Feb 7, 2023·edited Feb 7, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
While my comment might not receive many, if any, “likes,” setting aside the media, the polls, the party-in-power’s inadequate messaging, the reality that passed-legislation is yet to be implemented, and more, I believe it must be said, that when one must repeatedly explain what he or she has accomplished, he or she is losing with the American people overall.
With 60% of the people in this country living precariously from paycheck to paycheck, wherein family income, in many cases, is only sustained by more people working longer hours, while still weighted down by mortgage debt, credit debt, and the like, the decision to disregard the human infrastructure piece of the Biden agenda, that had passed in the House, no thanks to Republicans, and nearly had passed in the Senate, again with no help from Republicans, in my view, is a mistake.
Simply put, Democrats have to be willing to engage in war. The other side has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to attain and hold power. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Democratic leadership, receipts in hand, to say to the country, “This is what we have tried to deliver and these folks have voted against it—extension of the child tax credit, paid sick and family leave, a $15 hourly minimum wage, affordable, quality childcare, universal Pre-K, investments in housing, in elder care, in impactful expanded ACA subsidies…”
My point, and note I haven’t mentioned what Biden and the Party, indeed, have delivered, is that Democrats have an extraordinary narrative, if only they would deliver it. Were I, as a Democrat, to address the country, I would say, receipts in hand, “America, when they didn’t care about you, we did.”
Frankom, I recall in late Spring 2020, after Biden had become the Party’s presumptive Presidential nominee, he and Bernie Sanders had created 6 policy task forces covering education, climate change, healthcare, the economy, criminal justice, and immigration reform. There had been serious discussions with serious people engaged in an honest effort to arrive at a compromise (the so-called Build Back Better Biden agenda) Sanders had said, if implemented, would make Biden “the most progressive President since FDR.” I can’t recall a time when the Democratic Party (and probably plenty of Independents) were more united and energized.
Mercedes, While your reply is not addressed to me, I would note, when the reconciliation package (BBB), in Jan. 22, failed to pass by 2 votes (Manchin & Sinema), Democrats rightly expected Biden and Democratic leadership to go make the argument in West Virginia (whose residents, for example, had reported jobs, healthcare, childcare, housing, and taxes as top priorities) and also in Arizona. This was a moment for leadership to lead, asking residents, “Who do you want here—somebody who doesn’t want to extend the child tax credit or those who do?” “Somebody who doesn’t want to provide affordable, quality childcare and universal pre-K or those who do?” “Doesn’t want to invest in housing, in eldercare, in paid sick and family leave, or those who do?” and so forth.
Similarly, on voting rights, we rightly expected leadership to lead from the front, calling out Manchin’s and Sinema’s mere support for the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act as hollow and performative, absent their willingness to sign on to a modest filibuster rule change that would have afforded each party 100 speaking hours before moving to an up or down majority vote.
In my view, the outcome of future elections, among other factors, could land largely on how effectively leadership leads its caucus.
Think Kentucky Derby. Make it a horserace by everyday posting positions on the front page. On the left a column of simple statements of what the Dems are up to and on the right the latest from Repubs. I see it as a numbered list of just facts. Side by side there could be no mistaking the meaning.
Democrats engaged in war is a waste of time. You validated that you believe the polls and what the media is saying about what voters are thinking about Biden’s programs and results and I don’t buy it for a minute. Look around at the new infrastructure projects in your area and the cost of gasoline and the help wanted signs and the drop in automobile prices and the number of consumer sales going on. People notice this and they feel it and the truth is you can get any result you want from a poll by asking the question the right way like are you still beating your husband. We need to keep banging the drums loudly and constantly.
Stephen, I neither validated I believe the polls nor the media. However, since you raise the issue, nor would I entirely discount them. Returning to my comment, I would note I set those factors aside, and posited that if one must repeatedly restate one’s accomplishments, I view that as a signal one is not, for reasons I mentioned, adequately connecting with one’s audience. I then proposed how I would advise if given the opportunity.
Personal note; I have lived dirt poor for more of my life than not. More recently as I became 70 and my middle son who is disabled turned 40, I thanked everything -- that we moved here where my youngest son lives, as I'm now paid to give care 24/7 to my disabled son. So I can now food shop without watching a budget.
A wonderful article encapsulating everything that President Biden is doing and how some ordinary people are involved;
I try to live in the Land of Hope, Compassion and chocolate, but I'm also very practical.
