@edgarblythe,
This is not anywhere new. Plus, it's not the sort of thing/tactic that the left hadn't tried. It's what politics is. Try and find anything about the other side that isn't good, nice or fully truthful and filled with integrity.
Regarding Truthout.org, they have a history of leaning towards the left. This is not to say that in many instances they aren't presenting truth. No, it simply means a person has to research whatever they give and learn the entire story.
Again, the disgusting world of politics.