Despite various other topics occasionally making their way into the conversation, such as the economy, Trump’s trip to the Middle East, and the controversy surrounding a Qatari jet, the overwhelming focus remained on the debate surrounding Biden’s recent struggles. It seems that nothing piques the interest of the media more than discussing themselves! So, let’s delve into the realm of media scrutiny and see who came out on top (or maybe the bottom) this week.
THE CONTENDERS
Politico – Jonathan Martin found himself in hot water when he attempted to deny his prior knowledge of Joe Biden’s health issues, only to be called out on it. Sebastian Gorka even went as far as to expose the publication during their own event. The outlet also featured a story about a reverend who was supposedly “arrested for praying” during the Trump administration, when in reality, he was protesting inside the Capitol Rotunda.
MSNBC – Jonathan Lemire seemed puzzled by the lack of support for former FBI Director James Comey among those on the right. In a surprising turn of events, the network made controversial remarks by suggesting that white asylum seekers from South Africa should be denied entry. Furthermore, there was a clear attempt to twist the narrative surrounding the Letitia James lawsuit, trying to link it solely to MAGA supporters.
ABC News – Jonathan Karl lit the industry on fire during the early part of the week with his BREAKING report that Qatar was giving President Trump a new Air Force One. Small matter that there were more nuanced details behind this arrangement, not to mention that the Wall Street Journal had fully reported on this more than a week earlier. Martha Raddatz sat with a prominent Cardinal to discuss the new Pope, and made it all about Donald Trump. When the April inflation figure came in at just 0.2 percent, the outlet struggled to come up with a negative spin. The network was mad when NOAA announced it will stop tracking climate change damage costs.
THE WINNER
CNN / JAKE TAPPER
The publisher teased out portions of Tapper’s “Original Sin” and this had the media complex falling over themselves to excuse their behavior.
Initially the focus was on George Clooney’s involvement, but that proved problematic.
While touting his book on CNN, Tapper slammed the White House narrative about cheap fake videos, and had to ignore his own network selling that fraudulent excuse.
Tapper later interviewed two Wall Street Journal reporters for their heroic coverage of Biden’s decline; Jake had scorn for those who criticized their initial report… which included himself at the time it was released.
To help him be more likable on his book tour, Tapper has reportedly hired a notorious crisis PR spin expert.
Along with Jake, the network had a sterling week of fractured economic news. After telling us tariffs would spike car prices and hurt the economy, we were told that car prices did not spike – and this hurt the economy.
Overall, the outlet saw that food prices had come down, and of course THIS was said to be bad news.
While reporting that egg prices had come down, as Trump had stated, they claim he was initially incorrect, but he’s correct now.
Lastly, Abby Phillip hosted a former Biden official who declared that the South Africans should be shipped out to Germany, where they belong.
Way to go, media.
