It’s even worse than that, the media normalizes what is, at its core, anti-democracy behavior. The media’s obvious admiration for they way Republicans act in lock step shows just how much they admire undemocratic processes which is messy because there is no way that so many different constituencies would be in agreement all the time. Republicans are group of lemmings who just follow their leaders and believe what they say. Far too many in the media are impressed that Republicans are such strong, manly leaders. and disdain Democrats as a bunch of silly, squabbling kids/girls.
This article from Bloomberg is what all the media should be telling Americans:
“ Biden's Economic Performance Has Proved Unbeatable:
No first-year president going back to Carter comes close to matching the current White House occupant’s No. 1 or No. 2 ranking in each of 10 key measures.”
If headlines like that were true norm in the mainstream media you can bet that Biden’s poll numbers would be over 50%.
Or imagine if the emphasis in the discussion of Manchin’s obstructing the BBB was on Manchin’s real reasons, not his pretense of worrying about debt and inflation. He is angry that the media has been told that he privately said he opposes extending the child tax credits because parents will use the money to buy drugs and opposes paid leave because people will use the time to go hunting. He is so arrogant he thinks he can string Democrats along for months, constantly moving the goal posts but they should still grant him confidentiality!
Instead of headlines about Biden failing to get BBB passed, they should be more along these lines:
“Manchin’s comments show deep disdain for the citizens of WVA”.
Even though media organizations like NBC have confirmed that Manchin privately told people his real reasons for opposing those provisions, he is still being treated with respect by the same media that is always lecturing Democrats to be respectful of working class Trump supporters, the people Manchin views with such contempt.
By insulting American families and workers, Manchin showed his Republican bona fides. However, the fact remains that the GOP is getting another pass for doing something really crappy to the whole country just because they can. And the press helps them do it. Whatever happens, it's always Biden's fault. Now the NYT once again claims the Democrats are "infighting" because the progressives had warned earlier about not splitting BBB into separate bills. The press bias is damaging the party and the agenda because it spews garbage instead of facts.
When will the msm explain that the Dems are a DIVERSE party and its members don’t walk in lockstep, that disagreements are to be expected and sorted out. There’s NEVER a sense of context in these narratives. Btw, I FINALLY saw an article in either the Times or Wapo yesterday spelling out Manchin’s close ties to coal, etc. WHERE THE HELL HAVE THEY BEEN?
Ps. You might have seen Gene Robinsons recent column naming the REPUBLICANS for their obstruction and putting in context what is what re: Congress’s inaction vis a vis BBB. So refreshing. Sorry, don’t have the link.
So what about Manchin? The point Eric is trying to make is that the press is obsessing on Manchin while letting the GOP off the hook. When will they start writing and talking about how the media has let the GOP slide for their persistentm Trump-pleasing stonewalling of legislation that benefits all Americans?
I'm not that emotional about it anymore. Four years of Trump sent my blood pressure into the stratosphere, so I learned that whatever is going to happen does not depend upon how distraught I am. We are here to talk about the abysmal press coverage of this stuff.
Not only do they want the black lung and insurance improvements the unions specifically mentioned wanting the green jobs BBB would have brought to their state.
What continually amazes me about the lopsided media coverage is the arrogance and absense of self-preservation. Trumpism is infecting county after county (demanding changes to school curricula to eliminate discussions of slavery, banning books, attacking teachers, 1800 deaths/day of COVID via the unvaccinated, increasing acceptance of vigilantism), and yet the Beltway press continues to believe that they will be untouched if authoritarianism prevails. Not only will they be targets for violence, but SCOTUS has been rumbling for 5 years about the need to 'revisit' libel laws. Even if they don't care about democracy, unnecessary deaths of 10K/day, political violence, and near-unstoppable income inequality, are they so arrogant that they fail to see the dangers to journalists manifested in every authoritarian regime across the world? If so, they're the only ones who think 'it' can't happen here.
And this Manchin stuff...isn't it theater at this point? Joey will win the day and make a deal in January, "saving his agenda;" Manchin will have enhanced his hillbilly bonafides with constituents and RWNJ's and win re-election. (He won re-election in 2018 with less than 50% of the vote.) So, after Christmas, when everyone is fat, happy and infected, the Dems will announce a deal and everyone will look good. Politics is a dirty business - I'm glad the President knows how to play the game.
The only thing worse than the lockstep Republican obstruction is the perpetual bad faith they use to water down legislation. Chuck Grassley put dent after dent into the ACA and then voted against his own changes. Manchin has done the same thing with BBB. When will the Dems learn to stop changing bills at the behest of people who won't vote for the final product under any circumstances? An objective journalist would find that a compelling story - as will future historians.
