in the 2020 United States presidential election, the 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, and the 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia.

To: MeidasTouch was a liberal American political action committee formed in March 2020 with the purpose to stop the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. The SuperPAC was aligned with the Democratic Party in the 2020 United States presidential election, the 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, and the 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia. The political action committee ceased operations in July 2023. (SOURCE showing filing ending operations of committee and transferring ownership to new entity) The founders of MeidasTouch continue to operate the MeidasTouch Network, an independent pro-democracy news network. (Source referencing MeidasTouch Network)

The history section should be changed to reflect the update as well:

Please Change Current Last Line of History: The group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold.

To: The group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. The political action committee ceased operations in July 2023 with the founders turning their focus on running the separate MeidasTouch Network, a pro-democracy news network.

Please change the section containing the main information on the top right of the page should be updated to reflect this change as well.

Please change current iteration: Founded March 2020; 3 years ago

To: Founded March 2020; 3 years ago Operations Ended: July 2023 Bam21 (talk) 21:18, 25 September 2023 (UTC)

 Note: Waiting for a response to my question on this user's talk page about a possible COI. Pinchme123 (talk) 18:55, 9 October 2023 (UTC)

 Not done: The user did not respond to my question about a possible conflict of interest. Setting that aside, the first proposed change relies on a primary source - an FEC statement of some kind - with no way to verify its relevance to this organization or to support the proposed new language. The second source says nothing about this, either. The second source is from Newsweek, about which WP:RSP states, "consensus is to evaluate Newsweek content on a case-by-case basis." Even assuming consensus is found to rely on this source, all it shows is an oblique reference to "Meidas Touch [sic], a media outlet" and a claim of it as "pro-democracy" being ascribed to the outlet itself.

The second proposed change is entirely unsourced.

-- Pinchme123 (talk) 19:38, 11 October 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected COI edit request on 13 October 2023

• What I think should be changed (include citations):

MeidasTouch was a liberal American political action committee formed in March 2020 with the purpose to stop the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. The SuperPAC was aligned with the Democratic Party in the 2020 United States presidential election, the 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, and the 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia. The political action committee ceased operations in July 2023 and ownership and operations were assumed by Democracy Defense Action PAC. The founders of MeidasTouch continue to operate the MeidasTouch Network, an independent news network that describes themselves as "pro-democracy."

(Source referencing MeidasTouch Network) Another SOURCE References MeidasTouch Network Reporting (SOURCE showing FEC filing ending operations of committee and transferring ownership to new entity)

Another FECT Firsthand Source Showing That This Democracy Defense Action used to be MeidasTouch PAC before MT PAC was dissolved and ownership was transferred

• Why it should be changed:

The MeidasTouch political action committee no longer exists. The current page is inaccurate, out-of-date, and misleading. The FEC page presented above is a Statement of Organization showing that MeidasTouch PAC was dissolved and that the name was changed to Democracy Defense Action took control of the organization. You will see that the FEC Committee ID is the same and the former MeidasTouch PAC. This is first-hand documentation of the switchover, showing that the MeidasTouch PAC was ended and that the PAC was taken over by new ownership under a new name.

The history section should be changed to reflect the update as well:

Please Change Current Last Line of History: The group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold.

To: The group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. The political action committee ceased operations in July 2023 with the founders turning their focus on running the separate MeidasTouch Network, a self-described pro-democracy news network.

Please change the section containing the main information on the top right of the page should be updated to reflect this change as well.

Please change current iteration: Founded March 2020; 3 years ago

To: Founded March 2020; 3 years ago Operations Ended: July 2023

Bam21 (talk) 23:40, 13 October 2023 (UTC)

@Bam21: Is there no coverage of the name change, other than a filing document? Seems that it would be a big deal. Also, I'm not seeing how the mother's maiden name Golden fits into MeidasTouch. The source is paywalled. STEMinfo (talk) 00:33, 14 October 2023 (UTC)

No only the filing document. That is the official source. Golden and Meidas. The Greek God Midas had the Golden touch. That's how it fits in. Bam21 (talk) 01:30, 14 October 2023 (UTC)

[1] Here is another source covering MeidasTouch PAC's dissolution. See footnote on this article. Bam21 (talk) 00:48, 17 October 2023 (UTC)

I'd WP:WAIT for there to be a secondary source reporting of its dissolution for us to use here. It's only been a few days, so once that comes out, we can make the change. DarmaniLink (talk) 05:55, 17 October 2023 (UTC)

That is now two sources. The original documentation directly from the FEC, which is the definitive primary source, along with a major news publication. It hasn’t been a few days — it’s been a few months and this page has not been edited, making it deceptive and inaccurate. This change occurred in July 2023. The page should be updated to reflect reality and not spread misinformation. Bam21 (talk) 07:08, 17 October 2023 (UTC)

In order to place this information in the article, the proposed text needs to be modified by the COI editor to state where this information comes from: "It was reported in an FEC filing, and through an editorial note posted on al.com, that the organization ceased operations as of [enter date here]..." or something to that effect, rather than stating it using Wikipedia's WP:VOICE. To that end, the COI editor is kindly asked to submit a new edit request which reflects this revised phrasing, and to submit that edit request below this reply post along with a new {{Edit COI}} template at their earliest convenience. Regards,  Spintendo  22:34, 20 October 2023 (UTC)

