The Daily The Lessons of 2016
Jan 31, 2020
In this discussion, Dean Baquet, the executive editor of The New York Times, offers an insightful analysis of the media's coverage of the 2016 presidential election. He reflects on the flawed assumptions that shaped narratives around Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump's candidacies. Baquet delves into the impact of Clinton's leaked emails and the ethical quandaries journalists faced. He also highlights how the 2016 election transformed journalism, urging a more nuanced approach in future coverage to better capture diverse voter sentiments.
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Early Clinton Coverage
- The New York Times hired Amy Chozick to cover Hillary Clinton and the Clinton family in 2013, two years before Clinton announced her candidacy.
- This decision was criticized for prematurely signaling Clinton's inevitability as the Democratic nominee.
Sanders as a "Long Shot"
- When Bernie Sanders entered the 2015 race, The Times described him as a "long shot."
- This framing, while perhaps accurate at the time, fueled perceptions of media bias against his campaign.
Journalism's Imperfect Nature
- Baquet defends labeling Sanders a "long shot," stating that journalism must provide context for readers.
- He acknowledges the inherent flaws of journalism and the need to balance conveying information with avoiding preemptive judgments.