If journalists don’t start stepping up, then Trump and his crazy followers, which now includes all the Republicans in the WH, will continue to win and continue to stay in the WH because US citizens that are watching this stuff are not being informed of the actual reality of how bad the WH is right now!
You’re basically just like all the talking heads on Fox News
You are one of the best! You are 100% correct in this assessment.
They gave him what he wanted - to be the story - to be in the headlines.
STOP DOING THAT!!
Give what he says a pass or a nod, or provide the context - the falsehood it is built on, not the headline. His idiocy should not always be front and center. It gives him, his corrupt administration and his corrupt cronies a legitimacy they should never have.
100% agree. If he doesn't answer a question from one journalist in a press conference, the next called upon should ask the same question and so on and so on. If he walks out, you have your answer - NO ANSWER IS THE ANSWER.
I so wish I could get in front of him..I rehearse what I would say if I had the chance. He is totally insulated from people who will tell him like it is in the same manner he talks to others.
I think it’s easy to think that if anybody got in front of them, they would say whatever. But I think it’s a whole different issue if you’re actually a reporter and supposed to have some kind of objectivity and not get all emotional. I mean, let’s give these people some credit. Has anybody here walked in their shoes? Believe me I am way behind freedom of the press on every level. But I don’t think it’s so easy. What are they supposed to do? What would that conversation be like and how would any part of that conversation be effective? I don’t see certain journalist backing off as far back as some of you guys seem to think. I mean The New York Times does a pretty damn good job. I mean CNN is a pretty damn good job. I mean, I just don’t think it’s this simple getting in front of them and say what you’re gonna say I mean seriously he’s the President of the United States and he’s a narcissist and he’s not stable and the people around him hold the power I mean it’s a whole poop show. I think they’re doing the best they can with what they’ve got but tell me how you think that conversation would go. I’d love to see it.
I agree. They have integrity and class even if the President doesn't. Technically Trump was invited to speak. They did not have to do that, but did so out of tradition - even if there would be no comic roasting Trump. Anything Trump says came from his thin-skinned and vindictive nature. You don't want the press to be the negative publicity. I would say Trump having to sit there and hear about the awards given because of him and his attempted intimidation was sufficient.
Well, here’s the thing. I’m sure there are a lot of moving parts to this as a journalist. I mean, sitting there operating as a responsible journalist, which many of those people are in my view. I have never had the experience that they’ve had, so I’m reluctant to really weigh in on their behavior. I’m sure it’s a balancing act. How far do you go. I believe we’re dealing with a fairly malignant narcissist in a very powerful position. and he’s got the track record and the cronies to prove it. I mean, look who he surrounded himself with. And whether I like it or not, which I don’t, they wheeled the power. I’m not going to sit back, but I am one to move wisely and pick my battles. And do what I can without making things worse. By things I mean my life or the life for people around me. I’m not a coward, but as I said, I haven’t had the experience these journalist have. Or are having If anyone has any suggestions by sharing their experience as a journalist and how they’ve dealt with him or anybody else I’d love to hear it. I’m sure it’s a very difficult place to be. Anyone?
If only Kaitlin put her middle finger 🖕 up to him as camera panned to her. She’s a professional and too classy for that but can you imagine if she did?
Works for me, but I actually don't think that would have played too well. In situations like this, I think having others take the initiative to protect your best interest is best. That is the way to go. The problem is that didn't happen. Obviously, the primary issue is Trump himself and how he feels emboldened to say and do the things that he does to reporters and journalists. But that doesn't mean they can't fight back.
Ruth Ben Ghiat described in her book Strongmen (in 2020!), how autocrats establish their control - first the financiers, then the courts and then the media. Trump now controls all the media except independents. The dinner was an abomination. The people in that room, by and large, think they know better than we do. They showed they have no concern for society whatsoever. The display mirrored what MSM did for Mussolini, Hitler, Orban and others.
Voters have but one choice remaining:
Vote in massive numbers on November 3rd.
Every safeguard meant to protect society has failed. The only safeguard remaining is voters.
Other countries have done. Look past differences and unite for one cause - remove republicans from power.
That’s exactly right. Decades of setting the stage for Project 2025. Shit, John Roberts was a key lawyer for W on Bush V Gore.
Dems need tens of millions of extra voters to get loud and tell them exactly what must be done and how. A short list of demands. Big picture. Remove Republicans, stabilize govt, impeach, then rebuild pursuant to voter needs
I actually know some of the people who were in that room. They're good people. I just feel like they're too close to the forest to see the trees. Sometimes you have to remove yourself from a situation to get a clear view of what's exactly happening. Too many reporters and journalists are focusing on the short-term access issues as opposed to their long-term reputation.
