This week, I delve into how media coverage of the 2024 election could change if the media stops normalizing the MAGA GOP. Additionally, I highlight the person of the week and share a personal experience from my bucket list.
The recent favorable coverage of Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s debate performance is concerning. Despite Ramaswamy’s controversial views, such as denial of 9/11, elections, and climate change, and his likening of prominent Black leaders to the KKK, the media seems to have learned little from the 2016 campaign and the Donald Trump presidency. Instead of critically analyzing the candidates’ statements and propaganda, the mainstream political press treats debates as mere political games. This approach fails to recognize the dangers of fascism and undermines the importance of the democratic process.
Following the debate, the media’s journalistic malpractice continued with excessive coverage of Trump’s potential arrival at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, including speculation on how his mug shot might impact him politically. This type of sensationalism may shock viewers, but it is not surprising considering the media’s tendency to prioritize ratings and clicks over the principles of democracy.
Columnist Will Bunch, writing for the Philadelphia Inquirer, aptly describes the current state of affairs as a battle between brutal fascism and flawed democracy. To rectify this, the media must shift its focus from treating the 2024 election as a typical race and instead recognize it as a mobilization effort to preserve democracy. Responsible media outlets should educate the public on the dangerous parallels between Trump and past authoritarian leaders, discuss the similarities between the MAGA movement and historical fascist movements, and highlight the anti-democratic nature of the GOP’s evolution.
Furthermore, the media has a duty to promote political literacy among voters. By helping citizens understand how authoritarian movements form alliances with big business and religious fundamentalists to gain power, the media can empower individuals to make informed decisions. Journalists should not simply report Trump’s baseless claims of media bias or judicial corruption, but rather acknowledge that their strategies seek to discredit the truth and undermine professional ethics.
Interviewers should rigorously question Republicans about their party’s adherence to the “big lie”, their demonization of law enforcement, and their support for congressional attempts to interfere with prosecutions. Moreover, the media must thoroughly investigate why a significant portion of Americans have abandoned reason, decency, and the rule of law in favor of conspiracy theories and anger. Characterizing MAGA supporters as only working-class individuals is misleading and dismissive, as it ignores the correlation between Trump support and views on white victimization, gender roles, and Christian nationalism.
In summary, the media must approach the coverage of the GOP and the 2024 election with more caution and responsibility. By focusing on analyzing and critiquing the candidates’ actions and ideologies instead of normalizing them, the media can play a vital role in preserving American democracy.
Person of the Week: Judge Tanya S. Chutkan
U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan has demonstrated unwavering commitment to justice. In a recent hearing, she swiftly rejected a ludicrous demand from a Trump attorney to set a trial date for 2026 in a criminal case related to the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Chutkan, in consultation with another judge in a civil case against Trump, set the trial date for March 4, 2024. Her firm but fair handling of the situation exemplified equal justice under the law. Chutkan’s willingness to hold a former president accountable serves as a reminder of the importance of the rule of law in maintaining a just society.
Bucket List Achievement: Attending the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament
I recently had the opportunity to cross off an item from my personal bucket list: attending a match at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. While watching tennis on television may not seem enthralling, being present at the tournament allows one to truly grasp the speed and agility of the players. It is a chance to witness their remarkable athleticism firsthand.
Attending early-round matches or lesser-known tournaments often provides a glimpse into the future of the sport, as promising young players emerge. I recall seeing the likes of Stefan Edberg and Taylor Fritz in their early years, predicting their subsequent rise to stardom.
For me, the U.S. Open holds nostalgic significance, as it symbolized the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year during my childhood. However, this year, the tournament brings pure joy—a rare opportunity to witness world-class athletes, reminisce about past matches played on grass courts, and predict the future stars of tennis.
Every Wednesday at noon, I host a live Q&A session with readers. Feel free to read the transcript of this week’s Q&A or submit a question for the next session.
Guest Question: Why hasn’t Mark Meadows been charged under the Hatch Act?
Jennifer Rubin’s Response: The Hatch Act lacks a mechanism for enforcement in civil or criminal courts. However, it is important to note that the Hatch Act prohibits particular actions by federal employees to ensure their political activities do not interfere with their ability to serve the public interest effectively.
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