May 10, 2023

Trump is doing a live "town hall" show on CNN tonight.

Let's see how the major news media are handling this story the morning of:

The New York Times: Media correspondent Michael M. Grynbaum asks, "Should a leading presidential contender be given the opportunity to speak to voters on live television?" Wow. That suggests it could be considered unethical to give air to the horrible man.

Joy Reid, an anchor on rival MSNBC, derided the event as “a pretty open attempt by CNN to push itself to the right and make itself attractive and show its belly to MAGA.” Her colleague Chris Hayes called the town hall “very hard to defend.” Critics asked why CNN would provide a live platform to someone who defended rioters at the United States Capitol and still insists the 2020 election was rigged. Those objections intensified on Tuesday after Mr. Trump was found liable for the sexual abuse and defamation of the writer E. Jean Carroll. “Is @CNN still going to do a town hall with the sexual predator twice impeached insurrectionist?” Alexander S. Vindman, the Army colonel who was a witness in Mr. Trump’s first impeachment trial, wrote on Twitter.... 

Politico: The headline is "Trump world booked CNN hoping for a big audience. Now, they’re in the thick of it/The former president will fundraise off the E. Jean Carroll verdict. But he also has to get through a televised town hall where it will come up."

That suggests Trump might regret choosing this week for the town hall. I doubt it! He knew the trial was going on and had to know there was a good chance he'd lose. We know exactly how he'll denounce the verdict. I don't see much suspense. Politico seems to be feeding its readers who hope they're going to see Trump collapse. Haven't people learned by now that Trump will bull forward endlessly? 

MSNBC: The columnist Jordan Rubin thinks the town hall could be "a platform for self-incrimination in his criminal probes and/or open him up to civil liability if he makes defamatory statements." Yeah, why doesn't Trump just remain silent? His antagonists advise him that it would be in his interest to shut up. 

Mediaite: Columnist Charlie Nash quotes critics of CNN...

MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan criticized the network for platforming someone “who has used live interviews to incite violence and tell lies,” while the Bulwark’s Charlie Sykes called it “horrifically bad judgment” and “not journalism.”

... and Trump: 

“I’ll be doing CNN tomorrow night, LIVE from the Great State of New Hampshire, because they are rightfully desperate to get those fantastic (TRUMP!) ratings once again. They made me a deal I couldn’t refuse!!!... Could be the beginning of a New & Vibrant CNN, with no more Fake News, or it could turn into a disaster for all, including me. Let’s see what happens?”

I don't watch the TV news shows, and I presume most of what’s on is — to use Charlie Sykes's phrase — "not journalism." But I will watch the Trump town hall. And so I'll be one of the people who appease CNN's rightful desperation to get those fantastic (TRUMP!) ratings once again.

64 comments:

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

A pack of self-serving hacks (MsDNC, CNN and Trump) all colliding for their ratings.

MsDNC gets off bashing Trump non-stop.
Vindman - he's a lying hack who is allowed to spy on presidents - because loyal D-(mob)

CNN - Trump gives good rating and CNN knows that if Trump in the GOP nominee - they can ride high again in the ratings.

Trump - Yes - the economy was fantastic during Trump and I give him all the credit - but he is now a cat toy for the Soviet left.

Enigma said...

As Fox's right-wing support fades CNN moves to the right. Oligarch musical chairs.


The "MS" in MSNBC means Microsoft, and this means words put in the mouths of the pawns of oligarch Bill Gates.


Masters of puppets are pulling our strings.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Microsoft+NBC.

LOL - of course. Leftist oligarch central.

rehajm said...

And so I'll be one of the people who appease CNN's rightful desperation to get those fantastic (TRUMP!) ratings once again.

It does seem like CNN making desperate flail for ratings...

Sebastian said...

"Alexander S. Vindman, the Army colonel who was a witness in Mr. Trump’s first impeachment trial"

Side note: that snake worked for Trump. Just a reminder of his terrible personnel decisions.

Wince said...

Is @CNN still going to do a town hall with the sexual predator twice impeached insurrectionist?

Funny how the person still best positioned to defeat the establishment just happens to be the one accused by the establishment mouthpieces of being the most horrible person.

Amadeus 48 said...

That lineup of media types in Althouse's post is a real rogues' gallery of hacks all pushing the same line...make the Bad Orange Man go away! And Colonel Vindman, the mysterious Ukrainian operative! It is too perfect. Idiots on parade.

