This is strictly a ratings play. It’s shoddy journalism. Instead, CNN should be doing a three-hour prime time special on how Donald Trump has duped half the American people.
As soon as the Carroll verdict was reached, Trump and some of his supporters realleged the same lies about her that led to the judgment. She can sue again.
CNN is on notice that he is can't control himself and odds are good that he'll restate the allegations again tonight.
Odds are also good that Trump will restate some of the same lies that got Dominion a judgment over Fox for defamation.
The orange traitor cannot control himself. He has been found responsible for his defamation...the precedent has been set for holding him responsible for his behavior. This accountability must continue.
CNN is wrong to give him air time. They have no journalistic integrity, and it wouldn't be a bad thing if they went the way of Fox.
I'd like to think he is hanging himself but whatever he does, it seems to appeal t a lot of Americans. 46% say they'll vote for him. Americans seem to be that ignorant.
William-- Trump's support comes from about 20% of the voting population, not enough to get him elected as drain commissioner. Only 1 in 5 voters say they would vote for him. He amounts to little more than a hinderance to anyone else in the Republican party that might be considering running.
You may believe that but the polls don't support it:
An ABC panel appeared shocked Sunday while reviewing results from an ABC/Washington Post poll finding former President Donald Trump trouncing President Joe Biden in a hypothetical 2024 race.
The poll found Biden trailing Trump when voters were asked for a preference, with 44% of adults saying they would “definitely” or “probably” vote for the former president and 38% said they would probably support Biden. It surveyed 1,006 adults between April 28 and May 3 with a 3.5% margin of error.
I agree. I was just telling my husband, while I am upset with all the republican shenanigans, lies, attempts to make our country one of an authoritarian dictatorship rather than the democratic republic and fear of women, immigrants and anyone who is different... I am most disheartened by the fact that so many Americans remain trump supporters and think the "woke" media is spewing lies "out to get him" even though there is proof before their eyes.
At this moment in time, the messages that 1. Biden has diminished capacity to govern, and 2. That Kamilla Harris would inherit without a vote--somehow an even worse outcome for the US--are reflected in the polls. It's early days, inflation still worries Americans, Ukraine war is stalled, China is menacing, and we haven't had space to recover from the last gun incident before another reaches national news. I'll wait until a year from now before I succumb to doom and gloom.
The Ukraine war looks like its stalled but jusy like Diane Feinstein people like (myself) called the ball to early. Of what I know of military history and Ukraines currenr preparations. The Russians are already in a real bad spot and Ukraine has held ALL of its latest military aid in reserve. China, meh. Thats more Republican propaganda central. Republicans dont want you looking at Russia. So instead they culture ear tiktok and Taiwan. Well China knows its a paper tiger and if you think Russia tanks blowing their tops happened a lot, wait until China tries to invade Taiwan and you are going to see a LOT of ships on the bottom of the ocean. China isnt that stupid. They get most of their advanced computer chips from.....NOT china. Theyre military machine and modern weapons would grind to a halt just like Russias has. The republicans are only getting people into a tizzy over lack of gun regulation. Its going to be a field day in some elections for the democrats.
I resent your implication. I'm older than Biden and am not diminished in any way, nor do I think Biden is. Your negative views have no place in this dialog for me.
Am afraid that upwards of 1/2 are unwilling to embrace facts & ethics. It is about seeking some magical, fantasy land where in nothing matters, other than what feeds "the believers," bordering on being a cult.
I could see 46% percent voting for him. It matters where though. If they arent in swing states it wont matter how many votes they can muster in Ohio or Iowa or other lean red state. Polls tend to cherry pick to get the result of what group X wants people to think.. I believe the quote was the only things that are certain are death lies and statistics. (not calling you a liar). My personal opinion is Democrats want him in jail, MAGAs want to worship him (more by the case load minute), only about 26% of populatiom though and independents are leaning more and more away from him with his continued not my fault crap.
Yesterdays verdict was case number 2. Ist case was when Trump was president. It could be that Carroll can file a motion for partial summary judgment in case number 1 alleging issue preclusion, res judicata, that liability was established by the jury yesterday.
Every time she is defamed, she has a new cause of action. In general the rule is that even if she does not have much in further damages she gets a dollar for pain and suffering, punitive damages may ensue.
With an implied all-of-the-above for today’s choices… CNN is still likely the #1 news seen globally on television. DT is both loathed and loved by watchers of CNN outside the US. Here in Kenya, CNN is aired by a national channel, and there is little doubt that this “CNN Special” will not be broadcast. Many Kenyans are conservative politically as are many on the African continent and globally. Will RM and Fox give President Biden an hour, and if so, will he tell them to bugger off? Who knows. Looking at the ninety-plus comments today, will DT change my vote for next year’s presidential election? No. The choice is ours as individuals… will watching support DT win him the election, or will President Biden lose the election because CNN aired DT? Who knows? In the meantime, and in full support of the right to free speech, I’ll get up at 2 am and watch. Yesterday, about Senator DF Calif., for all of us who remember the national TV footage of Senator ST being wheeled into the Senate, did we turn off the TV set in disgust and go after the networks? At a guess, many who will watch DT being hosted by KC in this TH, it will only further the resolve to show up and vote in 2024 and vote the party line in yet another election where the bigger picture is perhaps, why can’t we as a country and the two-main parties figure out how to grow centrist numbers instead of polarized ones. If we eventually go down in flames (I hope not) as a country with Dems vs Reps at the helm, who will we blame then, the independents, the Greens?
This issue is not so much about attacking the news networks when we read, hear or see any objectionable content they report. Rather, it concerns the primary responsibility of a free press, which is to seek the truth and then inform the people. CNN is most certainly exercising poor journalistic judgment in providing a town hall forum to a wannabe fascist autocrat who lies for a living.
Free press does not mean giving White Supremist racist, xenophobe, homophobe autocrats like Donald Trump and Viktor Orban platforms to spew there vile propaganda.
Henry Hunt ; lots of "We's here.; Have you been stateside near any mass shootings lately? The crimes that are a direct result of lawlessness and violence brought to us by tRumpism is not free speech.. it is insurrection.. Are you aware of states changing election rules to allow Democrat votes to be blocked or even discarded? This is bad! Really bad!! Both sides ism does not work here.
Fascism and autocracy should not pull the needle to the "center". There are radicals on both sides ingnores that one side tried to take over the government on Jan 6th.
CNN should be boycotted by its advertisers. And god willing there’ll be a suit against them. This is beyond insane. Shame on CNN. They used to feel measured and thoughtful to me. No more.
Other than not watching CNN tonight, I unsubscribed to their emails when I read Robert's post this morning. It feels like a pitiful effort, but I've been feeling very uncomfortable about where this country is going lately.
Your boycott of CNN reminds me of my feeble effort of suspending my Facebook account when they let the orange one back on. I closed my Twitter account when they let him back on Twitter.
On the contrary, I think TFG is very much in control of himself. The problem is that he is a malignant narcissist who actually believes he can do no wrong, and that everyone else is either lying or out to get him, or both. The town hall will only amplify his lies, both to those who believe them and those of us who see right through him. CNN will get a ratings boost (which is all they are really after), and no one who has already made up their minds about him will change.
When I first heard about it, I remembered Mr. Reich's post about his Conversation with Chris Licht, CEO of CNN. Putting Trump on the air validates Reich's post following the the cancellation of Brian Stelter's show on CNN- Reliable Sources. During his conversation with Mr. Reich- Licht ultimately claimed they wanted neutrality at CNN and wanted both sides, Lies and the truth... sorry, Republicans and Democrats to be able to present their sides. In other words...
