TRUMP STICKS IT TO 'EM – AT 12:44 P.M. ET:  Like him or loathe him, President Trump is probably the best gut fighter we've ever had in the White House.  He's had a good week because journalism has had such a bad one.  He lets them know it.  From The Hill: 

President Trump on Saturday accused CNN of making a "vicious and purposeful mistake" when the network was forced to correct an erroneous news report related to the Trump/Russia probe.

In an early morning tweet, Trump called on the news network to fire "those responsible," and commented that an ABC News reporter who was suspended for a separate erroneous report should be fired as well.

"Fake News CNN made a vicious and purposeful mistake yesterday. They were caught red handed, just like lonely Brian Ross at ABC News (who should be immediately fired for his 'mistake')," Trump wrote. "Watch to see if @CNN fires those responsible, or was it just gross incompetence?"
In a second tweet, the president suggested CNN change their slogan after the report to "the least trusted name in news."

"CNN’S slogan is CNN, THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN NEWS. Everyone knows this is not true, that this could, in fact, be a fraud on the American Public. There are many outlets that are far more trusted than Fake News CNN. Their slogan should be CNN, THE LEAST TRUSTED NAME IN NEWS!" the president tweeted.

COMMENT:  It's very dangerous to attack the media.  There's an old saying:  "Never start up with someone who buys ink by the barrel."  The mainstreamers still control the airwaves, the cable systems, and the printing presses. 

Presidents have dealt with a hostile press in a number of ways.  Reagan, the master, simply spoke over the heads of reporters and directly to the American people.  Kennedy used humor.  Eisenhower intentionally spoke gibberish when he didn't want to answer a question.

Nixon was openly contemptuous, maybe with good reason, but the contempt was returned. 

Trump is the most confrontational of all.  He runs the risk of making enemies needlessly.  On the other hand, the treatment of him has been wildly out of line, and his attacks this week may have found their mark.  It does appear that some news organizations are getting more sensitive about accuracy.   The casualties at ABC and CNN will be noted throughout the industry.

Now that the president has attacked, though, maybe it's time for some graciousness.  Sugar usually works, at least among the sane.

December 9, 2017