The DC Press is the media arm of the Republicans. How can it not be? We've never seen such a dysfunctional party in American history. They can only vote yes for bills that help the wealthiest one percent. Somehow the press favors that. Eric's take is spot on. The real story is not Manchin who yes, is a complete waste of time. It's the fact that there are Republican Senators who would vote for this bill because they know it would help their constituents but they won't because they feel the wrath of the GOP leadership and being primaried. It's not a party, it's a cult. We live in dire times when the majority of Americans, 60 percent or better, want a more progressive agenda and yet, the minority controls what happens. Democracy is dying? News flash, it's already dead. How is it a democracy when the population of DC is half of both Dakotas who have four senators combined while DC has no representation at all. California has 40 million people and two senators. Redistricting, voter suppression laws, the Electoral Collage, on and on. The US is DINO, democracy in name only. And the press, the Fourth Estate our Founders thought would be so essential in protecting a system governed by the people, is complicit with that.
Exactly what I was thinking yesterday, Eric. Sure, Manchin is a first-class asshat, but obviously we're all used to the stonewalling the Republicans have done against literally all legislation that would give the Democrats a win. The GOP doesn't even care that BBB would greatly help lower and middle class Americans, including children. And the press sees to it that these heartless extremists are rewarded with the gift of non-accountability. No way does Manchin get off scot-free for misleading Biden and 'fessing up to his colleagues that he didn't want poor people getting any money for their kids, or time off work when they're sick. Ugh, what a horrible human being he is. So why do WV voters like him?
Anyway, thank you for Darlene today. I needed it. It's hard to feel Christmasy.
Like Manchin, Republicans really despise and look down on their base. It’s all the right wing propaganda that keeps the base buying their lies. Manchin’s base is also steeped in that. Most of them voted for Trump.
The media has long ignored GOP radicalism and hypocrisy. It is remarkable the free pass they give them. Beltway’s view is “well that’s what they do—oppose Dems in lockstep—so that isn’t ‘news’.” Even though GOP behavior is nihilistic and the opposite of governing—running contrary to how our democracy is supposed to function. From blocking massively popular legislation and chiding Nancy for kicking Jordan off the 1/6 committee to blaming Biden for not convincing GOP supporters to get vaxxed and the shenanigans over raising the debt ceiling, the press not only refuse to call out the GOP but act outraged on their behalf and amplify that “outrage”, dutifully reporting on their every utterance and taking each at face value while mocking and deriding Dems. For beltway reporters it’s always the fault of Nancy, Chuck, and Joe. They don’t do enough or do too much and do it wrong. There was even media criticism of the WH statement about Manchin after his disgraceful performance on Sunday. If only Biden would be nicer!
It’s all a game to political journalists and their editors—heads GOP wins, tails Dems lose. The impact on the country, on everyday lives, is rarely to never considered. And as we’ve seen, the media rejects any criticism and doubles down when called out. I despair.
I loved the WH statement, did my heart good. Yup, either ds are too timid and now too brash, screwed up tactics w/getting Manchin on board. I say Bravo.
Commenting on and supporting Press Run with our subscriptions makes each of us feel like better Americans because we know Eric is right. We wonder why more people and more outlets aren't publishing his columns. But I want to know HOW we can achieve that. The misguided, brain-damaged right is certainly getting their drivel published in social media as well as the ms press. What can we do to get Eric's column out there! If more people were reading it and talking about it, maybe the press would become more accountable for their lies. Right now no one is holding them to the fire for their backward slant on everything Democratic. We simply cannot remain a timid, side-lined group if we want to stay in control of Congress (thanks to pseudo-Republican Joe Manchin, Democrats will never be truly in control) in the midterm elections. Surely someone who reads this column has marketing and/or public relations experience that could get this train moving faster!
Thank you; I haven't heard anyone call me a "good American" in decades. Our compassion, empathy and desire for change are seen as a weakness in this country. How did these yahoos corner the market on patriotism?
Because frankly too many on the left only talk about America’s flaws while refusing to acknowledge that this nation and its founding WAS unique. You can celebrate the Founding Fathers and recognize they were flawed humans of their time, which was vastly different from our own. Yet the left only calls them out for those flaws. We can be both proud of America’s many achievements and grieve over its failures, but again, too many on the left insist on only looking at the failures—the oppression, the racism, the patriarchy. Yes these are a huge part of America’s history and soul. But America is still more than that. “In order to create a more perfect union…” the Founders understood the point was the striving.
