@David, Were there a way the media could render the “dramatic recovery” of State through a split screen, I imagine the bifurcated imagery would speak volumes. I mention this, in part, because I believe split screen imagery is a powerful tool for rendering poignant divergence relative to a host of issues. The current Administration repeatedly claims it has a story to tell. I say, let the public not only hear it, but also see it.
I totally agree. Biden has a 41% approval rating. His administration is doing great things, but they are so piss poor at promoting and using the media to publicize their accomplishments. Fox News is a cancer. It’s time to take the gloves off and go after them publicly and through lawsuits.
President Biden and his administration shouldn't have to "promote and use the media". The media's job is to cover the administration thoroughly, and they're NOT! It is totally sickening. IMNSHO. (In my not so humble opinion.)
It is both - the admin must use the bully pulpit effectively and the press must grow a pair - they are so hell bent to show they are non partisan after 4 years of reporting on craziness that they are loath to write positives about what is happening. The press sees controversy as profit. They are part of the problem, as are the cobwebs growing on the bully pulpit.
The Biden administration is BUSY WORKING. The onus on them is to govern, it is then media's job is to report the truth ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING. And just a note, the American citizens' job is to be a fully informed electorate, not a part of a violent extremist cult of ignorance.
Liz, As to your final point, I would note that the presence or absence of democratic principles (e.g., open, vibrant, and diverse coverage) governing media practices likely would influence the ability of citizens to think critically about important issues.
Steve, Though I’m with you relative to the Administration, my views on the media are not quite as harsh. While the media, admittedly, constitute a commercial, profit-driven enterprise, I would submit, at least theoretically, it also should provide open, vibrant, and diverse coverage. The debate, as I understand it, relates to whether the media can meaningfully engage in “public service” and nurture the “public trust” and still make the sort of money they currently do, or whether the desire to make bigger profits increasingly will drive media owners to provide expedient rather than useful content.
Judith, Quoting media critics John Nichols and Robert McChesney, “Democracy-sustaining journalism has three components: It must be a rigorous watchdog of those in power and those who wish to be in power; it must present a wide range of informed views on the most pressing issues of the day; and it must be able to expose deception and permit the truth to rise to the top.” Though each medium need not do all of the above, Nichols and McChesney assert, in my view, rightly that “the media system as a whole must assure that the whole package is delivered to the whole population.”
I would note, though Nichols and McChesney are not my only sources, I often consider their views when asserting my own thoughts relative to the media.
Judith, McChesney is author, activist, and Professor of Communication at the University of Illinois and Nichols is a journalist and author and National Affairs correspondent for the Nation. Barbara
Susan, I understand that Murdock’s empire in the States includes Fox News, the Fox Network, the Wall Street Journal, and HarperCollins.Perhaps we would benefit from regulations that restricted the amount of media one could own. Meanwhile, everyday citizens can choose not to consume any of the products associated with or advertised on any of Murdock’s acquisitions.
I agree, Judith. The media has been so influenced and corrupted by the money on the right, and so loosely committed to equal time, that it is very hard to find the quality that we witnessed 60-70 years ago. Also the elimination of the Fairness Act has had an awful effect.
I thought the Securities and Exchange Commission was to govern buy outs and mergers. A strong government agency could have stopped the a Murdock or Bezo or now a Elon Musk.
Anna, do you think that the New York Times and/or the Wall Street Journal have been corrupted by "the money on the right?" My own media sources are liberal, except when we're bombarded with Fox News clips. I lack the proper time to investigate thoroughly "right wing" media -- in great part because I don't relish the nauseous feeling of my skin crawling.
There was a recent experiment where Fox viewers were paid to watch something else for a month. Those viewers actually changed their views on issues… But when it was over, they went back to FN. Is it like an addiction, or what?
I absolutely agree, the promotional effect Fox has had for criminals, insurrection, and money-launderers has been like a cancer. What way is there, though, through lawsuits, to bring fox down? I don’t see that happening.. they’ve been challenged for gender discrimination and sexual assault cases (and have paid a lot of money to settle) but no cases for fraud or money laundering or supporting insurrections.
Hi, Dillard. Yep. Fox is powerful and has done a considerable amount of damage. But I think the mainstream media have done as much, possibly more, just because they are "mainstream" and fly under the radar and can, except on very close examination, appear to be on the side of the angels. Indeed, they declare themselves exactly that. I remember my outrage when, after drooling around after Trump during his campaign against Clinton and publishing, front page, large all-cap headlines, the news that "the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails has been re-opened, two weeks before the election, I received an email from the paper's Editor congratulating his paper for its neutral stance during the campaign. Fox is disgusting but their sliminess is right out there for all to see.
Fox News is a parasite. All they seem capable of is stirring up dissent. Tucker Carlson should be ashamed of himself, not covered in money. Somehow, we have to move beyond this.
David. I completely agree. I don't understand why they didn't put Jen Psaki front and center everyday given her popularity. Too late now.
It's a shame given her ability to relate to many age brackets and demographics. They had an excellent resource and never used it. I have a Republican colleague that told me how the Biden Administration would present itself even before he took office. I told my colleague her was full of shit. He has been spot on.
I wondered about that. I really like her. Maybe in mainstream media, she can outfox Fox. But I'm sorry she's not still part of the administration. She was such a relief.
Susan, I know. I watched the White House briefings to hear what she says before it gets twisted in the wind by the media. As much as you can trust anyone in the White House, I do trust her.
Since herding cats is virtually impossible, she might do even better touting the Democratic agenda AND accomplishments on MSNBC. Nobody else in government seems capable of that, and CNN appears to be moving to the dark side.
I've been watching CNN much more recently than in years. Why? Its coverage of the invasion of Ukraine is next to none. That said, its reporting about Washington and national politics is abysmal.