"good people on both sides" = false equivalencies = Muddying the water. For the billionaires, corporate interests, and their flunkies (Republicans), who are trying to spread lies and divide us in order to maintain minority rule, muddying the water or chaos & confusion, is the next best thing to selling lies. If they can't get you to fall for the lie, they will try to confuse you, so you don't know what the truth is; you can't tell the difference between what is true vs what is a lie. Which helps them to maintain their current power/wealth and to gain more power/wealth. At the same time, they know it is harder to stoke division with our youth, who have grown up with and established friendships with ppl across the historic barriers of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, sociology-economic status, etc., and they fear the coalition (power-in-numbers) our youth have forged. They have shown that they are willing to implode this experiment called Democracy to maintain their wealth/power and continue to chip away at its foundation. If we continue to allow them to divide us and to convince us that Government (for the people and by the people) or some powerless, marginalized group is the enemy, we are in jeopardy of losing the ability to exercise our power-in-numbers (majority) through government- Democracy.
Agree. CNN in a way would be a vessel for propaganda. Pushing the division. This tactic has worked historically because their still is racism in our country but you are right in noting it is losing it's stronghold in our youth. Their reality will make it harder for conservatives to stoke fear and division. Where will the republicans find their "them" to protect us from. Giving tfg airtime to stoke the fears and division is nothing more than Russian TV. Trying to claim democracy is not working and authoritarian leadership is the nation's savior. Look for who got to CNN, bet it is Russian influence.
Yes, tRump is a Russian plant! MSM is infiltrated, in the guise of "fair and balanced". Because we must hear "both sides"; while one 'side' is destroying our Democracy. Killing children and other innocent humans. And trashing the planet.
That only works of they require those the Trump supporters who attended the "Town Hall" program (which from what I've observed is no town I'd want to live in) to watch it.
CNN is demonstrating what Republican politicians operate by- money is louder than: words, decency, morals, truth, real patriotism, and real American people. I will not be watching!
“Live from Sing Sing Prison, the Former Guy, now Indicted and Convicted, Donald Trump. With a special thanks to Con Edison for the electric shock collar that gives a shock with each lie!”
One of the essential characteristics of Fascism is the marriage of government and corporate power...when a media corporation supports a Fascist just to make a profit, what are they? How many Americans are in jail, waiting to be on trial, for accusation of crimes that don't even approach the severity of Trump's criminal behavior.
Michael Hutchinson; You asked why tRump is not in jail: Security detail for life? Crazy! He should at least be in a padded cell until all the litigation ends (or he ends), whichever comes first. at the very least, take away his megaphone and end his rallies! Block him from any office.
He hasn’t been convicted in court that’s why- governments too scared of him the arch bully to indict. Soon we hope but Trump will die before going to prison- literally- he’ll die of threatened ego!!
This perfectly describes the legal system plus illuminates why some of the rest of us are losing faith in law and order. The unfairness of our system is overwhelming and somewhat may explain why Biden's good work is undervalued. Add in the main stream media indifference to democracy and corporate silence while Kevin McCarthy plays Russian roulette with the world's economy and we have a witch's brew of mess. Yesterday Robert Hubbell did a great job of bringing out all the power we now have for the 2024 elections. This includes an energized Democrat electorate as well as Republican optics that worsen every day. The following quote makes me happy."Never interfere with an enemy while he is in the process of destroying himself"
Biden is not doing good works. He is very good at selling a Centrist Dem line that sounds good but works mainly to support the corporate elites greed and need for power over the public. He is supporting, actively but quietly, promoting technocratic control of the US and the world. He support the AI goals of transhumanism. And dont ignore his active support for increasing surveillance of the public and control of our personal finances. China was berated for its social credit card system for control but the West is doing the same. Several countries already have such cards that are being expanded and Biden is directing numerous US agencies to develop such protocols here. Further, he promotes ideas that sound good but never come to fruition, are so watered down if they do come up for a vote, and always have sinister goals embedded in subtle, but distinct language. Do not support this man--he is and represents everything dangerous to us. including nuclear war.
Tanya Marquette ; Don't allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. He is the incumbent and has at least tried to serve the human citizens. Do you suggest anyone else at this point of chaos and treachery?
You say: "He is supporting, actively but quietly, promoting technocratic control of the US and the world. He support the AI goals of transhumanism. And dont ignore his active support for increasing surveillance of the public and control of our personal finances." How do you know any of that? Please show links to sources. I'm not so concerned about keeping track of where people are garnering huge wealth - particularly if they can be linked to secret, off-shore hoards. As with ol' Tweety, they have nothing to fear if they have nothing to hide. On the other hand, to suggest that he supports transhumanism, I'd be interested in knowing to what extent - smart prosthetics, or what? Remember, you're tacitly implying an eye will be kept on the finances of the technocrats, as well. There's not much to discover in the working schlubs that could possibly be of any use to anyone but Republicans who would facilitate it, decry it, and blame the Democrats!
I understand, but what I meant was, why has he not yet been in front of a criminal court? Mueller and Garland have waffled enough. Let's hope Smith is made of sterner stuff.
He has a 34-count NY criminal case against him, but he also has two fixed civil trial dates coming up. The first is October 2, in the case by Letitia James seeking $250 million for various business-type frauds.
The second is January 29, 2024 in a class action against him and some of his spawn for a pyramid marketing scheme, involving a company called ACN.
Pyramid marketing schemes are tricky because once you sell a pyramid, delivery is a bear. Most pyramid salespeople fail to deliver, so they get sued for all they’re worth. Trump has failed in efforts to get these trials delayed beyond their current dates.
The lead lawyer for plaintiffs in the ACN class action is Roberta Kaplan, the very same Roberta Kaplan who just punched Trumps ticket. The ACN case, by the way, is a much easier case to bring than the Carroll case was.
I agree that Garland is a wuss, but if I were in his position, low hanging fruit, like those who asked Trump for pardons, would have been the first prosecutions.
@Daniel Solomon, Garland may/may not be a wuss, but it looks to me like he's proceeding in keeping with the first rule of criminal prosecutions. If you shoot at the king, don't miss.
Daniel always on top of the big picture. Thank you! I am impatient and waiting for a juicy conviction of Trump and the next blue wave seems like an eternity.
Come into my web, said the spider to the fly. IMHO the Mueller obstruction counts are still viable. Plus all of the tax matters can be added. The state counts would be "pendant" claims. Speedy trial rules in Fed. Court may require a trial in 45 days.
In Youtube, unsubscribe from the CNN channel and when it pops up in your news feed hit the 3 buttons on the right "Don't Recommend content from this channel". Its a tactic I use when I see news media spreading Russia or Chinese propoganda. Should give CNN the message that we dont care what they have to say now.
Shame on CNN. What the hell happened to this organization that I used to consider impartial and who now seems to have some sort of agenda, or at least who has lost its bearings and become a tool in someone’s agenda.
