This is Townhall's daily VIP feature, where we will focus coverage on the deeply flawed aspects of journalism in the nation. We'll look to bring accountability to the mishaps, misdeeds, manipulations, malpractice, and manufactured narratives in the mainstream media.
06.04.21 (Update)
Both Kinds Of Standards – CNN
In the "Reliable Sources" newsletter, Oliver Darcy takes exception with Fox News putting so much focus on Dr. Fauci's emails and items he has been shown to have contradicted or been incorrect about during the pandemic. Darcy's contention is that Fox has no business being critical because the network had downplayed the severity early in the outbreak. "You'll remember — as I wrote back in the early stages of the pandemic – that Fox spent weeks downplaying the virus and comparing it to the seasonal flu."
We are left to wonder then when Darcy will call out his network anytime there is mention of the pandemic, given that CNN stars were saying the exact same things at the exact same time as Fox News.
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Oliver Darcy complains FoxNews is covering the Fauci emails since “Fox spent weeks downplaying the virus and comparing it to the seasonal flu”.
— Brad Slager - Social Toper and Media Antagonist (@MartiniShark) June 4, 2021
By this measure, CNN should never talk about the pandemic again, as Anderson Cooper and Dr. Gupta did the same.https://t.co/wcroxrDbWT
Pounce Of Prevention – POLITICO
Over at Politico, they have spotted the severe problem with the release of Dr. Fauci's emails – those dastardly right-of-center-but-frequently-wrong conservatives have noticed them! Yes, there is all manner of seizing and pouncing taking place this week, but the outlet has even spotted another problem.
"April emails between EcoHealth Alliance CEO Peter Daszak and Fauci, published as part of the recent FOIA, have become a new touchstone for conspiracy theorists, after Daszak thanked the NIAID director for dismissing lab leak theories early in the pandemic."
Yeah, nothing proves that all the talk we are seeing is a massive conspiracy – when it is actually supported by evidence.
Prose and Contradiction – CNN
CNN's media maven was apparently disappointed that at Fox News, they were interested in the Wuhan lab leak story or, as Brian described them, “Covid-origin-focused Fox News." It appears that delving into two of the bigger stories to break this week is something worth criticism.
Maybe Fox should take the cue of the White House press corps, and turn their attention instead on the deeply trenchant issue of demanding updates on the Biden's obtaining a cat!
REPORTER: “Is there any update on The White House cat?"
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 3, 2021
PSAKI: “I've been joking...that we're waiting for a bad news day for that to come out...I don't have any update on the cat." pic.twitter.com/tQ8VOQpu3G
Hoax And Change – USA TODAY
- The nation's newspaper literally covered itself in shame.
The print edition was delivered with an overleaf that was a mockup of the paper, displaying kids with antlers, in Weekly World News-level displays.
Well there it is, the @USAToday literally pimping itself out for a Netflix promo. pic.twitter.com/EC3covhJ7g
— Brad Slager - Social Toper and Media Antagonist (@MartiniShark) June 4, 2021
Legalized Press-titution – VOGUE
- It would appear the fashion source has its priorities slightly skewed.
More details on the visit at the White House by photographer to the celebrities, Annie Liebowitz. She was shooting Press Secretary Jen Psaki, to go along with previous sessions she had with Jill Biden and Kamala.
After a four-year hiatus, @voguemagazine returns to one of its favorite haunts: the White House. In addition to shoots already for @VP and @FLOTUS (upcoming August issue), photographer @annieleibovitz is back today to take portrait of Jen Psaki.
— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) June 3, 2021
That four-year hiatus is a rather telling detail. Now, why on earth would the fashion magazine have had any interest in photographing the prior First Lady, who happened to actually be a supermodel!? There is far more fashion interest in the soccer mom stylings of Psaki, and Vice President Kamala Converse!
Kamala wearing converse it’s literally her statement. The internet is full of articles proving this. Your point? https://t.co/1V4nBPfeb9 pic.twitter.com/WOc5bpGvFa
— gabriela (@schiaplicious) January 10, 2021
Pulitzer Prize Nomination – THE NEW YORK TIMES
Actress Lena Dunham is involved with a new clothing line. This is apparently big news, as The Times spends A LOT of time detailing this – over a clothing release that comprises all of five items. But take their word for it, this is big news.
In the piece, the over-sharing Dunham says something rather encouraging – "I've totally given up on the idea of being any type of impresario or person who had something to say to everyone."
Well okay, you might react, this is certainly an encouraging development. Nope, not the case. Because after declaring she has nothing to say, the article unspools for over 2,000 more words, concerning mostly things she had to say.
Lena Dunham refuses to wear Spanx and none of the clothes in her new plus-size clothing line require it. The one time she did wear a corset to an event, she said, Glenn Close cut it off her in a bathroom.
