Crooks And Liars - Unpacking A Progressive Platform
When it comes to getting your news and staying informed about political happenings, you might be looking for a place that cuts through the noise. There's a particular kind of online space that focuses on political events and how the news media covers them, providing a distinct viewpoint. This kind of site, you know, aims to keep people up to speed on what's going on, especially from a certain perspective that often challenges mainstream narratives. It's a place where you can find out about things that perhaps aren't getting as much attention elsewhere, giving you a fuller picture of the political landscape.
This particular news blog, called Crooks and Liars, was started by John Amato back in 2004. It really came onto the scene offering something different, especially with its early focus on audio and video clips of political news and various happenings. That was, in some respects, quite a big deal at the time, changing how folks could actually see and hear what politicians and media personalities were saying, rather than just reading about it. It brought a kind of immediacy to political coverage that wasn't always available before, making it easier for people to connect directly with the events themselves.
Crooks and Liars, as a progressive political news blog, has always been about offering a specific lens through which to view current events. It was, you know, a pioneer in using multimedia to deliver its content, which for many people, made political news much more accessible and engaging. With a significant following, including over 130,000 likes and more than a thousand people talking about it on social platforms, it's clear that this site has built a substantial community around its particular brand of news and commentary. It’s a place where a lot of people find their political home, you might say.
Table of Contents
- Who Is the Person Behind Crooks and Liars?
- What Is the Story of Crooks and Liars?
- How Did Crooks and Liars Change News Delivery?
- What Kind of Content Can You Find on Crooks and Liars?
- How Does Crooks and Liars Tackle Political Accountability?
- A Look at the People Who Shape Crooks and Liars
- Engaging with the Crooks and Liars Community
- The Cultural Reach of Crooks and Liars
Who Is the Person Behind Crooks and Liars?
The person who started Crooks and Liars, John Amato, has quite a background, actually. He's known as a political activist and also a developer, originally from Ohio. It’s pretty interesting to think about how someone with that combination of skills would decide to create a news site. He's also a part of the leadership in his local county Democratic party, which gives you a sense of his political leanings and commitment to certain ideas. Beyond that, he's a very avid photographer, so you can see how he might have an eye for visuals, which could have influenced the site's focus on video. He's also, you know, the webmaster for Crooks and Liars, which means he's deeply involved in the technical side of keeping the site running smoothly.
John Amato's journey to becoming the "vlogfather," a term sometimes used for him, is a rather unique one. Apparently, he was a pioneer in video blogging, turning to it after an injury. This injury, you see, unfortunately put a stop to his saxophone career, which happened during a break from a reunion tour with Duran Duran. It's quite a leap, isn't it, from music to the world of online political commentary? This personal history, you could say, shows a certain resilience and a willingness to adapt, finding new ways to express himself and make an impact. He’s someone who has, in a way, truly changed his path.
John Amato - Personal Details and Bio Data
| **Role** | Founder, Webmaster of Crooks and Liars |
| **Origin** | Ohio |
| **Political Affiliation** | Member of leadership of local county Democratic party |
| **Other Interests** | Avid photographer |
| **Prior Career** | Saxophonist (career ended due to injury) |
| **Nickname** | The Vlogfather |
What Is the Story of Crooks and Liars?
The story of Crooks and Liars begins in 2004, when John Amato brought it to life. This was, you know, a time when the internet was still figuring out what it could be for news and public discourse. What made Crooks and Liars stand out right from the beginning was its commitment to featuring audio and video online. This was a pretty big deal because, at that point, most news sites were primarily text-based. Imagine trying to follow a political debate or a speech just by reading transcripts; it's just not the same as actually seeing and hearing it unfold. Crooks and Liars aimed to bridge that gap, giving people a direct look at the events.
The site's approach, you see, was to be a progressive news blog, focusing on political events and how they were covered by other news outlets. This meant it wasn't just reporting on what happened, but also offering commentary and analysis from a specific viewpoint. It was, in a way, about providing a counter-narrative or an alternative perspective to what might be presented by more mainstream media. This focus helped it attract a particular audience looking for that kind of insight. It’s a place where, basically, you get to see things from a different angle.
How Did Crooks and Liars Change News Delivery?
Crooks and Liars, started by John Amato in 2004, truly changed how political news was consumed and shared on the internet. It was, you know, the very first website to really feature audio and video online in a consistent and meaningful way. Before this, getting clips of political speeches, interviews, or even gaffes was often difficult or impossible for the average person. You might catch something on television, but then it was gone. Crooks and Liars made it possible to watch these moments whenever you wanted, which was a very new thing for people.
This pioneering effort, you see, had a massive effect on the digital news landscape. By making video so central to its content, Crooks and Liars showed everyone else what was possible. It helped move online news beyond just text and static images, bringing a dynamic element to political reporting. This meant that, for the first time, people could easily share specific clips of politicians saying one thing or media personalities making a particular statement. It made political discourse much more visual and immediate, allowing for quicker responses and deeper engagement with the actual words and actions of public figures. It was, essentially, a new way to interact with the news.
What Kind of Content Can You Find on Crooks and Liars?
