Digging into the ceaseless Trump trial coverage hosted by MSNBC, former CNN presenter Brian Stelter took to the airwaves on The Beat with Ari Melber this Tuesday. His mission? To taunt politicians and Fox News hosts for popping their heads into the courtroom. In his most pointed moment, Stelter pondered aloud whether Democrats would attend the upcoming trials of Senator Bob Menendez and Joe Biden’s son, Hunter.
Stelter’s question, while seemingly honest, reveals a deep bias. Consider this as a counterpoint: Are we to expect the liberal-leaning networks to cover gavel-to-gavel the trials of Senator Menendez or young Mr. Biden? Unlikely. This apparent bias encapsulates the stark divide between the two major parties as we head into 2024.
Stelter’s notion that Trump’s courtroom congregation amounts to a “celebrity cult” conveniently ignores the role the leftist media plays. Their round-the-clock coverage of Trump effectively turns the trial into a must-attend spectacle for his supporters. On the flip side, it’s doubtful Democrats want to fuel the news cycle by appearing at their party’s trials.
Throughout his presidency, Trump was no stranger to controversy. Not once did he have the mainstream media sweep his flaws under the rug. As Trump’s supporters rally around him due to the ongoing saga, one can only wonder what narrative Democrats will present.
Stelter’s dream of a Trump trial movie adaptation showcases his concern with perception over truth. Yet, would there ever be an equivalent cinematic portrayal of the Biden family trials?
Stelter attempted to lampoon Republicans for their ‘late’ support of Trump. The former President’s friends and family, according to Stelter, were conspicuously absent from the trial until recently. Yet, it’s important to remember that loyalty isn’t solely represented through courtroom attendance.
The irony lies in Stelter blaming Fox News and other conservative outlets for ostensibly ignoring the case, while escapading on liberal networks like MSNBC. His claim of Fox News being forced to cover the trial due to MSNBC’s “big story” coverage comes off as condescending. He should keep in mind that just because a story is plastered across dozens of outlets, that doesn’t make it newsworthy.
To reiterate our original counterargument, will these liberal networks, who supposedly champion diligence in news coverage, report on Menendez and Biden’s trials with equal fervor? If not, it may be time to reassess their impartiality.
In conclusion, Stelter’s criticism warrants a closer examination of the media’s role in magnifying political trials. The stark difference in media approach towards trials involving politicians of different affiliations is dubious, and perhaps, an honest reappraisal is overdue. As we advance towards 2024, let’s consider whether our media outlets are providing us with balanced coverage or partisan narratives.
