Sorry, Anderson - Not Buying

[NanceGreggs]

RE Anderson Cooper's comments about Trump town hall:

&t=443s

The idea that Trump is the front-runner for the GOP nomination and therefor requires news coverage is one thing - but that's not what happened here. CNN was not covering a newsworthy event. What CNN did was create an event, and is now attempting to pass that event off under the guise of news coverage.

The fact that you, and others at CNN, keep using the term "predictable" when commenting on Trump's conduct tells the entire story. In other words, you all knew he would use the platform you gave him to regurgitate the same old lies - and yet you chose to give him over an hour of airtime to do so.

By your own admission, no one at CNN expected anything other than how things played out. No one expected any new revelations, any display on Trump's part of introspection or lessons learned. So the question is: What was the purpose of airing this debacle in the first place?

Filling the audience with MAGA supporters ensured that Trump's lies would be applauded, and that his deranged attacks on democracy would evoke encouraging laughter. It was like watching a KKK rally in front of a crowd wearing pointy white hoods, and passing it off as - need I say it? - a "fair and balanced" representation of American values.

You failed, Anderson, as did your entire network. CNN provided Trump with a platform from which to spew already-debunked lies, along with his blatant racism and democracy-hating rhetoric - and pretending it was anything other than that is an insult to every American with an IQ above that of your average houseplant.

I have admired you for years, Anderson - your journalistic integrity, your empathy. your passion for reporting the news as it is, rather than what it can be spun as being in deference to corporate sponsors and directives from network higher-ups.

But attempting to whitewash Trump's town hall as "just plain old news coverage" was a step too far.

[Joinfortmill]

1. Yup. He should quit. They all should.

[BComplex]

33. I think it gives E. Jean Carroll all the ammo she needs to sue CNN, just like Dominion sued fux nooz

They new EXACTLY what he would do. They did it anyway. Anderson Cooper admitted it on air.

[True Blue American]

58. I just heard Carroll

Is considering a 3rd lawsuit.

[SunSeeker]

2. And no Anderson, that Trumper audience is not a "sampling of about half the country."

Only 25% of Americans identify as Republicans, according to Gallop.

[NanceGreggs]

3. True.

And not all Republicans are MAGAts.

[2naSalit]

16. True as well...

And their numbers are decreasing.

[soldierant]

82. Only about 63%, if the last figures I heard were correct.

63% of 25% is about 16%.

[Blue Owl]

70. It was a stool sample from Dump's golden toilet, which they proceeded to lovingly lick

[Abigail_Adams]

77. And some GOPers and Trump voters

won't admit it publicly, hence skewing the polls.

[PCIntern]

4. Excellent analysis...

It should be made to go viral…

[hlthe2b]

5. I think he knows better. Perhaps he is feeling the "pressure" to defend the network.

But, I cannot believe he is "buying" what he, himself, is selling.

Chris Licht has to go.

[NanceGreggs]

6. I agree that he 'knows better' ...

... which is why it is so disappointing to hear him pretend otherwise.

[Tetrachloride]

7. He's definitely pretending. Covering up for a serial rapist.

[2naSalit]

18. He probably has too much...

Stock in the company to bail out easily though he should have quit before the event ever occurred.

Licht will destroy the network as we know it. I hope they ax him, but I won't hold my breath.

[BComplex]

32. It's not just Licht. The whole band of bad guys who bought/infiltrated CNN has one goal in mind,

and that was to create MORE right wing propaganda in the news, and trying to make it more legitimate than fux nooze based on years of CNN trying to come off as more "fair and balanced" and there fore more credible.

I've been saying for years: easily 90% of the news major networks or cable is controlled by the 1%, the oligarchy.

[rubbersole]

47. 👆👆👆

[DENVERPOPS]

52. The 1% REPUBLICAN oligarchy........

yes

[dchill]

60. Oh, you mean the folks Clarence works for.

[Celerity]

73. the Malone-Zaslav-Licht Triumvirate

[2naSalit]

79. It's just not worth...

Even going to their site or watching any of their videos. They have no credibility anymore and they have no remorse.

