Replies

First, they sincerely or maliciously confuse harsh criticism with actual suppression; Second, they are unworthy and unreliable messengers in this crucial clash, because they are crying wolf about a president’s mere verbal pushback after they essentially ignored actual state oppression by the prior president; and Third, they themselves are equally hostile and abusive combatants in an unhealthy war between president and media—it’s a new and uncomfortable world. On the first point, Trump is the first president who has openly and aggressively refused to be a punching bag for the media. Ronald Reagan tried amiably to defuse media assault. George Bush mildly took their dishonest beatings in stoic silence (with disastrous effect on his cause and his supporters). Trump says, “Up yours, I’m going to punch back. You throw mud at me? I’m going to throw mud back at you.” That is the bulk of the media’s indictment against Trump: “He criticizes us! He undermines our credibility! He urges the public to ignore us!” Well thank Gaia. It’s about time someone pointed out those partisan shills wear no clothes.

Perfect. This guy said it better in a few sentences than almost anyone else I have heard.