Alina Habba was on CNN last night and a statement she made put her legal position in jeopardy. She stated, "Trump was innocent." Referring to the charge brought against him by Ms. Carroll. That's an interesting thought, "How does she know Trump is innocent?" Was she there or is she relying on Trump's honesty? Well, she wasn't there and we all know Trump lies about everything so her position is meaningless, especially knowing Ms. Habba holds the senior role in the MAGA's legal efforts. Her feelings about the truth are clouded by the credibility of the man she is representing. She loves the money and the notoriety that goes along with anything to do with Donald Trump, not to mention the almost inexhaustible pool of money Trump has at his disposal because of the generous contributions donated to his political campaign. Ms. Habba's ability to evade questions posed to her by Dana Bash of CNN was so typical of a young attorney. I feel her career might suffer a bit because of the horse she decided to back, Trump has a poisonous reputation and he doesn't care who finishes the race first because all he ever does is lie about the outcome. Ms. Habba will enthusiastically ride to his aid, for a chunk of that campaign money. I'm still waiting to see an individual that supports Trump that isn't distasteful by nature. Remember, Trump said it himself, "She isn't my type." From what I've seen anyone with estrogen in their veins is his type. The man's a dog, plain and simple
Since Ted Turner brought us CNN, I watched the channel for its fair look at the news (adding in a little MSNBC for Rachel Maddow). Over the last few years, CNN has begun to transition into something less news-centered and more MAGA-editorials. Like you, I no longer watch CNN ... but I would watch an hour-long interview with DJT if it were actually run by a journalist who would fact-check and press for answers. Dana Bash? Anderson Cooper? But definitely not the townhall starring the twice impeached, multi-indicted sexual predator.
A while back I read that CNN was being lead by a new CEO who was not shy in stating he wished to change the model to that of Fox News. Speculation followed that it had to do with ratings and $. Given that Fox recently fired Tucker C. And created a “gap” in their media strength, it doesn’t surprise me that CNN went “All In” and lined up the ratings biggest Star. I don’t like it either but when it comes to Cable News, it’s all about entertainment and money.
It seems as if CNN has gotten together with Elon Musk and they are now letting Trump do anything he wants just so they can spew the idea that everyone has a right to free speech. No CNN, no Elon Musk, you're absolutely wrong. Lies are not free speech when someone is trying to pull off a fraud or con. Obstructive behavior against the government is not free speech. Defamation is not free speech. I think these folks need an education on what Free speech actually is and what it actually isn't. Neophytes like the ones leading Twitter and CNN are like young children. They're running around saying oh Free speech free speech let's have more hate speech let's have more white supremacist speech, how about some Neo Nazi speech yay. Okay that's absolutely nuts.
CNN elected Trump by giving him free media all of 2016 for his infotainment value. He undermined Hillary with his ridiculous email bullshit for a year and CNN kept publicizing it. Americans turned off to Hillary and sucked up his celebrity nonsense.
All that the country needed was to move the dial on the swing states to Trump. The Republican and Trump proganda swung my vote to his side in 2016 (Hell no by 2020). Very insidious. Between Cambridge Analytica and Trumps lies it was enough to give him the electoral collage. I'm with Robert Reich its time to abolish the electoral collage or at least make it irrelevant. The only good thing about Trumps presidency is that it showed just how completely false the narrative that billionaires know whats best for us and operate in our bests interests. His antics and self interest showed that these self described "super heros" of finance and industry are actually only fighting to keep themselves in power and maintain the status quo of wealth transfer to the rich.
Yeah this Anti Biden propaganda thag Im hearing from MAGA and some non MAGA independents feels like the same social media hit squad with the "Hillary Emails" swap for "Huntee Bidens laptop" (makes me want to vomit everytime I hear that). And the Hillary Clinton "Poor Health" attacks are the same as the Biden "age and mental attacks". The Kamala attacks well thats plain racism.
Well, a journalistic case can be made for passing the story over. As Charles Dana aptly pointed out, “If a dog bites a man it is not news, but if a man bites a dog it is.” By that standard, there’s no news here; just move along.
Chris Licht has stated at the outset of his assuming the CEO role at CNN that he wanted to make Trump more partisan, more “relatable”…imagine such lunacy! Sexual assaults, insurrectionism, criminality in the White House notwithstanding...it appears that someone’s always going to give this goon a platform.
Yes Mary, and those supposedly "balanced" journalism sources will always have an excuse for giving Trumpitydoodah a platform, none of which is even reasonable
And they’re pretty transparent about that, aren’t they? They are comically obvious but at the same time they’re getting a lot of leverage...and that part isn’t so funny.
I think all of the choices you offered could apply. I wrote a lengthy comment to CNN when it was announced that they would be hosting this “Town Hall”…..I won’t be watching CNN ever again. Their choice has lost them a viewer, permanently.
A discussion for another day. News used to be treated differently by networks than entertainment. There was a public responsibility to tell the truth regarding politics, which was supported by the Fairness Doctrine. This qualifies neither as news nor entertainment, but some won't be able to tell the difference who watch it. It is a huge disservice to democratic values in presenting a "town hall" which allows a liar, insurrectionist, and criminal air time. Period.
Before the Fairness Doctrine was eliminated in the 1980s, no media companies made money on the news. So they all vied to have "The Best" news on tv and radio. News was a shiny hood ornament to their corporate empires. After the Fairness Doctrine was eliminated, news groups had to become "profit centers" in those corporations, and most became scandal sheets, more or less.
And of course I am omitting names of others who arguable fought harder and sacrificed more for human rights--people like MLK, John Lewis, Rosa Parks, Elizabeth Eckford, etc. The "ground swell" helped to pressure political leaders.
Remember the adage, “if you keep saying it the way it really is, eventually it becomes law”. Look what happened to FOX and the people who weren’t being honest about the way things were. When news outlets became an industry they really didn’t have a choice. The news programs became another version of Access Hollywood to compete for viewers, to get sponsors to help raise money for stock holders. And perhaps that should be so, I don’t know.
I wish you could point to what period in our history there used to be “higher moral standards” and the criteria upon which you base that allegation. The fifties after WW2? In all of our country’s history this was not so if you were black, Hispanic, gay, female, etc. Uncomplicated, simpler maybe, but moral?
A clearer understanding (and more entertaining I would add) of the evolution of the news media might be found by watching ‘The Newsroom’ on HBO? It’s a tricky and difficult business.
There is a fiduciary responsibility now IN LAW that corporate directors must must maximise profit for shareholders, earth and humans be damned. This is a law created by the super-rich, and enacted by the GOP
The topic of morals is complicated by time and the myriad of issues it covers. If the moral arc does eventually bend toward justice, it happens in fits
and starts and along various strands, sometimes simultaneously but often times not. Corporations used to care about steak-holders more than shareholders. Then corporate raiders (now called private equity firms) changed that about the same time the Fairness Doctrine was eliminated. Both things happened with the changing of government rules, so government enabled it. I suggest you read Prof. Reich's books on the subject.
As to morals, those are always evolving. Lincoln knew this well. He had definite opinions that slavery was evil, but he had to work within the social fabric and political situation where it existed. At the penultimate moment, he made the right decision: emancipation, a decision which ended up killing him.
FDR managed a similar thing in leading us to survive a depression and prepare us for war (and while a Nazi-supported plot was foiled here, see R Maddow's "Ultra") yet waiting for the right moment, though he knew it was morally right to preserve Western civilization.
Truman tried to advance rights of Blacks but knew the limits of what could be achieved politically; LBJ risked much to fulfill civil rights, following Kennedy's legacy and his own personal experiences.
But historically speaking, from Pearl Harbor until at least the late 1980's or so (and arguably in politics until later, perhaps the mid-late 1990's), there was a sense of community and common purpose as it related to the ideals of a free and responsible press, bi-partisanship when it came to national defense/foreign policy, and a felt responsibility of corporations to support those ideals. Now that companies are multi-national, care only about inflating shareholder wealth, and little to no allegiance to any nation or set of workers, they care only about promoting policies which lead to further shareholder wealth. They have abandoned cities and their workers, pensions, and loyalty for a few cents more per item sold and a wad of money in CEO and shareholder pockets. They care nothing that families and entire towns' livelihoods have been displaced. Those at the head of these corporations have been hired for these roles. Congress enabled this. This is the immorality I'm speaking of. It has created a torrent of righteous hatred against the very government which enabled it.