References

Semi-protected edit request on 20 October 2023

Change PAC / Super PAC to media network 174.25.14.146 (talk) 22:39, 20 October 2023 (UTC)

 Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. Pinchme123 (talk) 00:26, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected COI edit request on 20 October 2023

• What I think should be changed (include citations):

MeidasTouch was a liberal American political action committee formed in March 2020 with the purpose to stop the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. The SuperPAC was aligned with the Democratic Party in the 2020 United States presidential election, the 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, and the 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia. The MeidasTouch political action committee was dissolved in July 2023 as the founders turned their focus to the MeidasTouch Network, an independent news and media network.

AL.com source

CBS News source

(SOURCE showing FEC filing ending operations of committee and transferring ownership to new entity)

Another FEC Firsthand Source Showing That This Democracy Defense Action used to be MeidasTouch PAC before MT PAC was dissolved and ownership was transferred

• Why it should be changed:

The MeidasTouch political action committee no longer exists. The current page is inaccurate, out-of-date, and misleading. The FEC page presented above is a Statement of Organization showing that MeidasTouch PAC was dissolved and that the name was changed to Democracy Defense Action took control of the organization. You will see that the FEC Committee ID is the same and the former MeidasTouch PAC. This is first-hand documentation of the switchover, showing that the MeidasTouch PAC was ended and that the PAC was taken over by new ownership under a new name.

The history section should be changed to reflect the update as well:

Please Change Current Last Line of History: The group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold.

To: The group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. It was reported in an FEC filing, and through an editorial note posted on al.com and CBS News, that the organization ceased operations as of July 2023 as the founders turned their focus to the MeidasTouch Network, an independent news and media network.

AL.com source

CBS News source

(SOURCE showing FEC filing ending operations of committee and transferring ownership to new entity)

Another FEC Firsthand Source Showing That This Democracy Defense Action used to be MeidasTouch PAC before MT PAC was dissolved and ownership was transferred

Please change the section containing the main information on the top right of the page should be updated to reflect this change as well.

Please change current iteration: Founded March 2020; 3 years ago

To: Founded March 2020; 3 years ago Operations Ended: July 2023

References

Bam21 (talk) 23:01, 20 October 2023 (UTC)

Please see the reply from the COI edit request above for information on how to proceed with this request. Regards,  Spintendo  04:47, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

Hi, the information you said to add was added to this request word for word. What else are you looking for? See the history section, which copies and pasted the language you recommended along with the sources you recommended. Bam21 (talk) 15:21, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

Your revised edit request proposed adding the following text: It was reported in an FEC filing, and through an editorial note posted on al.com and CBS News, that the organization ceased operations as of July 2023 as the founders turned their focus to the MeidasTouch Network, an independent news and media network. My suggestion didn't say anything about CBS News nor did it include the last segment of text about "turning their focus" to another organization. About that CBS News source, I haven't looked at it yet, but is that also an editorial note? because your suggested prose makes it sound like both AL.com and CBS News were editorial notes. Please advise. Regards,  Spintendo  22:34, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

Yes, the CBS editorial note states that MeidasTouch is not a PAC, just like the AL.com. I figured an additional source would only bolster the need for this change.

Then, in the CBS article itself, it notes that MeidasTouch is a "pro-democracy news website." Bam21 (talk) 22:40, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

@Bam21 I checked the CBS news source and it is an editorial note that states: A previous version of this story included an inaccurate description of the MeidasTouch website; it is not a PAC. so that source would not be acceptable to use as verification that the name has changed to Meidas Touch Network. It only states that Meidas Touch is not a PAC, It doesn't say anything about Meidas Touch Network. If we're to use CBS News's voice in communicating this information, it has to be word for word, and unfortunately their editorial note says very little. In fact it makes it sound like what CBS News was calling Midas Touch PAC was not really a PAC to begin with. What you're saying is that it was a PAC in the beginning, but then it closed down, changed its name, and it's now Meidas Touch Network. If only CBS News had been clearer in their note. Regards,  Spintendo  22:47, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

I think the confusion between the old Meidas Touch PAC and the new Meidas Touch Network is demonstrated by CBS news's editorial note. They thought it was one in the same, when in fact they are two different organizations. Would you agree? In the end unfortunately, their note does not delineate the difference enough for us to use it as a source. Regards,  Spintendo  22:57, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

My original suggestion in the COI edit request above still holds. If anything we should mention that AL.com and the FEC filings both state that, according to them, Meidas Touch PAC ceased operations. Since we don't have any sources talking about meidas touch network, that shouldn't be mentioned at all for now Regards,  Spintendo  22:59, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

Yes, they are two separate organizations. The MeidasTouch PAC does not exist anyone, yet Wikipedia refuses to acknowledge that change. That is the crux of the problem. The Alabama note makes clear that MeidasTouch PAC and MeidasTouch Network are two distinct organizations and that the PAC no longer exists. Can you please assist with the update in getting the page to reflect reality? It is causing publications to get confused, which is further exacerbating the problem. I think you have enough information at this point to see what the issue is, and why the page is inaccurate, and what is needed to update. I am no Wikipedia wizard, I am simply trying to make this page tell the truth. All articles on Wikipedia must strive for verifiable accuracy. Right now, this system is failing and false information is being presented to the public. Bam21 (talk) 23:14, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

The Al.com note is very clear about the delineation: Updated Oct. 16 at 7:05 p.m. to note Meiselas is co-founder of MeidasTouch Network. He was co-founder of the MeidasTouch PAC but the organization no longer exists.