The right never stopped waving the flag that a loud contingency on the left would prefer to burn. I’m not saying we all need to join in with the mindless USA USA chants and the index finger waving. But a less black and white and more nuanced and informed perspective is sorely needed. We have serious problems in this country and the solutions seem further out of reach the more hardened the divides between us become.
I know this comment will not be popular with many here, but that’s life. I love my country and my democracy and I’m tired of idiots on the right and fools on the left. Some of the nastiest exchanges I have had haven’t been with delusional Trumpkins; they’ve been with narrow minded young progressives who have no problem being as bigoted and prejudicial—sexist and agist—as those they often decry. But like one of my heroes, FDR, said of all those who attacked and opposed him, “I welcome their hatred.” I roll up my sleeves every day to fight for that more perfect union.
I know how you feel. It's so simple: vote for Democrats and you might get some of what you want. Maybe even a lot that you want. Perhaps be a part of a better society. To pretend that a third party is going to swoop in and make change is delusional, unintelligent and really obnoxious. The negativity is astounding. Let's hope Joey Biden out-legislates FDR and LBJ combined. Gets an assault rifle ban like Bill Clinton did. Maybe enhance health care like Obama did. Perhaps pay attention to the biggest existential threat to our existence, like Carter did when he addressed how damaging our dependence on oil had become. JFK started the Peace Corp. Why do we denounce our former presidents? Because AOC is impatient?
Every time I see someone on the left—and especially someone who should know better—whine about staying home in the midterms I want to metaphorically slap them. “Biden didn’t give me this, Nancy didn’t do that, Garland is useless, they’ve done nothing, wah wah wah!” As if cutting off your nose to spite your face is worth a damn. It just gets more GOP elected—and the moderate ones are dropping like flies—and sets progress back further. Frustration I understand. But our system wasn’t set up for instant complete change—not with a 50-50 Senate. I don’t understand how so many can be so willfully blind and stupid.
I’m in agreement with you 100% about the young, narrow minded ‘purists’ in our party. My hope is they’ll grow out of it. Arrogance aint knowledge. As an aside, I have displayed on the back bumper of my car, a tastefully small American flag alongside my ‘Brandon Won’ sticker, also tastefully small. Puts a lift in my step.
This is the kind of crap I am talking about from the cooler than thou MSNBC columnist Hayes Brown:
NORAD's Christmas Eve Santa Claus tracker needs to end
The messy business of war doesn’t jibe with the Christmas spirit
The military is more than just killing. I think of the GIs in Europe during WWII giving away chocolate and cigarettes or the national guard units helping during disasters. The military likes peace; they know more than anyone the cost of war.
Anyway happy holidays all and stay healthy! We have a massive fight ahead of us in 22 so get rested and ready!
100% spot on. Why isn’t there coverage of the failure of so-called Republican moderates like Romney, Murkowski, and Collins? Not a word about them or their abandonment of their purported principles, not to mention the real, unFoxified interests of their own constituencies.
Or Rob Portman of Ohio, who is retiring and so no longer in thrall to Trump. He has a chance to show he is a decent, caring human being and has chosen instead to be a Republican.
I have said that if I were independently wealthy--say I had a yacht called Almost Heaven and drove a Maserati--I would devote myself to organizing boycotts. For example, I'd do a national campaign to get people to leave their cable companies because that's what funds Fux Noise.
So here's the best I can do at the moment. I have started emailing "reporters" who do those stories and asking them why they don't mention this. They don't usually answer--but maybe if everybody who subscribes to Mr. Boehlert did this, and encouraged others to do so, it might help? I doubt that Dean Baquet and Sally Buzbee enjoy being inundated, either.
It's certainly worth a try. If their inbox cratered with complaints (or more 'polite' suggestions to please tell the truth), then maybe they would at least consider that some of us know the truth.
I thought I noticed a slow down in the negative Biden pile-on after the bias-against-DEMs articles started coming out & getting traction… I could be wrong, but I think it might have made some proceed a bit more…carefully (?)
I noticed President and Mrs. Biden made a trip to the cemetery last week and I didn't see any vile snark tweets about it. They still don't deserve a cookie or my trust.
But we'll soon hear from someone complaining that he hasn't held a press conference. If he's asked he really should say, "There IS something else I agree on with my predecessor besides vaccines and boosters. You ARE the enemy of the people."
After reading the WSJ article “US Economy Ripples Worldwide” detailing how strong our economy is compared to other countries I have paid attention to see if there is any attention given to the facts in that article or to the Jennifer Rubin article recently posted at the WaPo.