So walking into this situation we have CNN, another network founded on presenting news and supposedly trusted (haha), presenting an hour-long opportunity for an anarchist who will say or do anything (and has done already) to become President again and hold onto power (if he gets in this time it will be like Hitler's second putsch--successful). This is an obvious attempt by the executives of CNN to gain back a right-winged audience, and in the process enable free air time (for Trump) for a criminal and treasonous sociopath to regain power and further
the spreading of lies which could end our democracy and way of life.
Well, like my husband always said, "How much can a flea eat?". How much money is enough and what are the boundaries for making it? Money really is the root of all evil.
There is a fiduciary responsibility now IN LAW that corporate directors must must maximise profit for shareholders, earth and humans be damned. This is a law created by the super-rich, and enacted by the GOP
Thanks you. Only point I was making is that greed is the symptom, not the problem. Lack of love for fellow man, selfishness, no sense of duty to God nor man. In other words, no morality.
Did Zaslov sleep through January 6th!? He wants to let the instigator for an attack on our Capital, sedition, to speak?! He wants people watching his channel that’s all… MONEY. I am finished with CNN; they have shown their true colors.
There are also many Germans who always ran out to hear Hitler speak. There were also many German platforms that Hitler could get onto supported by German corporations. People who don't know history are so, excuse the word, stupid.
I’d like to see an actual journalist push back on anything ‘the former guy’ says with actual data rather than letting him dominate the conversation with his lies.
I don’t think the reporter scheduled to interview him can do that but I am not planning on watching because ‘the former guy’ is not a serious thinker and has nothing to offer.
Jean L ; True. tRump is a conniving and shrewd man , propped up by obscene wealth, and dirty money too. He does not care about the common good or Democracy or the "fairness" that he whines about so often.
A Trump CNN Town Hall normalizes a very dangerouus, psychopathic crimimnal for the purpose of CNN courting Trump supporters ... it is like interviewing/normalizing Hitler and pretending you are providing value to the public.
How much is CNN's in-kind contribution to the Trump campaign worth? An hour of free advertising must be worth a lot, even on CNN. From now on, I consider CNN to be as opportunistic and unethical as other substantial donors to a candidate who has been convicted of sexual assault and is on trial for treason and other major crimes.
I am not a legal scholar or even an attorney but I believe there are limits to free speech defined by the Supreme Court, the example being that an individual is not allowed to yell “fire” in a crowded theater when there is none. Trump’s conspiracy theories or in fact plain old lies should also be forbidden. Many people believe them, and if they are not scrupulously fact checked, can be as damaging to democracy and American lives as yelling “fire”.
The pitiful state of this country and its consumerist education attitudes make it harder than ever for ‘normal’ people to think for themselves.
We can complain about Fox News or CNN but really they are just the top layer of the problem. The underlying issue is voter gullibility and popular disengagement from meaningful public goals and discourse.
Wendy ; I agree ; the messages do not really inspire, and deep down, consumers of endless lies know they are being played. Then they hate the proffered scapegoats : Democrats, women , black and brown and Asian people, Jews, whomever are set up as targets.
What do I think? I had my cable disconnected in April. I'm that fed up with cable news. Zaslov is claiming both sides? Hogwash! You are absolutely correct, Professor Reich, this is about Money. For crying out loud, this is May 2023, the primaries don't start until February 2024, who is he trying to kid? My only complaint this morning is the use of the word riot. That was not a riot we witnessed, that was full out treason. With the trumpster's urging they attacked the two police forces there trying to defend the lawmakers in OUR Capitol. They broke windows and desecrated the interior. That was an insurrection not a riot. I do not think the trumpster will win in 2024. Fewer than 160 million votes were cast in 2020. Registered Republicans account for 28% of registered voters now. Even if all of them vote for trump that is 44.8 million votes. He's lost the independents. The only imbeciles he can count on are the evangelicals and white supremacists - and a lot of them are in prison.
Fay Reid ; I feel frustrated that the word 'riot' is still being used by main stream media. I guess time is money ; Sedition has three syllables, riot takes less time to say. bottom line ; CNN, like so many media 'sources' is owned by the obscenely wealthy. "both sides ism " is the illusion that gives criminals equal footing,; or should I say, an advantage, because these criminals cheat and do not follow the law, or any ethics or decency. It takes time to be honest.
This is strictly a ratings play. It’s shoddy journalism. Instead, CNN should be doing a three-hour prime time special on how Donald Trump has duped half the American people.
As soon as the Carroll verdict was reached, Trump and some of his supporters realleged the same lies about her that led to the judgment. She can sue again.
CNN is on notice that he is can't control himself and odds are good that he'll restate the allegations again tonight.
Odds are also good that Trump will restate some of the same lies that got Dominion a judgment over Fox for defamation.
Maybe CNN will go the way of Fox.
The orange traitor cannot control himself. He has been found responsible for his defamation...the precedent has been set for holding him responsible for his behavior. This accountability must continue.
CNN is wrong to give him air time. They have no journalistic integrity, and it wouldn't be a bad thing if they went the way of Fox.
Give the man enough rope and he'll "hang" himself, not Pence.
I'd like to think he is hanging himself but whatever he does, it seems to appeal t a lot of Americans. 46% say they'll vote for him. Americans seem to be that ignorant.
William-- Trump's support comes from about 20% of the voting population, not enough to get him elected as drain commissioner. Only 1 in 5 voters say they would vote for him. He amounts to little more than a hinderance to anyone else in the Republican party that might be considering running.
You may believe that but the polls don't support it:
An ABC panel appeared shocked Sunday while reviewing results from an ABC/Washington Post poll finding former President Donald Trump trouncing President Joe Biden in a hypothetical 2024 race.
The poll found Biden trailing Trump when voters were asked for a preference, with 44% of adults saying they would “definitely” or “probably” vote for the former president and 38% said they would probably support Biden. It surveyed 1,006 adults between April 28 and May 3 with a 3.5% margin of error.
William,
I agree. I was just telling my husband, while I am upset with all the republican shenanigans, lies, attempts to make our country one of an authoritarian dictatorship rather than the democratic republic and fear of women, immigrants and anyone who is different... I am most disheartened by the fact that so many Americans remain trump supporters and think the "woke" media is spewing lies "out to get him" even though there is proof before their eyes.
At this moment in time, the messages that 1. Biden has diminished capacity to govern, and 2. That Kamilla Harris would inherit without a vote--somehow an even worse outcome for the US--are reflected in the polls. It's early days, inflation still worries Americans, Ukraine war is stalled, China is menacing, and we haven't had space to recover from the last gun incident before another reaches national news. I'll wait until a year from now before I succumb to doom and gloom.
The Ukraine war looks like its stalled but jusy like Diane Feinstein people like (myself) called the ball to early. Of what I know of military history and Ukraines currenr preparations. The Russians are already in a real bad spot and Ukraine has held ALL of its latest military aid in reserve. China, meh. Thats more Republican propaganda central. Republicans dont want you looking at Russia. So instead they culture ear tiktok and Taiwan. Well China knows its a paper tiger and if you think Russia tanks blowing their tops happened a lot, wait until China tries to invade Taiwan and you are going to see a LOT of ships on the bottom of the ocean. China isnt that stupid. They get most of their advanced computer chips from.....NOT china. Theyre military machine and modern weapons would grind to a halt just like Russias has. The republicans are only getting people into a tizzy over lack of gun regulation. Its going to be a field day in some elections for the democrats.