[BComplex]

83. I'm with you. CNN is totally over for me.

Their advertisers can find a different sucker.

[TexasBushwhacker]

42. Anderson has a contract

Both sides are obligated to honor its terms, unless someone is dismissed for cause. If he quit, they could keep him from working elsewhere for the duration of the contract and sue him for breach. He might not renew next time though.

[stage left]

67. Yes, very disappointing.

Knowing that what he's saying is all lies is worse than being ignorant of the truth. No excuse can be made for this intelligent and well aware man. None, whatsoever. He has now become a slave to his wealth and standing. He has been bought.

[Botany]

8. Anderson you are wealthy, you have plenty of work with 60 minutes, CBS or another network ...

.... would hire you in a heartbeat*, and it is now a good time for you to walk away from CNN because
of what they have become if you want to keep any of the respect you have earned through your work.
Giving Trump a platform to spew his bile and toxic lies in front of an audience that does not reflect
the vast majority of American people and then call it news was wrong and you know that too. End
of story.

* Maybe some different work that helps people and or the planet you don't need to be in front of the
cameras.

[2naSalit]

19. +1

But I think he's losing stock value right now and needs to try, at least in his mind, to rescue some of it. I hope he leaves.

[Backseat Driver]

29. Anderson, think of your babies; they learn what they live

Parenting point: At your job, always cave to the boss. Knicking your character has no consequences.

[orangecrush]

9. KICK

[Just Jerome]

10. Absolutely agree

And “thug” is a noun, not an adjective.

[bucolic_frolic]

11. CNN "Town Hall" was rigged

Irony murdered again

[dchill]

49. Trumpalooza.

[demigoddess]

61. trump-a-lousa

spell it that way.

[FakeNoose]

63. They had no right to call it a Town Hall - it was a Chump Rally and nothing more

[betsuni]

12. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

I've heard that before. Get Trump out there.

[maxsolomon]

36. He was President of the United States for 4 interminable years.

How much more sunlight is needed? Nothing's changed. He hasn't changed. An iota. He can't.

[DENVERPOPS]

54. A true Pathological Liar

can't help themselves, they actually believe their lies. It is a sickness, a psychosis. Which along with his other psychoses make him even more frightening now, than he was in the first 4+ years.

I would be interested, if any of you out there have some psychiatric information on cult leaders and cult followers and what makes them appear to be truly brainwashed.......

During W's period, I asked a couple of top psychoanalysts what the fuck was going on.????? They both said that they were dumbfounded and flabbergasted, and had not a single idea.........and W/Cheney/Rumsfeld were in many ways nothing compared to Trump........

If Trump were an average person, out in the population, I think he would be institutionalized.......

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

85. The majority of books about cults

Focus on specific ones--even from people who were in them, but the three below are more about cults in general, what they are and how people wind up in them:

Amanda Montell - Cultish

Arthur Goldwag - Cults, Conspiracies and Secret Societies

Steven Hassan - Combatting Cult Mind Control. Hassan also wrote a book about the Cult of {the evil one whom I shall not name}. If you look up Mr Hassan on, say, Amazon, you'll find his other book.

[Boomerproud]

13. K&R

It needed to be said and it was.

[COL Mustard]

14. It wasn't a Town Hall

It was more like a Town Hell.

[Rebl2]

64. I thought town halls

included questions from audience. We’re there any?

[COL Mustard]

71. If there were any

It was like “What’s your favorite color? And why?”

[Rebl2]

75. True

I remember the one with Bill Clinton I believe. Boxers or briefs. How stupid.

[gab13by13]

15. Trump was allowed to do a rally

disguised as a town hall and televised from start to finish by CNN. I haven't watched CNN for 10 years and when MSNBC fired its progressive news anchors I stopped watching it except for a handful of anchors. MSNBC isn't that much different than CNN. I only watch Nicolle, Mehdi, Rachel, but can tolerate Chris Hayes and Laurence O'Donnell. MSNBC news anchors cover right wing talking points and put a progressive slant on the talking points that's the only difference.