This seems pretty cut and dry.

Here is an article from MeidasTouch.com that makes it clear as well: "The offending article at issue reposted by Don Jr. defames Judge Engoron and MeidasTouch and states that MeidasTouch is a PAC when it is not." https://www.meidastouch.com/news/don-jr-likely-violated-gag-order-after-dad-gets-sanctioned-in-ny

Additionally, the About Us page of MeidasTouch.com states: "MeidasTouch Network (MTN) was founded by three brothers Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas.

MTN is a pro-democracy news network.

MTN has quickly established itself as one of the most viewed and visited news networks in the world. MeidasTouch is independently owned and operated."

https://www.meidastouch.com/page/about-us

Bam21 (talk) 23:17, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

Finally, please see this article straight from the source which explains everything very clearly: https://www.meidastouch.com/news/a-special-message-from-ben-brett-and-jordy

@Spintendo Bam21 (talk) 23:41, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

I believe we can state this but because of the nature of the sources (one is a primary source and the other is an an editorial note) it shouldn't be stated using Wikipedia's voice. Wikipedia generally states what reliable secondary sources say about an organization, not what an organization says about itself. I see your point about the CBS News note possibly being caused by Wikipedia, though we have no proof of that, it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility. in any event my proposal would be the following text: "It was reported in an FEC filing, and through an editorial note posted on al.com, that the organization ceased operations as of [enter date here]." That's my proposal for the text that should be added to the article. Now we need to give some time other editors to chime in and see what they have to say. If after 7 days, no one chimes in, then I can implement that text. Depending on the feedback that we receive, that text will quite possibly be altered before anything is ultimately implemented. We'll have to see. Since this thread is under the {{Edit semi-protected}} template, we'll leave that one open. Pinging User:STEMinfo User:Pinchme123 User:DarmaniLink, for their feedback. Regards,  Spintendo  00:24, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

I like this suggested implementation. +1 !vote DarmaniLink (talk) 01:20, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

I want to preface my input by stating, I am less-familiar with appropriate uses of primary sources on-WP, which is giving me pause. The first linked primary source does not refer to "MeidasTouch" (or reference any member of the Meiselas family), which has me apprehensive about relying upon it to determine the date of cessation of operations and the phrase "reported in an FEC filing". The second linked primary source does not appear mention the organization from the first, Democracy Defense Action (though perhaps this is mentioned on some linked page, and the first source does state that the relevant organization name has changed, and I believe some code on both pages is the same). I personally believe this is a major reason why primary sources are not favored on Wikipedia: we're making a connective leap between the second primary and first to make a determination. But like I said, I have much less familiarity with this, so I could be incorrect or am being too cautious.

Given my apprehension, my suggestion is to change the article lede to past tense throughout (e.g. "MeidasTouch was a liberal American political..."), and the language inserted at the end of History should be "According to an editorial note posted on AL.com, 'the organization no longer exists'." If others think "no longer exists" can be paraphrased as "has ceased operations", then using that without the quote would be better.

--Pinchme123 (talk) 02:10, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

Addendum: looking at the last source Bam21 has provided, I'm now even less sure we should be stating that this organization has ceased operations. According to that source, a post on MeidasTouch Network's website titled "A Special Message from Ben, Brett and Jordy", "Second, to allow us to focus all of our time, resources, and efforts into building the MeidasTouch Network, we are no longer operating the separate MeidasTouch Political Action Committee (PAC) as of July 2023. The PAC is now Democracy Defense Action and many of the team members we have worked with for years will work on its continued success to make us all proud." If we also consider this primary source, the PAC didn't cease operations, it parted ways with the Meiselases and changed its name. --Pinchme123 (talk) 02:26, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

