I have a hypothesis that so much of political journalism is driven by boredom and the moments of excitement that catch their attention. Biden's presidency is boring. Trump's presidency was exciting. Much like their coverage, they don't particularly care about the impacts.
Bigger story: how many billions their CEOS/network owners stand to make from fascism/new & extended tax cuts- & how their coverage gives away that without it, they'll lose billions [from burst bubbles/infinite growth model collapse/low ratings/debts/etc] before they can get a Republican Pres in 2028
It's not even excitement per se. It's laziness. Covering Trump is easier. He says or does something horrible, they repeat what he did, add a few reactions from twitter, no analysis, no correction and they get all the clicks they want. Repeat the next day.
Covering a normal politician requires work.
The mindset is also incredibly narrow focused. Trump can only serve for 4 more years if he were to win. My worry is how much they will push Trump’s inevitable “I deserve actually 2 terms because one was stolen from me,” because it’s good for business.
If Trump gets into the White House again, he won't leave it until he's dead. If he wins in '24 the '28 election will be "indefinitely suspended" because of invading caravans or ebola or some other Fox-manufactured emergency requiring martial law.
If trump is allowed into the Whitehouse. He will stay there, like Putin, Castro, Netanyahu, Xi, Gadafi, and friends. Trump is so much stupider than them, the United States will be divided up as territories like the MAGA want.
I get your point, however, our entire media/News is owned by millionaires who resent paying taxes & know how to hide,launder, etc. to avoid paying $1 in taxes. Corporations, companies etc. often pay 0 in taxes. Republicans are now authoritarians. Taking away rights from everyone who: Continues:
Trust me I believe you about the owners, but the reporters are a different matter. These folks are horses that cannot be made to drink but they can sure be led to water.
Hi Matt,
I live in the UK. We have the same kind of problem. Our press are talking up "bring back Boris", just like yours are supporting Trump. Most people don't want exciting politics. It's too exhausting.
5 years ago I heard John Major speak to the North East Chamber of Commerce (I was paid to as work was hosting) and he said at one point "Good governance is boring" and that has stuck with me.
That's a big factor in why he was elected the first time. He was Funny Meme Man. Hillary had all this boring neoliberal stuff about the economy and foreign policy and blah blah blah. Trump was like that's gay, get rid of the Mexicans and let's troll everyone 24/7
Healy's a failed deputy theater critic who made the leap to the politics desk. This piece from 2017 tells you everything you need to know about his view of politics: "candidates are just bad actors with flag pins."
archive.ph/DDIwY
I hope they’re ready to be state journalists or go to jail, then. Trump’s made it pretty clear about his distaste for the media and they still play with fire.
I think of them as competitive and professional gossips, spinning stories for their own circles rather than readers or democracy. Focused on clicks/likes/shares (ego) and access (returned call/email/message).
In spite of how dangerous the MAGA movement is they somehow thought it would be a good idea to pursue balance reporting. For that mistake they deserved to end up where they are now. An unpopular irrelevant network!