I don't think there is any shortage of guts in most of the media. We need to remember what this event was about, and the reporters have too much experience and integrity to become the story. Trump was invited, and decided to appear - as is traditionally done. They knew what he was likely to say. In fact, I personally think it was milder than it could have been. The WHCD controlled the schedule, with Trump having to listen to awards being given to reporters on stories about him, that he tried to intimidate, to no avail. Trump's presence did not change the power dynamic. The WHCD kept it orderly and respectful, as they needed to do.
You seem to have more belief and trust in MSM than most anyone I’ve read, heard or watched. I stopped believing them in 2017. MSM has made a policy out of massaging stories to prop up Trump. To make him feel good. I can’t think of more than a handful of interviews of him where he was firmly pressed. Maybe Kaitlan Collins but that’s about it.
There were a number of times when Trump started giving non-sensical answers or simply ended the interview (recall Kristen Welker of NBC News interview in a barn). He is a simple-minded, very thin-skinned egomaniac. That doesn't mean you can deliberately ignore him. Fox News may handle him with kid gloves, but most others try to press him on an important matter until he refuses to give a proper answer. Skilled interviewers know how much push-back they can give with an emotionally erratic subject. I would expect every news organization would love to get him to admit something newsworthy, but you have to remember the man-child you are dealing with.
Are voters listening. The issue at hand is not complex and every voter is capable of seeing it, assessing it and knowing what the required action is. Every voter.
Democrats aren't the problem right now. The problem is the MAGA majority Republicans in Congress. That's the House of Representatives and the Senate. They have control, and they're letting America down. Let's keep our eye on the ball.
It’s true and I’ve wondered why. I’ve concluded that a primary problem is the list of demands, wants or directives from voters or possible voters is long - very long and ever changing. More than that, the list is centered on following the law, always, being honorable, respectful, caring of human rights and polite.
I think the list is too long , too granular and the bullet points change too frequently. My view is because of this democrats have a difficult time developing and campaigning on a winning strategy list. If the list works in Philly it won’t in Iowa. And on and on.
Republicans have a short and permanent list: fight to win (use any method necessary), to hell with blue states, steal what you want and make sure nascar continues.
Voters who are not republicans must shorten the list of wants or nothing is going to change. IMO
The Fascists have sure flooded the zone in their zeal to break things and ruin ordinary people's lives. They had an actual plan that they had developed over years and were ready to hit the ground running to implement Project 2025. Whatever the heck they did was enormously successful. Their sociopathic plan was 900 pages long so a long list of priorities is possible to achieve IF YOU GET the right people in place to implement it.
I hope they can get their act together quickly and fight to WIN every battle to just regain what has been stolen from us would be great.
MSM is dead, thanks to their controlling overlords. Press members are either top-toeing, treading carefully or sanewashing real facts in supplication to the dear leader. They are afraid of losing their reputation and their jobs. Even the independent ones who were former MSM press still have a lot of bad cobwebs to shake off. They need to stop with this left-moderate-centrism and provide we the people with real journalism and news!
Bravo to every word of this. But I'd like to add that I was appalled that after receiving their accolades, every single WSJ journalist who was awarded, walked over to trump SMILED AT HIM, AND SHOOK HIS HAND! A few even appeared to exchange pleasantries with him! It was shocking to see them proffer even the most basic UNDESERVED courtesy to that disgusting excuse for a man. Why do these people accept his insults, lawlessness and overall revolting behavior? What in the world...?
I had the same response. I realize they all likely felt they couldn't just ignore him, but they could have gone up, shook his head, given him a small nod and said "Mr. President." That's it.
WHY is there so much silence.
Thank You!!!!!’
If journalists don’t start stepping up, then Trump and his crazy followers, which now includes all the Republicans in the WH, will continue to win and continue to stay in the WH because US citizens that are watching this stuff are not being informed of the actual reality of how bad the WH is right now!
You’re basically just like all the talking heads on Fox News
Wolf Blitzer showed some cojones.
Thank you for this!!!
We are down to watching only Jimmy Kimmel and ABC evening News David Muir and anything Kaitlyn Collins covers.
Hey Mitch,
You are one of the best! You are 100% correct in this assessment.
They gave him what he wanted - to be the story - to be in the headlines.
STOP DOING THAT!!
Give what he says a pass or a nod, or provide the context - the falsehood it is built on, not the headline. His idiocy should not always be front and center. It gives him, his corrupt administration and his corrupt cronies a legitimacy they should never have.
100% agree. If he doesn't answer a question from one journalist in a press conference, the next called upon should ask the same question and so on and so on. If he walks out, you have your answer - NO ANSWER IS THE ANSWER.
Apparently, being close to power stops most media from asking the questions, digging deep and exposing the truth.
