Carl Cannon: The media can’t afford to botch Trump 2.0
Jan 23, 2025
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Carl Cannon, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Washington bureau chief at RealClearPolitics, dives into the media's challenges during Trump’s potential second term. He discusses how Trump's return may energize the cultural dynamics reminiscent of the Reagan Revolution. Cannon also analyzes the media's role in shaping narratives around Trump and immigration, emphasizing the need for authenticity. He reflects on the complexities of Trump's political identity and how it contrasts with the past, posing implications for both journalism and American society.
The media's integrity is at a critical low during Trump's second term, necessitating a strategic overhaul to restore public trust.
Cannon suggests that Trump's direct engagement with the press could reinvigorate media dynamics, contrasting sharply with Biden's more reticent approach.
Deep dives
The Media's Credibility Crisis
The main discussion revolves around the ongoing crisis of credibility faced by the media, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's second administration. Trust in the media has reached an all-time low, paralleling levels seen in 2017, as highlighted by surveys from Gallup. This erosion of trust undermines the effectiveness of journalism, which is essential for a functioning democracy, as public confidence is crucial for voters to engage with and understand public affairs. The conversation emphasizes the need for the media to rebuild its reputation as the primary lens through which the public engages with political narratives.
Comparative Inaugural Coverage
The episode contrasts the media's treatment of Donald Trump's second inauguration with the coverage of his first in 2017, noting a shift in tone. Carl Cannon points out that in 2017, public sentiments against Trump were strong, resulting in fierce media criticism, while the current atmosphere reflects a more measured response, likely stemming from the reality of Trump's electoral victory. The shift is illustrated by changing reactions on the streets of Washington, D.C., where previously vilified supporters of Trump could now engage more freely without fear of hostility. This evolution in the political landscape compels journalists to reassess their approach to reporting on Trump and acknowledge his status as president.
The Potential for Media Renaissance
The conversation explores the possibility that Trump's return could spur a revitalization of American media, previously seen during his first term, as he actively engages with journalists. Unlike President Biden, who has remained reticent in front of the press, Trump’s tendency to communicate directly could foster more dynamic exchanges between the media and the presidency, potentially benefiting both parties. Despite the current climate of distrust, there’s a hope that the media might embrace its role more robustly by telling nuanced stories about pressing issues, especially concerning immigration and border policies. This could signal a turning point where journalists regain the public’s trust by focusing on substantive news coverage that reflects the complexities of contemporary political discussions.
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Carl Cannon, Washington bureau chief at RealClearPolitics, joins Emily to reflect on whether the media will change its strategy during Trump’s second term in office. Cannon also explains why the cultural energy around Trump’s return to Washington rivals the Reagan Revolution of the 1980s.