The content on Crooks and Liars leans heavily into breaking political news, always from a progressive viewpoint. You can find videos that capture significant moments, like clips of figures such as Glenn Beck, Blanche Lincoln, and Tom Matzzie, among others. These aren't just random clips; they are often chosen to highlight specific points or to critique certain statements, reflecting the site's editorial stance. It's about showing, rather than just telling, what's happening in the political arena. So, you get to see the actual footage, which is a pretty powerful way to convey a message.
Beyond current events, the site also features articles that delve into various topics, sometimes looking back at historical moments through a progressive lens. For instance, there's a piece from June 5th, 2025, by John Amato himself, about the Chinese massacre of students in Tiananmen Square. This shows that the site isn't just focused on the immediate present but also uses historical context to inform its political commentary. Another example of its varied content includes a look back at pianist Van Cliburn's surprising win at the Tchaikovsky Competition in 1958. This kind of piece, you know, might seem out of place on a political blog, but it could be used to draw parallels or make a broader point about unexpected outcomes or challenging established norms, which is very much in line with a progressive perspective.
The site also touches on ongoing political discussions and concerns, like questions about accountability for certain political groups. There's a discussion, for example, asking when "Trumpers" will be held accountable for certain actions, or for disappearing people without so much as a hearing. This kind of article, you know, reflects a concern for justice and due process within the political system. It also covers more recent events, such as a piece about Trump threatening The New York Times, and the paper's refusal to back down, especially concerning a report on Iranian nuclear sites. This kind of reporting highlights what the site sees as important moments of defiance against powerful figures, which is, you know, a common theme for a progressive outlet.
How Does Crooks and Liars Tackle Political Accountability?
Crooks and Liars really takes on the issue of political accountability head-on, particularly through its use of video evidence. One striking example is how Charles Blow, a commentator, was able to make CNN's Scott Jennings, who was a spokesperson for a certain political group, squirm. This happened because Blow used Jennings' own previous statements that had criticized a former president for not following the US Constitution and for threatening companies with retaliatory actions. Before Jennings became, you know, a vocal supporter, he had written quite critical things about that same president. Crooks and Liars, by featuring this kind of confrontation, shows its commitment to holding people to their past words and actions, which is, you know, a very direct way to approach accountability.
The site, in a way, provides a platform where past statements can be brought back into the light, making it harder for individuals to simply change their tune without being challenged. This practice of showing "the receipts," as some might call it, helps keep public figures honest, or at least makes it clear when they are being inconsistent. It’s a pretty effective method for political commentary, using actual footage to make a point about integrity and consistency in public life. This is, you know, a core part of what Crooks and Liars aims to do for its audience.
A Look at the People Who Shape Crooks and Liars
Beyond John Amato, there are other individuals who contribute to the content and direction of Crooks and Liars. One such person is an associate editor for the site, someone who helps shape the articles and videos that get published. This role is pretty important, as it involves making sure the content aligns with the site's progressive perspective and maintains a certain level of quality. So, it's not just one person, but a team, that brings the site's vision to life.
Another key figure is the executive producer of the Professional Left Podcast, which is also connected to Crooks and Liars. This podcast, you know, likely extends the site's reach into audio commentary, offering deeper discussions and interviews on political topics. The individual behind this also identifies with a mix of interesting personal details: a Democrat, someone connected to Brandeis and Harvard, a knitter, a photoshopper, and a mom. These personal touches, you know, give a more human face to the people behind the content, suggesting a diverse range of experiences that inform their political views and contributions to the site. It shows, in a way, that the people behind the news are just that – people.
Engaging with the Crooks and Liars Community
The community around Crooks and Liars is quite active and engaged, which is something you can see from the numbers. The site has, you know, garnered a substantial following on social media, with a large number of "likes" and people actively talking about the content. For example, it's noted that there are over 130,000 likes and more than 1,800 people talking about the site's content at one point. These figures are pretty telling, showing that the site isn't just a passive news source but a place where people come to discuss, debate, and share their thoughts on political matters. It's, you know, a hub for conversation.
This level of engagement suggests that Crooks and Liars has successfully built a loyal readership and viewership. People don't just consume the content; they react to it, share it, and talk about it with others. This kind of active participation is a strong indicator of a community that feels connected to the site's mission and its particular take on political events. It's clear that the content resonates with a specific audience, leading to lively discussions and a sense of shared purpose among its followers. So, it’s really more than just a blog; it's a place where people connect over shared interests.
The Cultural Reach of Crooks and Liars
Crooks and Liars, you know, extends its reach beyond just breaking news and political commentary into areas that might seem a little unexpected, like music. For instance, the site features something called "C&L's Late Night Music Club," which sometimes includes artists like Montrose. This inclusion of music, you might say, adds another dimension to the site's offerings, providing a space for cultural enjoyment alongside the serious political discussions. It suggests that the site understands that its audience has interests beyond just politics, and that a well-rounded online experience can include various forms of content. It’s, basically, a way to connect with people on a different level.
The site's content also touches upon broader cultural themes and historical events, using them to provide context or make a point about current political situations. The example of Van Cliburn's piano competition win in 1958, where he shocked Russia and the world, is one such instance. This event, which was meant to showcase Russia's own pianists, became a symbol of an unexpected victory against expectations. Including such a story on a political blog could be a way to illustrate themes of defiance, challenging the status quo, or the power of individual talent to overcome established systems. It shows that Crooks and Liars, you know, isn't just about the immediate political headlines but also about the larger narratives that shape our collective understanding.
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