Trump and the Media: A Major Learning Curve

President Trump's displeasure with the mainstream media (MSM) seems based whether he finds the coverage flattering rather than what most people would call accurate. He does not like negative press--make that really doesn't like it. Most people don't, but those in powerful positions usually don't go around deploying an arsenal of ballistic missiles through a twitter account and accusing the media of purveying "fake news."

Now I will admit that there is such a thing as fake news. A walk through the supermarket reveals it readily. "Queen resigns in favor of William and Kate" screams a headline despite British constitutional law that would make this absolutely impossible. In this case, the writers depend on their readers' lingering fondness for Princess Diana and their wish to see team Charles and Camilla punished.

In the past, I used to cite the National Enquirer as an example of this, but there are worse. Anyone credulous enough to buy and read this stuff soon finds that the stories are never credited to anyone with a name and often have nothing to do with the headlines.  These papers have no accountability, no professional code of ethics, and no responsibility for anything beyond what they call "entertainment." Believe at your peril.

No one denies that there can be a point of view in any reporting. It might show up in the details of what is included in the story or even in the choice of what is reported at all. But generally a MSM reporter will try to be balanced and the editor will keep the opinions restricted to the editorial page or run under a byline. Most important, when challenged, the MSM will make corrections if warranted or will explain the decisions.

But the idea of fake news is not the main issue. Calling MSM fake because it is not flattering is a complete misunderstanding of the difference between propaganda and reporting.

Propaganda exists to present events in the best possible light for whoever pays for it. It is meant to promote particular programs and persuade people. It is often associated with repressive regimes who wish to silence the press. Any number of these exist in the world.

Reporting, on the other hand, is the job of the MSM and it is meant to be critical. The founding documents of this country call on a free press to analyze, criticize, expose, and ensure that leaders are honest. Its purpose is also to keep citizens informed. According to Thomas Jefferson, "the only security of all is in a free press." That is why we tolerate nonsense journalism that fabricates the lives of movie stars--the principle of a free press is too vital to lose.

President Trump's unhelpful feud with the MSM suggests that he does not understand this. No, they are not his "friends" because they are not meant to be. No one really expected that a CEO with no government experience was going to walk into a complex bureaucracy serving over 300 million people and not have a massive learning curve, particularly not when he has surrounded himself with others of similarly limited experience. The press is going to document all the stumbles because that is its job. The MSM is not the same as a flashy corporate brochure extolling the CEO.

President Trump has a long road ahead. Among the things he, and many of his supporters, must learn is that black and white simple answers offered from the comfort of arm chairs do not work as envisioned in the real world. Every idea and every program has supporters that will not go gentle into that good night. There will need to be negotiation and leadership sometimes exercised most effectively when it is not visible. This is subtlety and maturity.

And when and if this understanding does come about, you can absolutely sure that the MSM will have had a lot to do with it.