CNN became the first cable news network not to air Trump’s comments at the coronavirus briefing. Instead, the network began its coverage when Dr. Brix was speaking.
The change was noted on Twitter:
CNN not carrying Trump's briefing live. Good for them. No one stopping them from covering, verifying & reporting news out of it if there is any.
MSNBC & Fox carrying; only CBS of the broadcast nets (in NYC).
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— James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) March 31, 2020
The American people missed nothing by CNN not airing Trump’s opening remarks.
Here is a piece of what Trump said:
Reminder: We live tweet these clips to fact check them. Trump makes claims about "large numbers" of ventilators being sent to states with no specifics. This is why the briefing shouldn't be televised. Trump is making a political case for his response. pic.twitter.com/vMkK8CuNse
— Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 31, 2020
As I pointed out in the tweet above, there is no reason for the networks to be showing Trump’s opening statement. He provides no information and spends his time pushing political spin about how great his administration’s response to the crisis has been.
The coverage should begin with medical experts and scientists.
The American people would be better served if the Trump propaganda portion of the briefing was not televised.
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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
