Jen Psaki interviews Hillary Clinton about the 2024 election, Trump's legal issues, and House Republicans' impeachment inquiry. Eric Swalwell discusses the potential government shutdown. Brian Stelter talks about the future of Fox News after Rupert Murdoch's retirement. Neal Katyal discusses developments in Trump's legal case.
Rupert Murdoch's media empire, known for fear-mongering and dividing Americans, will continue to influence the Republican Party even after his retirement.
Rupert Murdoch's evolving views on Donald Trump highlight his loss of control over Fox News and the network's shift towards following Trump's lead.
Deep dives
The legacy of fear-mongering and division in the right-wing media ecosystem
Rupert Murdoch, through his media empire, has created a right-wing media ecosystem that thrives on fear-mongering and dividing Americans. By targeting certain groups, such as Muslims, immigrants, and political opponents like Barack Obama, Murdoch has tapped into people's insecurities and anxieties, generating profits and influencing the Republican Party. While Rupert Murdoch may be stepping aside, the impact of his media empire will likely continue, with his son Lachlan, who shares his conservative values, taking over. This transition suggests a continuation of the same editorial strategy and narratives that have fueled the right-wing media machine.
Rupert Murdoch's evolving views on Trump and his loss of control
Rupert Murdoch's views on Donald Trump have evolved over time. While he was initially in touch with Trump during his presidency, they spoke less and less, with only two calls in 2020. Rupert has become disillusioned with Trump and is resigned to the idea of Trump being the Republican nominee again. This shift in views signifies Murdoch's loss of control over Fox News and the Republican Party, as the network now follows Trump's lead rather than shaping the narrative itself.
The role of the audience in programming Fox News
At Fox News, the audience has significant influence in shaping what is aired. Examples include the network ignoring Rupert Murdoch's editorial critique of Rudy Giuliani and continuing to have Giuliani on air, leading to the defamation lawsuit by Dominion. The influence of the audience drives the editorial decisions at Fox News, with little control from Murdoch or his son Lachlan. However, the Fox board may step up in the future to exert more influence, although that remains to be seen.
The upcoming Fox News-hosted Republican debate
The upcoming Republican debate hosted by Fox News will provide insights into the network's view of the Republican Party and its priorities. The questions asked during the debate will reveal whether Fox is focused on substantive policy discussions or more sensationalized topics. This will provide an indication of where Fox sees the Republican Party and the direction it wants the party to take.
Jen Psaki sits down with Hillary Clinton for a wide ranging conversation on the 2024 election, Donald Trump’s legal peril, House Republicans Biden impeachment inquiry and much more. Jen is also joined by Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell to try and make sense of exactly why House Republicans are on the brink of shutting down the government. Jen also discusses the future of FOX News after Rupert Murdoch’s retirement announcement with Brian Stelter. Neal Katyal also joins to discuss new developments in the ongoing saga of Donald Trump’s legal peril.