"Riffed from the Headlines" is Townhall's daily VIP feature with coverage on the deeply flawed aspects of journalism in the nation. We'll look to bring accountability to the mishaps, malaprops, misdeeds, manipulations, malpractice, and manufactured narratives in mainstream media. (For a VIP discount, drop SLAGER in the signup form.)
11.23.21
Legalized Press-titution – THE DAILY MAIL
- This is such a refreshing change after the slasher-movie decor from the past four years.
The holiday season is about to begin at the White House as the official Christmas tree was delivered. Emily Goodin of The Daily Mail was there to capture the moment as the Biden family enjoyed a completely candid and not at all staged time together to usher in the festive season.
Hunter Biden is at White House Christmas Tree arrival with Melissa and baby Beau. Jill Biden broke off a piece of tree to give baby Beau - along with a kiss pic.twitter.com/Diqibrgoic
— Emily Goodin (@Emilylgoodin) November 22, 2021
This is a joyous time as the media traditionally puts aside the pettiness of politics and allows time to savor the warm-hearted emotions that are evoked this time of year. You know, for the first time in four years.
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Such a blissful image of familial conviviality and love, just as we saw displayed in the press during the Trump years... https://t.co/a1jaYAiyIX pic.twitter.com/qouotbxZQ0
— Brad Slager - Incontinent On Another Continent (@MartiniShark) November 23, 2021
Artisanally-Crafted Narratives – CNN
When the horrific story came out of a driver mowing down a Christmas parade for reasons that make sense only to them, many in the press decided to run defense. After making the bold declaration that the man responsible was not an active terrorist, CNN came out to announce that the driver was fleeing from another criminal incident.
CNN: Investigators believe Waukesha suspect was fleeing incident https://t.co/2hGxSjFQmW
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 22, 2021
How this is supposed to explain/excuse/exculpate in any fashion is not explained, but where CNN even got this detail is also a mystery. Their report credited "multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the preliminary investigation findings."
Small problem. No wait, check that – HUGE problem. It turns out the Waukesha police came out with a press conference – that, they went on the record – to declare there is no indication at all that this claim was accurate, that no pursuit was taking place of Darrell Brooks, and his driving into the parade was intentional.
Said the police chief of Wakesha:
- "I want to dispel some rumors: There was no police pursuit that led up to this incident. The Waukesha Police Department website is the only source for information. Do not release information from any other source as it has not been vetted and could lead to false information."
Waukesha Police Chief Knocks Down Silly "Fleeing From a Crime" Cover Story Pushed by CNN
— RedState (@RedState) November 23, 2021
https://t.co/NvXy0c3pRg
Stealth Story Evolution – DETROIT FREE PRESS
Following the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict, The Detroit Free Press came out with a lengthy piece giving voice to many activists in their area who declared that the case of a white shooter of white victims and argued by white lawyers while presided by a white judge who was acquitted by a white jury was a case of racism against blacks. But in its zeal to give this emotional charge of racial bias a forum, the paper managed to screw up the facts.
In noting the riots in Kenosha were sparked by a police incident, the newspaper mangled the facts of that case. But give them credit, after more than a year they managed to eventually get the details nailed down.
- "Editor's note: An earlier version of this story should have said Jacob Blake was shot and wounded by a police officer."
Detroit Free Press Sunday edition prints the lie that Jacob Blake was killed by police. pic.twitter.com/oIcChPhfP2
— Scot Bertram (@ScotBertram) November 21, 2021
Glossary Over Things – ABC 7 NEWS, SAN FRANCISCO
For three consecutive days we have seen organized hits on high end boutiques where groups of people storm in to steal massive amounts of items in organized thefts. In San Francisco, where this has been seen, one local news outlet analyzed these smash-and-grab crimes and determined that people have been describing these thefts in insensitive terms.
Experts caution use of 'looting' in describing rash of Bay Area smash and grabs https://t.co/dQfftRG84T
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) November 23, 2021
This is actually a rather ingenious concept. You can eliminate the incidents of looting if you do not describe the crime as "looting." If only this had been concocted earlier.
Both Kinds Of Standards – CNN
- John Avlon needs to be informed that suggesting the activity he is condemning is problematic.
On CNN's "New Day," co-host John Avlon showed he is really bothered by the concept of redistricting. Well, clarification – he is bothered when Republicans are redistricting. As John lectured on the pernicious nature of the practice taking place in Texas and Ohio, he was surprisingly silent on the matter in other states, such as Illinois, where Democrats have erased the district of GOP House member Adam Kinzinger.
Avlon undercuts his argument here by suggesting that districts should be formed depending on the racial construct of the voting base – in other words, he supports that kind of redistricting. But in saying this, he misses out that he is proposing a method that the federal government has ruled against in the past.
CNN analyst John Avlon devoted a "Reality Check" to condemning the Republican-backed redistricting plan in Ohio.https://t.co/17fsjJIjkC
— NewsBusters (@newsbusters) November 23, 2021