And Trump, seeing that he will be ringmaster in another circus, comes up with the perfect teaser: "Could be the beginning of a New & Vibrant CNN, with no more Fake News, or it could turn into a disaster for all, including me. Let’s see what happens?"

mezzrow said...

Everything's Bigly again at CNN... I credit nostalgia for 2015.

Alas, the future beckoned. Who knew?

I won't watch it, but future me will read about it here I suspect. The Realignment marches on.

Temujin said...

I cannot get my interest up to watch it. Not in any way. That's how tedious both Trump and our news media have become to me.

narciso said...

he was hired by mcmaster, after the fraud employed to get general flynn,

hes the leading candidate, fox has flushed its own audience and its credibility down the drain

Gusty Winds said...

Blogger Hunter Biden's tax payer funded Hooker said...
A pack of self-serving hacks (MsDNC, CNN and Trump) all colliding for their ratings.

So what if Trump goes on CNN? Well timed. CNN needs HIM for legitimacy. We're at the point where Joy Reid and Chris Hayes tell who and who isn't worthy of airtime?

They'll say the same about RFK Jr. and censor him too. Already have. We should just continue down the path of inflation, high interest rates, failing banks, proxy wars, child transgender mutilation, liberal censorship, erosion of the first amendment, violent crime, uncontrolled illegal immigration...

"Self-Serving" - yeah. They guy [Trump] that has taken it in the chin for the last seven years with false accusations from every angle is self-serving. Sure.

It was understandable that their lies and attacks worked with the brain dead corrupt liberal base. But to see their lawfare and propaganda work on those that oppose them is astonishing. They're masters at it. They have worn people out.

I give. Let's just let college educated white women run the whole damn country until we implode.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

As Amadeus noted that’s an awesomely trumpy quote from the bad orange man! Of course I’m going to DVR it. I like unpredictable live programming. Like the live Congressional thing on right now. Crazy week for big stories.

Roger Sweeny said...

Biden says he is running for re-election. Does "New York Times Media correspondent Michael M. Grynbaum" think that, as a contender for the presidency, he should not "be given the opportunity to speak to voters on live television"?

Gusty Winds said...

We have watched CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC and now FOX News sacrifice ratings in exchange for promoting and capitulating to voter fraud, poison mRNA shots, COVID lies, Ukraine lies, false accusations of white supremacy, racism, and basically all the things that are destroying America.

Late Night Television has sacrificed it's audience for the same. Twitter 1.0 gave up being profitable in exchange for government money to fund censorship and propaganda campaigns.

Why do we think the actually care about "ratings"? They get their headlines and brief talking point clips out on Twitter, YouTube and other avenues. They are in the game of government propaganda promotion. It's not about profits. If it were, they would have behaved differently for the last seven years.

The MAGA base and Trump voters have tuned all of it out. They have jobs and money to spend on advertised products.

Sally327 said...

It has a bit of a "Network" feel to me, the movie I mean, with Faye Dunaway and William Holden and Robert Duvall, except the TV network here isn't necessarily the one doing the exploiting the way the Network in the movie was using its mentally ill employee to jack up the ratings and make money. They're using each other, Trump and CNN, mutual exploitation. I

No one is interested in listening to Trump for his policy ideas, his governing philosophy, his plans for what he will do differently and better for all of us if he is elected again. But, then, he's not interested in any of that either. He's all about selling NFTs and geting us to give him money for his "campaign", because he's mad as hell and he's not taking it anymore. Whatever "it" is, that's hard to keep track of. Civil jury verdicts against him and mean judges are probably it today. Something different tomorrow.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Amadeus 48 - Indeed. It's a circus.. "We hate you Trump... Come back Trump... we will destroy Trump... Go away Trump... come back Trump!... we need you Trump!... WE hate you Trump!.. The walls are closing in Trump... Trump the vile insurrectionist rapist RUSSIAN OPERATIVE RUSSIAN MOSCOW SPY!... Go way Trump... Come back Trump....

Insane Clown Show.

They hate Orange Man Bad, but are addicted to what hatred of Orange Man Bad brings them.

All while the Soviet left open boarder mob ruin our nation. Look - Side show Trump!
All while the Biden family operate above the law. All while a-holes all over, repeat "no one is above the law". They have nothing to say about the Biden family international grift... From Ukraine no less. such liars. Biden family crooks ARE ABOVE THE LAW.

