In a surprising turn of events, the mainstream media and Democrats, who were once confident that former President Donald Trump would be facing criminal charges, are now grappling with the possibility of his return to the presidency.
This unexpected scenario has left many in the media feeling like they are on the receiving end of a cruel twist of fate.
According to RedState, the media's apprehension seems to be fueled by the recent settlement of a lawsuit by ABC, initiated by Trump. The lawsuit was in response to a false statement made by George Stephanopoulos, host of "This Week." The settlement includes a $15 million contribution towards Trump's presidential library and a $1 million payment towards his legal fees, along with a public apology from Stephanopoulos.
Trump's swift preparations for a potential second term have reportedly left White House correspondents, accustomed to the Biden administration's early morning "lids," feeling overwhelmed. However, it's not the increased workload that's causing unease. David Bauder, AP National media reporter, expressed the media's concerns, stating, Journalists anticipate a renewed hostility toward their work under the incoming Trump administration. Perceived threats are numerous: lawsuits of every sort, efforts to unmask anonymous sources, physical danger and intimidation, attacks on public media and libel protections, day-to-day demonization.
The media's portrayal of themselves as potential victims of a second Trump administration has been met with skepticism by some. Bruce Brown, the executive director of the Reporter's Committee for the Freedom of the Press, outlined the media's strategy for dealing with a possible Trump return, stating, Some challenges to the free press may be overt, some may be more subtle. Well need to be prepared for rapid response as well as long campaigns to protect our rights and to remember that our most important audiences are the courts and the public.
The media's fear seems to stem from the precedent set by the ABC lawsuit settlement. This could be seen as a direct consequence of what critics have labeled as journalistic malpractice, a trend they believe has been prevalent since Trump's political debut in 2015. Trump, known for coining the term "fake news," has been credited with exposing the media's alleged bias and manipulation.
The mainstream media's frustration is further exacerbated by Trump's ability to bypass them during his campaign, reaching voters directly through podcasts and other media platforms. This denied the media the opportunity to scrutinize him, a move they perceive as hostile.
The media's portrayal of themselves as victims of potential intimidation by Trump has been met with criticism. Critics argue that Trump's actions are not intimidation but a response to the media's alleged continuous peddling of misinformation. Being held accountable for their reporting is not equivalent to being intimidated, they argue. Former Washington Post editor Martin Baron warned of Trump's potential tactics, stating, I do think he will use every tool in his toolbox, and there are a lot of tools.
The media's apprehension about a potential second Trump presidency underscores the contentious relationship between the former President and the press. However, critics argue that Trump's actions are not aimed at intimidating the media, but rather at holding them accountable for their reporting. As the possibility of a second Trump term looms, the media will undoubtedly face challenges, but also opportunities for introspection and improvement.
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