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 2, 2021
06.04.21 (Original)
Prose And Contradiction – CNN
The first step in kicking an addiction is admitting you have a problem. At CNN, they appear absolutely incapable of taking that second step. On the morning show "New Day," Don Lemon made another appearance, and he was full of sage-like fatherly advice, declaring there is a need to move on from Donald Trump. After referring to the man as a "lounge act," Lemon declared that it was time to move on from all the Trump coverage.
I’m so glad @donlemon said this on @CNN today. We in the media give way too much coverage to Donald Trump. Yes, he’s a former president who says dangerous things that often need to be corrected. But beyond that, we need to stop covering him as much as we do and move on. pic.twitter.com/iXMxPlMLt9
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) June 3, 2021
Sounds impressive and smart, but then Lemon went on that night to open his show with more coverage of Donald Trump – for the 7th consecutive time.
Beyond that, we have Brian Stelter obsessing over the story of Trump believing he will be installed as President in August, reporter Gabby Orr tabulating the dates of Trump's blog activity, and, of course, Chris Cillizza speculating on Trump running for office in 2024.
It is safe to say these folks have a long way to go before recovery. They have not even earned their TDS chip for Day 1.
Addicted. pic.twitter.com/gOsYiHYiJ6
— Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) June 3, 2021
Pre-Written Field Reports – MSNBC
One of the interesting developments taking place has been revolving around tennis player Naomi Osaka, who pulled out of the French Open over emotional issues. One component was her dealings with the media, and we are now seeing various members of the press corps describing the journalism industry as racist, at least in the sports arenas.
This kind of story is like catnip to Joy Reid, who took time away from her constant coverage of Critical Race Theory on "The Reid Out" to discuss...well, race issues. She brought on Jemele Hill of The Atlantic to cover these issues seen in the media industry. That is, we were hearing about the sexism and racism in journalism from a pair of POC females who were discussing this on a national news network in primetime.
.@jemelehill on #NaomiOsaka withdrawing from the French Open, and the pressures many Black athletes face. #TheReidOut #reiders pic.twitter.com/YrBSlYfPDl
— The ReidOut (@thereidout) June 3, 2021
Both Kinds Of Standards – CNN
Ohio Senate candidate Josh Mandel made a brief video where he set a face mask on fire posted with the word "FREEDOM." This inspired a rebuke from Chris Cillizza, who also responded to the video grab by commenting, "The Trump GOP is all about performative politics."
On the one hand, Mandel is a candidate, not in the GOP body just yet, and he is merely resorting to an attempt at relevance and getting publicity for a campaign. On the other hand, you have to enjoy the implication that this is the kind of display that is only found on the Republican side of politics.
Good to know the Democrats never resort to this level of performative politics. https://t.co/CssLhxyH0u pic.twitter.com/ZtRBz8PGXQ
— Brad Slager - Social Toper and Media Antagonist (@MartiniShark) June 4, 2021
DNC PR Firm – MSNBC
A couple of weeks ago, on his Sunday version of "Meet The Press," Chuck Todd became incensed when Rep. Dan Crenshaw made mention that the press favors the Democrats in their coverage. Todd's incredulous reaction looks even more precious today after his weekday version of the show saw him cheerleading against voting integrity laws and GOP efforts at redistricting.
"What we're seeing is a case of asymmetrical warfare where Democrats are battling over who gets to vote. Republicans are … focusing on who gets to decide which votes actually count," says Todd, in completely neutral and unbiased fashion. He also spoke with Texas Democratic Congressman Marc Veasey about redrawing congressional districts, a move that is declared to be, of course, racially motivated.
Then in a completely neutral and unbiased fashion, Chuck Todd looked at the possibility of public pressure keeping this from happening, remarking, "I have to tell you, I'm weirdly optimistic on the mapmaking this year." We look forward to the next episode where Todd expresses his optimism that the Democrats in Illinois fail in their efforts at redistricting, which is taking place right now.
Legalized Press-titution – WHITE HOUSE PRESS CORPS
Recall over the past four years how any time President Trump was out on impromptu events, the press delighted in shouting challenging questions at him and touting how brave they were in their efforts. Well, it is good to know that Joe Biden is enduring the same kind of harsh treatment and suffers the inability to escape the rigors of his office with a hounding press corps always nipping at his feet, regardless of the leisurely activity he may be involved in. Mario Parker of Bloomberg gives us this snippet of the type of grilling taking place.
Behold here as Joe Biden is enjoying a bike ride during a trip to celebrate Jill Biden turning 70, and as he rides past a clutch of reporters, he absorbs this stinging challenge: "Mr. President, what did you get the First Lady for her birthday?!"
Pulitzer Prize Nomination – THE NEW YORKER
Good thing The New Yorker is here to alert us as to just how bad it could be that we are allowing the country to return to normal life as we knew it.
And you thought reopening the country was a good thing -
— Brad Slager - Social Toper and Media Antagonist (@MartiniShark) June 4, 2021
The New Yorker is here to let us know just how bad of an idea it is to allow us to come out of the lockdowns. pic.twitter.com/hAPStYm65X