I wondered if the same media that has been telling us people are freaking out because of inflation would now tell us that the measure of consumer confidence is very high despite all those supposed fears. Today I forced myself to watch Chuck Todd. The entire show was unrelentingly negative coverage of Biden. Not enough tests, his failed negations with Manchin — no mention that the elitist Manchin’s true objections were that he thinks people will use the child tax credit for drugs and paid leave to go hunting. Then Chuck complained that Biden didn’t get us boosters soon enough — no mention of having to wait for FDA and CDC approval. Then he moved on to how we now need a fourth booster.
Katie Tur wasn’t much better. Just a lot of fearmongering and Biden blaming.
After more than half the show was over he moved on to the JFK assassination papers that were just released. Not one mention of the amazing economic data even though the WSJ is reporting it.
Noticed today there are many reports of how store shelves are fully stocked and deliveries are arriving in time for Christmas. But 60 minutes a few weeks ago featured a gloomy report on how supply chain delays were crippling the economy, and it's been one more addition to Chuck Todd's doom and gloom on Meet the Press. Will Americans recognize the reality of a dynamic economy that's working for everyone, or will they continue to believe that Democrats can run an effective economy? This is where the news media is failing our democracy: they are creating a perception that runs contrary to reality, and the authoritarian GOP is eager to harness that perception to gain power.
Consumer confidence is really high now. So much for the inflation hysteria — not that they will report this good news, they will just find another “crisis” to obsess over.
Our Failed Political Press ™ has so totally normalized Republican obstruction that they now talk about ALL legislation in terms of whether or not it has the required 60 votes to pass, as if that is some sort of rule or law.
I can console myself that the BBB was democratically (small dee) stopped by 48 yeahs and 52 nays, so it failed, but I do not see it presented that way in the media. Instead it is presented as a total failure of the Democrats (big Dee).
I’d like some enterprising news outlet to get individual Republicans —by name— on record about which aspect of it failed to get their support. Was it taking care of kids/seniors, was it climate change, what was it that lost their support.
The lesson here for the Dems is to stop the practice of loading up bills with multiple proposals. One thing at a time removes the ability of all politicians to blow smoke and feign support for some or ever most of a bill, but claim that one proposal was a deal breaker.
Yeah, group-think and group-vote are dangerous as it gives the individual Senators a cloak of invisibility; they don’t have to go on record saying that they are OK with child poverty or old folks having to choose between buying meds or paying rent.
Kevin: You wonder if the short-term strategy of ‘group voting’ on every bill will hurt the senatorial brand (for lack of a better term) in the long run… I guess it favors those already on auto-pilot, but …
Bad enough the DC Press Corpse is in the tank for the GOP.
Seeing how the stenographers slobbered all over Kyle Rittenhouse getting a standing ovation at the Young Nazis, er, "Turning Pointless" Klanbake made me sick to my stomach.
The coverage of Republicans is like free advertising for Republicans while coverage of Democrats is like free advertising for Republicans.
bingo
It’s even worse than that, the media normalizes what is, at its core, anti-democracy behavior. The media’s obvious admiration for they way Republicans act in lock step shows just how much they admire undemocratic processes which is messy because there is no way that so many different constituencies would be in agreement all the time. Republicans are group of lemmings who just follow their leaders and believe what they say. Far too many in the media are impressed that Republicans are such strong, manly leaders. and disdain Democrats as a bunch of silly, squabbling kids/girls.
This article from Bloomberg is what all the media should be telling Americans:
“ Biden's Economic Performance Has Proved Unbeatable:
No first-year president going back to Carter comes close to matching the current White House occupant’s No. 1 or No. 2 ranking in each of 10 key measures.”
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-12-20/president-biden-s-economic-performance-has-proved-unbeatable
If headlines like that were true norm in the mainstream media you can bet that Biden’s poll numbers would be over 50%.
Or imagine if the emphasis in the discussion of Manchin’s obstructing the BBB was on Manchin’s real reasons, not his pretense of worrying about debt and inflation. He is angry that the media has been told that he privately said he opposes extending the child tax credits because parents will use the money to buy drugs and opposes paid leave because people will use the time to go hunting. He is so arrogant he thinks he can string Democrats along for months, constantly moving the goal posts but they should still grant him confidentiality!
Instead of headlines about Biden failing to get BBB passed, they should be more along these lines:
“Manchin’s comments show deep disdain for the citizens of WVA”.
Even though media organizations like NBC have confirmed that Manchin privately told people his real reasons for opposing those provisions, he is still being treated with respect by the same media that is always lecturing Democrats to be respectful of working class Trump supporters, the people Manchin views with such contempt.
