In one of his final speeches of the presidential campaign, Donald Trump went after President Barack Obama over his treatment of a Trump supporter at a rally in Fayetteville, N.C. Speaking in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Friday, the Republican candidate declared:
Obama today spoke in front of a much smaller crowd than this, by the way, and there was a protester. And a protester that likes us…. You saw it today on television, right? He was talking to the protester — screaming at him, really screaming at him. By the way, if I spoke the way Obama spoke to that protester, they would say, “He became unhinged! He became —” You have to go back and look and study. And see what happened…. He spent so much time screaming at this protester and, frankly, it was a disgrace.
It really is worth going back and listening and studying. If you watch the video, here’s what Obama actually said when people started booing a man with a Trump sign at a campaign rally:
Hey! Listen up! I told you to be focused, and you’re not focused right now! Listen to what I’m saying. Hold up. Hold up! Hold up! Hold up! Everybody sit down, and be quiet for a second. You’ve got an older gentleman who is supporting his candidate. He’s not doing nothing. You don’t have to worry about him …
First of all, we live in a country that respects free speech. Second of all, it looks like maybe he might have served in our military, and we ought to respect that. Third of all, he was elderly — and we’ve got to respect our elders.
And fourth of all, don’t boo. Vote.
Now, if we live in a world where descriptions can be true or false, Trump’s account is clearly false. He’s describing the Obama rally as something he’s seen himself, so it’s fair to say that he’s lying about what the president did. (If he actually perceived Obama “really screaming” at a protester, that signifies a break from reality that is if anything more alarming.) Trump didn’t misspeak; he repeated the claim at other events, talking in Tampa of Obama “screaming and screaming and screaming,” for instance.
So a major-party presidential candidate on the verge of the election repeatedly tells a far-fetched and easily checkable lie about the current president, calling a thing that didn’t happen “a disgrace.” In the 2016 presidential campaign, where political journalists have obsessively covered every utterance of Trump, this surely qualifies as important news the electorate should know about, right?
Apparently not. A search of major US newspapers in the Nexis news database turns up not a single print-edition news story since Friday referencing Trump, Obama and “screaming.” Nor does a search of transcripts on Nexis turn up any on-air national stories on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, NPR, Fox, CNN or MSNBC. (There is some delay on stories on Nexis—but two days should generally do it.) CNN did carry Trump’s speech live, according to transcripts, though Anderson Cooper interrupted the relevant passage to make a comment about Jay-Z, so you couldn’t really follow what Trump was saying.
It’s not that there was no coverage of Trump’s lie; overseas outlets, for one, recognized it as a significant story. (The London Independent‘s headline: “Donald Trump Misrepresents Barack Obama’s ‘Screaming’ Response to Protester; Mr. Trump’s Version of Events Appears to Differ Significantly From Reality.”)
Then there were online “factchecks” from outlets like ABC (11/4/16), NBC (11/4/16) and CNN (11/5/16). There’s no indication that these ever appeared on the networks’ on-air news shows; often they bore a label like “fact check” or “reality check,” as if comparing a candidate’s statement to reality were a specialized journalistic function, and not something to be done in the course of ordinary reporting.
Of course, it was covered on several new media outlets, many with a progressive or Democratic orientation, like Think Progress (11/5/16), Vox (11/5/16), Huffington Post (11/5/16) or AlterNet (11/5/16). Because a presidential candidate putting forth documentable lies about the person he hopes will be his predecessor is news that’s chiefly of interest to partisans, apparently.
If Trump defies the odds and wins the election on Tuesday, corporate media coverage like this will be a large part of the explanation.
UPDATE: As the Nexis database was updated, a few stories were added that covered Trump’s lie. There was one major US newspaper that covered it in its print edition: The Arizona Republic had an editorial (11/7/16) that praised Obama’s response and criticized Trump’s false characterization. There were a handful of US TV stories: NBC‘s Today (11/5/16), ABC‘s Good Morning America (11/6/16) and The View (11/7/16), and a few segments on CNN. Still nothing transcribed on Nexis from CBS, MSNBC, Fox, PBS or NPR.
Jim Naureckas is the editor of FAIR.org and of FAIR’s newsletter Extra!. You can follow him on Twitter: @JNaureckas.
Anderson Cooper 360
With all the lies the media spouts in support of the KKKlintons, it is really sad (but not unexpected) to see FAIR join them in bashing Trump for an obscure mistake. How about we talk about the Media Research Foundation find that media was overwhelmingly against Trump ( http://triblive.com/mobile/11290727-96/trump-media-clinton).
Nary one word out of FAIR about this phenomenon which every one who doesn’t have their head stuck firmly up their…sandpit…observes on a daily, minute-by minute-by basis. No reporting on the wiki leaks emails detailing Hillary and staff’s stranglehold on the corporate media–which has been a frequent target of FAIR. But not this time, it seems. Hypocrites.