My biggest disappointment with the Biden Administration and democrats is their unwillingness to fight Trump and the Republican Party lies and misinformation. A few elected democrats have begun to challenge them but it may be to little to late. I am also disappointed with the media, in trying to look non partisan they are helping the authoritarians take over our country. I live in a very red state, people here are hearing from Fox News that Biden and his son will be in jail when the republicans take over the senate and the house and Trump will be president again. Some of them truly believe this. Who knows maybe it could happen, I hope behind the scenes the Biden administration is doing more to combat the authoritarians than we know. If we lose our democracy, in my opinion democrats will share some of the blame. Our country has changed so much already. I know there were always racist people here but they used to mostly contain their speech. I was talking to a young black girl at the grocery store today. She grew up in Germany (parent was military) she said in all white Germany she was never called the n word. People were nice to her. Here in my state (her home state) she said people are so mean and cruel. She said she has been called the n word so many times to her face here. She said I came home to my country and state and I hate living here. It was awful to hear the hurt and pain this girl has had to endure. I blame Trump, people feel they now have a right to say whatever they want, have no filters on their speech. I told her I was sorry and that not every white person was like that. People can think whatever they want and say what they want in private but in public there has to be common decency.
That is really sad. We can blame Trump who certainly made things worse on so many levels, but at some point, people have to accept that they have a choice about being decent or not. Being civil is necessary to create a civil society. All the braying back and forth is simply exhausting and a waste of time and energy. We can do better.
It has been all over the media that she will be leaving for MSNBC. As Linda Bailey suggested, but I hadn't thought of, it's possible that Biden has decided she could do a great job of promoting all of this administration's good deeds. The messaging has been lacking so far, but Psaki could be exactly what the Dems need prior to the midterms. The fact that the Right doesn't watch MSNBC can be offset by Faux shadowing her in order to criticize. I love it when she skewers the right-wing twits. Biden has done a great job in choosing his staff, and I trust that he'll find a good replacement.
As I said, I watch her everyday there are briefings, maybe you do, but its far from a commanding audience. The White House does not have a platform to reach the masses. No idea what her vehicle will be. Isn't Maddow down to once a week?
Rupert's news monopoly must be broken up and sold off to individual owners. We have seen how dangerous news can become when the majority of outlets are owned by one individual.
And now we have the issue of Twitter, one of the board of directors is James Murdoch!!! And Musk wants free speech and since Twitter will become a private company there will be no government oversight.
That's probably why we are all on Substack right now. I just read an article in the Atlantic where the author talked about "the exhausted middle" and that is me right now.
I would agree that the Biden Administration isn't very good at public relations via the mainstream media, but I am also coming to believe that doing that is not actually possible. When I read what's being written about Biden today--regardless of what he is or is not doing--my conclusion is that it has little to do with the lack of skill at manipulating or using the media. The NYTimes, for example, is driven by money. Bad news sells better than good news. Reports of Biden's accomplishments do not sell subscriptions the way the long, bloody descriptions and film of the disaster in Afghanistan. And in those reports an analysis of only the failure and fault to be laid at Biden's feet. I think the press is looking to maximize profit and Biden is expendable. And, yes, they are also lousy at using the press.
I agree with everything you've said. I try not to allow myself to give in to paranoia and consider that dark money and foreign powers are behind some of it. What I do believe, though, is that Biden's plate is so full that he can't spend any energy hitting back. He has actually commented on that point - once. When you see how he methodically goes from one fire to the next, then accomplishes so much, and has to manage the expectations of his party, it's mind boggling. Just mending the NATO relationships, especially since the entire world is wary of trusting us after four years of insanity, was nothing short of a miracle. A lesser person couldn't handle all of it. Those who continue the hateful reactions to him are doing so willfully, not because they really believe it. They're threatened.
Dean, that is a fact. When I was growing up, one of the local news anchors lived right around the corner from us and was a good friend. I will never forget a conversation I had with Nancy regarding exactly that. Good news has a very short shelf life, negative news goes on for a long time or as long as the media wants it to. That conversation was about 50 years ago. The premise hasn't changed at all.
David, In my view, the split screen is one way of “tak[ing] the gloves off and go[ing] after [Fox News]… publicly…”. Fox News ideologues embrace a world view that can’t be proven wrong because they will admit no evidence to the contrary. Imagine their anger if public spaces were filled with split screens, wherein one side was getting it right—rendering indisputable truths the far right didn’t want exposed.
You are absolutely right about that. The bullies seem not to have any problem grabbing the bullhorn and subjecting us to all kinds of nonsense. It is time to cheer the good work this administration has done and broadcast that work loud and clear.
I agree that the administration's is doing great things and I mention this often. Last night's news featured his endorsement of the awful Kirk Schrader. I do think he will win the primary and I also think this is a ploy to keep the House. But this sort of thing isn't going to help when many progressives here are already dissing Biden. Maybe at least wait until after the primary.
Michele, every Democrat needs to understand the alternative - getting everything they want, or losing it all to the current GOP criminals. We need to grit our teeth and support those who have a decent chance of being elected, maintain a large enough majority that we won't be held hostage to Manchin, Sinema, and other grandstanders, then fine-tune what we all hope to accomplish. The fact that progressives are dissing Biden proves that they have very limited memory. The only thing that I wish we could learn from the Rethuglicans is that they march in lockstep to accomplish their goals. Instead of being our usual fractious selves, perhaps we should consider uniting for the common good. Otherwise, our country is headed for Hell in a handbasket.
I try, but got called "toxic" at one point. And I understand this, but these people often don't because they are locked in on Bernie for starters and will not understand the HRC would have been a much better alternative to death star. Also they want everyone to check all the progressive boxes. I am noting right now that some have started to understand that even if they don't, the alternative is awful. The primary is three weeks away. One person has put together a who to vote for in nonpartisan races and it is a good guide. We have a former judge who would not marry same sex couples trying to get on the Court of Appeals and I hope people will just vote for the incumbent in this case. For some reason in this election we are seeing a lot of the bad old names resurfacing.
I think these (truly) toxic people smell blood in the water, so they're up for another try. We are all focused on national elections, but we must understand that it all starts and the local level - so we must shut off the spigot at its source.
Why are so many progressives dissing Biden? Why don't we help this guy out? Nobody gets everything they want right away and this administration not only has to try to achieve its objectives but also undo much of the terrible, horrible, really bad damage TFG left being.
