It is ratings and vanity, plain and simple. These are two reasons why reporters and “news” organizations are apoplectic about the White House banning cameras during press briefings. Oh and why did the President decide to do this? It’s because he can, and because it’s fun.
Press briefings were no longer news, but more like a demented version of Let’s Make a Deal. Reporters screaming I have a bobby pin and a chia pet, over and over. Telling the American public what is behind door number one, two, and three and never allowing Mr. Spicer a moment to reveal. Well, you know what, Jim Acosta? You can take your bag of fiery trinkets back to Atlanta, the show has been canceled, and Monte, or Wayne, is no longer making deals. By the way, CNN, a smirking anchor is a beaten anchor. MSNBC too.
Since CNN did such a good job sketching Spicer, here is an idea for you. Why not do a reenactment of the briefings. Your reporters and anchors are actors, at best, anyway. You can use your sister station, otherwise known as the Forensic File Network, as your guide. Side note, what a dilemma many of us have, having to choose to watch Forensic Files while supporting CNN at the same time. Now I know how Sophie felt.
Did you guys really think you could beat the President? Did you guys really think he would fold like most Republicans in the House and Senate and a few past Republican presidents have, and continue to do? Yes, you did, and that’s truly wherein lies the comedy in all of this. It’s not his supporters that mean nothing to him — it’s you. Are you ready to cry uncle yet? Do the numbers in your head: no more morning prime time, “huge” ratings. Those are real numbers, and yes amazingly the Nielsens are more trusted than your polling.
It’s begging time, Jeff Zucker and Andy Lack. You have been outwitted and outfoxed, negotiations are over, so let’s make a deal, and remember you have zero leverage, and not an ounce of credibility. Ask questions, and wait for answers. Report all stories. That Bernie Sanders and his wife are being investigated for bank fraud is a real news story. That our former President did nothing about Russian hacking is a real story. That CNN actually published a fake story is not fake and a story, and if Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren did have something to do with that, what a game show we could be watching.
By the way, reporters who are so insulted by not being on camera, there is a reason you report and aren’t anchors: you just aren’t that interesting. This isn’t to say don’t ask questions, it’s important to Americans of all parties the White House be challenged and transparent. But were you this rough on Jay Carney, and please don’t recall the one day you were. If we can remember the day, the answer is no. This President will not let himself get beat up and by proxy won’t let his supporters. He’s doing his job, now start doing yours.
From now on, before you reporters make a statement or ask a question, ask yourselves whether you would have asked this of Obama? I can guarantee if you follow this simple rule you will have your shiny faces back on the television very soon, and your precious numbers will go back up. You want respect, give it; you want a story, report the real ones; and if you want answers, ask questions. Or you can continue to be trolled and outwitted. The President won the battle, and his supporters love and trust him. Can you say the same about your viewers? God, it’s fun poking the media, because we can.