@Pinchme123 Good catch Pinchme123 for finding that post from their website. That post raises a lot of questions. If by dropping the "political action committee" designation there is then a claim that the PAC or its remnants are a different organization, then so be it — still, it's understandable for anyone reading that post who may be left with the distinct impression that these newer people aren't such compete strangers to their predecessors. The post that Pinchme123 discovered stated that the PAC was now Democracy Defense Action and many of the team members we have worked with for years will work on its continued success to make us all proud." That doesn't sound like the vital machinery of the PAC has "ceased to exist." I guess whether it's completely different is in the eye of the beholder. In any event, taking this new source into consideration, it sounds like the PAC's activities arguably may not have completely ceased to exist. They may indeed currently exist under a different name, run by colleagues or other distant associates of those who worked at the PAC. Mentioning it as ceasing to exist alone without mentioning the connectedness of the Democracy Defense Action (DDA) may mislead the readers even further. But because only one primary source mentions the DDA directly, that precludes us from mentioning it in the article, because neither the CBS News source nor the AL.com source mention DDA. There may even be a situation where the FEC source contradicts the AL.com source: If the FEC source stated that DDA took over the activities of the PAC, and the AL.com source only states that the PAC "no longer exists", these two might be seen in contradiction, because there can arguably be a difference between "ceasing to exist" and "existing as something different under another name". Wikipedia participating in Meidas' reshuffle of their organization's official nomenclature, with requests brought to the talk page regarding the question of no longer existing versus operating as something else versus operating with new people versus operating under the same people all-the-while with scant secondary sources is — as I said in an earlier redacted post — like opening Pandora's box. I had thought that maybe Wikipedia was responsible for the confusion, and perhaps it is, but Meidas should own at least part of that confusion. IMHO, the jist of it is thus: The second group of people who run what is now known as DDA are colleagues of the first group who ran it, when it was known as MT's PAC. The organization's official name and required legal fillings/paperwork we're changed to drop the PAC but MT kept the Meidas part of its name, and presumably its same interests and expertise covering areas pertaining to politics. CBS News can thus be forgiven for assuming that the MT now is the same as the MT PAC that used to be. It's the same house but there is different furniture and finishings, while a completely different family lives inside. There may occasionally be people who mistakenly stop by looking for the first family.

Notes

Regards,  Spintendo  04:14, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

Respectfully, this is being overcomplicated. Here's a clarification that should help:

There are two separate organizations: MeidasTouch PAC and MeidasTouch Network

Brief aside: lots of corporations also run PACs, but you clearly know they are separate entities. For example: Comcast and Comcast Corp PAC. FedEx and FedEx Corp PAC.

Back to the timeline:

- MeidasTouch PAC is founded in mid-2020.

- MeidasTouch PAC is featured in Hollywood Reporter. The founders express their intention to start a media company in addition to the PAC.

From the Nov 2020 article: "Looking to the future of MeidasTouch, it’s building that media platform that can compete and speak louder than these voices that have divided us for so long, that have brought us to this place that we are now. So that’s what I’d love for MeidasTouch to become, in addition to a political action committee. With our rapid growth where we are right now, to create our own loud microphone that could resonate in this country and across the world proudly promoting the ideals of democracy and protecting people. That would be a special thing that I think we can achieve. We’re on the path to achieving that."

- MeidasTouch Network is founded early 2021.

- MeidasTouch PAC is dissolved in July 2023. Several staffers who used to work for MeidasTouch PAC form Democracy Defense Action PAC. MeidasTouch PAC is no more. At this point it ceases to exist.

- MeidasTouch Network launches its new website in July 2023 to join its other media properties, including its YouTube Channel with nearly 1.7 million subscribers, a podcast network, and more. Bam21 (talk) 06:00, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

Several staffers who used to work for MeidasTouch PAC form Democracy Defense Action PAC. MeidasTouch PAC is no more. At this point it ceases to exist. Like I said, it's the same house but with new furniture and a different group of people living inside (who were, by the way, associates of the first group who lived there). Stating whether or not it exists is an ontological question that should not be answered using Wikipedia's voice, and since we have very little voices from others besides the company itself in its own filings and two editorial notes, this change is not made without difficulty. I'm glad to see feedback so quickly, let's wait and see how much more we're able to garner here. Regards,  Spintendo  06:28, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

Sure thing, and it's certainly not a 1:1 comparison, but let's look at an example from the corporate world... Steve Chen was an employee at PayPal. He then went on to co-found YouTube. There's certainly a connective tissue between the two, but they are clearly two distinct organizations, and you would not conflate them. Not sure if that adds any color here, but hopefully helps just a little. Bam21 (talk) 06:36, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

@Bam21 Actually, I believe that you and I are on the same side with what we feel should be added to the article. I agree that the article should state who took over the PAC, who used to run it, which names they were changed to, all of that which you had originally requested. But unfortunately the sources that would verify all of this are lacking in what I would call strength and durability. Sources that are like iron or carbon fiber when it comes to an idea of strength, in that they resist any questions that could arise regarding their veracity. That's what's needed to add all of these claims, and I don't see that here yet. Regards,  Spintendo  06:45, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

I'm telling you, one story written by a reporter from the New York Times (or any other long-established, reliable journalistic source) discussing and confirming all of these topics would change everything. Instantly, all of the lights would turn green, and all of this would probably be added to the article. That's the nature of what we need here, but without it these changes—however clear or well written they may be—remain stalled. Regards,  Spintendo  06:51, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

@Spintendo: is it safe to assume you have arrived at the point of: the edits requested here require additional reliable sources, which almost certainly could be at least a strong secondary source? If so, I am in agreement and would like this edit request to be closed for the time being. --Pinchme123 (talk) 07:08, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