Ruby, after reading this statement,”We saw her cover-ups of Bill Clinton’s sexual assaults and subsequent harassment of his victims and her destruction of thousands of government emails — even after they were subpoenaed. We learned about Benghazi, the Clinton Foundation and her failed Middle East policy as secretary of state, all of which the lamestream media has left unreported or underreported.” it is obvious how biased and political Media Research Foundation is. Perhaps you could give some insight to the allegations presented in this statement.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Media_Research_Center, Ruby and those interested may want to google more about M.R.F., a foundation founded by one man who is also the president and I imagine makes a great living as such.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Media_Research_Center, for further insight in the background of M.R.C. and the President and founder, along with their controversy’s.
So let me get this straight, the media is liberal biased, Trump makes this erroneous statement in front of thousands with the press there and conservatives say, “it is really sad (but not unexpected) to see FAIR join them in bashing Trump for an obscure mistake.” Obscure my, a**, where is the blame on this one.
Gee, look at that a lack person standing in the crowd behind Trump. Time for a eye exam.
For example, when President Obama told a crowd that, yes, both Republicans and Democrats rig elections–after having dismissed Trump’s allegations of vote rigging. I only saw the clip of it, on Fox News.
You were saying?
“If Trump defies the odds and wins the election on Tuesday, corporate media coverage like this will be a large part of the explanation.”
The mainstream media has been constantly attacking Trump – where have you been? Not what I expect from FAIR – namely, impartial, unbiased reporting.
Google “Glenn Greenwald: Why Are Saudis Donating Millions to Clinton Foundation? Democracy Now!”
And if Clinton wins, the corporate media not shining a light on such corruption will be a large part of the explanation – or will it? Do voters really care enough about this sort of stuff for it to affect who they vote for?
If Trump OR Clinton wins the election on Tuesday, corporate media coverage will be [a large] part of the explanation.
…and if Stein or Johnson wins, corporate media coverage will most certainly NOT be the explanation.
Fixed.
Two party system for most of our history, make what you want out of it but that won’t change history.
http://investmentwatchblog.com/judge-jeanine-on-hillary-corruption-investigation-a-case-of-rico-hillary-has-to-go-to-jail-martha-stewart-went-to-jail-for-lying-to-the-fbi-once-hillary-lied-39-times/
Maine’s ranked choice voting initiative is one of the more interesting things on the ballot this tuesday, certainly more interesting than the choice between two corporate candidates. Once we get rid of this inane first past the post voting system and repeal citizen’s united, we may actually have a chance to elect someone worthwhile to the highest office. In the meantime i’ll be focusing more on local elections, personally.
Just a general question that someone might be able to help me with.
Where is it written that a news organization must endorse one of the two major parties and then cheerlead for that party’s candidate?
Is that part of the Hypocritic Oath that journalists take to enter their profession?
Lester, it is all in the ratings. Success is graded that way. I personally thought the wiki-leaks were substantial in news scope, but the obvious timing of their release, very close to the election smells of pandering. Why wait till now to expose these stolen e-mails other then for political gain above justice in due time? Pres.President Roosevelt once said, “everything in politics is planned, there are no surprises” and that may be true in the case of the e-mails and the Clinton Foundation controversy. If these were relevant to national security or world peace why have they not been revealed much sooner. This controversy is no comparison to Watergate, investigated by news men first and Congressional Hearings led by Republicans that found illegal acts known by Pres.Nixon and condoned by him during a non-voting year. This all smells of dirty politics.
Then you acknowledge that corporate liberal media “editing” of Trump is a fact? Is using its vast reservoir of influence to crush any opposition to Killery?
Link: https://youtu.be/s74Cg9hVjbA
I admit that all media edits in the newsroom, that is a fact. If you think that the media is “crushing” your candidate you are naïve. Look at history, media has always taken sides and always sensationalized. That is why they are a commercial enterprise, that has alternatives or competition. Do you expect the media to be religious, speaking only the good word and righteous in the eyes of God? Never has been and never will, same with politics on many levels, local to National, there is no truth in politics only debate. As far as your clip, ask yourself the question, “Is this his whole answer to the question”? Probable not, it has been edited by the guy talking over the Pres.. Does it prove any thing? No, no facts of substance are included only allegations. You are defending Trump for saying he won’t accept the election results because the election is rigged, whereas Pres. Obama says the elections are always rigged in politics on BOTH sides, he is condescending. Trump is not condescending saying he will not accept the result of the election after the votes are totaled. This is a huge difference, one man condescending that past indiscretions may be fact, and another saying he will not accept the results at anytime if he losses. Pres. Obama used humor to dispel the lack of reasoning in the question, while Trump made a statement, he was not answering a question, stating the election is rigged and he and his supporters should not accept the National vote. Obama then goes on to state that secure measures may or are in place,(voter fraud has accounted for far less then 1% of any Federal election in any study done by any left or right leaning reputable organization and the attorney general of any Republican or Democratic State has prosecuted and found guilty very few voter fraud cases, no matter what you read in those slanted sites, it is just a fact) and hopes for good results. Trump says, “there are not going to be good results”. The difference is obvious. Trump obviously is being led by very bad advice, stating what is obviously wrong in the video here, you don’t have to conjecture like you and the commentator in your supplied video. Again, was the full answer to the question asked Pres. Obama stated in your video? I doubt it, and that leads to mistrust and may be misleading.