What people actually spent the child tax credit on:
https://digbysblog.net/2021/12/21/the-child-tax-credit-for-dummies/
Proof that Manchin follows his own prejudices, not facts.
Thank you for sharing the link.
great piece thanks for linking
By insulting American families and workers, Manchin showed his Republican bona fides. However, the fact remains that the GOP is getting another pass for doing something really crappy to the whole country just because they can. And the press helps them do it. Whatever happens, it's always Biden's fault. Now the NYT once again claims the Democrats are "infighting" because the progressives had warned earlier about not splitting BBB into separate bills. The press bias is damaging the party and the agenda because it spews garbage instead of facts.
When will the msm explain that the Dems are a DIVERSE party and its members don’t walk in lockstep, that disagreements are to be expected and sorted out. There’s NEVER a sense of context in these narratives. Btw, I FINALLY saw an article in either the Times or Wapo yesterday spelling out Manchin’s close ties to coal, etc. WHERE THE HELL HAVE THEY BEEN?
Ps. You might have seen Gene Robinsons recent column naming the REPUBLICANS for their obstruction and putting in context what is what re: Congress’s inaction vis a vis BBB. So refreshing. Sorry, don’t have the link.
So what about Manchin? The point Eric is trying to make is that the press is obsessing on Manchin while letting the GOP off the hook. When will they start writing and talking about how the media has let the GOP slide for their persistentm Trump-pleasing stonewalling of legislation that benefits all Americans?
I’m w/you and Eric 100%, but am feeling deja vu all over again. WILL THEY EVER COME AROUND? I’m sweating about voting rights getting done.
I'm not that emotional about it anymore. Four years of Trump sent my blood pressure into the stratosphere, so I learned that whatever is going to happen does not depend upon how distraught I am. We are here to talk about the abysmal press coverage of this stuff.
Even the largest coal miners union implored him to support BBB.
Not only do they want the black lung and insurance improvements the unions specifically mentioned wanting the green jobs BBB would have brought to their state.
This is perhaps THE most important topic facing our society today.
It's not a stretch to see our main problem is that the press's business model is no longer centered on informing the public but manipulating it.
What continually amazes me about the lopsided media coverage is the arrogance and absense of self-preservation. Trumpism is infecting county after county (demanding changes to school curricula to eliminate discussions of slavery, banning books, attacking teachers, 1800 deaths/day of COVID via the unvaccinated, increasing acceptance of vigilantism), and yet the Beltway press continues to believe that they will be untouched if authoritarianism prevails. Not only will they be targets for violence, but SCOTUS has been rumbling for 5 years about the need to 'revisit' libel laws. Even if they don't care about democracy, unnecessary deaths of 10K/day, political violence, and near-unstoppable income inequality, are they so arrogant that they fail to see the dangers to journalists manifested in every authoritarian regime across the world? If so, they're the only ones who think 'it' can't happen here.
Can't do PR for the GOP and not support and build up their star.
Informing honestly is no longer the mainstream's priority.
And this Manchin stuff...isn't it theater at this point? Joey will win the day and make a deal in January, "saving his agenda;" Manchin will have enhanced his hillbilly bonafides with constituents and RWNJ's and win re-election. (He won re-election in 2018 with less than 50% of the vote.) So, after Christmas, when everyone is fat, happy and infected, the Dems will announce a deal and everyone will look good. Politics is a dirty business - I'm glad the President knows how to play the game.
From your words ….
The only thing worse than the lockstep Republican obstruction is the perpetual bad faith they use to water down legislation. Chuck Grassley put dent after dent into the ACA and then voted against his own changes. Manchin has done the same thing with BBB. When will the Dems learn to stop changing bills at the behest of people who won't vote for the final product under any circumstances? An objective journalist would find that a compelling story - as will future historians.
The DC Press is the media arm of the Republicans. How can it not be? We've never seen such a dysfunctional party in American history. They can only vote yes for bills that help the wealthiest one percent. Somehow the press favors that. Eric's take is spot on. The real story is not Manchin who yes, is a complete waste of time. It's the fact that there are Republican Senators who would vote for this bill because they know it would help their constituents but they won't because they feel the wrath of the GOP leadership and being primaried. It's not a party, it's a cult. We live in dire times when the majority of Americans, 60 percent or better, want a more progressive agenda and yet, the minority controls what happens. Democracy is dying? News flash, it's already dead. How is it a democracy when the population of DC is half of both Dakotas who have four senators combined while DC has no representation at all. California has 40 million people and two senators. Redistricting, voter suppression laws, the Electoral Collage, on and on. The US is DINO, democracy in name only. And the press, the Fourth Estate our Founders thought would be so essential in protecting a system governed by the people, is complicit with that.