That sounds easier said than done. In order to get a patently false article corrected, one needs to get a piece written by one of the top publications in the world specifically explaining the intricacies of the changes? When there is now multiple primary sources, including the organization itself explaining basic facts about itself in very clear and unambiguous terms. And then there is supplemental information from major publications including CBS and Al.com confirming that there is no PAC. This article is now contributing to one of the greatest problems of our time — misinformation — despite the facts being abundantly clear. And it will perpetuate a cycle of misinformation, as publications land on this page to learn about the organization as they are writing their stories, making it even harder for this page to be updated to reflect the truth. I’m asking the editors here to please reconsider the major problems you would be contributing to by leaving this page as is. Bam21 (talk) 07:45, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

There's three avenues to take:

1. Close it as needing secondary sources
2. Close it as needing discussion/consensus
3. Leave it open as needing discussion/ consensus

• Leaving it open can help sometimes with getting more editors to chime in, but the purpose of the template is not really to act as a clarion call; it's more for when the suggested changes are all packed and ready to go, so to speak. Regards,  Spintendo  07:34, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

When there is now multiple primary sources, including the organization itself explaining basic facts about itself I know you would agree that a Wikipedia where the word of organizations, people and companies were taken without question as gospel without a strong sense of verification requirements would, after a significant amount of time, not be worth reading. Now I'm pretty sure that the organization's website is linked in the article, which readers have access to click, where they can read the organization talking about itself. So the answers are out there for readers of the article to find. Regards,  Spintendo  08:09, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

I would make a distinction between statements of opinion made by organizations and statements regarding basic structure and facts. For example, if Elon Musk announced X had a new CEO, the X page and the new CEO’s page would likely be changed instantaneously. That is different than if Musk made a claim that X was the most visited website in the entire world, which would require further scrutiny and secondary sources. Bam21 (talk) 17:09, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

What sounds like there may need to be is an WP:ARC process where a new article on the Meidas Touch Network is created, if the arc process' referencing requirements are met. Who's to say that that newer article in a few years won't become the dominant one, and information on the PAC becomes a subsection of that main article. Rome wasn't built in a day. A previous editor had mentioned that time needed to pass, which is a good point, because in many respects Wikipedia is more like a glacier than a jet airplane.

Notes

Regards,  Spintendo  08:22, 22 October 2023 (UTC)

For my part, I'd support closing this as requiring consensus before being opened again. I think secondary sources are needed for sure, but my sticking point now is that I interpret this situation as a PAC changing its name and parting ways with its original founders. Those founders took the PAC's website URL with them when the left and went on to create a new entity, the MeidasTouch Network. This means I'd oppose the proposed edits as they stand here.

But without secondary sources, this is all my own WP:OR, interpreting primary sources, which is why I don't think I can rely on this to make any other changes to the article (for instance, moving the article and writing my own brief summary stating that the PAC has parted ways with their founders and renamed).

So, I land on closing as requiring consensus. Leaving it open might generate more discussion, but as you said Spintendo, edit requests are more about considering ready-to-go edits for implementation. In my opinion this request has been considered.

--Pinchme123 (talk) 02:23, 23 October 2023 (UTC)

Here's a new write-up from Newsweek that should help move this along @Spintendo: https://www.newsweek.com/video-donald-trump-told-hes-going-jail-viral-1837159

"Before becoming a news company, MeidasTouch was a political action committee founded in 2020 with the purpose of stopping the re-election of Trump. The PAC no longer exists." Bam21 (talk) 15:34, 24 October 2023 (UTC)

Sorry I'm coming late to this wall of text. Was off Wiki for a week. There's a lot to unpack here but the Newsweek source saying the PAC no longer exists is certainly reliable. But that's the only reporting that supports the end of the PAC. Wouldn't we expect to see more sources reporting on the dissolution of a PAC if it was truly notable? Something doesn't seem right. STEMinfo (talk) 19:25, 24 October 2023 (UTC)

I do not agree that the Newsweek source is reliable. Per WP:NEWSWEEK, "Unlike articles before 2013, Newsweek articles since 2013 are not generally reliable. From 2013 to 2018, Newsweek was owned and operated by IBT Media, the parent company of International Business Times. IBT Media introduced a number of bad practices to the once reputable magazine and mainly focused on clickbait headlines over quality journalism. Its current relationship with IBT Media is unclear, and Newsweek's quality has not returned to its status prior to the 2013 purchase. Many editors have noted that there are several exceptions to this standard, so consensus is to evaluate Newsweek content on a case-by-case basis. See also: Newsweek (pre-2013)." (emphasis added; wikilinks removed) Perhaps if the article in question were specifically about MeidasTouch Media, a case might be made - based upon that hypothetical's provided sourcing - that this would be an exception. But this is two sentences otherwise unrelated to the topic of the piece and those sentences have no information about how they were sourced. Meanwhile, we have at least two primary sources that indicate that this PAC is still operating after a name change, not that it ceased operations. --Pinchme123 (talk) 20:48, 24 October 2023 (UTC)

 Not done: No consensus could be obtained for making the requested change.  Spintendo  00:35, 27 October 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 25 October 2023

change MeidasTouch is a liberal American political action committee formed in March 2020 with the purpose ... to MeidasTouch Network (MTN) is a pro-democracy news network[1]. It was founded by three brothers Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas in March 2020 with the purpose ... [1]https://www.meidastouch.com/page/about-us Frostbite1985 (talk) 12:10, 25 October 2023 (UTC)

 Not done: Please see the ongoing discussion above (link to section. -- Pinchme123 (talk) 15:11, 25 October 2023 (UTC)

Agree. current page content is heavily biased and loaded with emotional statement without citations supporting them.