I bought lots of stamps before the price went up so I can write letters for Vote Forward, and start writing postcards too. I've managed to make some calls, send e-mails from CWCW [Jessica Craven]. Let's dig in for the next BIG fight, for 2024.
Lauren, As with Jennifer, who is part of this thread, I, too, thank you both for relating your personal story including your current living situation owing to Biden’s policies and also for elevating Democrat’s accomplishments through personally engaging with voters. In my view, however we direct our engagement, our energy, our caring, and our work, each of us is contributing to broadening the Democratic coalition.
Lauren, I, too, am a Vote Forward letter writer and leader. I am so grateful to you for the letters you have written and will be writing. Thank you for sharing your personal experience under Biden's policies. We all need to be louder by sharing all of Biden's and Dems' accomplishments.
The man who ran against Stinkfanick, a House Republican representative in NY, did exactly that. He put up signs all over the district illuminating all the important legislation that SHE VOTED AGAINST. She still pulled off a decisive victory. 🤷♀️
Well....Upstate New York is probably as deep red as any of the more regressive southern states such as West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi.
Sorry, Noo Yawkers, but we Mainahs also have the same issue in "The County"...indeed, in most areas that are not Portland or the tiny blue dots that are our college towns.
Linda, I hardly would consider a race against Stefanik, Chair of the House Republican Conference and third-ranking House Republican as representative. Nonetheless, I would contend that the majority of the American people were far more galvanized by the Biden agenda that had evolved from discussions dating back to Spring 2020 when Biden had become the Party’s presumptive Presidential nominee than they are by the vastly edited-down Inflation Reduction Act.
Linda, the problem as I see it is, Castelli waited too long before he started putting up signs about what Stefanik voted against and there were not enough signs to blanket the district. Unfortunately, this district is very large, very rural and it seems like Biden's accomplishments have not changed the economics for many of the families in this region.
You're right. No likes for the depressing take on the state of the nation. And the Democrats can narrate all day: a sufficient number of the public is jaded or jaundiced, and media as a whole is not far behind. Biden's dancing as fast as he can, and doing a historic job of it.
I canceled my 'Columbus Dispatch' newspaper subscription today. One two many AP stories about their own polls finding Joe Biden lacking, among so-called Democrats. With a +/- sampling error of 4% of all things. "Malarkey" is too kind.
Richard, For what it’s worth, my take was not intended to be “depressing.” I view the Democratic Party as comprising some of the most knowledgeable and talented people I’ve observed in my lifetime. I simply want to see the Party do a better job of representing itself to the public.
The Democrats don’t have the equivalent of a Fox News and all the right wing media behind them and frankly Democrats don’t read those publications. Democrats appeal to a diverse demographic of people in urban settings with more than a high school education and what they need is reliable truth and fact based e evidence . State government influences a lot of how people feel about government.
Stephen, In my view, the outcome of future elections could land primarily on how effectively Biden and Democratic leadership manage the upheaval much of the GOP feasts on. Hence they need to lead in this moment when GOP far-right extremists are fueling hate and division. They have to lead with love. They have to talk about the country. Without a script and from the heart, they have to speak about unity, about justice, and for safety, for reform, and against riots, for the crying need to bring the country together. They have to go where the trouble is in this country, the trouble GOP extremists are stoking, the trouble such extremists are making worse. Democrats must go there and meet with the people who doubt that Democrats care about the wreckage of their dreams and show they can work on legitimate issues and grievances.
Jean, I so very much appreciate your reply. Presently, my focus is centered on the President’s State of the Union, whose themes I sense resonated in a way that conceivably could broaden our coalition. Hence, for now, I have tacked your posting on my bulletin board with the intent of replying shortly.
Local newspaper’s are disappearing and we need to support them to keep,everyone honest. A letter to your paper reputing their reporting will be read by many
Feb 7, 2023·edited Feb 7, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
While employment is high, job satisfaction and engagement are quite low. People are struggling rather than thriving in their lives. Today I talked with the waitress where I had lunch. She is being paid $3.00/hr and depends on tips. I was appalled! We need to measure the well-being of the people rather than look at the economy alone which since Reagan economics has moved wealth to the top 1% and has left the rest of us with stagnant wages and even less buying power especially with inflation. Because it takes time for the accomplishments of the Biden administration to be realized by the public we are just now starting to feel the benefits of Biden's direction for the country - bottom up and middle out -- which are not yet reflected in polls. Robert Reich wrote a brilliant essay on Biden and the return to democratic capitalism he is bringing about: https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-state-of-joe-bidens-union-the Hopefully, this will be more and more evident over the next two years. We, the People, all of us thriving this time!