If you want to see what progressive news is all about, go to freespeech.org and watch Stephanie Miller and Thom Hartmann for 1 week and then get back to me about how I am wrong about MSNBC. MSNBC is CNN lite, CNN is Fox lite.

[Bengus81]

31. Yep...nothing but staged with a Trump rally audience

LOL...the CNN brass put Anderson out there as the supposed "voice of reason" for that BS FAKE NEWS Town Hall. All about the bucks with these clowns. They figure FOX is in trouble with MAGOT voters so CNN wants them as new viewers and the advertising rates go through the roof.

Won't work CNN............

[3825-87867]

17. So CNN...

looking forward with baited breath for your soon to be announced town hall with Biden! Any day, now?
After all, seems like trump got "Licht". Who's next?

[dem4decades]

20. "Every Thing Trump Touches Dies", Trump just touched CNN and Cooper's integrity. Bye Bye, integrity

[Skittles]

21. I absolutely agree, Nance

I am very disappointed indeed in Anderson, he did not live up to his usual journalism standards....very distressing indeed.

[dlk]

22. CNN gave Trump free, advertising

This was not reporting, this was promotion. What they have done is a direct threat to our democracy and CNN has been permanently deleted from my channel lineup. Their advertisers are off my list as well.

[DENVERPOPS]

50. In all fairness

Biden should be brought on for a CNN "town meeting" for an equal amount of time as Trump had......

Oh wait folks, Regan got rid of the Fairness Doctrine early on..............and even if it still stood, I am sure it would only be interpreted by the Republicons as for networks, not cable.........

[RegulatedCapitalistD]

23. Anderson showed what it's all about for him too... $$$

[Paladin]

40. Which is pathetic---it's not as if he's destitute.

Mommy provided very well for her little boy.

I'm adding Anderson Cooper to my Shit List. Just another good reason to no longer watch CNN.

[RegulatedCapitalistD]

43. exactly....

Of ANYONE who could have taken a stand....it was him.

[Hotler]

24. Tells me he leans towards fascism. nt

[dchill]

51. For many, fascism is just a paycheck.

[stopdiggin]

25. +1. basically agree

The point about Trump being news - completely correct. He shouldn't be ignored. I'd also along with his statement, "about half of America" - unfortunately that's not an inaccurate reflection of what we've seen in politics over the last 7-8 years.

But - and it's the 'but' that cancels out all the rest - there is still a major difference between reporting the news, and manufacturing the news. Which is clearly what occurred here. And I think Cooper is fully developed enough - both as journalist and human being - to clearly recognize that this wasn't real journalism.

[JuJuChen]

26. I was enjoying the CNN app until this but MSNBC is my new home now

[bronxiteforever]

27. K&R

[SouthernDem4ever]

28. CNN has become what the orange vomit has been calling it forever

FAKE NEWS!

[Bengus81]

30. Yep...this is really blowing up. This was basically scripted and practiced

FUCK YOU CNN....your link just left my computer.

BTW CNN.....FAKE NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Johonny]

34. It's May 2023, the number two in GOP polls

Hasn't even declared yet. And Trump is the single most covered politician in America. The idea we don’t know his stance on things by now is laughable. Cooper just blowing smoke up our ass as if we're stupid. Sad.

[GoodRaisin]

35. That "silo" remark really pissed me off.

Pure bullshit. I used to flick over to CNN occasionally but I’m done with them now.

[RobinA]

37. I Have To Say

I don't get what the fuss is about. Trump went on, made an ass of himself as usual, and then it was over. It's not like Biden was giving a speech that they didn't cover because they were covering Trump. If I don't like Trump, and I don't, I'm thinking it was a win for us. If it changes zero minds it's a wash, if it changes a couple of minds it's a win. If it adds to a pile of proof that Trump isn't fit to be President, I'm for it. I'm not seeing a downside.

[moondust]

38. Normalizing...

authoritarian racism, misogyny, malignant narcissism, sexual assault, corruption, and fraud to name a few. He belongs in a prison cell or worse--not on a TV "news" program.