No citation for being 'liberal'.

No citation for being a PAC.

It goes beyond saying that this is an 'English' language wiki page and not 'United States of America' language wiki page, and as such its content shall reflect worldwide English-speaking audience. Right now it looks a lot like a hit job written by petulent far-right wannabe-fascist 5-graders.

As an English-speaking foreigner I support the change to replace 'liberal' with 'pro-democracy' and I support editing work which clarifies distinction between Meidas Touch Network and any other PAC-like entities which might have shared 'Meidas Touch' name in the past. Wmigda (talk) 18:46, 25 October 2023 (UTC)

Also, there is a term 'progressive' being emitionally used, also without any supporting citations. Wmigda (talk) 18:49, 25 October 2023 (UTC)

"I support editing work which clarifies distinction between Meidas Touch Network and any other PAC-like entities which might have shared 'Meidas Touch' name". Please feel free to provide reliable sources supporting this change, if you have them. The current discussion above is about this very subject and so far the quality of sourcing for these changes is a sticking point. As for your complaints about word choice, this is an article about a United States-based political action committee, so I see no problem with using "liberal" in the way it is used in United States politics. To highlight its acceptability, I would also note that "liberal" is used in its US sense in plenty of Wikipedia GAs, such as Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Patsy Mink, to name a few. --Pinchme123 (talk) 20:30, 25 October 2023 (UTC)

Oh...

Please explain to me this: does this article, MeidasTouch, contain any parts which describe MeidasTouch Network, and not MeidasTouch? Wmigda (talk) 21:42, 25 October 2023 (UTC)

Unfortunately it is beginning to feel like the other editors have an agenda and are more interested in presenting a hatchet-job than running with basic facts that have been documented by the organization's website, CBS News, AL.com, Newsweek, HuffPost and others (despite using tidbits of information from some of these sources in the past), and would rather cite spurious and defamatory accusations made by Rolling Stone and craft a fake "controversy" section based on the premise that the an organization who the MeidasTouch PAC was friends with called out someone for their racist comments. For some reason, an unrelated organization calling out racism is listed as a "controversy" on this page, rather than the actual individual in question who used the racist language. Yet, basic falsities about the organization remain up, deceiving the public with false information and the article fails to mention what this group in their separate organization (that shares a similar name) are most famous for in 2023. This does not at all feel like it is the appropriate way to create an encyclopedia and frankly, more editors should step in. Anyone who has watched the MeidasTouch Network, which is one of the single most-watched channels on the Internet, knows that the information listed on this page is false, from the talk about the current existence of a PAC, to the "liberal" framing, to the bizarre controversy section that attributes the (noble) actions of others to MeidasTouch is a weird guilt-by-association framing. Bam21 (talk) 01:56, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

It is quite obvious for me as a foreign person, non-biased by American artificially shifted Overton window. For instance I haven't heard about this Joe rogan "controversy" before I saw it mentioned in this wiki page. And someone suggesting post millenial as a source earlier in this Talk page is just a cherry on top.

What would happen if someone created a new page titled "MeidasTouch Network"? Wmigda (talk) 09:03, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

On Polish Wikipedia, they recently created a MeidasTouch Network page that is an accurate representation of the organization. I suggest the same page be created here. Translation here: https://pl-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/MeidasTouch_Network?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp Bam21 (talk) 11:19, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

I think it's time to ask some other people who actively participate in this Talk about their posible COI. Wmigda (talk) 14:51, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

Seconded and perhaps you or someone with your breadth of knowledge on the topic can right the wrongs here and even implement a separate MeidasTouch Network page that mirrors Polish Wikipedia’s entry. Bam21 (talk) 18:09, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

Here's yet another article on Yahoo Finance referring to the MeidasTouch Network news site: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/social-security-where-newly-elected-112343766.html Bam21 (talk) 19:59, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

I went through this discussion and the sources, including the other FEC filings. This is of course only WP:SYNTH, but my take is that the MeidasTouch PAC renamed itself to preserve the PAC and its war chest, but wanted to use the name MeidasTouch as a news organization, with its brand recognition. There's no way to know why the name wasn't kept for both, and whether the quite negative Rolling Stone coverage factored into the decision. Nonetheless, using existing sources and carefully parsed language, what could suffice is something like this: In 2023, FEC filings indicated that MeidasTouch renamed itself as Democracy Defense Action, and later that year, Yahoo News referred to a news network called MeidasTouch Network. But with only passing mentions and no indepth coverage of the network, there are insufficient sources to create a standalone MeidasTouch Network article. Notability is not yet shown. WP:TOOSOON. Regarding the Polish Wikipedia, my understanding is that the notability guidelines are different for each different language. We still need independent reliable third party sources. And also throwing it out that an argument could be made to rename this article Democracy Defense Action. Before that, perhaps we wait and see what new coverage develops of the new entity. STEMinfo (talk) 22:54, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

