It's a day ending in y and the media once again tripped over itself in trying to create a conspiracy around Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R). On Thursday, The Independent published a story with the following headline, "Clarence Thomas and Ron DeSantis met the day before Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, emails reveal."
The story details how emails obtained by American Oversight revealed DeSantis staff members setting up a lunch for the Governor with Thomas on June 23:
Ultimately, they decided to dine at the Supreme Court in the the Natalie Rehnquist Dining Room. On 24 June, the day after the luncheon, the court handed down its decision for Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the 1973 decision which enshrined the right to seek an abortion.
There's just one, let's say big, problem with the story. Deputy Press Secretary Jeremy Redfern tweeted the lunch took place on June 23, 2021 not June 23, 2022.
Hey @EricMGarcia from the @Independent,
— Jeremy Redfern (@JeremyRedfernFL) October 28, 2022
Is June 23th, 2021 a day before June 24th, 2022? pic.twitter.com/VuvwsljSSD
Eric Michael Garcia, the author of the story, profusely apologized and said the article will be taken down.
I am legitimately so sorry. I was not trying to mislead. I am legitimately embarrassed and humiliated. I never wanted to do anything malicious. I am so apologetic. I should have double-checked the dates. https://t.co/bDoYdUYGtF
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) October 28, 2022
I am mortified and legitimately embarrassed. I want to thank @JeremyRedfernFL for flagging. And apologize to Governor DeSantis and Justice Thomas. This is a horrible error on my part.
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) October 28, 2022
"Remember kids - only you can prevent fake news. Sometimes the narrative gets ahead of the facts. I appreciate Eric admitting to his mistake," Redfern said in response.
As to why this lunch would be a story even if it did take place before Roe v. Wade was overturned is anyone's guess but it's another example of the media trying to make a mountain out of a molehill because it involves the Florida man.