I so wish I could get in front of him..I rehearse what I would say if I had the chance. He is totally insulated from people who will tell him like it is in the same manner he talks to others.
I think it’s easy to think that if anybody got in front of them, they would say whatever. But I think it’s a whole different issue if you’re actually a reporter and supposed to have some kind of objectivity and not get all emotional. I mean, let’s give these people some credit. Has anybody here walked in their shoes? Believe me I am way behind freedom of the press on every level. But I don’t think it’s so easy. What are they supposed to do? What would that conversation be like and how would any part of that conversation be effective? I don’t see certain journalist backing off as far back as some of you guys seem to think. I mean The New York Times does a pretty damn good job. I mean CNN is a pretty damn good job. I mean, I just don’t think it’s this simple getting in front of them and say what you’re gonna say I mean seriously he’s the President of the United States and he’s a narcissist and he’s not stable and the people around him hold the power I mean it’s a whole poop show. I think they’re doing the best they can with what they’ve got but tell me how you think that conversation would go. I’d love to see it.
I agree. They have integrity and class even if the President doesn't. Technically Trump was invited to speak. They did not have to do that, but did so out of tradition - even if there would be no comic roasting Trump. Anything Trump says came from his thin-skinned and vindictive nature. You don't want the press to be the negative publicity. I would say Trump having to sit there and hear about the awards given because of him and his attempted intimidation was sufficient.
This "dinner" provides proof that the legacy media is irrelevant, and perhaps complicit. What a bunch of spineless jellyfish!
The Orange Menace NEEDS to be called out, and brought to task by the media. IT IS YOUR JOB TO INVESTIGATE AND UNCOVER!
This has been your mandate from the start. Stop providing him cover! Fact-check. Point out that he is lying to your (and OUR collective) faces!
Well, here’s the thing. I’m sure there are a lot of moving parts to this as a journalist. I mean, sitting there operating as a responsible journalist, which many of those people are in my view. I have never had the experience that they’ve had, so I’m reluctant to really weigh in on their behavior. I’m sure it’s a balancing act. How far do you go. I believe we’re dealing with a fairly malignant narcissist in a very powerful position. and he’s got the track record and the cronies to prove it. I mean, look who he surrounded himself with. And whether I like it or not, which I don’t, they wheeled the power. I’m not going to sit back, but I am one to move wisely and pick my battles. And do what I can without making things worse. By things I mean my life or the life for people around me. I’m not a coward, but as I said, I haven’t had the experience these journalist have. Or are having If anyone has any suggestions by sharing their experience as a journalist and how they’ve dealt with him or anybody else I’d love to hear it. I’m sure it’s a very difficult place to be. Anyone?
It is my fervent hope that at least one journalist takes your words to heart. Well done!
If only Kaitlin put her middle finger 🖕 up to him as camera panned to her. She’s a professional and too classy for that but can you imagine if she did?
Works for me, but I actually don't think that would have played too well. In situations like this, I think having others take the initiative to protect your best interest is best. That is the way to go. The problem is that didn't happen. Obviously, the primary issue is Trump himself and how he feels emboldened to say and do the things that he does to reporters and journalists. But that doesn't mean they can't fight back.
We can dream, right? WHY are other ‘journalists’ allowing his behavior? We all know why - the 🍊🤡 will make them his next target.
It’s all sad, ridiculous and maddening. Bring back truth and accountability.
I agree - the best response has to come from others who stand up to protect their own from the bully.
Excellent again. Thank you.
Ruth Ben Ghiat described in her book Strongmen (in 2020!), how autocrats establish their control - first the financiers, then the courts and then the media. Trump now controls all the media except independents. The dinner was an abomination. The people in that room, by and large, think they know better than we do. They showed they have no concern for society whatsoever. The display mirrored what MSM did for Mussolini, Hitler, Orban and others.
Voters have but one choice remaining:
Vote in massive numbers on November 3rd.
Every safeguard meant to protect society has failed. The only safeguard remaining is voters.
Other countries have done. Look past differences and unite for one cause - remove republicans from power.
That’s exactly right. Decades of setting the stage for Project 2025. Shit, John Roberts was a key lawyer for W on Bush V Gore.
Dems need tens of millions of extra voters to get loud and tell them exactly what must be done and how. A short list of demands. Big picture. Remove Republicans, stabilize govt, impeach, then rebuild pursuant to voter needs
I actually know some of the people who were in that room. They're good people. I just feel like they're too close to the forest to see the trees. Sometimes you have to remove yourself from a situation to get a clear view of what's exactly happening. Too many reporters and journalists are focusing on the short-term access issues as opposed to their long-term reputation.
