Reaction to the chaotic Presidential debate on Tuesday night has fallen along party lines to some extent, but as NPR’s Mara Liasson noted when she joined us on Midday yesterday, some leading Republicans have criticized the President for not condemning white supremacy and for his impolite and crass behavior.
Chris Wallace, the debate moderator, came under criticism for his inability to enforce the rules of the debate that had been agreed to by both campaigns. Wallace, the host of Fox News Sunday, is a highly respected journalist. But as CNN’s Brian Stelter reports in his latest book, Wallace’s affiliation with Fox News has caused him more than a little discomfort because his network also carries opinion shows with Fox stars Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Jeanine Pirro and Laura Ingraham, all of whom have made their reputation, and a lot of money, as cheerleaders for Donald Trump.
The connection between the President and Fox News is hidden in plain sight. Any time the network fails to program content that pleases Mr. Trump, he is quick to criticize it, and even quicker to reward the hosts who remain loyal with Twitter praise and exclusive interviews.
Brian Stelter is the chief media correspondent for CNN and the host of its Sunday morning program about the media, Reliable Sources. His new book explores the relationship between Trump and Fox, and its implications for democracy. It is fascinating and disturbing. It’s called Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth.
Brian Stelter joins us on Zoom…
