Republican presidential candidates are just the latest group of conservatives to claim the “liberal media” has it out for them. But really, let’s talk reality.
Ever since the CNBC Republican presidential debate, conservatives have been attacking journalism in general, for the most part, as being “the liberal media.”Â
Their idea of reputable debate moderators was recently revealed to include Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and other far right wing pundits.
But seriously, there’s nothing inherently “liberal” about the media. And let’s never forget that Fox News is the number one news network in terms of viewership and reach, by far. For Republicans to say the media is “liberal” is bordering on insanity.
Case in point:
The photo above is ABC News journalist and one of the “Good Morning America” anchors, Lara Spencer. Sitting in Donald Trump’s lap. We can literally say Donald Trump has the mainstream media sitting in his lap.
Spencer posted this to her Instagram account today.
CNN’s media reporter added this tidbit today:
More:
And Trump posted this:
Today, Donald Trump at a press conference repeatedly claimed Hillary Clinton only got “softballs” tossed to her by the Democratic debate moderators.
Really?
Softballs?
Let’s take a look at the transcript:
Secretary Clinton, I want to start with you. Plenty of politicians evolve on issues, but even some Democrats believe you change your positions based on political expediency.
You were against same-sex marriage. Now you’re for it. You defended President Obama’s immigration policies. Now you say they’re too harsh. You supported his trade deal dozen of times. You even called it the “gold standard”. Now, suddenly, last week, you’re against it.
Will you say anything to get elected?
Secretary Clinton, though, with all due respect, the question is really about political expediency. Just in July, New Hampshire, you told the crowd you’d, quote, “take a back seat to no one when it comes to progressive values.”
Last month in Ohio, you said you plead guilty to, quote, “being kind of moderate and center.” Do you change your political identity based on who you’re talking to?
That was the first question CNN’s Anderson Cooper “lobbed” to Hillary Clinton.
Another:
Secretary Clinton, on the campaign trail, Governor Webb has said that he would never have used military force in Libya and that the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi was inevitable. Should you have seen that attack coming?
And another:
Secretary Clinton, you are going to be testifying before Congress next week about your e-mails. For the last eight months, you haven’t been able to put this issue behind you. You dismissed it; you joked about it; you called it a mistake. What does that say about your ability to handle far more challenging crises as president?
Meanwhile, the CNBC debate actually opened with this:
This series of debates is essentially a job interview with the American people. And in any job interview, you know this: you get asked, “what’s your biggest weakness?” So in 30 seconds, without telling us that you try too hard or that you’re a perfectionist…
And this:
This one is for Senator Rubio. You’ve been a young man in a hurry ever since you won your first election in your 20s. You’ve had a big accomplishment in the Senate, an immigration bill providing a path to citizenship the conservatives in your party hate, and even you don’t support anymore. Now, you’re skipping more votes than any senator to run for president. Why not slow down, get a few more things done first or least finish what you start?
And this:
No, we’re moving to Governor Bush. Governor, the fact that you’re at the fifth lectern tonight shows how far your stock has fallen in this race, despite the big investment your donors have made.
You noted recently, after slashing your payroll, that you had better things to do than sit around and be demonized by other people. I wanted to ask you —
“Liberal media”?
Bull.
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