Bonus:
11 million illegal entrants are scattered around our nation.... and we pay for them....While our economy tanks.... the left lie lie lie lie and lie some more. The obedient Democrat party faithful have nothing to say... except - "But Trump!"

They can all F off.

walter said...

It's quite the wrestling match trying to control the news cycle.

Joe Smith said...

All the evidence you need that they don't give a fuck about stories or news, but rather narratives that can be shaped to the benefit of favored (liberal) policies.

walter said...

Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin getting wasted and decapitating Trump in effigy.
This..is CNN.

walter said...

A bit after whatever Comer says..,

Robert Cook said...

Of course CNN has the right to feature Donald Trump on a live "Town Hall" broadcast! He is a person in the news, a former president, possibly a future president, and he has just partially lost a civil case brought against him for sexual misconduct. If the journalists at CNN aren't prepared to prepare pertinent and tough questions for Trump to answer, or if they are unable to pin him down if (when) he tries to obfuscate or deny the point or resort to MAGA pandering to the rubes or respond with his stock "I'm being persecuted by the evil leftists" crybaby act , CNN's incompetence will be revealed. If they are competent and are able to refute his baloney, or if, in the unlikely circumstance that Trump replies seriously and candidly to questions put to him, then the public good has been served either way.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

"border"

rehajm said...

No one is interested in listening to Trump for his policy ideas, his governing philosophy, his plans for what he will do differently and better for all of us if he is elected again

I am, actually...

Mike of Snoqualmie said...

Joy Reid, chief racist bigot and neobarbarian on MSNBC, derides Donald Trump. So, what?

Mark said...

The Jerry Springer Show lives!

The verdict will be most prominent and it will get under Trump's skin. Trump will be Trump with insults and obnoxiousness, like he was at the Biden debate (which arguably lost him the election). No doubt, some of the crowd here will hoot and cheer.

Don't be surprised if Trump gets sick of it and stomps off the set. Then goes to social media to whine and cry.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

No one is interested in listening to Trump for his policy ideas, his governing philosophy, his plans for what he will do differently and better for all of us if he is elected again.

This is likely the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on this blog. Trump’s policies and undisputed success in his hamstrung first term are the biggest reason he leads in polls of adults. He polls better than the current president. The reason everything is going to shit under Biden is because he signed 100 executive orders day one specifically to reverse “Trump’s policies.”

wendybar said...

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...
No one is interested in listening to Trump for his policy ideas, his governing philosophy, his plans for what he will do differently and better for all of us if he is elected again.

This is likely the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on this blog. Trump’s policies and undisputed success in his hamstrung first term are the biggest reason he leads in polls of adults. He polls better than the current president. The reason everything is going to shit under Biden is because he signed 100 executive orders day one specifically to reverse “Trump’s policies.”

5/10/23, 10:11 AM

THIS^^^

Matt said...

CNN hosts man indicted for a hush money scheme to an adult film star, found liable in a sexual assault case, interfering in election results in Georgia, mishandling of thousands of classified documents and impeached twice. He’s a criminal and that’s not being hyperbolic. So CNN is aiding and abetting this criminal. It doesn’t matter if he is a Republican.

Kai Akker said...

--- Like the live Congressional thing on right now. Crazy week for big stories. Mike MJB Wolf

A historic level of accusation from Comer and the House Oversight Committee. As Mark Tapscott got immediately. It's out there now. How Althouse's favorite media avoid this one remains to be seen.

Drago said...

VA Lawyer Mark: "Mark said...
The Jerry Springer Show lives!

The verdict will be most prominent and it will get under Trump's skin. Trump will be Trump with insults and obnoxiousness, like he was at the Biden debate (which arguably lost him the election). No doubt, some of the crowd here will hoot and cheer.

Don't be surprised if Trump gets sick of it and stomps off the set. Then goes to social media to whine and cry."

You've clearly given this alot of "thought"......

D.D. Driver said...

For fucks sake, why wont ONE of the decrepit old assholes just fucking die like decrepit old assholes are supposed to do? I dont care which one. I dont care if it's Biden or Trump. Is it too greedy to ask for both? As a country we are apparently incapable of doing common sense thing so we need divine intervention. They have both lived loooooooong lives filled with comfort and luxury. It's not like it was be tragic. Can we just get state funeral in the next two years?

