Unlike many conservatives, I don’t expect a fair press because the first amendment protects a “free” press with no mention of “fair” reporting. The framers of the constitution intended the press to be an opposition party of sorts. The concept of “fair” should be restricted to the playing field (don’t move your golf ball) and kept away from free markets and majority-rule governments, where self-regulating adults compete for resources and influence.
In spite of this belief, many reporters and pundits disgust me, but fairness has nothing to do with how I feel. I steer clear of media outlets that repeatedly make false claims, think unprofessional reporters and pundits should be fired, and regard as idiotic members of the press who are uninformed about the subject at hand. I am not alone as a conservative: only 14% of Republicans trust the press (source: Gallup).
If there’s a poster child for unprofessional behavior, it’s CNN’s Jim Acosta. I define “unprofessional” as lacking emotional patience – and Acosta fits the bill. He refuses to yield to other reporters and argues with the President about plans (“that won’t work, sir”). In his after-presser comments to CNN anchors, he becomes THE STORY by defending his offensive behavior. He appears suspended in adolescence: geez, all I was asking, Wolf, was why not give the nuclear launch codes to Nancy Pelosi?
If you caught Monday’s White House presser, you witnessed a false claim reality show. Kristin Fisher (Fox News) disputed the data on display behind President Trump, citing a report from the HHS inspector general. When she and Jon Karl (ABC News) argued with Trump, Fisher could not name the IG and Karl got the IG appointment wrong. The kerfuffle mercifully ended when Admiral Giroir dismissed the HHS IG report because a two-week-old report is not relevant in this fast-moving crisis.
My pet peeve is how un-prepared and un-informed reporters come to the daily coronavirus update (must-see TV in over 10 million homes). On Monday, Fisher lacked the HHS IG’s name and still questioned Trump’s preparedness. Karl needed a smart phone, because he didn’t know the IG’s name or who’d first hired her (Obama). On Tuesday, Trump stopped one reporter, who asks about oil every day, “How can you ask a question when you don’t know the price [of oil]?” I am not making this stuff up.
I support a free press 100% because those who govern – even Republicans – should be asked tough questions, but I also support a president’s freedom of expression 100%. And, boy, does Trump ever exercise this right; tweeting, nicknaming political opponents, and insulting reporters. In a constitutional argument, this president is just as free as the press. Reporters are still free to ask and report anything, but the President is free to blast them from the bully pulpit.
I believe Trump’s winning the media war. Petulance, mendacity, and ignorance make reporters and pundits look small, and play right into Trump’s marketing strategy (he’s Ford and the New York Times is Ferrari). I think Trump’s winning the fairness war as well. Trump’s commander in chief is reality TV every day to millions of viewers, while Joe Biden is in his basement, producing a bad version of Wayne’s World. You can believe me later, but when Trump is re-elected, the liberal media will blame the unfair Republican advantage. Oh, well.