I resent your implication. I'm older than Biden and am not diminished in any way, nor do I think Biden is. Your negative views have no place in this dialog for me.
Am afraid that upwards of 1/2 are unwilling to embrace facts & ethics. It is about seeking some magical, fantasy land where in nothing matters, other than what feeds "the believers," bordering on being a cult.
I could see 46% percent voting for him. It matters where though. If they arent in swing states it wont matter how many votes they can muster in Ohio or Iowa or other lean red state. Polls tend to cherry pick to get the result of what group X wants people to think.. I believe the quote was the only things that are certain are death lies and statistics. (not calling you a liar). My personal opinion is Democrats want him in jail, MAGAs want to worship him (more by the case load minute), only about 26% of populatiom though and independents are leaning more and more away from him with his continued not my fault crap.
Trump's ego is the only noose he'll ever need.
... but whether the asphyxiation is autoerotic or otherwise, it should be done in private ("anything less would be uncivilized").
Rishi--Then how would we know what happened. My money is on the autoerotic version. Knowing Trump the asphyxiation thing just wouldn't do it for him.
That's much the point, i.e. it is not the public that should be thought entertained.
🤣🤣🤣
Wouldn’t it be great for her to sue him again? Seems like she should be able to. That’s the kind of consequences that bullies like Trump needs.
Yesterdays verdict was case number 2. Ist case was when Trump was president. It could be that Carroll can file a motion for partial summary judgment in case number 1 alleging issue preclusion, res judicata, that liability was established by the jury yesterday.
Every time she is defamed, she has a new cause of action. In general the rule is that even if she does not have much in further damages she gets a dollar for pain and suffering, punitive damages may ensue.
Oooh! I like this!
Res judicata a good play, eh? I wonder whether her counsel will go for new causes of action.
It would be worth it if he landed in jail the next time she sued.
Daniel Solomon; They would deserve it.
With an implied all-of-the-above for today’s choices… CNN is still likely the #1 news seen globally on television. DT is both loathed and loved by watchers of CNN outside the US. Here in Kenya, CNN is aired by a national channel, and there is little doubt that this “CNN Special” will not be broadcast. Many Kenyans are conservative politically as are many on the African continent and globally. Will RM and Fox give President Biden an hour, and if so, will he tell them to bugger off? Who knows. Looking at the ninety-plus comments today, will DT change my vote for next year’s presidential election? No. The choice is ours as individuals… will watching support DT win him the election, or will President Biden lose the election because CNN aired DT? Who knows? In the meantime, and in full support of the right to free speech, I’ll get up at 2 am and watch. Yesterday, about Senator DF Calif., for all of us who remember the national TV footage of Senator ST being wheeled into the Senate, did we turn off the TV set in disgust and go after the networks? At a guess, many who will watch DT being hosted by KC in this TH, it will only further the resolve to show up and vote in 2024 and vote the party line in yet another election where the bigger picture is perhaps, why can’t we as a country and the two-main parties figure out how to grow centrist numbers instead of polarized ones. If we eventually go down in flames (I hope not) as a country with Dems vs Reps at the helm, who will we blame then, the independents, the Greens?
This issue is not so much about attacking the news networks when we read, hear or see any objectionable content they report. Rather, it concerns the primary responsibility of a free press, which is to seek the truth and then inform the people. CNN is most certainly exercising poor journalistic judgment in providing a town hall forum to a wannabe fascist autocrat who lies for a living.
Free press does not mean giving White Supremist racist, xenophobe, homophobe autocrats like Donald Trump and Viktor Orban platforms to spew there vile propaganda.
Yes. I think that is what I indicated above.
Yeah he apparently hadnt got that point.
Exactly Tom Johnson...what you said, period. Personally I am enraged and will not watch tonight's circus, I have already seen this circus.
Henry Hunt ; lots of "We's here.; Have you been stateside near any mass shootings lately? The crimes that are a direct result of lawlessness and violence brought to us by tRumpism is not free speech.. it is insurrection.. Are you aware of states changing election rules to allow Democrat votes to be blocked or even discarded? This is bad! Really bad!! Both sides ism does not work here.
Fascism and autocracy should not pull the needle to the "center". There are radicals on both sides ingnores that one side tried to take over the government on Jan 6th.
Agree.
I,too,agree
forwarded to poorpeoplescampain, tips@cnn.com
thanks for the heads up re:
kenya, henry!
CNN should be boycotted by its advertisers. And god willing there’ll be a suit against them. This is beyond insane. Shame on CNN. They used to feel measured and thoughtful to me. No more.
Other than not watching CNN tonight, I unsubscribed to their emails when I read Robert's post this morning. It feels like a pitiful effort, but I've been feeling very uncomfortable about where this country is going lately.
Your boycott of CNN reminds me of my feeble effort of suspending my Facebook account when they let the orange one back on. I closed my Twitter account when they let him back on Twitter.
do the right thing
Sometimes that's all we can do. If enough of us actually take those steps, I have to believe it will make a difference.
On the contrary, I think TFG is very much in control of himself. The problem is that he is a malignant narcissist who actually believes he can do no wrong, and that everyone else is either lying or out to get him, or both. The town hall will only amplify his lies, both to those who believe them and those of us who see right through him. CNN will get a ratings boost (which is all they are really after), and no one who has already made up their minds about him will change.
Great idea Tom
When I first heard about it, I remembered Mr. Reich's post about his Conversation with Chris Licht, CEO of CNN. Putting Trump on the air validates Reich's post following the the cancellation of Brian Stelter's show on CNN- Reliable Sources. During his conversation with Mr. Reich- Licht ultimately claimed they wanted neutrality at CNN and wanted both sides, Lies and the truth... sorry, Republicans and Democrats to be able to present their sides. In other words...
"good people on both sides" = false equivalencies = Muddying the water. For the billionaires, corporate interests, and their flunkies (Republicans), who are trying to spread lies and divide us in order to maintain minority rule, muddying the water or chaos & confusion, is the next best thing to selling lies. If they can't get you to fall for the lie, they will try to confuse you, so you don't know what the truth is; you can't tell the difference between what is true vs what is a lie. Which helps them to maintain their current power/wealth and to gain more power/wealth. At the same time, they know it is harder to stoke division with our youth, who have grown up with and established friendships with ppl across the historic barriers of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, sociology-economic status, etc., and they fear the coalition (power-in-numbers) our youth have forged. They have shown that they are willing to implode this experiment called Democracy to maintain their wealth/power and continue to chip away at its foundation. If we continue to allow them to divide us and to convince us that Government (for the people and by the people) or some powerless, marginalized group is the enemy, we are in jeopardy of losing the ability to exercise our power-in-numbers (majority) through government- Democracy.
Agree. CNN in a way would be a vessel for propaganda. Pushing the division. This tactic has worked historically because their still is racism in our country but you are right in noting it is losing it's stronghold in our youth. Their reality will make it harder for conservatives to stoke fear and division. Where will the republicans find their "them" to protect us from. Giving tfg airtime to stoke the fears and division is nothing more than Russian TV. Trying to claim democracy is not working and authoritarian leadership is the nation's savior. Look for who got to CNN, bet it is Russian influence.
Yes, tRump is a Russian plant! MSM is infiltrated, in the guise of "fair and balanced". Because we must hear "both sides"; while one 'side' is destroying our Democracy. Killing children and other innocent humans. And trashing the planet.
I’d watch that but I won’t be tuning into CNN tonight…
Absolutely agree!
That only works of they require those the Trump supporters who attended the "Town Hall" program (which from what I've observed is no town I'd want to live in) to watch it.
