President Trump has been waging war against the press and what he deems “fake news,” which is defined as news that is not complimentary of him.
The barring of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta’s access to the White House last week was one of the most dramatic examples of Trump’s attempt to intimidate and control the press.
I am concerned that it just might just work.
Do members of the press corps now fearfully ask themselves, “Will I be next?”
Are they moderating their questions so as not to irritate the president?
Are they thinking that now that CNN’s Acosta is blocked, this will give them a competitive advantage?
This all works to Trump’s advantage. Divide and conquer.
What if the press corps worked together and decided that each controversial question that was evaded by the president would be picked up by the next reporter? It would be a wonderful act of self-preservation for the free press and a benefit to our democracy.
Mark Golden
Newton
Note from KBJ: You've got it backwards, Mark. President Trump hasn't been waging war against the press. The press has been waging war against President Trump. President Trump is simply fighting back, which he has every right to do. As for your suggestion that the press corps "work together," if they do, President Trump will stop holding press conferences. He has no obligation to meet with the press and shouldn't do so until they treat him respectfully.
