A recent survey by Gallup found two-thirds of the USA feel “overwhelmed” by the news and “that the news media is not working for them.” Reasons given were “sheer volume, news mixed with opinion [and] bias in the news.” Moreover, eighty percent believe misinformation is the main hurdle to them being truly informed. Yes, “Fake News” is partially to blame, but this problem has many fathers.
Despite voting for Donald Trump, I am convinced he invited most of the hostile coverage that irritates conservatives. Of course, he’s the victim of media bias and malice, but his penchant for name-calling and off-the-cuff comments stirs up suspicion in the press. Some claim the President is just dictating the media narrative, but the resulting media v. Trump tension is as emotionally draining as a domestic quarrel.
The Washington Post (bestower of Pinocchios) currently credits President Trump with 20,000 lies. Even if they are 90% wrong, that’s still 2,000 lies and an awful lot – even for a wise guy from Queens – of seed corn for bad press. And, when has Trump ever stood corrected? Never, but he hits back, encouraging more bad press. You get the picture and can’t possibly think today’s media “narrative” is good for his presidency (or re-election).
Few Trump supporters describe his behavior as presidential, preferring to call out Democrat behavior. To be sure, Pelosi and Schumer name-call President Trump every day; thereby contributing to the toxic atmosphere in Washington. But it takes two to tango, and Mr. Trump prefers to fight. The emotional toll on we the people, when Pelosi stomps out of a Trump meeting or tears up his speech, feels to many like mom slamming the door on dad.
America’s legacy media did abandon all pretense of non-bias after Hillary Clinton conceded in 2016. This has been particularly distressing to Republicans. They know Trump has flaws, but also know non-stop Gotcha questions and make-believe crises bring out the worst in any president. Was there ever a honeymoon? No, and there’s no proof of Russian collusion or end to NATO, meaning anti-Trump media needlessly stirred false emotions.
Until COVID-19 and the Floyd video, the Trump years have been notable by their relative peace and prosperity. However, from day one, CNN and Fox News have behaved on a wartime footing, which is largely responsible for today’s high anxiety and the main reason to vote against President Trump. It’s possible a Biden presidency would soften the Times headlines and CNN lead-ins. If the day began with straight news and balanced opinions, the US would have that going for it – which is good!