Lawrence: The media is trying (and failing) to cure themselves of 'sane-washing' Trump
3Digest
This episode delves into the complexities of covering Donald Trump's statements and policies, highlighting the issue of "sane washing" where media outlets attempt to make his incoherent statements appear more rational. The episode criticizes the New York Times' attempt to address this issue, arguing that it ultimately fails to challenge Trump's rhetoric. The episode then shifts to the upcoming debate between Vice President Harris and Donald Trump, discussing the challenges Harris faces in confronting Trump's lies and the accumulated weight of misinformation surrounding him. The episode emphasizes the importance of holding Trump accountable for his false claims, particularly regarding tariffs and their impact on the economy. The episode further explores the double standard in covering Trump and Harris, arguing that Trump is often given a pass for his behavior while Harris is held to a higher standard. This double standard is attributed to systemic racism and sexism, which have historically disadvantaged marginalized groups. The episode also addresses the fight against voter ID laws, arguing that they are a form of voter suppression that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. The episode emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and provides practical advice on how to participate in the fight for voting rights. Finally, the episode pays tribute to James Earl Jones, a legendary actor, and concludes with his final word.
Outlines
Covering Donald Trump's Rhetoric and Policies
This chapter discusses the challenges of covering Donald Trump's statements and policies, highlighting the issue of "sane washing" where media outlets attempt to make his incoherent statements appear more rational. The episode criticizes the New York Times' attempt to address this issue, arguing that it ultimately fails to challenge Trump's rhetoric.
The Upcoming Debate Between Vice President Harris and Donald Trump
This chapter discusses the upcoming debate between Vice President Harris and Donald Trump, discussing the challenges Harris faces in confronting Trump's lies and the accumulated weight of misinformation surrounding him. The episode emphasizes the importance of holding Trump accountable for his false claims, particularly regarding tariffs and their impact on the economy.
The Double Standard in Covering Trump and Harris
This chapter explores the double standard in covering Trump and Harris, arguing that Trump is often given a pass for his behavior while Harris is held to a higher standard. This double standard is attributed to systemic racism and sexism, which have historically disadvantaged marginalized groups.
The Fight Against Voter ID Laws
This chapter addresses the fight against voter ID laws, arguing that they are a form of voter suppression that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. The episode emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and provides practical advice on how to participate in the fight for voting rights.
Tribute to James Earl Jones
This chapter pays tribute to James Earl Jones, a legendary actor, and concludes with his final word.
Keywords
Sane Washing
The practice of editing or summarizing a person's statements, particularly those considered incoherent or controversial, in a way that makes them appear more rational or understandable.
Tariff
A tax imposed by a government on imported goods, typically intended to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
Double Standard
The application of different standards or rules to different groups of people, often based on factors such as race, gender, or social status.
Voter ID Laws
Laws that require voters to present photo identification at the polls, often cited as a means of preventing voter fraud but criticized for disproportionately disenfranchising marginalized communities.
Voter Suppression
Any action or practice that makes it more difficult for eligible voters to register or cast a ballot, often with the intent of disenfranchising certain groups of people.
Q&A
What is "sane washing" and how does it relate to the coverage of Donald Trump?
Sane washing is the practice of editing or summarizing a person's statements, particularly those considered incoherent or controversial, in a way that makes them appear more rational or understandable. The episode argues that the New York Times has a habit of sane washing Donald Trump's statements, which ultimately fails to address the underlying issues of his rhetoric and policies.
How does the New York Times' article on Donald Trump's tariffs demonstrate the problem of sane washing?
The New York Times article attempts to address its habit of sane washing by quoting Donald Trump's incoherent response to a question about child care at length. However, the article then proceeds to "sane wash" the response by offering a disinterpretation that misrepresents Trump's actual statements and ignores the fundamental economic principles behind tariffs.
What are the key challenges Vice President Harris faces in the upcoming debate against Donald Trump?
Vice President Harris faces the challenge of not only debating Donald Trump's lies but also the accumulated weight of years of misinformation and disinformation spread by Trump and the news media. The episode highlights the specific example of Trump's lies about tariffs and the news media's failure to challenge them.
How does the episode address the double standard in covering Donald Trump and Kamala Harris?
The episode argues that there is a double standard in covering Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, where Trump is often given a pass for his behavior while Harris is held to a higher standard. This double standard is rooted in systemic racism and sexism, which have historically disadvantaged marginalized groups.
What are the arguments against voter ID laws and how do they impact marginalized communities?
The episode argues that voter ID laws are a form of voter suppression that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, such as people of color, low-income individuals, and the elderly. These laws often require voters to present photo identification at the polls, which can be difficult or impossible for some people to obtain due to financial constraints, lack of access to government services, or other barriers.
How does the episode address the issue of black voters who may be considering voting for Donald Trump?
The episode acknowledges the existence of black voters who may be considering voting for Donald Trump and emphasizes the importance of engaging with them in a respectful and informative way. The episode suggests that it is crucial to educate these voters about Trump's record and policies, particularly his history of racism and disregard for the needs of marginalized communities.
Show Notes
Tonight on The Last Word: Vice President Kamala Harris says Donald Trump is “going to lie” during the debate Tuesday evening. Also, Sen. John McCain’s son endorses Harris for president. Plus, some in the media are “sane-washing” Trump’s incoherence. And Michael Eric Dyson discusses his new book, “ Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote.” Quentin Fulks and Sen. Mark Kelly also join Lawrence O’Donnell.
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