This is a very false interpretation that shows a lack of understanding of the facts presented. MeidasTouch Network and MeidasTouch PAC have co-existed as separate organizations since early 2001. 76.89.146.181 (talk) 23:03, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

That is, of course, until MeidasTouch PAC was ended in July 2023. 76.89.146.181 (talk) 23:04, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

1.7M youtube subscribers, nearly 2 billion video views, a sprawling podcast network featured frequently on MSNBC and other cable news networks, reporting featured in major publications including just today in Rolling Stone, reporting that led to the sanctioning of a former president, notes from CBS News and AL.com noting that the separate PAC no longer exists, shows featured for breaking news on HuffPost, Hollywood reporter story, Hollywood Reporter article about the founders getting ready to start a media network ("I want to be able to build a media network that could rival Fox News one day for Democrats and could really be a counter-voice, a voice for democracy. I want to start focusing on expanding our blueprint in digital spaces...really build out a media network and media platform that is pro-democracy and pro-views and values that I think are universal, such as healthcare, making sure people have a living wage, making college affordable and accessible for all, and believing in science."). There seems to be a purposeful blind spot at all the data presented. Bam21 (talk) 23:32, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

@STEMinfo: Thank you for making headway! I've said in previous sections I have less familiarity with appropriate uses of primary sources, but as long as others also agree with your proposed change relying on one, then I think it's a mostly good one. It sticks to what is known from what little is available. The one thing I'd point out is, stating that the FEC doc that you've used as a source is about this org, requires knowing that the org in the FEC doc was previously MeidasTouch (the name doesn't appear there), which as far as I can tell is only possible by knowing the org's FEC Committee ID. It's present in another doc alongside "MeidasTouch", which was previously provided: [2]. Is this still an acceptable connection to make, in your proposed language? --Pinchme123 (talk) 00:00, 27 October 2023 (UTC)

@Pinchme123: It is bordering on WP:OR because it's not spelled out, but I linked to all the docs associated with the PAC, and the early ones use MeidasTouch and the later ones use Democracy Defense Action. If that's not enough for consensus, then there's nothing more to be done until the media reports on the end of the PAC. And to the others above, I'm only going on what I can read. You are welcome to propose specific changes with reliable third party sources. If you don't have them, perhaps you'd be better off posting on social media, where information verification is not required. STEMinfo (talk) 00:18, 27 October 2023 (UTC)

@STEMinfo: Gotcha. Well the addition looks good to me then, since I think it does at least note the change without introducing anything not confirmed by sources. If no one else raises concerns about the addition, would you like to go forward and add it yourself? --Pinchme123 (talk) 01:18, 27 October 2023 (UTC)

 Done @Pinchme123: The CBS source also mentioned MeidasTouch Network, so I used it also and made a more general statement. I also created a redirect for MeidasTouch Network. Hopefully future reporting on the network will include the story behind the PAC renaming. It could also have been to not run afoul of FEC guidelines about PACs and for-profits sharing the same name, but without proper sourcing, we can only speculate. STEMinfo (talk) 19:02, 27 October 2023 (UTC)

References

Semi-protected COI edit request on 01 November 2023

• What I think should be changed (include citations):

The following paragraph should be removed from the Controversy section:

FOR DELETION:

In February 2022, singer-songwriter India Arie shared a compilation of podcaster Joe Rogan saying the racial slur nigger on The Joe Rogan Experience on Instagram. Rogan apologized, calling his past language "regretful and shameful" while also saying that the clips were "taken out of context" and he only quoted the slur to discuss its use by others. The footage in question was first published by the political action committee PatriotTakes, an affiliate of MeidasTouch. This resulted in allegations of a defamation attempt by MeidasTouch, which the founders denied in an interview with Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy, instead attributing the source of the footage to Alex Jones who was a recurring guest on Rogan's show. Rogan described the video compilation as a "political hit job".

• Why it should be changed:

This incident has nothing to do with MeidasTouch and the paragraph is based entirely on tenuous connections between MeidasTouch and an entirely separate group who they are/were friendly with. Additionally, even setting that aside, it is not a "controversy" to post words that a major public figure said, not is it a "defamation attempt" or a "political hit job." The sourcing is weak as well, as most of the sources don't even make any mention of any MeidasTouch involvement, which was nonexistent. The paragraph in question should be deleted.

Bam21 (talk) 16:24, 1 November 2023 (UTC)

Reply 1-NOV-2023

  Clarification requested  

• ...as most of the sources don't even make any mention of any MeidasTouch involvement The key term here is most of, as it's been established that if --by saying "most" do not mention, this then implies that at least "some" of the references do mention the subject organization--then the claim is at least partially substantiated. In any event, none of the references in question have been included here, so unfortunately they cannot be discussed in the request. The COI editor is asked to kindly include these references on the talk page, taking care to point out the particular references which are missing any mentions of the subject organization. Regards,  Spintendo  02:27, 2 November 2023 (UTC)