They are Bernie followers by and large and define progressive very narrowly. Now that the primary election is much closer, they are coming to their senses somewhat and realizing that faced with, for example, someone promoted by the Chamber of Horrors, that the other candidate would be preferably even if he doesn't hit all the progressive buttons. He is a former deputy sheriff I believe, and has served well on the City Council. This is for the mayor of Salem. Biden did not help himself endorsing Schrader who is disliked by all but the most conservative Ds. In Salem we are largely, if not totally, in the new congressional district 6 and that seat is wide open. We have flannel shirt crypto guy, Carrick Flynn, and I think, 18 others on the D side. I will be voting for Salinas who has a solid legislative record and is Hispanic within this district which is heavily Hispanic. The problem with Biden, as these folks see it is that he is an establishment D and for some, a corporate D. In many ways, they are true believers.
Great idea, I remember all this and it’s the reason for my “treading water” stance on so much. Every day there was another broadside hit on our “administrative state.” All Biden’s efforts will be undone in a nanosecond if chump cheats his way back. The Republican Party is a greater threat than Russia…
Seems to me that there’s a simple solution to the threat—and as a trial lawyer I distrust simple answers almost as much as I distrust long drawn-out ones. The Democrats should campaign against Trump, non-stop and full-time. Let Democratic candidates remind the voters over and over that Trump is a crook, tried to overthrow the Constitution, and was in bed with Putin. Don’t mince words and don’t hold back. When the question is about something else, pivot it to Trump: inflation? Trump gave hundreds of billions to the rich and the nation lost tens of millions of of jobs while he was president. President Biden has added tens of millions of jobs, unemployment is at a record low and wages are going up faster than they have in 75 years. The coup de grace comes when the Democratic candidate calls on her Republican opponent to say clearly whether he supports Trump or not. Make Trump the overriding issue and we win, because he is much less popular than he was in 2020, and he loses support every day.
I watched the clip of Rand Paul trying to argue that Ukraine used to be part of Russia (though he did correct to Soviet Union) as if that's an acceptable reason to ignore Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Georgia and, potentially, other former satellites. I almost couldn't believe my ears! Secretary Blinken's response was excellent, emphasizing that each country has the right of self-determination and that neither Russia nor any other country has the right to take over a sovereign nation.
Trump already lost once because so many people came out to vote against what he represents. He lost the House, then the WH, then, against all odds, the Senate. If he runs again, it will be the best possible thing that can happen for democracy, because it wakes people up and gets them to vote.
Yay, Roland! And consider that Biden wasn't every Democrat's dream candidate. We voted for an elderly candidate with little charisma, but hoped his experience and decency would serve him well, and he certainly acquitted himself beyond our wildest expectations . We just can't go back.
If Republicans control enough Secretaries of State and State Legislatures, vote totals in 2024 won’t matter. Republicans will scream “fraud” and select their own slate of electors. This is what they’ve been working on for the past two years.
Roland, I wish I could share your confidence; however, it haunts me that but for a mere 33,000 votes, give or take, in 3 states—Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin—Trump would have been re-elected.
I don't really see the difference between radical tumplicans and russia. They both want to destroy democracy in their ramfshod race to power and maintaining the rich, white caste systems in the world.
Correct! The Russians fool nobody. (except our defeated former president). The Republicans, however, fool millions of Americans every day by wrapping themselves in phony patriotism as they accept white nationalists, assorted bigots and those who preach that a government which puts the interests of people ahead of those of business is 'socialism' into their fold. Democracy allows them to do this. That is a problem with our 'freedoms' that will persist so long as too many Americans are 'treading water' instead of fighting back. That fight starts locally, with the bigot who lives down the street from you and is encouraged by those who choose to 'tread water.'
Jack, Though your analysis is brilliantly spot on, if, amid one of the most terrifying moments in our nation’s history, one’s head still is above water, I interpret that to mean he or she is “fighting back.”
The 'partisans' in France, Poland and in the rest of Europe during the Nazi occupation of their countries were indeed 'fighting back.' But if they showed their heads 'above water,' they were shot at ... so they remained in the forests or underground elsewhere, blowing up bridges or whatever they could do. (See Hemingway's 'For Whom the Bell Tolls.) We are far from that point, but with all three branches of our government in authoritarian hands, we might have to go there , as John Brown did in 1859.
Jack, Though your original response was not addressed to me, but to someone who had replied to me, I, nonetheless, am questioning whether your interpretation / critique of that subscriber’s mention of “treading water” is consistent with the person’s intended meaning. Please note I doubt I would have intervened had I not read your take as decisively judgmental.
The Lincoln Project is good at this. The Pod Save America/Crooked Media people talk a lot about messaging, but I don’t think they have budgets to do it.
The Lincoln Project has launched Join the Union jointheunion.us to unite all of us who want to recover democracy. I encourage everyone to join and work together for democracy.
A few days ago, I posted a request that we HCR readers send a postcard to the WH (1600 Pennsylvania AV NW, Washington DC 20500) simply stating "I SUPPORT DEMOCRACY" (and Cathy L added the jointheunion.us --great idea, and I did!) I saw almost 130 hearts on my comment. Personally, I put 4 postcards in the mail and I asked 8 friends to do so. I hope that those who added a heart to my comment have sent their card(s) and have posted on their social media! Another HCR reader also make the great suggestion to send a card of thanks to the January 6th Select Committed (Longworth House Office Bldg Washington DC 20505--I did!)
We can't just sit back and bemoan the lack of media coverage! Somehow we need to endorse the positive coverage which we can find, and also to create it ourselves. If we can create a simple gesture that becomes viral, we are helping promote the positive. Years ago there was a widely read news item; the advice columnist "Dear Abby" asked for postcard votes on her query "Would you have kids again?"--and if you recall the story, many many said no! It created quite a stir. Perhaps bags and bags of postcards to the WH might create another stir?
Please--send a card. No postcard? Write on the back of a sealed envelope. Ask your friends and family to do so. Post on your social media. It might be a futile gesture but I am so sick of all of these antics by the GOP! I have written to voters, I donate to candidates, I have worked for causes--to me, sending a postcard to the WH or the Select Committee is like voting, my single vote might not make a difference but all those votes put together move history.
Why send it to the White House? Isn’t that just preaching to the choir master? Why not send it to Mitch McConnell, Ron DeSantis, Greg Abbott, Kevin McCarthy or for that matter Rupert Murdoch and some of his minions?