Maybe CNN will, it’s a great idea!!!
CNN is demonstrating what Republican politicians operate by- money is louder than: words, decency, morals, truth, real patriotism, and real American people. I will not be watching!
Agree about CNN, but I would go a step further: why is Trump not in jail?
That would be something I might watch...
“Live from Sing Sing Prison, the Former Guy, now Indicted and Convicted, Donald Trump. With a special thanks to Con Edison for the electric shock collar that gives a shock with each lie!”
Maybe he’ll lead the prison choir!!!
Probably can't sing, just whine...
Luckytwin; songs of unfairness. to real patriots unfairly treated!.
the florida billboard campaign: DeSilly quacking/
in background: t behind bars
Hah!
Dave Cassenti ; Unfair treatment of the mentally differently abled.
Hmm, such an idea!
One of the essential characteristics of Fascism is the marriage of government and corporate power...when a media corporation supports a Fascist just to make a profit, what are they? How many Americans are in jail, waiting to be on trial, for accusation of crimes that don't even approach the severity of Trump's criminal behavior.
Michael Hutchinson; You asked why tRump is not in jail: Security detail for life? Crazy! He should at least be in a padded cell until all the litigation ends (or he ends), whichever comes first. at the very least, take away his megaphone and end his rallies! Block him from any office.
He hasn’t been convicted in court that’s why- governments too scared of him the arch bully to indict. Soon we hope but Trump will die before going to prison- literally- he’ll die of threatened ego!!
I think its because the laws are so askew to benefit the rich and powerful that he has been able to get away with so much for so long.
This perfectly describes the legal system plus illuminates why some of the rest of us are losing faith in law and order. The unfairness of our system is overwhelming and somewhat may explain why Biden's good work is undervalued. Add in the main stream media indifference to democracy and corporate silence while Kevin McCarthy plays Russian roulette with the world's economy and we have a witch's brew of mess. Yesterday Robert Hubbell did a great job of bringing out all the power we now have for the 2024 elections. This includes an energized Democrat electorate as well as Republican optics that worsen every day. The following quote makes me happy."Never interfere with an enemy while he is in the process of destroying himself"
If the Republicans want to alienate the independent they certainly are doing the best job themselves.
They lost this independent at Reagan!
I am counting on it. :) Any remaining sensible conservatives must be squirming in their office chair.
Biden is not doing good works. He is very good at selling a Centrist Dem line that sounds good but works mainly to support the corporate elites greed and need for power over the public. He is supporting, actively but quietly, promoting technocratic control of the US and the world. He support the AI goals of transhumanism. And dont ignore his active support for increasing surveillance of the public and control of our personal finances. China was berated for its social credit card system for control but the West is doing the same. Several countries already have such cards that are being expanded and Biden is directing numerous US agencies to develop such protocols here. Further, he promotes ideas that sound good but never come to fruition, are so watered down if they do come up for a vote, and always have sinister goals embedded in subtle, but distinct language. Do not support this man--he is and represents everything dangerous to us. including nuclear war.
Tanya Marquette ; Don't allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. He is the incumbent and has at least tried to serve the human citizens. Do you suggest anyone else at this point of chaos and treachery?
Tanya marquette; who are you working for? I thought Putin hated Nazis! Oh! That is just marketing!
You say: "He is supporting, actively but quietly, promoting technocratic control of the US and the world. He support the AI goals of transhumanism. And dont ignore his active support for increasing surveillance of the public and control of our personal finances." How do you know any of that? Please show links to sources. I'm not so concerned about keeping track of where people are garnering huge wealth - particularly if they can be linked to secret, off-shore hoards. As with ol' Tweety, they have nothing to fear if they have nothing to hide. On the other hand, to suggest that he supports transhumanism, I'd be interested in knowing to what extent - smart prosthetics, or what? Remember, you're tacitly implying an eye will be kept on the finances of the technocrats, as well. There's not much to discover in the working schlubs that could possibly be of any use to anyone but Republicans who would facilitate it, decry it, and blame the Democrats!
Tanya, what 'social credit card system' is Biden directing numerous US agencies to develop? And where did you get that information?
@Bill Reitz, Trump was convicted in a civil court. In civil cases, there is usually a fine, and not jail time.
Its so sad. 5 million for rape. As if it has a price.
Evidently it does have a price. The MAGA “working-class” base will just have to dig down into their pockets to bail bail the Beloved Leader out again.
He raised money on the trial so out of pocket may not be so burdensome.
@Virginia Hastings, Trump was convicted in a civil court. In civil cases, there is usually a fine, and not jail time.
i am feeling less pessimistic-
i recommend texas use its power to secede, divide into the 5 states they, & only they,
have the power to accomplish--5 large states should be enuff for mtg, kelly,
& t's fanbase
@Michael Hutchinson, because he was convicted in a civil, not criminal court.
I understand, but what I meant was, why has he not yet been in front of a criminal court? Mueller and Garland have waffled enough. Let's hope Smith is made of sterner stuff.
He has a 34-count NY criminal case against him, but he also has two fixed civil trial dates coming up. The first is October 2, in the case by Letitia James seeking $250 million for various business-type frauds.
The second is January 29, 2024 in a class action against him and some of his spawn for a pyramid marketing scheme, involving a company called ACN.
Pyramid marketing schemes are tricky because once you sell a pyramid, delivery is a bear. Most pyramid salespeople fail to deliver, so they get sued for all they’re worth. Trump has failed in efforts to get these trials delayed beyond their current dates.
The lead lawyer for plaintiffs in the ACN class action is Roberta Kaplan, the very same Roberta Kaplan who just punched Trumps ticket. The ACN case, by the way, is a much easier case to bring than the Carroll case was.
I agree that Garland is a wuss, but if I were in his position, low hanging fruit, like those who asked Trump for pardons, would have been the first prosecutions.
@Daniel Solomon, Garland may/may not be a wuss, but it looks to me like he's proceeding in keeping with the first rule of criminal prosecutions. If you shoot at the king, don't miss.
Daniel always on top of the big picture. Thank you! I am impatient and waiting for a juicy conviction of Trump and the next blue wave seems like an eternity.
@Michael Hutchinson and @Daniel Solomon, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/donald-trump-seeks-to-move-new-york-criminal-case-to-federal-court
Come into my web, said the spider to the fly. IMHO the Mueller obstruction counts are still viable. Plus all of the tax matters can be added. The state counts would be "pendant" claims. Speedy trial rules in Fed. Court may require a trial in 45 days.
Trying same tactic in GA.
Trump is flailing.
What does “punched Trump’s ticket” mean?
Roberta Kaplan - counsel for E. Jean Carroll. https://www.advocate.com/people/e-jean-carroll-roberta-kaplan
In Youtube, unsubscribe from the CNN channel and when it pops up in your news feed hit the 3 buttons on the right "Don't Recommend content from this channel". Its a tactic I use when I see news media spreading Russia or Chinese propoganda. Should give CNN the message that we dont care what they have to say now.
If CNN needs a model, let them turn to last night's PBS program about Clarence and Ginni Thomas.
Neither will I.
Your poll should allow for multiple choices:
It will promote his candidacy
Undermine CNN’s credibility
And allow him to spew lies and disinformation!
Shame on CNN. What the hell happened to this organization that I used to consider impartial and who now seems to have some sort of agenda, or at least who has lost its bearings and become a tool in someone’s agenda.
Trump still guilty.