[bluestarone]

39. I say your right. I DO find it real hard to not like Anderson though.

I bet the pressure on him right now is horrible. I would like to see Carroll's attorney give4 CNN a CEASE and DESIST order immediately. Maybe will stop some of their BULLSHIT!

[Paladin]

46. I USED to find it hard not to like Anderson.

Amazing how easy it is to dislike him, now.

[usonian]

41. It was a rally.

Really

[Bev54]

44. Anderson Cooper just gave us all a lesson in what classic gaslighting looks like

Remember this, because people fall for it time and time again

[NBachers]

45. Who told you to do this, Anderson?

[solara]

48. Spot on as usual, Nance

Were you able to send this directly to him? I'm also very disappointed in Anderson, but that's been happening for a while now and I no longer watch CNN for a variety of reasons.. I liked Anderson and was holding out for him.. but no longer.. Nope

[JustAnotherGen]

53. His arrogance is astounding

When you fuck up, sometimes its better to keep your head down and mouth shut.

[Cha]

55. I've never watched him before but

his attempt at doing damage control the next day was a total failure.

Cooper was Condescending and Gaslighting his audience. I bet that was a surprise to all those who had respected him as journalist.

Mahalo, Nance.

[Goodheart]

56. I wish Mr. Cooper would read your excellent post.

As for me I'd tell him "I DON'T live in a silo, you arrogant fucker".

[stage left]

65. Nance, I agree with Goodheart.

I wish Cooper could read your eloquent statement of fact. He should quit, but evidently no one is immune to wealth and fame.

[Paladin]

57. Reports of trump circulating some doctored footage of Anderson Cooper.

It has Anderson supposedly saying that trump "ripped CNN a new asshole."

Just saw it on one of the online news services. See The Hill, TMZ.

[Moostache]

59. Look...more career road kill in the wake of the Tangerine Mussolini

Sorry Anderson, but the only proper response from you when told or asked to make that pathetic statement was "I quit."

Yes, the words of a political party's nominee (WHEN ACTUALLY NOMINATED, not assumed) are newsworthy. But when what CNN did and allowed on their air was enough to make Goebbels cum with glee in the Hades. Defending the concept of coverage is one thing, joining in the gaslighting and lying to retain a multimillion dollar a year gig when already fabulously wealthy to begin with is just disgusting.

I will take you up on your offer Anderson, I am done watching you whore yourself out to the current bidder at CNN. You make me sick with anger that someone in your position to be an advocate and ally is instead a just another cash-grabbing stooge. Looks like we know the price and value of your integrity.

[Rebl2]

62. So disappointed

in Anderson Cooper. At least there is footage democrats can use in campaign ads against him.

[llmart]

66. You know, you could send this to him.

Otherwise you're just preaching to the choir.

[stage left]

68. +1

I hope she does or already has.

[Wonder Why]

69. Sleazeball looking to be the next Tucker - News Liar Extraordinaire

He must have found out how much Tuck was getting paid.

[Evolve Dammit]

72. And the muzzling of participants to only applaud? and the CNN boss telling Drumpf to "have fun"??

[TheCowsCameHome]

74. Excellent assessment, Nance

CNN knew full well this would turn into a Trump-produced and orchestrated shit show. There weren't enough manure spreaders in all of New Hampshire to handle the crap produced the other night.

Shame on Anderson, shame on CNN.

[grantcart]

76. Everything Trump touched dies.

CNN tag you're it.

[orleans]

84. +100 nt

[Marcuse]

78. I hope the Comcast Corporation does not make a similar business decision.

[Uncle Joe]

80. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread NanceGreggs

[Larissa]

81. Gee whiz

Anderson Cooper was one of the few reasons why I would still watch CNN occasionally. I am really disappointed.

The Guardian: Toe-curlingly bad television: Trump’s torturous town hall backfires on CNN
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/11/toe-curlingly-bad-television-trumps-torturous-town-hall-backfires-on-cnn