My thought is they would just toss it/them. Yes, preaching to the choir, but my idea is to start something that will garner media attention. I feel thousands of supportive postcards to the WH WOULD somehow be made known to the media.
I have sent my cards and thanks for your suggestion. I also do Postcards to Voters for specific campaigns. The Union is making phone calls to Toyota, calling them out for supporting insurrectionists.
That's a really good suggestion and I'm going to send a postcard today. I also joined The Union, which looks like a very proactive organization with young people to push back against The Mob. Thanks.
I received an email from The Union this morning with the information that Toyota is again funding several insurrectionists, after promising last fall to stop doing that. Though as the owner of a Toyota I’m boiling angry, thanks to The Union, I know exactly what to do - call my local Toyota dealer and complain loudly. There is even a script to use.
Thanks to The Union, I’m able to punch back and let the grifters know we’re watching and that there are other options for cars. Join The Union!!!! (Thanks Cathy!!)
Yep! And last night on Ari Member’s show, Rick Wilson said that the Union members would be organizing a campaign to call Toyota to tell them we are unhappy with their funding to the seditionist Republicans. The call to action email came this morning encouraging us to call the Toyota dealerships in our area and ask to speak to the manager.
It’s not just vocal it’s ORGANIZED/muscular. Republicans (of whom I am not one) clean D’s clocks at GOTV, at organizing, at messaging, at showing the f’ahem on time. Seen it year after year teaching Young Repubs/Federalist Soc types and well-intentioned hippies. Latter throw a hunger strike for justice; former GETS THE PERMITS and throws a campus barbecue for Fed Soc right next door to troll. It’s not who is right it’s who is CLEVER in tactics, my friends.
The organization is coming out of their state conventions, recently held. One of the organization meetings was how to subvert ranked choice voting, which we have in Alaska. Another one was how to use school boards to promote culture wars. I couldn't believe what I was hearing on talk radio yesterday. It is out there.
POD Save America Proudcers: Daniel Pfeiffer, Tommy Vieto & the '2 Jons', Jon Favreau & Jon Lovett. Daniel hosts a Digital Community focused on Dem camapign messaging called: 'The Message Box'.
After 4+ years of the media’s nauseating overuse of the adjective “unprecedented” to report on the norm-busting, destructive doings of tfg (i.e. emoluments, Helsinki, Charlottesville, Jan. 6/21 etc etc).
The media should invest heavily on your “Then&Now” split screen approach for reporting the news. Thanks to the work of the 1/6/21 commission, we now have some context!
IMO, it’s valuable to remember where we were, helpful to know where we are and hopeful to see where we can be
@M Figueroa, Thank you for your validating reply. I plan to start writing letters to whomever I can think of who would have the requisite resources and contacts.
@H. H. Rose, Your point is spot on. Hence, why I keep writing letters to whomever might listen suggesting that Dems ought to be telling their story as opposed to talking about abstract legislation and non-relatable numbers and data.
As the dismantling and dismembering of the State Department was taking place during tfg's stint in office, I remember my outrage quite vividly, not to mention my alarm at how such well-trained, career diplomats and personnel could ever be replaced. I can only imagine how you must have felt, David!
I'm so delighted that you took a slightly different path tonight, Heather, as this letter contains fundamental and compelling gems! Thank you!
The recovery is still on going. President Biden just nominated career diplomat Bridget Brink to be Ambassador to Ukraine after the position has been vacant for three years.
Ambassador Brink, currently in Slovakia, is a superbly qualified Foreign Service Officer well-versed in Eastern European affairs. I find it appalling that it has been nearly three years since Ambassador Yanocovich, another uncommon professional FSO, was ousted in a Trump/Giuliani/Pompey hatchet job. Thankfully, the State Department, under SecState Blinken, is again becoming professional with Blinkin working hand-in-glove with President Biden and FSO Burns, director of CIA.
Trump wanted the power of a dictator. A normally functioning State Department wouldn't have allowed him to become what he wanted — Kim Jong-un on a larger stage, acting on his whim of the moment and engaging in rank corruption.
It's sobering to imagine what the world would be today if Trump was still in power. And it's breathtaking to grasp the media's failure to accurately convey the damage that Trump had done to the State Department and Biden's success in rapidly rebuilding it.
I too am a son of parents who both worked for AID overseas for 10 years. That work helps countries thrive and avoid conflicts with their neighbors. Lessen the need to migrate to safer countries.
As the son of diplomats I very much appreciate your summary of such a dramatic recovery after a devastating four years.
@David, Were there a way the media could render the “dramatic recovery” of State through a split screen, I imagine the bifurcated imagery would speak volumes. I mention this, in part, because I believe split screen imagery is a powerful tool for rendering poignant divergence relative to a host of issues. The current Administration repeatedly claims it has a story to tell. I say, let the public not only hear it, but also see it.
I totally agree. Biden has a 41% approval rating. His administration is doing great things, but they are so piss poor at promoting and using the media to publicize their accomplishments. Fox News is a cancer. It’s time to take the gloves off and go after them publicly and through lawsuits.
President Biden and his administration shouldn't have to "promote and use the media". The media's job is to cover the administration thoroughly, and they're NOT! It is totally sickening. IMNSHO. (In my not so humble opinion.)
It is both - the admin must use the bully pulpit effectively and the press must grow a pair - they are so hell bent to show they are non partisan after 4 years of reporting on craziness that they are loath to write positives about what is happening. The press sees controversy as profit. They are part of the problem, as are the cobwebs growing on the bully pulpit.
The Biden administration is BUSY WORKING. The onus on them is to govern, it is then media's job is to report the truth ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING. And just a note, the American citizens' job is to be a fully informed electorate, not a part of a violent extremist cult of ignorance.
Liz, As to your final point, I would note that the presence or absence of democratic principles (e.g., open, vibrant, and diverse coverage) governing media practices likely would influence the ability of citizens to think critically about important issues.
“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” —U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
Good points, Steve. Thank you.
Steve, Though I’m with you relative to the Administration, my views on the media are not quite as harsh. While the media, admittedly, constitute a commercial, profit-driven enterprise, I would submit, at least theoretically, it also should provide open, vibrant, and diverse coverage. The debate, as I understand it, relates to whether the media can meaningfully engage in “public service” and nurture the “public trust” and still make the sort of money they currently do, or whether the desire to make bigger profits increasingly will drive media owners to provide expedient rather than useful content.
