In a recent appearance on Fox News, Michael LaRosa, who once served as an aide to Joe Biden, highlighted a stark contrast in how Democrats and President Donald Trump engage with the media.
LaRosa's insights, shared during his guest spot on "The Ingraham Angle," underscore a growing critique of the Democratic Party's media strategy.
According to the Daily Caller, LaRosa's remarks came amid a discussion with host Laura Ingraham about the Biden campaign's approach to media interactions. Ingraham pointed out that Biden's team maintained tight control over media coverage, restricting journalists at events and limiting phone usage during small gatherings where Biden heavily relied on a teleprompter.
Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer joined the conversation, criticizing Democrats for expecting the press to align with them and for their intolerance of media scrutiny. Fleischer remarked, "Heres the problem that Democrats have with the press. They expect the press to work for them. They know that the press is ideologically aligned with them. They know that the press doesnt like Donald Trump, and so they expect the press to fall in line."
Fleischer further elaborated on the differing expectations between Republicans and Democrats regarding media coverage. He noted that Republicans anticipate tough scrutiny and do not expect loyalty from the press, unlike their Democratic counterparts. "Now, therefore, if there ever is an aberration to that pattern, theyd berate the press in a way like Republicans do not do," Fleischer explained. "Republicans understand were gonna get a hard time from the press no matter what. That bar is low."
LaRosa concurred with Fleischer's assessment, suggesting that Democrats could benefit from adopting a more open and engaging approach to media relations, akin to President Trump's style. "I would just somewhat agree with him because I think what President Trump does is sort of what I would advise every Democrat to do, but it reflects a problem in our party," LaRosa stated. He emphasized that Democrats often view the press as a hazard rather than an opportunity, contrasting with Trump's proactive engagement. "Trump doesnt miss the opportunity to speak to a microphone. He engages, and hes proactive. Its the opposite with Democrats. And we have to get over that because voters crave authenticity."
The reluctance of Democratic leaders to engage with the media has been evident in recent years. In 2023, Biden notably avoided holding a traditional press conference, a move mirrored by Vice President Kamala Harris, who also steered clear of media interactions. This cautious approach has drawn criticism from those who argue that authenticity and transparency are vital in connecting with voters.
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