In the wake of the Pennsylvania rally attack, the media finds itself under fire from both sides of the political spectrum, with Democrats joining Republicans in expressing disgust with the coverage. New technology enables both sides to circumvent the traditional media and get their message directly to voters.
In the aftermath of the shocking assassination attempt on former President Trump at his Pennsylvania rally, the media has found itself under siege from both sides of the political divide. For decades, Republicans and conservatives have voiced their belief that they receive unfair treatment from the press, which they perceive as an arm of the Democratic party. Now, it is the Democrats and liberals who hold the White House who are expressing increasing dissatisfaction with the coverage.
This shift is driven in part by the rise of new technology that enables both sides to bypass the traditional media and communicate their messages directly to voters through social media and their own video channels. This allows them to amplify their messages without the annoyance of reporters asking questions.
The Media's Double Standard: Hated by Both Sides
One example of this is Trump's new running mate, J.D. Vance, who was chosen in part because of his smooth television performances. When asked by Sean Hannity about his previous criticisms of Trump, Vance acknowledged his mistake and blamed the media for misleading him. He then launched into an attack on President Biden, accusing him of undermining American law and order.
This sentiment was echoed by Vice President Kamala Harris, who said that Republican leaders have "lied to our faces" about Biden's ability to do the job. She called for punishment for those who have deceived the public.
The Media's Double Standard: Hated by Both Sides
Trump has long been a vocal critic of the media, referring to it as the "enemy of the people" and attacking journalists by name. He has repeatedly accused the media of unfair treatment, particularly in their coverage of his presidency.
On the other hand, the former president claims that his attacks are in response to years of endless media attacks portraying him as a dictator and authoritarian.
The Media's Double Standard: Hated by Both Sides
President Biden has also expressed dissatisfaction with the media, particularly its coverage of the first presidential debate. He accused the press of failing to adequately address the lies told by Trump.
Some of the president's allies on the left have also expressed their disgust with the media. MSNBC host Joy Reid accused the media of "acquiescing" to Trump's attempts to rewrite history, ignoring the concerns of those who witnessed his actions over the past five years.
The Media's Double Standard: Hated by Both Sides
However, it is important to note that the media has not been entirely passive in its coverage of the last half-dozen years. There have been numerous reports on Trump's actions, his administration, and the impact of his policies. The fact that some voices are dissatisfied with this coverage does not mean that the media is rolling over and accepting Trump's narrative.
The current state of media coverage is a complex and nuanced issue. There is no doubt that the media has made mistakes, but it is also important to recognize the challenges it faces in covering a highly polarized political environment. The rise of new technology has further complicated the media landscape, making it easier for political actors to bypass traditional channels and get their messages out directly.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, it is likely that the media will continue to be a battleground for both sides. It will be important for the media to maintain its independence and integrity, while also striving to provide fair and unbiased coverage to the American people.