Ah. A long-winded answer to two simple questions. You cannot admit the truth, even when it is presented on a platter before you. Hypocrite.
You sure are one.
It is classic with those liberals who think they are superior; first they protest a war (if it is under a Repugnican regime), but then march happily off to conflict to the sad violin strings of humanitarian wars launched by Samantha Powers, Victoria Nuland and their lead bitch harpy, Killery.
There are none so blind, as those who refuse to see the mote in their own eyes, you hypocrite.
Ruby, editing in the newsroom makes a lot of what people say differant then their intention. What you saw may be what they or you wanted to hear. Post a link of Obama’s remark in entirety, that would prove a point. The supposed foundation you admire is no more then a corporate supported front group working for the benefit of the corporate donors, unfortunately that does not include you or I.
Read your first comment then ask yourself, “Am I a hypocrite”? Trump made a “obscure mistake” that he never recovered from, he is a loser in politics, a game that has been played the same way for our entire history!
Well, with all the protection of the presstitute vassal media and the Establishment Machine has given Killery, Trump sure is whooping Ms. KKKlinton’s butt in spite of it all.
Trump has a bigger war chest then many, that is why he is your candidate. He will make millions when he losses, off of many who contributed or believe in him, nothing new in politics. Trump outright lies and people love it, that is human nature and politics uses it to convince people of your bent that it is alright and for the Good. Trump charity’s is nothing more then money laundering, they have no tax credibility and the Donald is there President and only founding member, just like that schlock outfit you believes speaks the truth, another corporate backed shadow organization to benefit the corporations, and corporations agenda.
Apparently you haven’t been paying attention. Trump has hardly spent any of his own money.
….and when in history was the last time the “media” backed the loser? Media depends on revenue, revenue that either comes from contributions or subscriptions/advertising. The greater the amount of readership or viewing the greater the charge for subscribing/advertising. It is called capitalism, get used to it.
You simply don’t have the mental capacity to understand anything, do you?
The media doesn’t mind taking money, even Trump’s. All money is green. But it does have an ideology that thrums to the tune of the Establishment–which is inarguably backing KKKlinton.
You need more tinfoil, Ruby. The signals are getting through.
Of course, he is spending your money or who ever contributed to his campaign, he will pay himself back for the millions he claims to have spent,( google it ) the law allows him to pay loans back with the proceeds from contributors. He will pay himself back. Trump has protected all those who he owes, not letting anyone know what their agenda is or who they are. You can’t say that of Hillary, all her cards are on the table, via the “liberal” media, as you call it. Who has been under media and Congressional investigation for four years straight? Hilary or Trump? Hillary by a large margin. Congress spent some 7 million just on Benghazi, and the findings? Nothing much more then what had happened to our ships and embassy’s before Hillary under Clinton, both Bush’s, and others. But the innuendo brings doubt in those who have doubt, and repeating that doubt convinces others that it may be right. That is what has happened to you, you are not a hypocrite you just don’t know of what you speak, and deny when it is placed right in front of your face. Part of committing a crime or wrong is intent, without it there may be no crime or wrong.
Read Comey’s report about her illegal homebrew server. He detailed everything that has and would put anyone else under a jail. But he declined to press charges against Killery.
And she and Obama lied about Benghazi from the start. They said a video caused the riots, although they knew well enough that it was a damnable lie. Demonstration of the total and utter corruption of the American regime.
right. Including the EIGHT Republican committees that tried their damnedest to find some criminal wrongdoing on the Benghazi issue and weren’t able to find anything. All eight of those Republican-led committees clearly are in the Clintons’ pocket, right, Ruby?
I understand that you are simply too desperate to keep Killery as your Goddess, to want to know the truth that is obvious to anyone with two working brain cells.
Remember to duck when the Russian Army shoots.
Have a good life, Ruby.
Thank you, Robert. You as well.
Is there any way to confirm this anonymous elderly gentleman wasn’t a plant the Democrats used to show how classy they are compared to Republicans ? Wasn’t Bill Clinton known to have people faint at his speeches so he could order the Secret Service to “help that man ” ? Would it make any difference to anyone if this was staged ?
This seems like a whole lot of text for a trivial issue in the scheme of things. Isn’t CNN giving the debate questions to Clinton a bigger story? Isn’t Trump and Clinton both saying they’re going to build up the military and fight more wars in the middle east a bigger story? Where are our priorities?
And Donna Brazile’s blatant cheating on the CNN debates doesn’t register as news at FAIR. It’s inconceivable that FAIR has not published on this scandal, but according to the search engine on this site not one word has been published. So at this point FOX News is more fair and balanced than FAIR – how is that possible? Brazile was put in place to clean up the scandal when it was revealed the DNC was choosing sides. Then Brazile went ahead and continued more of the same, while indignantly calling herself a christian straight shooter, she’s been caught red handed feeding Clinton debate questions and more. Yet this is not news at FAIR. I guess I have to go elsewhere to find fairness and accuracy.
To Trump allowing a protester to speak is all wrong. You should shut them down and have them run out hopefully with a few fists thrown at them. Obama, allowing a protester to speak is breaking all the rules.