"Riffed from the Headlines" is Townhall's daily VIP feature with coverage of 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.
05.17.22
DNC PR Firm – CNN
The newest crisis for the Biden administration concerns the shortage of baby formula. In looking into the cause of this, it boils down to the largest formula manufacturer – Abbot Laboratories – having a Michigan plant shutdown due to a contamination issue. This plant supplied 40% of the national supply, but it has been closed down since late February. The question is – should it have been?
On Friday, Jen Psaki said definitively that four infant illnesses and two deaths were traced to them taking tainted formula. Right away, on Friday, the manufacturer came forward to dispute this charge, but then Jake Tapper came out in defense of the White House, citing a piece from Bloomberg that detailed the plant's closing.
Recommended
“The FDA report…shows that during a routine visit to Abbott’s Sturgis, Michigan, manufacturing facility in September, inspectors determined that employees may have transferred contaminants including deadly cronobacter from surfaces to baby formula.” https://t.co/P5TV3wWo3A https://t.co/wEKHCMncJs
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) May 14, 2022
Two problems are found. The words "may" and "could" should indicate a certain level of inconclusiveness. But secondly, the CDC conducted genetic sequencing of the bacteria samples from the stricken infants, and there was no connection to anything found at the facility. Further, the samples of the two victims did not match, indicating cross-contamination from outside sources.
That was from April, well after the September inspections cited by Bloomberg...and Tapper.
Amid baby formula shortage, factory stays shut as investigators try to pinpoint source of bacteria that sickened infants https://t.co/fXTONhGMNV via @nbcnews
— PatientSafety ASAP (@SafetyASAP) April 18, 2022
Pulitzer Prize Nomination – REUTERS
- Would these be classified as "assault hobby accessories"?
In reporting on the brave resistance seen in Ukraine, there is plenty of footage and details to be found to tell the story. That is why it becomes curious why in a report on the success seen by the home team repelling the Russian forces, the news syndicate ran this particular photo.
We know Russia has been struggling militarily, but it seems doubtful that they have been driven back by paintball guns.
Ukraine says it has repelled Russian incursion in Sumy region https://t.co/dE81E0R9P6 pic.twitter.com/une4hkj0M6
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 16, 2022
Legalized Press-titution – CNN
- If April was any more praiseworthy, a restraining order would need to be filed…
It was the first day of Karine Jean-Pierre taking over the role of White House press secretary, and judging by the tenor of the day, it would appear the fierce warriors in the press corps who are ensuring that our democracy will not die in the darkness are going to be just as diligent as they were with Jen Psaki.
Meaning, besides pointed questions from Peter Doocy, there is little to be expected in the form of challenging the administration. Behold this bit of fawning treacle from April Ryan.
REPORTER: "So many communities are so proud of you...you're the first...what does that mean for the broader community, particularly Washington—white male dominated still even though we had the first black president...it's not window dressing. It's more than that." pic.twitter.com/UywUQB0M3C
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 16, 2022
So…do you actually have a question there, April? You know, the entire purpose of your stated job? No?
Speaking of Doocy, he asked KJP about something Joe Biden posted about the wealthy in the country having taxes raised to fight inflation. When asked how this worked, the new lass managed to sound very much like the previous lass in the way she did not answer the question.
DOOCY: "The President's Twitter account posted the other day...How does raising taxes on corporations reduce inflation?"
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 16, 2022
KJP: "Um, so...Are you talking about a specific tweet?" pic.twitter.com/oHl0rGWEsY
Anti-Social Media – DEADSPIN
I feel I need to admit to my ethno-European ancestry as I come forward to explain that I have no clue what the issue is with Carron J. Phillips declaring that it was somehow wrong that white fans watched the NBA playoffs on Sunday. While it was understandable for Carron to invoke the shooting in Buffalo the day before, what it is he is charging in the day following does not exactly make sense.
- "Because when you're a Black athlete in America, competing at the highest level as a form of entertainment to the rest of the world, all the while knowing that the majority of the people that cheer for you don't think your life matters, may be the hardest part of the game that you work at that a reporter will never ask about."
I'm just curious where Carron has been the past couple of years because there has been no shortage of players voicing their opinions and being heard on the air at ESPN and other outlets, as they played on courts and wore jerseys delivering their messaging.
At least I can take comfort that I was not taking part in any of this white privilege to which he alludes. I did not watch any NBA games at all. I was deeply involved in the NHL playoffs that day.
White fans were entertained by Black athletes a day after a racist killed Black people in Buffalo — this is what white supremacy looks like https://t.co/KrK0V584Be pic.twitter.com/V72xAiTjtU
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) May 16, 2022
Body Checking the Fact-Checkers – USA TODAY
This information nearly got out and caused severe…um, reactions…maybe? I don't really know, but damned good thing that USA Today is on the case to let us know that this photograph is not real, and some post-publishing editing took place.
So please, do not be fooled by the image of Hillary Clinton in a gown from The Met Gala that is adorned with enough words as to appear like a NASCAR driver's firesuit.
Please be advised-@USAToday has confirmed that the photo below is not at accurate and has been altered.
— Lie-Able Sources (@LieAbleSources) May 17, 2022
Be very careful, as it is not known how much damage could have been realized we’re this to be shared on social media. pic.twitter.com/7mM10z13h1
