I think people are talking past each other here.
Trump's vilification of the press is bad. Period. Full stop. It's designed to eliminate criticism and silence dissent.
The people's distrust of the media has been a thing long before Trump ran for president. Alex Jones, Brietbart, etc. have existed for a while, and speak to a segment of the general population having an antagonistic view of mainstream media.
The mainstream media itself is incredibly weak in this country. Sensationalism and punditry has largely replaced actual reporting, and political coverage/outcry has largely been neutered due to the threat of a loss of access. That the vilification/gas lighting works is an indication of the Fourth Estate's weakness, as is the press' reluctance to call Trump out on his BS.
I'm not sure what the solution is, but the press' inability to be the people's check on political and corporate power has long been brewing. Trump is merely capitalizing on it, and trying to drive a final nail into our free press' coffin.
Trump's vilification of the press is bad. Period. Full stop. It's designed to eliminate criticism and silence dissent.
The people's distrust of the media has been a thing long before Trump ran for president. Alex Jones, Brietbart, etc. have existed for a while, and speak to a segment of the general population having an antagonistic view of mainstream media.
The mainstream media itself is incredibly weak in this country. Sensationalism and punditry has largely replaced actual reporting, and political coverage/outcry has largely been neutered due to the threat of a loss of access. That the vilification/gas lighting works is an indication of the Fourth Estate's weakness, as is the press' reluctance to call Trump out on his BS.
I'm not sure what the solution is, but the press' inability to be the people's check on political and corporate power has long been brewing. Trump is merely capitalizing on it, and trying to drive a final nail into our free press' coffin.
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