Donald Hodgins <silencenotbad@gmail.com>
2:55 AM (0 minutes ago
Alina Habba was on CNN last night and a statement she made put her legal position in jeopardy. She stated, "Trump was innocent." Referring to the charge brought against him by Ms. Carroll. That's an interesting thought, "How does she know Trump is innocent?" Was she there or is she relying on Trump's honesty? Well, she wasn't there and we all know Trump lies about everything so her position is meaningless, especially knowing Ms. Habba holds the senior role in the MAGA's legal efforts. Her feelings about the truth are clouded by the credibility of the man she is representing. She loves the money and the notoriety that goes along with anything to do with Donald Trump, not to mention the almost inexhaustible pool of money Trump has at his disposal because of the generous contributions donated to his political campaign. Ms. Habba's ability to evade questions posed to her by Dana Bash of CNN was so typical of a young attorney. I feel her career might suffer a bit because of the horse she decided to back, Trump has a poisonous reputation and he doesn't care who finishes the race first because all he ever does is lie about the outcome. Ms. Habba will enthusiastically ride to his aid, for a chunk of that campaign money. I'm still waiting to see an individual that supports Trump that isn't distasteful by nature. Remember, Trump said it himself, "She isn't my type." From what I've seen anyone with estrogen in their veins is his type. The man's a dog, plain and simple
Donald, dogs don’t deserve the bad association with the fascist fiend, DJT, but I get what you’re saying. He is the worst. Dogs are the best company.
Mary-- Only when they're trained and they don't bite, Trump should take the hint.
Not Ted Turner’s CNN.
Truth
They’re chasing ratings & have become mini-FOX. I don’t watch CNN any more.
Since Ted Turner brought us CNN, I watched the channel for its fair look at the news (adding in a little MSNBC for Rachel Maddow). Over the last few years, CNN has begun to transition into something less news-centered and more MAGA-editorials. Like you, I no longer watch CNN ... but I would watch an hour-long interview with DJT if it were actually run by a journalist who would fact-check and press for answers. Dana Bash? Anderson Cooper? But definitely not the townhall starring the twice impeached, multi-indicted sexual predator.
Agreed on multiple choices, but CNN did similarly in 2016. Free air time without fact checks got him elected then.
I would have chosen the same three choices.
A while back I read that CNN was being lead by a new CEO who was not shy in stating he wished to change the model to that of Fox News. Speculation followed that it had to do with ratings and $. Given that Fox recently fired Tucker C. And created a “gap” in their media strength, it doesn’t surprise me that CNN went “All In” and lined up the ratings biggest Star. I don’t like it either but when it comes to Cable News, it’s all about entertainment and money.
It seems as if CNN has gotten together with Elon Musk and they are now letting Trump do anything he wants just so they can spew the idea that everyone has a right to free speech. No CNN, no Elon Musk, you're absolutely wrong. Lies are not free speech when someone is trying to pull off a fraud or con. Obstructive behavior against the government is not free speech. Defamation is not free speech. I think these folks need an education on what Free speech actually is and what it actually isn't. Neophytes like the ones leading Twitter and CNN are like young children. They're running around saying oh Free speech free speech let's have more hate speech let's have more white supremacist speech, how about some Neo Nazi speech yay. Okay that's absolutely nuts.
CNN elected Trump by giving him free media all of 2016 for his infotainment value. He undermined Hillary with his ridiculous email bullshit for a year and CNN kept publicizing it. Americans turned off to Hillary and sucked up his celebrity nonsense.
All that the country needed was to move the dial on the swing states to Trump. The Republican and Trump proganda swung my vote to his side in 2016 (Hell no by 2020). Very insidious. Between Cambridge Analytica and Trumps lies it was enough to give him the electoral collage. I'm with Robert Reich its time to abolish the electoral collage or at least make it irrelevant. The only good thing about Trumps presidency is that it showed just how completely false the narrative that billionaires know whats best for us and operate in our bests interests. His antics and self interest showed that these self described "super heros" of finance and industry are actually only fighting to keep themselves in power and maintain the status quo of wealth transfer to the rich.
And the GOP-Putin were lying about Hillary FOR TWENTY YEARS before 2016
They were overdoing it, weren’t they? The cold, hard truth is bad enough.
Yeah this Anti Biden propaganda thag Im hearing from MAGA and some non MAGA independents feels like the same social media hit squad with the "Hillary Emails" swap for "Huntee Bidens laptop" (makes me want to vomit everytime I hear that). And the Hillary Clinton "Poor Health" attacks are the same as the Biden "age and mental attacks". The Kamala attacks well thats plain racism.
And sexism.
This we should fear.
It’s like CNN is turning into Faux News Lite. They do this strictly for the money.
I am a subscriber to the Miami Herald. They did not report the verdict. Even Fox reported it.
https://www.miamiherald.com/living/article275236976.html ?
Well, a journalistic case can be made for passing the story over. As Charles Dana aptly pointed out, “If a dog bites a man it is not news, but if a man bites a dog it is.” By that standard, there’s no news here; just move along.
Chris Licht has stated at the outset of his assuming the CEO role at CNN that he wanted to make Trump more partisan, more “relatable”…imagine such lunacy! Sexual assaults, insurrectionism, criminality in the White House notwithstanding...it appears that someone’s always going to give this goon a platform.
Yes Mary, and those supposedly "balanced" journalism sources will always have an excuse for giving Trumpitydoodah a platform, none of which is even reasonable
But you have to remember goons support Goons. and Trump is the biggest goon out there right now.
By the color of their feathers we shall know them. CNN, Faux Noowz, newsmax. Twitter. Shall I go on?
And they’re pretty transparent about that, aren’t they? They are comically obvious but at the same time they’re getting a lot of leverage...and that part isn’t so funny.
Wow! Crazy!!!
It's beyond Awful. Just disgusting.
I think all of the choices you offered could apply. I wrote a lengthy comment to CNN when it was announced that they would be hosting this “Town Hall”…..I won’t be watching CNN ever again. Their choice has lost them a viewer, permanently.
I too wrote them and said the same thing. I hope others do also!
I join you in refusing to ever again watch CNN. I also refuse to watch anything from Fox News.
Let’s add 60 Minutes for its excruciating “interview” with MTG.
agreed
Robert and friends, Remember: ...
The purpose of The Media is to MAKE MONEY.
Truth, not so much.
A discussion for another day. News used to be treated differently by networks than entertainment. There was a public responsibility to tell the truth regarding politics, which was supported by the Fairness Doctrine. This qualifies neither as news nor entertainment, but some won't be able to tell the difference who watch it. It is a huge disservice to democratic values in presenting a "town hall" which allows a liar, insurrectionist, and criminal air time. Period.
Before the Fairness Doctrine was eliminated in the 1980s, no media companies made money on the news. So they all vied to have "The Best" news on tv and radio. News was a shiny hood ornament to their corporate empires. After the Fairness Doctrine was eliminated, news groups had to become "profit centers" in those corporations, and most became scandal sheets, more or less.
And of course I am omitting names of others who arguable fought harder and sacrificed more for human rights--people like MLK, John Lewis, Rosa Parks, Elizabeth Eckford, etc. The "ground swell" helped to pressure political leaders.
"Had to"? No, chose to. Lack of morals. There used to be a higher moral standard.
Remember the adage, “if you keep saying it the way it really is, eventually it becomes law”. Look what happened to FOX and the people who weren’t being honest about the way things were. When news outlets became an industry they really didn’t have a choice. The news programs became another version of Access Hollywood to compete for viewers, to get sponsors to help raise money for stock holders. And perhaps that should be so, I don’t know.
I wish you could point to what period in our history there used to be “higher moral standards” and the criteria upon which you base that allegation. The fifties after WW2? In all of our country’s history this was not so if you were black, Hispanic, gay, female, etc. Uncomplicated, simpler maybe, but moral?