Judith, Quoting media critics John Nichols and Robert McChesney, “Democracy-sustaining journalism has three components: It must be a rigorous watchdog of those in power and those who wish to be in power; it must present a wide range of informed views on the most pressing issues of the day; and it must be able to expose deception and permit the truth to rise to the top.” Though each medium need not do all of the above, Nichols and McChesney assert, in my view, rightly that “the media system as a whole must assure that the whole package is delivered to the whole population.”
I would note, though Nichols and McChesney are not my only sources, I often consider their views when asserting my own thoughts relative to the media.
Barbara, (Barbara Jo?) -- Thank you. I have not heard of either of these two media critics.
Judith, McChesney is author, activist, and Professor of Communication at the University of Illinois and Nichols is a journalist and author and National Affairs correspondent for the Nation. Barbara
The press is owned by Murdock. We must do something about him, don't you think?
Susan, I understand that Murdock’s empire in the States includes Fox News, the Fox Network, the Wall Street Journal, and HarperCollins.Perhaps we would benefit from regulations that restricted the amount of media one could own. Meanwhile, everyday citizens can choose not to consume any of the products associated with or advertised on any of Murdock’s acquisitions.
I agree, Judith. The media has been so influenced and corrupted by the money on the right, and so loosely committed to equal time, that it is very hard to find the quality that we witnessed 60-70 years ago. Also the elimination of the Fairness Act has had an awful effect.
I thought the Securities and Exchange Commission was to govern buy outs and mergers. A strong government agency could have stopped the a Murdock or Bezo or now a Elon Musk.
Anna, do you think that the New York Times and/or the Wall Street Journal have been corrupted by "the money on the right?" My own media sources are liberal, except when we're bombarded with Fox News clips. I lack the proper time to investigate thoroughly "right wing" media -- in great part because I don't relish the nauseous feeling of my skin crawling.
There was a recent experiment where Fox viewers were paid to watch something else for a month. Those viewers actually changed their views on issues… But when it was over, they went back to FN. Is it like an addiction, or what?
In other words, once off meth their brains functioned normally but then the allure of the drug sucked them back in.
Yes.
Watching Fox “News” is like eating the strip of fat around a steak. It may taste good in the moment but it will kill you in the long run.
I absolutely agree, the promotional effect Fox has had for criminals, insurrection, and money-launderers has been like a cancer. What way is there, though, through lawsuits, to bring fox down? I don’t see that happening.. they’ve been challenged for gender discrimination and sexual assault cases (and have paid a lot of money to settle) but no cases for fraud or money laundering or supporting insurrections.
Dominion. Smartmatic.
Hi, Dillard. Yep. Fox is powerful and has done a considerable amount of damage. But I think the mainstream media have done as much, possibly more, just because they are "mainstream" and fly under the radar and can, except on very close examination, appear to be on the side of the angels. Indeed, they declare themselves exactly that. I remember my outrage when, after drooling around after Trump during his campaign against Clinton and publishing, front page, large all-cap headlines, the news that "the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails has been re-opened, two weeks before the election, I received an email from the paper's Editor congratulating his paper for its neutral stance during the campaign. Fox is disgusting but their sliminess is right out there for all to see.
Fox News is a parasite. All they seem capable of is stirring up dissent. Tucker Carlson should be ashamed of himself, not covered in money. Somehow, we have to move beyond this.
David. I completely agree. I don't understand why they didn't put Jen Psaki front and center everyday given her popularity. Too late now.
It's a shame given her ability to relate to many age brackets and demographics. They had an excellent resource and never used it. I have a Republican colleague that told me how the Biden Administration would present itself even before he took office. I told my colleague her was full of shit. He has been spot on.
I owe him lunch.
Maybe Psaki in private mainstream media job is what is needed.
David, in the back of my mind, I am wondering if her leaving to go to MSNBC is intentional.
I think they are a bunch of steps ahead of us :)
I wondered about that. I really like her. Maybe in mainstream media, she can outfox Fox. But I'm sorry she's not still part of the administration. She was such a relief.
Susan, I know. I watched the White House briefings to hear what she says before it gets twisted in the wind by the media. As much as you can trust anyone in the White House, I do trust her.
Since herding cats is virtually impossible, she might do even better touting the Democratic agenda AND accomplishments on MSNBC. Nobody else in government seems capable of that, and CNN appears to be moving to the dark side.
I've been watching CNN much more recently than in years. Why? Its coverage of the invasion of Ukraine is next to none. That said, its reporting about Washington and national politics is abysmal.
She's widely rumored to be heading to MSNBC.
https://www.npr.org/2022/04/01/1090241588/jen-psaki-leaving-the-white-house-for-msnbc-this-spring
My biggest disappointment with the Biden Administration and democrats is their unwillingness to fight Trump and the Republican Party lies and misinformation. A few elected democrats have begun to challenge them but it may be to little to late. I am also disappointed with the media, in trying to look non partisan they are helping the authoritarians take over our country. I live in a very red state, people here are hearing from Fox News that Biden and his son will be in jail when the republicans take over the senate and the house and Trump will be president again. Some of them truly believe this. Who knows maybe it could happen, I hope behind the scenes the Biden administration is doing more to combat the authoritarians than we know. If we lose our democracy, in my opinion democrats will share some of the blame. Our country has changed so much already. I know there were always racist people here but they used to mostly contain their speech. I was talking to a young black girl at the grocery store today. She grew up in Germany (parent was military) she said in all white Germany she was never called the n word. People were nice to her. Here in my state (her home state) she said people are so mean and cruel. She said she has been called the n word so many times to her face here. She said I came home to my country and state and I hate living here. It was awful to hear the hurt and pain this girl has had to endure. I blame Trump, people feel they now have a right to say whatever they want, have no filters on their speech. I told her I was sorry and that not every white person was like that. People can think whatever they want and say what they want in private but in public there has to be common decency.
That is really sad. We can blame Trump who certainly made things worse on so many levels, but at some point, people have to accept that they have a choice about being decent or not. Being civil is necessary to create a civil society. All the braying back and forth is simply exhausting and a waste of time and energy. We can do better.
