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Media’s Hesitation: Examining Coverage of Biden’s Cognitive Health
According to Chuck Todd, former NBC News chief political analyst, mainstream media’s reluctance to address President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline stems from fears of being labeled as supportive of Donald Trump. Todd shared these insights during an appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” where he discussed the challenges of balancing journalistic integrity with political perceptions.
During the interview, Morgan inquired about the media’s apparent hesitation to report on Biden’s mental acuity, particularly when many observers felt it was evident. Todd responded by suggesting that some media members were concerned that addressing Biden’s decline might inadvertently aid Trump’s narrative. He described this mindset as a misjudgment prevalent among traditional press members, framing it as a zero-sum game where acknowledging Biden’s issues could be interpreted as attack on the former president.
Reflecting on public perceptions, Todd noted that the American audience reached its own conclusions about Biden’s cognitive health based on subtle media cues—such as the president’s avoidance of press questions and his unique exits from public spaces. While certain journalists mentioned these signs, Todd argued the broader media landscape demonstrated a collective hesitance to explicitly state that the president was exhibiting signs of cognitive decline, for fear of misinterpretation as partisan reporting.
Todd asserted that this reluctance has contributed to a declining influence of mainstream media, emphasizing that the lack of robust coverage on vital issues like Biden’s mental state has led to diminishing trust from the public. Additionally, he pointed out that the media’s attempts to have tech companies remove Trump from their platforms, particularly after the January 6 Capitol Riot, further alienated some audiences. Todd expressed confusion regarding this approach, advocating for open dialogue and citing his experience interviewing controversial figures, which he felt was essential in upholding First Amendment values.
The growing disconnect between media outlets and American citizens has been significant and warrants attention leading into the 2024 elections. An October Gallup poll revealed that trust in the media had reached unprecedented lows, with just 31% of Americans expressing confidence in the accuracy of news reporting.
This sentiment is not limited to Trump supporters. A March Gallup survey indicated that 88% of conservatives view mainstream media as unreliable, sharing similar sentiments about “fake news.”
For those interested in Todd’s full commentary, it is available for viewing by clicking here.
Source
www.thewrap.com