Wall Street Journal editor-at-large Gerry Baker has accused MSNBC of hypocrisy after the network attacked WSJ for running an op-ed by Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, that criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) response to Hurricane Helene. Baker pointed out that MSNBC hosts have a history of spreading misinformation about President Biden's health and the FEMA response to Hurricane Katrina.
Wall Street Journal editor-at-large Gerry Baker has fired back at MSNBC's allegations that WSJ is spreading "disinformation" by running an op-ed by Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, that criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) response to Hurricane Helene. Baker argued that MSNBC has a history of spreading misinformation about President Biden's health and the FEMA response to Hurricane Katrina.
MSNBC Lashes Out at WSJ for Fauci Op-Ed, but Who's the Real Source of Disinformation?
During an appearance on Fox News' "America Reports," Baker pointed out that MSNBC host Joe Scarborough had previously claimed that Biden was "in incredible shape" and "as sharp as he's ever been" just days before Biden pulled out of the 2020 presidential race.
Baker also noted that MSNBC had attacked the Wall Street Journal for an article that had simply reported that Biden was "slipping." He argued that these examples show that MSNBC is not in a position to lecture others about "disinformation."
MSNBC Lashes Out at WSJ for Fauci Op-Ed, but Who's the Real Source of Disinformation?
Baker went on to say that it is too early to make definitive judgments about whether FEMA messed up in its response to Hurricane Helene, but that there are some interesting questions about where FEMA's priorities are right now.
He recalled his experience covering Hurricane Katrina in 2005, during which initial reactions from the media, influenced by the fact that George W. Bush was president, were highly critical of FEMA and the federal government. However, subsequent investigations revealed that there were many more problems on the ground in New Orleans than had been reported, and that FEMA had actually done a good job.
MSNBC Lashes Out at WSJ for Fauci Op-Ed, but Who's the Real Source of Disinformation?
Baker concluded by saying that it is important to be cautious about jumping to conclusions about FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene, but that there is no question that the Biden-Harris administration has directed large amounts of money to communities and non-government organizations to help with the influx of migrants.
FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene has been under scrutiny after reports emerged of slow and inadequate aid reaching affected areas. The agency has defended its actions, claiming that it has been on the ground in Florida since before the storm hit.
MSNBC Lashes Out at WSJ for Fauci Op-Ed, but Who's the Real Source of Disinformation?
The Wall Street Journal has been a frequent target of criticism from left-leaning media outlets, which have accused it of bias in favor of conservative causes. MSNBC, in particular, has a history of attacking WSJ, including for its coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baker's comments highlight the growing divide between conservative and liberal media outlets, with each side accusing the other of spreading misinformation and bias. It remains to be seen whether these divisions will continue to deepen in the coming months and years.