A clearer understanding (and more entertaining I would add) of the evolution of the news media might be found by watching ‘The Newsroom’ on HBO? It’s a tricky and difficult business.
There is a fiduciary responsibility now IN LAW that corporate directors must must maximise profit for shareholders, earth and humans be damned. This is a law created by the super-rich, and enacted by the GOP
#GOPtraitors
The topic of morals is complicated by time and the myriad of issues it covers. If the moral arc does eventually bend toward justice, it happens in fits
and starts and along various strands, sometimes simultaneously but often times not. Corporations used to care about steak-holders more than shareholders. Then corporate raiders (now called private equity firms) changed that about the same time the Fairness Doctrine was eliminated. Both things happened with the changing of government rules, so government enabled it. I suggest you read Prof. Reich's books on the subject.
As to morals, those are always evolving. Lincoln knew this well. He had definite opinions that slavery was evil, but he had to work within the social fabric and political situation where it existed. At the penultimate moment, he made the right decision: emancipation, a decision which ended up killing him.
FDR managed a similar thing in leading us to survive a depression and prepare us for war (and while a Nazi-supported plot was foiled here, see R Maddow's "Ultra") yet waiting for the right moment, though he knew it was morally right to preserve Western civilization.
Truman tried to advance rights of Blacks but knew the limits of what could be achieved politically; LBJ risked much to fulfill civil rights, following Kennedy's legacy and his own personal experiences.
But historically speaking, from Pearl Harbor until at least the late 1980's or so (and arguably in politics until later, perhaps the mid-late 1990's), there was a sense of community and common purpose as it related to the ideals of a free and responsible press, bi-partisanship when it came to national defense/foreign policy, and a felt responsibility of corporations to support those ideals. Now that companies are multi-national, care only about inflating shareholder wealth, and little to no allegiance to any nation or set of workers, they care only about promoting policies which lead to further shareholder wealth. They have abandoned cities and their workers, pensions, and loyalty for a few cents more per item sold and a wad of money in CEO and shareholder pockets. They care nothing that families and entire towns' livelihoods have been displaced. Those at the head of these corporations have been hired for these roles. Congress enabled this. This is the immorality I'm speaking of. It has created a torrent of righteous hatred against the very government which enabled it.
So walking into this situation we have CNN, another network founded on presenting news and supposedly trusted (haha), presenting an hour-long opportunity for an anarchist who will say or do anything (and has done already) to become President again and hold onto power (if he gets in this time it will be like Hitler's second putsch--successful). This is an obvious attempt by the executives of CNN to gain back a right-winged audience, and in the process enable free air time (for Trump) for a criminal and treasonous sociopath to regain power and further
the spreading of lies which could end our democracy and way of life.
And BTW, the arc bending towards justice
isn't guaranteed; read about Mdm Restell and the Comstock laws. We have to continually fight for
it.
Well, like my husband always said, "How much can a flea eat?". How much money is enough and what are the boundaries for making it? Money really is the root of all evil.
GREED is truly the most terrible challenge of our times, and capitalism is its tool, its means to power and more greed.
Greed is a (contagious) mental illness, an unfillable hole, a hunger that denies justice, a brutal expression of broken egos.
Greed is having a million times as much as the poor and still feeling you don't have enough.
Greed consumes the earth without respite, and is a cancer on humanity.
Greed destroys us and our children and their future.
Greed is death.
It's more than greed. It's lack of morals or sense of duty to the country.
There is a fiduciary responsibility now IN LAW that corporate directors must must maximise profit for shareholders, earth and humans be damned. This is a law created by the super-rich, and enacted by the GOP
#GOPtraitors
Thanks you. Only point I was making is that greed is the symptom, not the problem. Lack of love for fellow man, selfishness, no sense of duty to God nor man. In other words, no morality.
Did Zaslov sleep through January 6th!? He wants to let the instigator for an attack on our Capital, sedition, to speak?! He wants people watching his channel that’s all… MONEY. I am finished with CNN; they have shown their true colors.
I knew there was a reason CNN could not pass the 'smell test ' with me. Now it's clearer.
There are also many Germans who always ran out to hear Hitler speak. There were also many German platforms that Hitler could get onto supported by German corporations. People who don't know history are so, excuse the word, stupid.
I’d like to see an actual journalist push back on anything ‘the former guy’ says with actual data rather than letting him dominate the conversation with his lies.
I don’t think the reporter scheduled to interview him can do that but I am not planning on watching because ‘the former guy’ is not a serious thinker and has nothing to offer.
We’d have to exhume Cronkite or Huntley to see an actual journalist lay into him. The network dummies in this country are laughable.
There are some, just not the ones being chosen. That's a network (i.e. $$$$$) decision. That is the intent, and that makes it all the more sickening!
"Can't do that" or told "not to do that"???
Jean L ; True. tRump is a conniving and shrewd man , propped up by obscene wealth, and dirty money too. He does not care about the common good or Democracy or the "fairness" that he whines about so often.
A Trump CNN Town Hall normalizes a very dangerouus, psychopathic crimimnal for the purpose of CNN courting Trump supporters ... it is like interviewing/normalizing Hitler and pretending you are providing value to the public.
How much is CNN's in-kind contribution to the Trump campaign worth? An hour of free advertising must be worth a lot, even on CNN. From now on, I consider CNN to be as opportunistic and unethical as other substantial donors to a candidate who has been convicted of sexual assault and is on trial for treason and other major crimes.
I am not a legal scholar or even an attorney but I believe there are limits to free speech defined by the Supreme Court, the example being that an individual is not allowed to yell “fire” in a crowded theater when there is none. Trump’s conspiracy theories or in fact plain old lies should also be forbidden. Many people believe them, and if they are not scrupulously fact checked, can be as damaging to democracy and American lives as yelling “fire”.
The pitiful state of this country and its consumerist education attitudes make it harder than ever for ‘normal’ people to think for themselves.
We can complain about Fox News or CNN but really they are just the top layer of the problem. The underlying issue is voter gullibility and popular disengagement from meaningful public goals and discourse.
Wendy ; I agree ; the messages do not really inspire, and deep down, consumers of endless lies know they are being played. Then they hate the proffered scapegoats : Democrats, women , black and brown and Asian people, Jews, whomever are set up as targets.
What do I think? I had my cable disconnected in April. I'm that fed up with cable news. Zaslov is claiming both sides? Hogwash! You are absolutely correct, Professor Reich, this is about Money. For crying out loud, this is May 2023, the primaries don't start until February 2024, who is he trying to kid? My only complaint this morning is the use of the word riot. That was not a riot we witnessed, that was full out treason. With the trumpster's urging they attacked the two police forces there trying to defend the lawmakers in OUR Capitol. They broke windows and desecrated the interior. That was an insurrection not a riot. I do not think the trumpster will win in 2024. Fewer than 160 million votes were cast in 2020. Registered Republicans account for 28% of registered voters now. Even if all of them vote for trump that is 44.8 million votes. He's lost the independents. The only imbeciles he can count on are the evangelicals and white supremacists - and a lot of them are in prison.
Fay Reid ; I feel frustrated that the word 'riot' is still being used by main stream media. I guess time is money ; Sedition has three syllables, riot takes less time to say. bottom line ; CNN, like so many media 'sources' is owned by the obscenely wealthy. "both sides ism " is the illusion that gives criminals equal footing,; or should I say, an advantage, because these criminals cheat and do not follow the law, or any ethics or decency. It takes time to be honest.
I'm in full agreement, Laurie