Exactly what I was thinking yesterday, Eric. Sure, Manchin is a first-class asshat, but obviously we're all used to the stonewalling the Republicans have done against literally all legislation that would give the Democrats a win. The GOP doesn't even care that BBB would greatly help lower and middle class Americans, including children. And the press sees to it that these heartless extremists are rewarded with the gift of non-accountability. No way does Manchin get off scot-free for misleading Biden and 'fessing up to his colleagues that he didn't want poor people getting any money for their kids, or time off work when they're sick. Ugh, what a horrible human being he is. So why do WV voters like him?
Anyway, thank you for Darlene today. I needed it. It's hard to feel Christmasy.
The Rs are anti government, anti poor and power hungry. Nice crowd.
Like Manchin, Republicans really despise and look down on their base. It’s all the right wing propaganda that keeps the base buying their lies. Manchin’s base is also steeped in that. Most of them voted for Trump.
What galls me is that the press calls Manchin a "moderate Democrat." He's a Republican thinly disguised - very thinly - as a Democrat.
McConnell just invited him to come on down to the r side.
They have been working on him and Sinema for months. Manchin is our Joe Lieberman. There is always one (or two).
Manchin may have burned enough Democratic bridges in WV that he may not have any choice.
A reporter who knows Manchin well says he insists he won’t switch. He won’t have the kind of power he does now.
The media has long ignored GOP radicalism and hypocrisy. It is remarkable the free pass they give them. Beltway’s view is “well that’s what they do—oppose Dems in lockstep—so that isn’t ‘news’.” Even though GOP behavior is nihilistic and the opposite of governing—running contrary to how our democracy is supposed to function. From blocking massively popular legislation and chiding Nancy for kicking Jordan off the 1/6 committee to blaming Biden for not convincing GOP supporters to get vaxxed and the shenanigans over raising the debt ceiling, the press not only refuse to call out the GOP but act outraged on their behalf and amplify that “outrage”, dutifully reporting on their every utterance and taking each at face value while mocking and deriding Dems. For beltway reporters it’s always the fault of Nancy, Chuck, and Joe. They don’t do enough or do too much and do it wrong. There was even media criticism of the WH statement about Manchin after his disgraceful performance on Sunday. If only Biden would be nicer!
It’s all a game to political journalists and their editors—heads GOP wins, tails Dems lose. The impact on the country, on everyday lives, is rarely to never considered. And as we’ve seen, the media rejects any criticism and doubles down when called out. I despair.
I loved the WH statement, did my heart good. Yup, either ds are too timid and now too brash, screwed up tactics w/getting Manchin on board. I say Bravo.
A game indeed! Hence the horse race coverage on everything.
Commenting on and supporting Press Run with our subscriptions makes each of us feel like better Americans because we know Eric is right. We wonder why more people and more outlets aren't publishing his columns. But I want to know HOW we can achieve that. The misguided, brain-damaged right is certainly getting their drivel published in social media as well as the ms press. What can we do to get Eric's column out there! If more people were reading it and talking about it, maybe the press would become more accountable for their lies. Right now no one is holding them to the fire for their backward slant on everything Democratic. We simply cannot remain a timid, side-lined group if we want to stay in control of Congress (thanks to pseudo-Republican Joe Manchin, Democrats will never be truly in control) in the midterm elections. Surely someone who reads this column has marketing and/or public relations experience that could get this train moving faster!
Thank you; I haven't heard anyone call me a "good American" in decades. Our compassion, empathy and desire for change are seen as a weakness in this country. How did these yahoos corner the market on patriotism?
Because frankly too many on the left only talk about America’s flaws while refusing to acknowledge that this nation and its founding WAS unique. You can celebrate the Founding Fathers and recognize they were flawed humans of their time, which was vastly different from our own. Yet the left only calls them out for those flaws. We can be both proud of America’s many achievements and grieve over its failures, but again, too many on the left insist on only looking at the failures—the oppression, the racism, the patriarchy. Yes these are a huge part of America’s history and soul. But America is still more than that. “In order to create a more perfect union…” the Founders understood the point was the striving.
The right never stopped waving the flag that a loud contingency on the left would prefer to burn. I’m not saying we all need to join in with the mindless USA USA chants and the index finger waving. But a less black and white and more nuanced and informed perspective is sorely needed. We have serious problems in this country and the solutions seem further out of reach the more hardened the divides between us become.