You are right, people always have a choice to be civil and decent. People are responsible for themselves.
What are you talking about? I see Jen Psaki on television every day.
It has been all over the media that she will be leaving for MSNBC. As Linda Bailey suggested, but I hadn't thought of, it's possible that Biden has decided she could do a great job of promoting all of this administration's good deeds. The messaging has been lacking so far, but Psaki could be exactly what the Dems need prior to the midterms. The fact that the Right doesn't watch MSNBC can be offset by Faux shadowing her in order to criticize. I love it when she skewers the right-wing twits. Biden has done a great job in choosing his staff, and I trust that he'll find a good replacement.
I watch her daily press briefings on C span too. Other than the 10 other people that do, she's under the radar
She is out front every day; however the MSM will not show her the way they did Trump mouth pieces.
As I said, I watch her everyday there are briefings, maybe you do, but its far from a commanding audience. The White House does not have a platform to reach the masses. No idea what her vehicle will be. Isn't Maddow down to once a week?
Rupert's news monopoly must be broken up and sold off to individual owners. We have seen how dangerous news can become when the majority of outlets are owned by one individual.
Plus Rupert Murdock is a creepy right-winger. So over those guys.
And now we have the issue of Twitter, one of the board of directors is James Murdoch!!! And Musk wants free speech and since Twitter will become a private company there will be no government oversight.
That's probably why we are all on Substack right now. I just read an article in the Atlantic where the author talked about "the exhausted middle" and that is me right now.
I would agree that the Biden Administration isn't very good at public relations via the mainstream media, but I am also coming to believe that doing that is not actually possible. When I read what's being written about Biden today--regardless of what he is or is not doing--my conclusion is that it has little to do with the lack of skill at manipulating or using the media. The NYTimes, for example, is driven by money. Bad news sells better than good news. Reports of Biden's accomplishments do not sell subscriptions the way the long, bloody descriptions and film of the disaster in Afghanistan. And in those reports an analysis of only the failure and fault to be laid at Biden's feet. I think the press is looking to maximize profit and Biden is expendable. And, yes, they are also lousy at using the press.
I agree with everything you've said. I try not to allow myself to give in to paranoia and consider that dark money and foreign powers are behind some of it. What I do believe, though, is that Biden's plate is so full that he can't spend any energy hitting back. He has actually commented on that point - once. When you see how he methodically goes from one fire to the next, then accomplishes so much, and has to manage the expectations of his party, it's mind boggling. Just mending the NATO relationships, especially since the entire world is wary of trusting us after four years of insanity, was nothing short of a miracle. A lesser person couldn't handle all of it. Those who continue the hateful reactions to him are doing so willfully, not because they really believe it. They're threatened.
Dean, that is a fact. When I was growing up, one of the local news anchors lived right around the corner from us and was a good friend. I will never forget a conversation I had with Nancy regarding exactly that. Good news has a very short shelf life, negative news goes on for a long time or as long as the media wants it to. That conversation was about 50 years ago. The premise hasn't changed at all.
David, In my view, the split screen is one way of “tak[ing] the gloves off and go[ing] after [Fox News]… publicly…”. Fox News ideologues embrace a world view that can’t be proven wrong because they will admit no evidence to the contrary. Imagine their anger if public spaces were filled with split screens, wherein one side was getting it right—rendering indisputable truths the far right didn’t want exposed.
You are absolutely right about that. The bullies seem not to have any problem grabbing the bullhorn and subjecting us to all kinds of nonsense. It is time to cheer the good work this administration has done and broadcast that work loud and clear.
I agree that the administration's is doing great things and I mention this often. Last night's news featured his endorsement of the awful Kirk Schrader. I do think he will win the primary and I also think this is a ploy to keep the House. But this sort of thing isn't going to help when many progressives here are already dissing Biden. Maybe at least wait until after the primary.
Michele, every Democrat needs to understand the alternative - getting everything they want, or losing it all to the current GOP criminals. We need to grit our teeth and support those who have a decent chance of being elected, maintain a large enough majority that we won't be held hostage to Manchin, Sinema, and other grandstanders, then fine-tune what we all hope to accomplish. The fact that progressives are dissing Biden proves that they have very limited memory. The only thing that I wish we could learn from the Rethuglicans is that they march in lockstep to accomplish their goals. Instead of being our usual fractious selves, perhaps we should consider uniting for the common good. Otherwise, our country is headed for Hell in a handbasket.
I try, but got called "toxic" at one point. And I understand this, but these people often don't because they are locked in on Bernie for starters and will not understand the HRC would have been a much better alternative to death star. Also they want everyone to check all the progressive boxes. I am noting right now that some have started to understand that even if they don't, the alternative is awful. The primary is three weeks away. One person has put together a who to vote for in nonpartisan races and it is a good guide. We have a former judge who would not marry same sex couples trying to get on the Court of Appeals and I hope people will just vote for the incumbent in this case. For some reason in this election we are seeing a lot of the bad old names resurfacing.
I think these (truly) toxic people smell blood in the water, so they're up for another try. We are all focused on national elections, but we must understand that it all starts and the local level - so we must shut off the spigot at its source.
That is beautifully written. Thank you for so eloquently saying what I've been thinking for a long time.
Why are so many progressives dissing Biden? Why don't we help this guy out? Nobody gets everything they want right away and this administration not only has to try to achieve its objectives but also undo much of the terrible, horrible, really bad damage TFG left being.
They are Bernie followers by and large and define progressive very narrowly. Now that the primary election is much closer, they are coming to their senses somewhat and realizing that faced with, for example, someone promoted by the Chamber of Horrors, that the other candidate would be preferably even if he doesn't hit all the progressive buttons. He is a former deputy sheriff I believe, and has served well on the City Council. This is for the mayor of Salem. Biden did not help himself endorsing Schrader who is disliked by all but the most conservative Ds. In Salem we are largely, if not totally, in the new congressional district 6 and that seat is wide open. We have flannel shirt crypto guy, Carrick Flynn, and I think, 18 others on the D side. I will be voting for Salinas who has a solid legislative record and is Hispanic within this district which is heavily Hispanic. The problem with Biden, as these folks see it is that he is an establishment D and for some, a corporate D. In many ways, they are true believers.