Chuck said...

I think it will be interesting viewing. I hope -- and I actually expect -- that questions along these lines will be asked:

~ "Why didn't you testify at your recent trial? Why didn't you attend the trial? Do you think it was a mistake, given the nature of your loss? And why did you write on Truth Social earlier this week that you were denied a chance to speak at the trial, and denied a chance to defend yourself? Because that is not true. Explain your claim in that regard. Be specific."

~ "Leaders of the Proud Boys were just convicted of criminal conspiracy to commit insurrection. Would you pardon them if you again became President? Should they be pardoned? Do you think that those defendants did anything wrong?"

~ "About the classified documents found at Mar A Lago; is it your claim that indeed you knew that you had classified documents, but that you claim that you possessed them legally? Did you declassify them? If so, how did you declassify them?"

~ "Explain in detail your understanding of what is being debated and negotiated in the current debt ceiling debate. If the federal budget should be cut, what exactly should be cut, and should Republicans publish a budget detailing how the budgetary line items should be cut? Where exactly do you think the federal budget can and should be cut?"

~ "In 2018, you signed the ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, which reduced a number of federal bank regulations. As President after 2024, would you continue to work toward further reducing federal banking regulations?"

~ "The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Putin. Should the U.S. offer cooperation in any way it can to assist in the ICC criminal investigation of Putin?"

rcocean said...

Vindman is a triple-citizen (Israel, Ukraine, USA) and was offered the Ukrainian Secretary of DOD Job. He not a hero, he got slightly wounded driving around Baghdad (or was it Kabul) for his desk job. He was an intelligence officer, not a combat commander.

He's retired, and there's no reason to call him "Colonel". Lied about Trump during the impeachment trial. He was NOT "hired by Trump", he was a DoD representative on the NSA. He was detailed there by the Pentagon.

In any case, Trump would have no reason to believe he was a leftwing, lying snake working for the "resistance".

rcocean said...

The new norm is that the Leftwing MSM decides which Politicans and Ex-POTUS' of the USA can appear on TV and social media and which cannot.

The 75 million Americans who voted for Trump don't count. Only the Network execs and Newspaper editors and the oligarchs who control social media. They decide. And it doesn't matter what the American people want. I think that's outrageous, but most 'murcians just find it A-OK. No big whoop. Judas Priest, are they are EVER going to wake up? The answer is no.

rcocean said...

I wonder if Trump will ever apppear on Fox again. I hope he doesn't.

Michael K said...

No one is interested in listening to Trump for his policy ideas, his governing philosophy, his plans for what he will do differently and better for all of us if he is elected again.

He did just fine the last time that is why he is hated by Democrats. Are you one ? The big difference between him and DeSantis is policy. DeSantis is all about the culture war, which is important but not the end all of what's important.

tim maguire said...

Sally327 said...No one is interested in listening to Trump for his policy ideas, his governing philosophy, his plans for what he will do differently and better for all of us if he is elected again.

I don't plan to watch because the signal to noise ratio on this stuff is rarely good. I'll catch some clips on twitter later. But this nonsense? As you may be aware, Trump has already been president. People know what his policies are and what he will do to make the country better and that's why he's leading in the polls.

How could you possibly believe that, not just MAGA, but almost 20% of the people who think he should be in jail are planning to vote for him because of his NFTs? Seriously, how could you think that?

Jupiter said...

"Should a leading presidential contender be given the opportunity to speak to voters on live television?"

I think there is some precedent. Most presidential contenders have, of course, maintained a decorous silence throughout the campaign period, but there have been cases where a person being considered for the presidency crassly spoke publicly in favor of his own election.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

Still laughing my as off at Sally's silly feat of projection. Gee I wonder how many nobodies will tune into the show destined to be CNN's highest rated of 2023? I bet Sally watches it too, just to scream at her TV.

Jupiter said...

"I give. Let's just let college educated white women run the whole damn country until we implode."

Sometimes you have to let them run the car in the ditch before they'll admit they don't know how to drive. Fasten your seat-belt.

gahrie said...

One of the things that is mystifying to me concerning the world today, is the fact the most effective defenders of our rights today are people like Trump, Musk, Rogan, Brand, and Carlson.

