Eric, first of all, Politico USED to be revered as one of the major sources of great election-year reporting. And then they were bought out by a right-wing German publisher. Eugene, Rachael and Ryan seem to be simply accommodating their publisher's desires.
Another question has to be asked: why is the press ignoring the facts that they were villainized during 45, daily briefings eventually became nil, and if 45 becomes 47, most of 'em gonna lose their freedom of expression. Have all these American journalists forgotten what they've learned in school about what it means to be an American?
In its zeal to predict a red wave in November, the media has forgotten to explain just what the GOP would do to make things better. They don't know because Mitch McConnell won't tell them. If Chuck Schumer told reporters they would have to "wait and see" what the Dem platform entailed, he'd be (rightfully) hammered for his arrogance. The Kool Kids want their jobs to be fun, and it isn't fun to cover elections in which one party wants to govern responsibly and the other wants only to wage culture wars and please its corporate donors.
They are lazy and want the GOP in control. There is no other explanation. While “Dems can’t message,” “Dems in dissaray,” and both sides bullshit are infuriatingly normal, the coverage since the Afghanistan withdrawal has gone beyond the usual; it’s been pointedly negative and relentlessly anti-Biden and anti-Dem. The fact that back in January, a Wapo/ABC News poll would include a question about Biden being “mentally fit” for the job says everything. The NYT bot on twitter is so perfect because it exposes this bias, framing every bit of news, no matter how good or innocuous, as “and why that’s bad for Biden.”
For my own sanity I have had to tune out often because it is so awful. That CBS needs to add more GOP to its payroll for “access” because they have already declared a GOP victory in Nov is brain melting. (I guess there aren’t enough republicans on Face the Nation.) It’s a cynical, calculated attempt to lure Fox viewers. What happens to the country and democracy be damned. Watch for more lying liars there and on the rest of network news and CNN.
I wondered why there was no new Press Run yesterday.
Then I found out the shocking news this morning about Eric's death.
As a non-American, his Press Run column was an eye-opener to the skewed priorities of the American mainstream media which was more interested in ratings & financial profits over the truthful and accurate reporting of the news.
His willingness to call out the B.S. of "both-sidesism", and double standards in the media coverage of Republicans & Democrats was important in my understanding of the brokenness of the institution.
I heard Stephanie Miller say Eric's name this morning, and I perked right up, eager to hear from him, and then I realized she was on the verge of tears as she spoke of the awful tragedy that had befallen Eric and his family. I feel like I lost a brother...and I know you guys do, too. Much love and sympathy to Eric's wife and kids, and hugs to all of you. This hurts.
Goodbye Eric. You will be missed! I will try to stay engaged, but right now I’m just so sad for your family and selfishly for those of us who’ve lost a truly great American. Rest in Power!
Rest in Peace, Eric. I listened for the content, but I also just loved the sound of your voice. I'm so sorry for your family, and for us all to lose someone like you, much too soon.
I will always value Eric's voice. This newsletter is an absolute tonic in these times. Today's news is too cruel. Big feels to those who knew him well personally, his family and friends. I'm so sorry for all of us. We need more Erics not less.
I don't see any mystery about the press' attitude toward Biden. The previous administration proved that an entertaining, albeit incompetent, executive branch is far more lucrative for the press than an efficient, responsible one. If the president can't make a train wreck out of policy and law, then the press needs to manufacture a train wreck and a presidency in crisis to keep eyes on ads.
The word is that the Press Run newsletter will continue, but who knows how and by who. Still, it would make sense to subscribe if you haven't already, for his family's sake and to ensure his legacy endures.
The Beltway Buffoons and the American mainstream media seem to have a problem with reporting on a president that doesn't go out of his way to seek their attention.
They've somehow gotten used to getting 24-7 non-stop content from a wannabe dictator whose word vomit of white grievance, racism, fearmongering, paranoia and whatever crazy batsh*t idea in his mind was/is shared with little or no context on his now-deleted Twitter account or unhinged interviews that also involved him threatening members of the press with imprisonment or death.
Those fools in the Beltway press corps have somehow decided that the short-term rewards in the form of eyeballs & clicks that would translate into huge financial profits for their owners (corporate, family-owned or both) is better than actually dealing with the long-term negative effects of their crappy journalism on the state of American democracy.
Eric, first of all, Politico USED to be revered as one of the major sources of great election-year reporting. And then they were bought out by a right-wing German publisher. Eugene, Rachael and Ryan seem to be simply accommodating their publisher's desires.
Another question has to be asked: why is the press ignoring the facts that they were villainized during 45, daily briefings eventually became nil, and if 45 becomes 47, most of 'em gonna lose their freedom of expression. Have all these American journalists forgotten what they've learned in school about what it means to be an American?