I know this comment will not be popular with many here, but that’s life. I love my country and my democracy and I’m tired of idiots on the right and fools on the left. Some of the nastiest exchanges I have had haven’t been with delusional Trumpkins; they’ve been with narrow minded young progressives who have no problem being as bigoted and prejudicial—sexist and agist—as those they often decry. But like one of my heroes, FDR, said of all those who attacked and opposed him, “I welcome their hatred.” I roll up my sleeves every day to fight for that more perfect union.
I know how you feel. It's so simple: vote for Democrats and you might get some of what you want. Maybe even a lot that you want. Perhaps be a part of a better society. To pretend that a third party is going to swoop in and make change is delusional, unintelligent and really obnoxious. The negativity is astounding. Let's hope Joey Biden out-legislates FDR and LBJ combined. Gets an assault rifle ban like Bill Clinton did. Maybe enhance health care like Obama did. Perhaps pay attention to the biggest existential threat to our existence, like Carter did when he addressed how damaging our dependence on oil had become. JFK started the Peace Corp. Why do we denounce our former presidents? Because AOC is impatient?
Every time I see someone on the left—and especially someone who should know better—whine about staying home in the midterms I want to metaphorically slap them. “Biden didn’t give me this, Nancy didn’t do that, Garland is useless, they’ve done nothing, wah wah wah!” As if cutting off your nose to spite your face is worth a damn. It just gets more GOP elected—and the moderate ones are dropping like flies—and sets progress back further. Frustration I understand. But our system wasn’t set up for instant complete change—not with a 50-50 Senate. I don’t understand how so many can be so willfully blind and stupid.
It's their hubris - they think nothing happened before they were born.
I’m in agreement with you 100% about the young, narrow minded ‘purists’ in our party. My hope is they’ll grow out of it. Arrogance aint knowledge. As an aside, I have displayed on the back bumper of my car, a tastefully small American flag alongside my ‘Brandon Won’ sticker, also tastefully small. Puts a lift in my step.
I love it! Good for you! (Don’t know why it posted twice or why both deleted when I deleted only one.)
Haha!🇺🇸
This is the kind of crap I am talking about from the cooler than thou MSNBC columnist Hayes Brown:
NORAD's Christmas Eve Santa Claus tracker needs to end
The messy business of war doesn’t jibe with the Christmas spirit
The military is more than just killing. I think of the GIs in Europe during WWII giving away chocolate and cigarettes or the national guard units helping during disasters. The military likes peace; they know more than anyone the cost of war.
Anyway happy holidays all and stay healthy! We have a massive fight ahead of us in 22 so get rested and ready!
Happy Holidays!
100% spot on. Why isn’t there coverage of the failure of so-called Republican moderates like Romney, Murkowski, and Collins? Not a word about them or their abandonment of their purported principles, not to mention the real, unFoxified interests of their own constituencies.
Would be nice to see that in something besides the press outside of the US!
Or Rob Portman of Ohio, who is retiring and so no longer in thrall to Trump. He has a chance to show he is a decent, caring human being and has chosen instead to be a Republican.
I think it’s the death threats for that trio and for the Portmans and Toomeys the nice fat paycheck awaiting them and acceptance in their GOP circles.
I have said that if I were independently wealthy--say I had a yacht called Almost Heaven and drove a Maserati--I would devote myself to organizing boycotts. For example, I'd do a national campaign to get people to leave their cable companies because that's what funds Fux Noise.
So here's the best I can do at the moment. I have started emailing "reporters" who do those stories and asking them why they don't mention this. They don't usually answer--but maybe if everybody who subscribes to Mr. Boehlert did this, and encouraged others to do so, it might help? I doubt that Dean Baquet and Sally Buzbee enjoy being inundated, either.
It's certainly worth a try. If their inbox cratered with complaints (or more 'polite' suggestions to please tell the truth), then maybe they would at least consider that some of us know the truth.
I thought I noticed a slow down in the negative Biden pile-on after the bias-against-DEMs articles started coming out & getting traction… I could be wrong, but I think it might have made some proceed a bit more…carefully (?)
I noticed President and Mrs. Biden made a trip to the cemetery last week and I didn't see any vile snark tweets about it. They still don't deserve a cookie or my trust.
But we'll soon hear from someone complaining that he hasn't held a press conference. If he's asked he really should say, "There IS something else I agree on with my predecessor besides vaccines and boosters. You ARE the enemy of the people."
I hear you. I think he has their number but is enough of a traditionalist to respect role of the free press, etc.