The two things they all seem to have in common is integrity and F.U. money.

Gunner said...

Trump just wants to have his daily utterings reported on breathlessly for half a year, from the nomination until the election. Even if he loses, he still "won" for that half year.

Inga said...

It will most likely be bizarrely entertaining. I’m looking forward to it. The more Trump speaks and shows himself the better.

John henry said...

2 words:John Malone

Big trump supporter and owner of CNN

John Henry

D.D. Driver said...

Trump’s policies and undisputed success in his hamstrung first term are the biggest reason he leads in polls of adults.

LOL. Someone doesn't know what the word "undisputed" means.

Earnest Prole said...

You may be Left and you may be Right but you just can’t quit Donny from Queens.

Michael K said...

LOL. Someone doesn't know what the word "undisputed" means.

DD is just the moron to dispute it, right ?

Michael K said...

Blogger gahrie said...

One of the things that is mystifying to me concerning the world today, is the fact the most effective defenders of our rights today are people like Trump, Musk, Rogan, Brand, and Carlson.

The two things they all seem to have in common is integrity and F.U. money.


Try to explain that to the dullard. It is the sad truth.

Michael K said...

Blogger D.D. Driver said...

For fucks sake, why wont ONE of the decrepit old assholes just fucking die like decrepit old assholes are supposed to do? I dont care which one.


How about you volunteer? I mean, if you don't care?

Gunner said...

The first debate with Biden did not cost him the election. Joe could have pooped himself and all the dumbass Trump haters would have voted for him cuz of MEAN TWEETS!!!!

Drago said...

Gunner: "Trump just wants to have his daily utterings reported on breathlessly for half a year, from the nomination until the election. Even if he loses, he still "won" for that half year."

Yes, of course. All respectable candidates for the Presidency shun the limelight and prefer no one pay any heed to anything they have to say.

Solid analysis.

guitar joe said...

I dislike Trump intensely, but you wonder if the folks you quoted--journalists, all of them--are just not aware of the importance of free speech. Plus, let him talk. He'll either dig himself a bigger hole, or solidify his popularity. If that happens, and if he gets the nomination and if he wins in 2024, the Dems need to do some long overdue soul searching.

Mason G said...

"This is likely the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on this blog."

It's still early- just wait. You ain't seen nothin' yet.

D.D. Driver said...

Trump, Musk, Rogan, Brand, and Carlson.

Trump has "integrity"? He literally paid hush money to how many women (we will never know) so his wife wouldn't find out? What church do you do to where that is considered "integrity"? Or, my dear precious fool, do you think he would lie to his wife but tell you the truth? 🤣🤣🤣

Integrity. Too much! Stay gold, Ponyboy!

FullMoon said...

Next week, Biden going head to head with Gateway Pundit, Tucker Carlson, Leo Terrell and steve Bannon.

No holds barred.,no notes or teleprompters allowed

Rusty said...

What Mike said.

Mea Sententia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lonejustice said...

I don't see how Trump benefits from this. I think he will make a fool of himself. Even if he does well, his responses will be edited to make him look bad. But he seems to think that appealing to the MSM, CNN, the GOPe, etc. will help him. We will see.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

someone said this:

"A candidate who has lost his luster appearing on a network that’s lost its ratings. Both ignore a key fact: 2024 isn’t 2016. The old gimmicks and tired lines don’t work anymore,"

So true

walter said...

A day or so after Dems lamenting Biden hiden.
Biden can ride a bike!!!
(we may need to revisit that)

walter said...

FullMoon said...
--
Joe might have to call on any of his remaining "butt buddies" during breaks.

walter said...

Triple Douche,
Far better case against Boldfinger Joementia re Tara Reade and her mother's recorded call tob King, Larry.
Perhaps Joementi's defense he's more into young girls, including his soaped up daughter.

Yinzer said...

Blogger lonejustice said...
I don't see how Trump benefits from this. I think he will make a fool of himself. Even if he does well, his responses will be edited to make him look bad. But he seems to think that appealing to the MSM, CNN, the GOPe, etc. will help him. We will see.

I think your powers of prediction failed you, bigly!

Chuck said...

My comment on this page was submitted at 10:48 am, yesterday.

Thereafter, 54 comments were posted up by moderation. Late last night after the debate, my comment still had not appeared. This morning, it appears. This is something that happens more and more on these pages. It's weird.