Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the original name of the website that eventually became The American Independent?
What was the original name of the website that eventually became The American Independent?
Blue Nation Review
What was the outcome of the Blue Nation Review's report on former U.S. Representative Aaron Schock?
What was the outcome of the Blue Nation Review's report on former U.S. Representative Aaron Schock?
His eventual resignation
Who founded Media Matters for America and purchased the website in 2015?
Who founded Media Matters for America and purchased the website in 2015?
David Brock
What was the primary goal of the website during the 2016 presidential campaign?
What was the primary goal of the website during the 2016 presidential campaign?
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What was the tone of the website's coverage of Bernie Sanders during the primaries?
What was the tone of the website's coverage of Bernie Sanders during the primaries?
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What did Shareblue argue was happening in the media's coverage of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton?
What did Shareblue argue was happening in the media's coverage of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton?
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What change did Shareblue Media announce in November 2019?
What change did Shareblue Media announce in November 2019?
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What was the purpose of Shareblue's focus on Donald Trump after Clinton won the primary?
What was the purpose of Shareblue's focus on Donald Trump after Clinton won the primary?
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Study Notes
Shareblue's History
- Shareblue was originally known as Blue Nation Review, a site that published a report on former U.S. Representative Aaron Schock's spending habits, leading to his resignation.
Change in Ownership and Direction
- In November 2015, Media Matters for America founder David Brock bought the site from Moko Social Media Limited.
- Brock terminated most of the previous staff and hired Peter Daou, a former Clinton Senate-staffer, to head True Blue Media LLC and write for the website.
Relaunch and Political Leanings
- The website relaunched as Shareblue in September 2016 with the main goal of getting Hillary Clinton elected as president.
- During the primaries, Shareblue endorsed Clinton and was critical of Bernie Sanders, posting negative stories about him.
Criticisms and Defenses
- Tad Devine, a Sanders campaign consultant, called Shareblue "the pond scum of American politics".
- Nick Merrill, a spokesman for Clinton, viewed Shareblue as a necessary voice in a world dominated by conservative media outlets.
Post-Primary Focus
- After Clinton won the primary, Shareblue focused on exposing Donald Trump's transgressions and criticizing the media for its coverage of Clinton.
Rebranding and New Direction
- In November 2019, Shareblue Media changed its name to The American Independent, shifting its focus to investigative journalism in preparation for the 2020 election coverage.
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Description
Learn about the history of Shareblue, its original name, and the significant changes in ownership and direction. Discover how David Brock acquired the site and transformed it with new leadership.
