Just Ask The Question Newsletter - 9.5.24
Russian Propaganda, School Shootings, and Fixing Journalism!
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“Enough is enough”: America’s toxic mix of mass shootings, disinformation and Donald Trump
An exasperated White House press secretary speaks for a beleaguered nation
Welcome back to the new school year kids. Seeing friends. Sharing stories about your summer. Fall football. Dodging bullets.
Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia on Wednesday became the latest school to suffer through a mass shooting. It was the 45th school shooting in America in 2024 and the deadliest school shooting in Georgia’s history. It is such a common occurrence in this country that while the White House daily press briefing began with the news, the tragedy was soon drowned out by the continued divisive politics that has consumed us to the point that life-taking tragedies take a back seat to a former President whining about his potential criminal sentencing a mere two weeks from now.
“I can’t say it enough. Enough is enough. Enough,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre summed it up succinctly Wednesday afternoon.
That statement could be made about most of what passes for news these days – including the sophomoric nonsense in the Brady press briefing room. But it certainly covers Lara Trump’s recent release of a music video that garnered praise from the right, criticism from the left and incessant social media attention. The pithiest statement on that debacle came from former RNC chairman Michael Steele, who posted on X that while he was often criticized as the chairman, he at least kept his focus on winning elections. Lara Trump is more worried about her potential music career than the current campaign, I guess…
Ep: 288 - Just Ask the Press - Misleading headlines, Misleading politicians, and sticking to policy
In this conversation, Brian and the guys discuss various news topics, including Vice President Harris' first interview on CNN, Donald Trump's controversial visit to Arlington National Cemetery, and JD Vance's speech at a firefighters union event.
They analyze Harris' interview, noting that she performed well and didn't give Trump any ammunition. They also criticize Trump for his disrespectful behavior at the cemetery and Vance for his controversial statements and unforced errors.
The guys question whether Vance will be replaced as Trump's running mate and highlight the need for politicians to focus on policy rather than insults. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics including the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, the abortion issue in the upcoming election, opinion pieces in The New York Times, and a hit list created by a Trump loyalist. They express concern about the dangerous rhetoric and threats that arise from these issues and speculate on the potential changes in the press landscape if Trump were to return to power.
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Republicans for Harris: GOP gets ready to rescue MAGA from Trump
But it may be too little, too late — even God can’t help Trump as his criminal sentencing looms
The 2024 presidential race may answer a question none of us knew we would ever ask: What can 70,000 disgruntled Republicans on one phone call do to save humanity?
I ask this question as Donald Trump is calling on the God Squad this week for pontification, gesticulation, inspection, detection, rejection of reality and, in an attempt to avoid the putrefaction of his presidential campaign less than a week after the end of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, emancipation and exoneration. Appealing to the almighty above (or wherever the deity dwells), Donny Darko claimed that if Jesus were counting votes, he’d win California. I guess he’s admitting it will take a miracle for him to win California (credit to Mark Hamill who tweeted this). From my point of view, “Jesus Counting Votes in California” sounds like an Eagles song, or maybe a Lynyrd Skynyrd effort.
But where Trump really needs divine intervention is in court. His luck has been fairly spotty so far, but he always does manage, like the cats his vice-presidential candidate JD Vance hates so much, to land on his tiny little feet. He’s scheduled to face sentencing for his 34 felony convictions in Manhattan in a little more than two weeks, and Jack Smith, the federal special counsel who still resembles “Coach Beard” from Ted Lasso and is Trump’s personal man-eating shark wrapped in the law and a two-piece suit, filed a superseding indictment in federal court this week…
Ep : 286 - Oliver Darcy - Adapting Journalism to the Digital World
Oliver Darcy, former CNN reporter, discusses his decision to start his own newsletter called Status. He emphasizes the importance of independent journalism and holding media outlets accountable. Darcy believes that media reporting is often neglected in mainstream press, leading to the spread of lies and misinformation. He also criticizes the lack of strong leadership and editorial oversight in news organizations. Darcy and Brian discuss the challenges of covering Trump and the need for news outlets to be more cautious in giving him excessive attention.
They both express concerns about the state of the press and the impact of economic pressures and lack of diversity in ownership. Oliver Darcy discusses the importance of local media and the challenges it faces in the digital age. He emphasizes the need for strong hyper-local outlets that cover basic neighborhood news and events. Oliver also highlights the importance of storytelling in journalism and the need for local news organizations to adapt to the digital world. He expresses hope for the future of journalism, but acknowledges that the industry will undergo significant changes.
The serious side of joy: Democrats laugh off Robert Kennedy Jr., deflate Trump with humor
Democrats are laughing at Donald Trump and his RFK Jr. endorsement
CHICAGO — Donald Trump tried this weekend to derail the Democratic juggernaut that bolted from the confines of the United Center in Chicago following their convention this week. He posted nasty comments on social media and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced he was ending his independent candidacy to join Don the Con.
It hasn't had the effect Trump hoped for.
The Democratic faithful left their convention Thursday night in Chicago enthusiastically energized and convinced of the righteousness of their cause. Former President Barack Obama told them the number one priority was to defeat Donald Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris told them that Trump and his cult-like followers in government, “are simply out of their minds.” Both lines got standing ovations.
Republicans who spoke at the Democratic convention echoed those thoughts. That Republicans would speak at a Democratic convention is historic enough. But, that they were embraced in open friendship speaks a lot to the unity the country wants, demands and needs. The Democrats welcomed Republicans as “fellow patriots." The Republicans who are fed up with Trump extended the same compliment on a public stage to the thousands assembled and the millions watching — just not on Fox News. The Republicans told the Democrats they joined them in embracing our country over politics or themselves…
How nice our criminals are’: Takeaways as Trump, Harris begin post-Labor Day sprint
Vice president accuses GOP rival of aiming to 'terminate the Constitution'
ANALYSIS — Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris described each other as a threat to voters’ wallets and constitutional rights during their first campaign stops since Labor Day.
Trump, the Republican nominee, opted for the bigger splash, taping a town hall in swing-state Pennsylvania that aired in prime time on Fox News. (Though billed as a town hall, only the host asked questions, not voters seated in the New Holland Arena, which was lined with sections of empty seats.)
Harris made a campaign stop in New Hampshire, a state the Democratic nominee has won every cycle since 2004.
The nominees were back on the campaign trail as new polling further solidified both camps’ assessments that the race likely will be extremely close in November.
CNN-SSRS polling released Wednesday morning showed that neither Trump nor Harris has a clear path to the White House, with both candidates running close in the battleground states that likely will decide the election.
Harris led in both Georgia and Nevada by a single point, 48 percent to 47 percent. They were tied in Pennsylvania. Harris had larger leads in Wisconsin (6 percentage points) and Michigan (5 points). Trump led 49 percent to 44 percent in Arizona, according to the polling, which had a 4.9 percent margin of error.
Here are four takeaways from their campaign stops, with 60 days to go until Election Day…
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