To the Editor:
Re “In Chaotic Forum, Trump Says Russia Probably Hacked” (front page, Jan. 12): I was very concerned by two things at Donald Trump’s news conference on Wednesday. First, of course, was the tone he set. I have never seen someone as adroit at saying so little in so many poorly chosen words.
This is his first news conference in six months. Obviously Mr. Trump is not only going to minimize his contact with the press, but also do everything he can to vilify it. I find this terrifying.
Which brings me to the second point. I know that the news business is ferocious. That being the first to run a headline is the way of doing things. But in this extraordinary time I wish that reporters would come together. During a news conference, if Mr. Trump blocks one of you, then the rest of you take up his or her mantle. If one person’s question is not answered, make Mr. Trump go back and answer it. Be blunt, be unrelenting.
In the end we all want the same thing—to know the truth. Especially now with a president-elect who plays so fast and loose with facts.
JO TRAFFORD
Portland, Me.
Note from KBJ: Donald Trump is a master communicator, which is one of the main reasons he was elected. Jo Trafford is obviously deaf if she can't hear (i.e., understand) what he's saying. As for Trafford finding Trump's contempt for the press "terrifying," many of us find it exhilarating. If you treat Trump unfairly, you get nothing from him. He owes the press nothing; they must earn his respect.
