Summary
Lucian Truscott reflects on the media’s role in enabling Donald Trump’s behavior during his political career, arguing that the mainstream press has failed to take Trump’s qualifications seriously. Truscott acknowledges that this problem predates Trump, suggesting that a long-standing tendency to report politicians’ statements without scrutiny has contributed to the normalization of Trump’s unconventional conduct.
Truscott contends that the media’s treatment of Trump as a “buffoon” rather than a serious political figure has led to a dangerous underestimation of his actions and their implications for democracy. He emphasizes that Trump’s behavior, which would have been disqualifying in previous political contexts, was largely overlooked by the press, allowing him to gain traction and legitimacy. This normalization process has left journalists unprepared to confront the reality of Trump’s unfitness for office, as evidenced by recent letters to the editor in The New York Times expressing concern over his mental acuity and rhetoric. Truscott expresses regret for his own role in this dynamic, admitting that he mischaracterized Trump as a “toy fascist” instead of recognizing the true threat he posed.
'Eternally sorry': Journalist confesses his biggest error in covering 'buffoon' Trump
Oct. 8 / Raw Story / Lucian Truscott's candid self-reflection on his past coverage of Trump provides a sobering critique of media complicity, highlighting the normalization of disqualifying behavior that deserves deeper scrutiny. His authoritative perspective, steeped in experience, offers a compelling examination of the media's failures over decades. “ Former President Donald Trump's behavior has been enabled by a mainstream press that "never took him seriously," Lucian Truscott wrote for Salon on Tuesday...
'Extreme self-centeredness': NYT flooded with angry letters about Trump's fitness to serve
Oct. 1 / Raw Story / The flood of critical letters to the New York Times reveals public concern over Trump's fitness for office, showcasing diverse voices that highlight his troubling rhetoric and mental acuity, yet lacks a cohesive narrative. While insightful, the piece could benefit from more context to connect these individual critiques to broader implications for democracy. “ The New York Times has been flooded with angry letters from readers warning former President Donald Trump's rhetoric and behavior render him unfit to serve...