I don't think there is any shortage of guts in most of the media. We need to remember what this event was about, and the reporters have too much experience and integrity to become the story. Trump was invited, and decided to appear - as is traditionally done. They knew what he was likely to say. In fact, I personally think it was milder than it could have been. The WHCD controlled the schedule, with Trump having to listen to awards being given to reporters on stories about him, that he tried to intimidate, to no avail. Trump's presence did not change the power dynamic. The WHCD kept it orderly and respectful, as they needed to do.
You seem to have more belief and trust in MSM than most anyone I’ve read, heard or watched. I stopped believing them in 2017. MSM has made a policy out of massaging stories to prop up Trump. To make him feel good. I can’t think of more than a handful of interviews of him where he was firmly pressed. Maybe Kaitlan Collins but that’s about it.
MSM has failed society.
There were a number of times when Trump started giving non-sensical answers or simply ended the interview (recall Kristen Welker of NBC News interview in a barn). He is a simple-minded, very thin-skinned egomaniac. That doesn't mean you can deliberately ignore him. Fox News may handle him with kid gloves, but most others try to press him on an important matter until he refuses to give a proper answer. Skilled interviewers know how much push-back they can give with an emotionally erratic subject. I would expect every news organization would love to get him to admit something newsworthy, but you have to remember the man-child you are dealing with.
Trump is systematically destroying the country, he is an autocrat and msm invites him to a party.
They invited Hitler to a party.
It’s insane.
So then what's the point of even having them?
They may be "good people" but they are normalizing this behavior and the outright crimes being committed. These are anything but 'normal" times.
Agreed.
Are voters listening. The issue at hand is not complex and every voter is capable of seeing it, assessing it and knowing what the required action is. Every voter.
Vote all republicans out of office. All of them .
Democrats have a knack of stealing defeat out of the jaws of victory. Hopefully the new crop will have the will to fight for us.
Remove republicans from power. That is the only item on the to do list right now
Democrats aren't the problem right now. The problem is the MAGA majority Republicans in Congress. That's the House of Representatives and the Senate. They have control, and they're letting America down. Let's keep our eye on the ball.
It’s true and I’ve wondered why. I’ve concluded that a primary problem is the list of demands, wants or directives from voters or possible voters is long - very long and ever changing. More than that, the list is centered on following the law, always, being honorable, respectful, caring of human rights and polite.
I think the list is too long , too granular and the bullet points change too frequently. My view is because of this democrats have a difficult time developing and campaigning on a winning strategy list. If the list works in Philly it won’t in Iowa. And on and on.
Republicans have a short and permanent list: fight to win (use any method necessary), to hell with blue states, steal what you want and make sure nascar continues.
Voters who are not republicans must shorten the list of wants or nothing is going to change. IMO
The Fascists have sure flooded the zone in their zeal to break things and ruin ordinary people's lives. They had an actual plan that they had developed over years and were ready to hit the ground running to implement Project 2025. Whatever the heck they did was enormously successful. Their sociopathic plan was 900 pages long so a long list of priorities is possible to achieve IF YOU GET the right people in place to implement it.
I hope they can get their act together quickly and fight to WIN every battle to just regain what has been stolen from us would be great.
I agree with that. Sitting there with a known autocrat explicitly destroying media must have been surreal. I wasn’t there and it is for me.
The Courts. Gone. Big money. Gone. Media. Gone.
The only thing left is transparency of all of this and hopefully help voters do the right thing.
Thanks again Mitch
MSM is dead, thanks to their controlling overlords. Press members are either top-toeing, treading carefully or sanewashing real facts in supplication to the dear leader. They are afraid of losing their reputation and their jobs. Even the independent ones who were former MSM press still have a lot of bad cobwebs to shake off. They need to stop with this left-moderate-centrism and provide we the people with real journalism and news!
Absolutely. It's one of the reasons I'm really enjoying Substack. Lots of good reporting, good journalism, and good commentary is happening daily.
Bravo to every word of this. But I'd like to add that I was appalled that after receiving their accolades, every single WSJ journalist who was awarded, walked over to trump SMILED AT HIM, AND SHOOK HIS HAND! A few even appeared to exchange pleasantries with him! It was shocking to see them proffer even the most basic UNDESERVED courtesy to that disgusting excuse for a man. Why do these people accept his insults, lawlessness and overall revolting behavior? What in the world...?
I saw that too. I admired the one person who refused to shake his hand. At least there was one, but it should have been all of them.
I had the same response. I realize they all likely felt they couldn't just ignore him, but they could have gone up, shook his head, given him a small nod and said "Mr. President." That's it.
Same here. Despite me sharing the Kaitlin Collins video, what you just described probably hit me hardest. I mean, seriously, WTF?