Saturday, February 25, 2017

Countdown to Fake-ageddon? Is peaceful coexistence possible for Trump and the media?

One of President Trump’s most consistent targets throughout the election season was the media in general and fake news in particular. It was a big part of Trump’s schtick. Since his inauguration, he has continued his criticisms. Why would he stop doing what has worked so well for him? President Trump recently called fake news the “enemy of the people.” President Trump clearly believes that journalists who produce unfavorable coverage should be treated as enemies.
Trump’s dislike for the media is understandable. Many in the media clearly detest Trump and it’s obvious. Most of the media were way off in their polling and their prognostications about the election. They said, over, and over, and over that he didn’t stand a chance. More recently, the infamous dossier that was published by Buzzfeed hasn’t resulted in any big stories so far.
CNN and the New York Times were shut out of a recent press briefing with White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. One wonders what will happen next. Will the practice of excluding critical media increase? Will media organizations try to be nicer in order to avoid being excluded? Will someone – perhaps Jimmy Carter – step up to help Trump and the media negotiate for a lasting peace?



Trump Declares War on Fake New: Producers of Fake News head for their bunkers.

Here are a few of the highlights from President Trump’s CPAC speech of February 24, 2017.
“I want you to know that we are fighting the fake news.”
“They make up sources. They’re very dishonest people.”
“I’m not against the media. I’m not against the press. I don’t mind bad stories if I deserve them.”
“I’m against the people that make up stories and make up sources.”  
“There are some terrible dishonest people and they do a tremendous disservice to our country and to our people.”
“They’re very smart, they’re very dishonest, and they’re very cunning.”
“We’re going to do something about them.”


Here are a few links to stories about the CPAC speech.
CNN: Trump rips media, repeats 'enemy of the people' line

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