None of the three sources mentioned say that MeidasTouch was behind any of the things mentioned in this paragraph beyond incredibly loose speculation that they may have been friends with the other group. Some refer to a separate organization called PatriotTakes (NBC, NZ Herald, Gazette) and then say that some people speculated that MeidasTouch was connected to the group. Moreover, none of the things listed in this section constitute "controversy." Perhaps it is controversy for the individual who used the language referenced in this paragraph, but not for unrelated entities or separate groups reporting on said language. Bam21 (talk) 21:53, 2 November 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 1 November 2023

MeidasTouch still exists as MeidasTouch Network, maybe change the lead to "MeidasTouch, is a liberal American news site that was initially formed in March 2020 as a liberal American political action committee with the mission of preventing the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. This SuperPAC aligned itself with the Democratic Party during the 2020 United States presidential election, the 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, and the 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia." 188.31.3.64 (talk) 18:59, 1 November 2023 (UTC)

 Not done: See previous edit request discussions. What limited sourcing exists indicates that the organization that this article is about changed its name to something else and that it no longer exists under this name. If the new organization MeidasTouch Network passes WP:GNG, then perhaps a WP entry for it can be written. -- Pinchme123 (talk) 19:13, 1 November 2023 (UTC)

fair enough. 188.31.3.64 (talk) 19:28, 2 November 2023 (UTC)

Pro-Democracy DOES NOT equal Pro-Democrat!

Scroll to the end of any podcast to hear this. MT reports facts to support American democracy, which unfortunately mainstream media does no longer. As a non-MAGA Republican, I & several of their podcasters would appreciate the verbiage be updated to represent the truth. Eliotno3 (talk) 03:26, 24 November 2023 (UTC)

Project 25

I would like to see midas touch do a segment on the republican agenda ( project 25). 74.221.54.204 (talk) 02:08, 5 January 2024 (UTC)

Name

"the group name and slogan come from their mother and father, combining their father's last name, Meiselas, and their mother's maiden name, Golden, while alluding to the mythological Greek king Midas known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold."

The source article says nothing more than that, and there must be a better source explaining such a tortured portmanteau:

Mei[sal]as --> Mei as --> Mei[Golden]as --> Mei[Gol]d[en]as --> Mei d as --> Meidas.

apart from the idea of turning everything touched to gold is antithetical to the agreeable but destructive original motivation of the elimination of one of America's greatest scoundrels.JohndanR (talk) 18:06, 8 February 2024 (UTC)

King Midas was cursed (because of his greed) so that he could never enjoy riches of his wildest dreams. It's a warning - and one the Meiselas family might eventually find out why. 92.41.127.108 (talk) 17:42, 21 May 2024 (UTC)

supreme court upgrade

30-year term limit and report all income over base pay for the family and gifts. gifts also includes vacations. 142.202.78.54 (talk) 04:05, 30 April 2024 (UTC)

NPOV

I'm a little concerned about the NPOV here. Meidas Network is quite extensive and often runs different videos on the same subjects by different commentators. Raw statistics are all well and good but this is across a whole network, rather than a single channel. MT (and others) are challenging the corporate media and yet are also corporate media with precisely the same biases seen on other left-leaning networks. I am a fairly hard lefty so this isn't me whining about Trump. Ben (the only lawyer) of the three brothers was recently rolled out as a top US legal expert (with Michael Popock) but he only has around 10 years of experience. When challenged they changed the description but never apologised. Not a good look but very common I fear. 92.41.127.108 (talk) 17:41, 21 May 2024 (UTC)

Dear brothers, thank you very much for keeping my hope alive . I watch your podcasts every single day because you help me stay grounded despite all the misinformation out there. I follow every podcast of yours because I BELIEVE in what you are doing and everything you say. I work with law enforcement every day and I know you are doing is right and in the interest of justice. Thank you so much 2001:569:FDAB:4300:158D:4AB2:5495:9D04 (talk) 07:55, 28 May 2024 (UTC)

Hannibal Lector! Donald Trump hears word “asylum” re people wanting in and Thinks mental patients!! Confusing refuge seeking to mental patients! Cognitive impaired!!!! Doesn’t recognize diff between refugees and mental patients. That’s the cute skit he is giving 2600:8807:A89:2400:79E5:D706:5A1:A0F7 (talk) 15:20, 25 July 2024 (UTC)

Trump's Genealogy

Donald Trump goes on and on about Kamala Harris' heritage. Just wondering what his is? The majority of us American's come from a variety of beginnings. I, personally, have American Indian, English, Scottish, Irish, Jewish, (you get it) So, I'm a melting pot just like most American's. I like to now refer to myself as "American". But I just wish someone would finally put him away for good. I would, as I said earlier, like to know what his heritage is.I would like to face him with something really bad. Of course, in his mind, he thinks he's God. In the podcast where he was speaking to try to get Christians to vote and he said how much he loved Christians, I heard him state (very quietly and quickly, that he wasn't a Christian. Duh, like we didn't already know that. Anyway, just a thought. And what a contrast -- Kamala Harris not only of Indian/Black heritage, she's married to a Jewish man. I'm surprised Trump hasn't brought that up. Gooooooo, Kamala Go Meidas Touch Jo Ann Stover 2601:602:B80:5C40:F463:5899:63DE:77B9 (talk) 17:39, 3 August 2024 (UTC)