How to do this, please
Great idea, I remember all this and it’s the reason for my “treading water” stance on so much. Every day there was another broadside hit on our “administrative state.” All Biden’s efforts will be undone in a nanosecond if chump cheats his way back. The Republican Party is a greater threat than Russia…
Seems to me that there’s a simple solution to the threat—and as a trial lawyer I distrust simple answers almost as much as I distrust long drawn-out ones. The Democrats should campaign against Trump, non-stop and full-time. Let Democratic candidates remind the voters over and over that Trump is a crook, tried to overthrow the Constitution, and was in bed with Putin. Don’t mince words and don’t hold back. When the question is about something else, pivot it to Trump: inflation? Trump gave hundreds of billions to the rich and the nation lost tens of millions of of jobs while he was president. President Biden has added tens of millions of jobs, unemployment is at a record low and wages are going up faster than they have in 75 years. The coup de grace comes when the Democratic candidate calls on her Republican opponent to say clearly whether he supports Trump or not. Make Trump the overriding issue and we win, because he is much less popular than he was in 2020, and he loses support every day.
Simply brilliant, Jon!
The Republican Party is working with Russia. They have been since 2015, and they make little effort to hide it.
Such as… https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/27/rand-paul-blinken-ukraine-russia-nato/
I watched the clip of Rand Paul trying to argue that Ukraine used to be part of Russia (though he did correct to Soviet Union) as if that's an acceptable reason to ignore Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Georgia and, potentially, other former satellites. I almost couldn't believe my ears! Secretary Blinken's response was excellent, emphasizing that each country has the right of self-determination and that neither Russia nor any other country has the right to take over a sovereign nation.
👍👍
Trump already lost once because so many people came out to vote against what he represents. He lost the House, then the WH, then, against all odds, the Senate. If he runs again, it will be the best possible thing that can happen for democracy, because it wakes people up and gets them to vote.
Yay, Roland! And consider that Biden wasn't every Democrat's dream candidate. We voted for an elderly candidate with little charisma, but hoped his experience and decency would serve him well, and he certainly acquitted himself beyond our wildest expectations . We just can't go back.
And Biden is a decent man in a world awash in indecency.
True, but he's no babe in the woods. He knows exactly how filthy politics is, and he has learned to slough it off, unlike our reaction.
If Republicans control enough Secretaries of State and State Legislatures, vote totals in 2024 won’t matter. Republicans will scream “fraud” and select their own slate of electors. This is what they’ve been working on for the past two years.
Roland, I wish I could share your confidence; however, it haunts me that but for a mere 33,000 votes, give or take, in 3 states—Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin—Trump would have been re-elected.
I don't really see the difference between radical tumplicans and russia. They both want to destroy democracy in their ramfshod race to power and maintaining the rich, white caste systems in the world.
Correct! The Russians fool nobody. (except our defeated former president). The Republicans, however, fool millions of Americans every day by wrapping themselves in phony patriotism as they accept white nationalists, assorted bigots and those who preach that a government which puts the interests of people ahead of those of business is 'socialism' into their fold. Democracy allows them to do this. That is a problem with our 'freedoms' that will persist so long as too many Americans are 'treading water' instead of fighting back. That fight starts locally, with the bigot who lives down the street from you and is encouraged by those who choose to 'tread water.'
Jack, Though your analysis is brilliantly spot on, if, amid one of the most terrifying moments in our nation’s history, one’s head still is above water, I interpret that to mean he or she is “fighting back.”
The 'partisans' in France, Poland and in the rest of Europe during the Nazi occupation of their countries were indeed 'fighting back.' But if they showed their heads 'above water,' they were shot at ... so they remained in the forests or underground elsewhere, blowing up bridges or whatever they could do. (See Hemingway's 'For Whom the Bell Tolls.) We are far from that point, but with all three branches of our government in authoritarian hands, we might have to go there , as John Brown did in 1859.
Jack, Though your original response was not addressed to me, but to someone who had replied to me, I, nonetheless, am questioning whether your interpretation / critique of that subscriber’s mention of “treading water” is consistent with the person’s intended meaning. Please note I doubt I would have intervened had I not read your take as decisively judgmental.
Jeri, I sense from your reply that, like me, these split screens live in your mind 24/7.
The Lincoln Project is good at this. The Pod Save America/Crooked Media people talk a lot about messaging, but I don’t think they have budgets to do it.
The Lincoln Project has launched Join the Union jointheunion.us to unite all of us who want to recover democracy. I encourage everyone to join and work together for democracy.
A few days ago, I posted a request that we HCR readers send a postcard to the WH (1600 Pennsylvania AV NW, Washington DC 20500) simply stating "I SUPPORT DEMOCRACY" (and Cathy L added the jointheunion.us --great idea, and I did!) I saw almost 130 hearts on my comment. Personally, I put 4 postcards in the mail and I asked 8 friends to do so. I hope that those who added a heart to my comment have sent their card(s) and have posted on their social media! Another HCR reader also make the great suggestion to send a card of thanks to the January 6th Select Committed (Longworth House Office Bldg Washington DC 20505--I did!)
We can't just sit back and bemoan the lack of media coverage! Somehow we need to endorse the positive coverage which we can find, and also to create it ourselves. If we can create a simple gesture that becomes viral, we are helping promote the positive. Years ago there was a widely read news item; the advice columnist "Dear Abby" asked for postcard votes on her query "Would you have kids again?"--and if you recall the story, many many said no! It created quite a stir. Perhaps bags and bags of postcards to the WH might create another stir?
Please--send a card. No postcard? Write on the back of a sealed envelope. Ask your friends and family to do so. Post on your social media. It might be a futile gesture but I am so sick of all of these antics by the GOP! I have written to voters, I donate to candidates, I have worked for causes--to me, sending a postcard to the WH or the Select Committee is like voting, my single vote might not make a difference but all those votes put together move history.
Thank you.
Why send it to the White House? Isn’t that just preaching to the choir master? Why not send it to Mitch McConnell, Ron DeSantis, Greg Abbott, Kevin McCarthy or for that matter Rupert Murdoch and some of his minions?
My thought is they would just toss it/them. Yes, preaching to the choir, but my idea is to start something that will garner media attention. I feel thousands of supportive postcards to the WH WOULD somehow be made known to the media.
