Posted on 02/27/2016 1:22:49 PM PST by MLL
Donald Trump is going after the media, threatening to sue publications for writing negatively about him.
During a Friday rally in Texas, Trump launched into a monologue about how he felt that the media was treating him unfairly, alleging that the New York Times and Washington Post, in particular, were not covering him well.
"The New York Times, which is losing a fortune, which is a failing newspaper, which probably won't be around much longer ... but I think the New York Times is one of the most dishonest media outlets I've ever seen in my life," the businessman said. "They have an agenda that you wouldn't believe."
"If I become president, oh, do they have problems. They're gonna have such problems," Trump said.
He added:
One of the things I'm gonna do, and this is only gonna make it tougher for me, and I've never said this before, but one of the things I'm gonna do if I win ... is I'm gonna open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money. We're gonna open up those libel laws.
So that when the New York Times writes a hit piece which is a total disgrace, or when the Washington Post ... writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win money, instead of having no chance of winning because they're totally protected.
Trump continued his speech, threatening to roll back the media's First Amendment protections in the Constitution.
"With me, they're not protected, because I'm not like other people... We're gonna open up those libel laws, folks, and we're gonna have people sue you like you never got sued before," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
What does this have to do with the article?
Maybe people think what Trump said is not only utterly stupid - he doesn't have the power to loosen libel laws on his own, but downright dangerous that a Presidential candidate that is supposed to be a conservative would even say such a thing. If Obama had said it would be banner headline on Drudge and people on this site would be going bonkers.
The problem is Trump followers will excuse anything he says. So yes, there is probably no convincing the Trump crowd. As Donald said, he could kill someone and his fans would still support him. Doesn't mean others shouldn't point out some of the absurd things Trump utters - for the record if nothing else.
All you post is negative comments about anyone. You sir are the hateful one.
First amendment gives the press the liberty to print anything they wish....up until Trump came along only liberals tried to suppress free speech. The amazing thing is there are those on FR who will agree with him!!!
I only went negative as of Thursday night.
Thanks to Cruz and the TDSers here, you only steel my resolve to oppose him in any way I can.
By trying to belittle those who disagree, you only expose yourself to be the condescending elitist that we’ve had to endure from DC for decades.
Are you kidding me...the MSM are the best thing that ever happened to him. He’s on for free every day!!!
The 1st Amendment prohibits the government from stopping speech against it...not against people. Liable laws and defamation still apply to attacks on civilians. However, I think there has been some ruling made about politicians. JMHO.
Slander?
False testimony in court?
Yep, we’re just free to say any old thing we want aren’t we.
Don’t worry.. it’s all about the wall. Think about the wall.
Don’t worry its all about being Stupid!!!
You mean like all of the Trumpeters that have registered within the last 12 months? Hummm, maybe it’s a plot or a presidential election year.
And you go on about belittling people...Pot meet kettle!!!
Holy crap. The media would have to present just news then...
They’re mostly from DU...several have been caught!!
It wasn’t that long ago when BHO had a website that was something to the effect of followers could post lies they heard about Obamacare, stimulus, ect.
Wasn’t it called the “Obama Truth Squads?” And people howled over that.
Political speech is protected above all...politicians are free to knowingly lie!!!
I’m not the one running for President. And losing badly.
At issue is the higher burden placed on defamation suits when related to “public” officials and figures.
But don’t let that fact get in the way of the phony CRUbio concern.
They howled and it stayed up!!!
He was being classy. Try supporting Cruz on facebook. Trump supporters will call you much worse and for a longer period. its scary.
Back in the day I put a GWB bumpersticker on my new truck and it was keyed. Now if I put a Cruz sticker on my car I am worried about being shot at(which would come as a rude surprise to the shooter since I am armed and in a Militia.I had to qualify with both sidearm and my AR which I did with ease).
There are no federal libel laws, so I am not sure what Trump is going on about, unless he wants to violate the 10th Amendment in addition to the 1st Amendment.
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