In its zeal to predict a red wave in November, the media has forgotten to explain just what the GOP would do to make things better. They don't know because Mitch McConnell won't tell them. If Chuck Schumer told reporters they would have to "wait and see" what the Dem platform entailed, he'd be (rightfully) hammered for his arrogance. The Kool Kids want their jobs to be fun, and it isn't fun to cover elections in which one party wants to govern responsibly and the other wants only to wage culture wars and please its corporate donors.
They are lazy and want the GOP in control. There is no other explanation. While “Dems can’t message,” “Dems in dissaray,” and both sides bullshit are infuriatingly normal, the coverage since the Afghanistan withdrawal has gone beyond the usual; it’s been pointedly negative and relentlessly anti-Biden and anti-Dem. The fact that back in January, a Wapo/ABC News poll would include a question about Biden being “mentally fit” for the job says everything. The NYT bot on twitter is so perfect because it exposes this bias, framing every bit of news, no matter how good or innocuous, as “and why that’s bad for Biden.”
For my own sanity I have had to tune out often because it is so awful. That CBS needs to add more GOP to its payroll for “access” because they have already declared a GOP victory in Nov is brain melting. (I guess there aren’t enough republicans on Face the Nation.) It’s a cynical, calculated attempt to lure Fox viewers. What happens to the country and democracy be damned. Watch for more lying liars there and on the rest of network news and CNN.
Going to miss you in my inbox. Been a follower for a long time. May your memory be a blessing to your family and friends.
I wondered why there was no new Press Run yesterday.
Then I found out the shocking news this morning about Eric's death.
As a non-American, his Press Run column was an eye-opener to the skewed priorities of the American mainstream media which was more interested in ratings & financial profits over the truthful and accurate reporting of the news.
His willingness to call out the B.S. of "both-sidesism", and double standards in the media coverage of Republicans & Democrats was important in my understanding of the brokenness of the institution.
RIP Eric Boehlert.
I heard Stephanie Miller say Eric's name this morning, and I perked right up, eager to hear from him, and then I realized she was on the verge of tears as she spoke of the awful tragedy that had befallen Eric and his family. I feel like I lost a brother...and I know you guys do, too. Much love and sympathy to Eric's wife and kids, and hugs to all of you. This hurts.
Goodbye Eric. You will be missed! I will try to stay engaged, but right now I’m just so sad for your family and selfishly for those of us who’ve lost a truly great American. Rest in Power!
Rest in Peace, Eric. I listened for the content, but I also just loved the sound of your voice. I'm so sorry for your family, and for us all to lose someone like you, much too soon.
RIP Eric 💔. We’re heartbroken.
Besides Eric, I’m going to miss all the smart things people here say. Best comments on the web, you guys. I learn so much from you.
I will always value Eric's voice. This newsletter is an absolute tonic in these times. Today's news is too cruel. Big feels to those who knew him well personally, his family and friends. I'm so sorry for all of us. We need more Erics not less.
I don't see any mystery about the press' attitude toward Biden. The previous administration proved that an entertaining, albeit incompetent, executive branch is far more lucrative for the press than an efficient, responsible one. If the president can't make a train wreck out of policy and law, then the press needs to manufacture a train wreck and a presidency in crisis to keep eyes on ads.
This was Eric's last post. He will be missed and my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
RIP Eric Boehlert. You were an American Hero.
As far as I can tell this was the last comment he posted (the day before yesterday) on this, his last Press Run piece:
https://pressrun.media/p/is-the-press-rooting-against-biden/comment/5878025
The word is that the Press Run newsletter will continue, but who knows how and by who. Still, it would make sense to subscribe if you haven't already, for his family's sake and to ensure his legacy endures.
Thanks for your time. Hope it helps.
The Beltway Buffoons and the American mainstream media seem to have a problem with reporting on a president that doesn't go out of his way to seek their attention.
They've somehow gotten used to getting 24-7 non-stop content from a wannabe dictator whose word vomit of white grievance, racism, fearmongering, paranoia and whatever crazy batsh*t idea in his mind was/is shared with little or no context on his now-deleted Twitter account or unhinged interviews that also involved him threatening members of the press with imprisonment or death.
Those fools in the Beltway press corps have somehow decided that the short-term rewards in the form of eyeballs & clicks that would translate into huge financial profits for their owners (corporate, family-owned or both) is better than actually dealing with the long-term negative effects of their crappy journalism on the state of American democracy.
FYI I just learned that Eric died in a bike accident. Here is the link to James Fallows’ substack. I am heartbroken. We have lost a huge advocate.
https://fallows.substack.com/p/framing-in-honor-of-eric-boehlert?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoyMzIyMjUxLCJfIjoibkZ0REwiLCJpYXQiOjE2NDkyODcxMTMsImV4cCI6MTY0OTI5MDcxMywiaXNzIjoicHViLTQwMzg4NCIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.X4JWdGC3-7LGvs_ZuCfO5sfS3DtBXNeYwB0IfnZz4r4&s=r