Oh, absolutely. And I do too. I just know that they are not actually reporters. :)
That is so true.
The Washington Post is nicer to Biden today than usual. Go figure.
I still don't trust them. LOL. Plus I'm Irish with Scorpio rising. I not only hold my grudges nurture and nourish them LOL!
That’s a powerful combo 😳✨
Sorry I don't understand.
The Irish and people with sun sign of Scorpio are known for their tendencies to harbor grudges.
Nonsense.
(You wonder if they go for intermittent 👊💥- to give the impression of neutrality…)
Or, simply put: the ‘throw a dog a bone’ method…
After reading the WSJ article “US Economy Ripples Worldwide” detailing how strong our economy is compared to other countries I have paid attention to see if there is any attention given to the facts in that article or to the Jennifer Rubin article recently posted at the WaPo.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/booming-u-s-economy-ripples-world-wide-straining-supply-chains-and-driving-up-prices-11640082604?mod=djemalertNEWS
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/12/22/biden-gets-an-early-christmas-gift-good-economic-news/
I wondered if the same media that has been telling us people are freaking out because of inflation would now tell us that the measure of consumer confidence is very high despite all those supposed fears. Today I forced myself to watch Chuck Todd. The entire show was unrelentingly negative coverage of Biden. Not enough tests, his failed negations with Manchin — no mention that the elitist Manchin’s true objections were that he thinks people will use the child tax credit for drugs and paid leave to go hunting. Then Chuck complained that Biden didn’t get us boosters soon enough — no mention of having to wait for FDA and CDC approval. Then he moved on to how we now need a fourth booster.
Katie Tur wasn’t much better. Just a lot of fearmongering and Biden blaming.
After more than half the show was over he moved on to the JFK assassination papers that were just released. Not one mention of the amazing economic data even though the WSJ is reporting it.
Thx for the heads up👍 I cannot take Todd or Morning Joe at this point :/
You deserve a nice treat. I'd still be shrieking and hurling spittle flecked curses.
Manchin may be in more trouble than he realizes….
“Kentucky Witches Called to Curse Sen. Joe Manchin Over His Refusal to Support Biden’s Spending Bill”
https://www.citybeat.com/news/kentucky-witches-called-to-curse-sen-joe-manchin-over-his-refusal-to-support-bidens-spending-bill-12378391
Did NOT see that coming… just omg
I wish they would target McConnell and Paul. Manchin at least has voted with Democrats many times.
Noticed today there are many reports of how store shelves are fully stocked and deliveries are arriving in time for Christmas. But 60 minutes a few weeks ago featured a gloomy report on how supply chain delays were crippling the economy, and it's been one more addition to Chuck Todd's doom and gloom on Meet the Press. Will Americans recognize the reality of a dynamic economy that's working for everyone, or will they continue to believe that Democrats can run an effective economy? This is where the news media is failing our democracy: they are creating a perception that runs contrary to reality, and the authoritarian GOP is eager to harness that perception to gain power.
When the reality doesn’t fit their narrative they ignore it.
Consumer confidence is really high now. So much for the inflation hysteria — not that they will report this good news, they will just find another “crisis” to obsess over.
Thanks for this Eric, I cannot agree more.
Our Failed Political Press ™ has so totally normalized Republican obstruction that they now talk about ALL legislation in terms of whether or not it has the required 60 votes to pass, as if that is some sort of rule or law.
I can console myself that the BBB was democratically (small dee) stopped by 48 yeahs and 52 nays, so it failed, but I do not see it presented that way in the media. Instead it is presented as a total failure of the Democrats (big Dee).
I’d like some enterprising news outlet to get individual Republicans —by name— on record about which aspect of it failed to get their support. Was it taking care of kids/seniors, was it climate change, what was it that lost their support.
The lesson here for the Dems is to stop the practice of loading up bills with multiple proposals. One thing at a time removes the ability of all politicians to blow smoke and feign support for some or ever most of a bill, but claim that one proposal was a deal breaker.
Yeah, group-think and group-vote are dangerous as it gives the individual Senators a cloak of invisibility; they don’t have to go on record saying that they are OK with child poverty or old folks having to choose between buying meds or paying rent.
ever = even
Kevin: You wonder if the short-term strategy of ‘group voting’ on every bill will hurt the senatorial brand (for lack of a better term) in the long run… I guess it favors those already on auto-pilot, but …
Bad enough the DC Press Corpse is in the tank for the GOP.
Seeing how the stenographers slobbered all over Kyle Rittenhouse getting a standing ovation at the Young Nazis, er, "Turning Pointless" Klanbake made me sick to my stomach.