MSNBC Doesn’t Let Sean Spicer Get Away With Lie That Hitler Didn’t Use Chemical Weapons

MSNBC showed why they are surging in the ratings by correcting White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on-screen when he falsely claimed that Hitler didn’t use chemical weapons in World War II.
Spicer tried to argue that Syria’s chemical weapons attack on its own people was something that even Hitler never did by saying, “We didn’t use chemical weapons in World War II. You had someone as despicable as Hitler, who didn’t even sink to using chemical weapons.”

Here is how MSNBC responded:

CNN took the approach of having a panel discussion where they pointed out that Spicer was wrong, and instead of admitting that he was wrong, the White House Press Secretary dug himself in deeper with an explanation that didn’t make any sense.

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CNN’s on-screen graphic:

Of the two approaches, MSNBC’s was stronger. When dealing with an administration that lies as a course of normal business, it is important for the press to point out lies, misstatements, and inaccuracies as directly as possible.

CNN gave Spicer the benefit of the doubt. MSNBC pointed out the facts.

Looking at the two networks side by side, it is easy to see why MSNBC is challenging Fox News for ratings supremacy while CNN continues to muddle through as the oatmeal of cable news programming.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association