Miselle, Thank you for the reminder. I'm one of those hearts that did not follow through. I appreciate you including the addresses. I'm on it!
I have sent my cards and thanks for your suggestion. I also do Postcards to Voters for specific campaigns. The Union is making phone calls to Toyota, calling them out for supporting insurrectionists.
That's a really good suggestion and I'm going to send a postcard today. I also joined The Union, which looks like a very proactive organization with young people to push back against The Mob. Thanks.
I received an email from The Union this morning with the information that Toyota is again funding several insurrectionists, after promising last fall to stop doing that. Though as the owner of a Toyota I’m boiling angry, thanks to The Union, I know exactly what to do - call my local Toyota dealer and complain loudly. There is even a script to use.
Thanks to The Union, I’m able to punch back and let the grifters know we’re watching and that there are other options for cars. Join The Union!!!! (Thanks Cathy!!)
Sheila!
Calling local is a wonderful idea! I can’t wait. Plus, it’s personal with me. I had a vehicle serviced regularly at Toyota for well over a decade.
I did, the barbarians are at our door.
And Pod Save America has votesaveamerica.com for those who want to help with the midterms.
Yep! And last night on Ari Member’s show, Rick Wilson said that the Union members would be organizing a campaign to call Toyota to tell them we are unhappy with their funding to the seditionist Republicans. The call to action email came this morning encouraging us to call the Toyota dealerships in our area and ask to speak to the manager.
Just joined "Join the Union." Thank you. It's important!
Thanks, Cathy. I'm in.
Done. Thanks for the heads up.
Sad that a small minority of Republicans are more appropriately vocal than our Dems. Rupert still rules the fools
It’s not just vocal it’s ORGANIZED/muscular. Republicans (of whom I am not one) clean D’s clocks at GOTV, at organizing, at messaging, at showing the f’ahem on time. Seen it year after year teaching Young Repubs/Federalist Soc types and well-intentioned hippies. Latter throw a hunger strike for justice; former GETS THE PERMITS and throws a campus barbecue for Fed Soc right next door to troll. It’s not who is right it’s who is CLEVER in tactics, my friends.
The organization is coming out of their state conventions, recently held. One of the organization meetings was how to subvert ranked choice voting, which we have in Alaska. Another one was how to use school boards to promote culture wars. I couldn't believe what I was hearing on talk radio yesterday. It is out there.
Rules the fools is a wonderful turn of phrase.
POD Save America Proudcers: Daniel Pfeiffer, Tommy Vieto & the '2 Jons', Jon Favreau & Jon Lovett. Daniel hosts a Digital Community focused on Dem camapign messaging called: 'The Message Box'.
The tRUMP side of the screen will be blank except for a YouTube video showing the Saudis dismembering a live journalist
I agree with you 100% Barbara!
After 4+ years of the media’s nauseating overuse of the adjective “unprecedented” to report on the norm-busting, destructive doings of tfg (i.e. emoluments, Helsinki, Charlottesville, Jan. 6/21 etc etc).
The media should invest heavily on your “Then&Now” split screen approach for reporting the news. Thanks to the work of the 1/6/21 commission, we now have some context!
IMO, it’s valuable to remember where we were, helpful to know where we are and hopeful to see where we can be
Yes, before and after. Would love to see it.
@M Figueroa, Thank you for your validating reply. I plan to start writing letters to whomever I can think of who would have the requisite resources and contacts.
Read an interesting article a few days ago about the differences between Democratic and Republican campaign rallies.
A Democratic shows up with a one hour Power Point presentation full of charts and data. Fifteen minutes later the audience is nodding off.
A Republican shows up with brief talking points and bumper sticker slogans. The audience goes wild.
Who most effectively fired up the base?
"Brief talking points and bumper sticker slogans "
backed up by no facts, no truth and no evidence
William, Of course, you’re right, but that wasn’t the question. Bottom line: one can and must do both.
@H. H. Rose, Your point is spot on. Hence, why I keep writing letters to whomever might listen suggesting that Dems ought to be telling their story as opposed to talking about abstract legislation and non-relatable numbers and data.
As the dismantling and dismembering of the State Department was taking place during tfg's stint in office, I remember my outrage quite vividly, not to mention my alarm at how such well-trained, career diplomats and personnel could ever be replaced. I can only imagine how you must have felt, David!
I'm so delighted that you took a slightly different path tonight, Heather, as this letter contains fundamental and compelling gems! Thank you!
The recovery is still on going. President Biden just nominated career diplomat Bridget Brink to be Ambassador to Ukraine after the position has been vacant for three years.
Will republicans stall and refuse to confirm, or will Manchin
Both of those. Stall and "no"
Yes
Dear Jeri, I vote we don’t give such thoughts words. 🤞🏻💙
Ambassador Brink, currently in Slovakia, is a superbly qualified Foreign Service Officer well-versed in Eastern European affairs. I find it appalling that it has been nearly three years since Ambassador Yanocovich, another uncommon professional FSO, was ousted in a Trump/Giuliani/Pompey hatchet job. Thankfully, the State Department, under SecState Blinken, is again becoming professional with Blinkin working hand-in-glove with President Biden and FSO Burns, director of CIA.
I agree. It was a positive message about work that is actually getting done on our behalf by an Administration that actually cares about the country.
I REMEMBER THAT, in the Beginning of it, Rowshan.
IT was Gutwrenching!!!!😡😡😡😡
Trump wanted the power of a dictator. A normally functioning State Department wouldn't have allowed him to become what he wanted — Kim Jong-un on a larger stage, acting on his whim of the moment and engaging in rank corruption.
It's sobering to imagine what the world would be today if Trump was still in power. And it's breathtaking to grasp the media's failure to accurately convey the damage that Trump had done to the State Department and Biden's success in rapidly rebuilding it.
Biden has been fighting the extreme right reach for authoritarianism as well as the media. He has been standing between democracy and fascism.
I knew it was bad, but not HOW truly catastrophic that "bad" really was. This LFAA left me breathless.
I too am a son of parents who both worked for AID overseas for 10 years. That work helps countries thrive and avoid conflicts with their neighbors. Lessen the need to migrate to safer countries.
I wonder if any Republicans and Fox News watchers have any idea this even happened.