Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: The Intercept's Mehdi Hasan
Jun 12, 2019
Mehdi Hasan, a columnist at The Intercept and host of Deconstructed, shares his journey from the UK to the U.S. as a journalist navigating a tumultuous political landscape. He critiques the American press's timidity, discusses the virality of his interview with Erik Prince, and reflects on the rise of Islamophobia post-9/11. Hasan emphasizes the influence of Twitter on politics and analyzes Trump's legacy, advocating for transformative change in today's divisive environment while challenging both liberal and conservative narratives.
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Unexpected Trump Win
- Mehdi Hasan, a British Muslim journalist, moved to the U.S. in 2015 to cover the Hillary Clinton presidency.
- Trump's unexpected win dramatically altered his plans, immersing him in the tumultuous political landscape.
Deference vs. Adversarialism
- American journalists are overly deferential to authority figures, using formal titles even when irrelevant.
- This deference contrasts with the British press, known for its more adversarial approach.
Overcompensation and Discomfort
- Many American journalists feel they have become too opinionated and partisan, overcompensating in their coverage.
- They are uncomfortable with directly challenging political figures, as evidenced by their reaction to Michelle Wolf's criticism of Sarah Sanders.