Every time one of the Press Corpse Nanu-nanu's publishes crap, I go to their email contact and write an email congratulating them on being "The top Number 1 over-educated, under-intelligent, otherwise-unemployable trust fund baby of the Press Corpse for today." They squeal like piggies when you spear them like that, and send poorly written emails spluttering with defenses. Smack 'em. Every time. Make it personal. Tell them they are far from as smart as they think they are.
You are so lucky to have an experienced leader like Biden. These show bizz polls won't hold him back neither surprise him. He has seen it all. Scholz here in Germany experiences the same. If we can, we must hold media accountable though, absolutely. Best wishes, Betty
Twitter is peppered with tweets saying a majority of democrats believe that President Biden shouldn't run again, and an Austin, TX democrat leaning paper wrote that a court in Texas is overturning a law that prohibits teens from 18 - 20 from packin´ a pistol.
There is much work ahead for all of us. If President Biden can accomplish all that he has, so can we. It's Tuesday morning here in Europe and I wish you all back home big dreams and strong commitment. ❤️🤍💙
I'm not on TikTok but my Smart TV hangs on to every word I say. I plan to give it an "ear full" tonight by my frequent cheers and applause to everything Biden says.
Nathan over on HCR's Substack posted this cartoon calling for "Up Yours Economics." I think it should be code for all democrat-minded people!
I read multiple sources of news to gain a better wider view of what is happening and your absolutely right that the media is distorting the news and impact to attract readers and eyeballs. Guess what it isn’t working because a larger than known majority of voters have turned off to the headlines and the news and choose to believe what they want. If measured I think voters more than ever don’t trust the media and after the last election have little trust in the pollsters. I’m not sure what the answer is to fix this but my big takeaway is let’s all of us post the facts everywhere so we bombard social media with facts and truth to combat the lies and BS.
It is dismaying to know that even many of our “favorite and trusted” news sources opt to trade in accurate assertion of facts/ lay of the land, for more profitable divisive and attention- grabbing headlines. (Is anything sacred any more… not even truth and accuracy?). But your newsletter Robert, and these comments…and the community you have created, are a balm.
Following my read of Robert’s newsletter yesterday morning I saw the WaPo headline that landed in my inbox. The stark difference between the facts and poll headline was maddening. I felt like I was living in an alternate reality. I’ve grown accustomed to not clicking, attempting to tame my reactive tendencies. Why give them what there are looking for, is my mantra. Still, it’s disturbing. I wondered who the poll respondents may be; and how the question was posed, and with what intention. There’s more to my ponderings though be that as it may.
In this morning’s WaPo, the 5-Minute Fix newsletter, is an opportunity to make our thoughts known.
It reads:
The Washington Post
“What are you curious about in politics?
Submit your questions here. We may answer them in an upcoming 5-Minute Fix newsletter.”
I submitted the following as my curiosity:
Why does the media, including those such as "respected" sources as The Washington Post choose negative narratives, and headlines, not based on the truth of the matter but rather on that which attracts attention, and clicks? Yesterday's headline that landed in my morning inbox with respect to the WaPo / ABC poll is a clear example of this. I am strongly considering canceling my digital subscription.
Angela, seems to me the message in your post is far more compelling. I hope the WaPo receives more such as yours, in its submitted questions, and perhaps letters to the Editor.
Feb 7, 2023·edited Feb 7, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
There is this "looking for gloom" aspect to our news reporting. You expect this doom and gloom when overtly opinionated broadcasters like FOX have a Democrat in office and, I suppose, on MSNBC when there is a Republican in office. And this gloom focus translates into ratings and station loyalty amongst the already converted. But I really hate it when the NYT publishes bold-face headlines with negativity based on a morbid interpretation of the facts. Don't help the FOX narrative!
Quia possumus, volumus. That's Latin for "Because we can, we will." Let's enshrine the term as the alternative to "Stare decisis." BTW, I am no Latin scholar. Google translate works just fine.
Thanks Robert, the media must always work to gain attention not tell the truth. You hardly ever hear stories about the good. The main problem is the silence of the DOJ still after two years beyond January 6. That’s where the focus should be. Great analysis on the polls and gut wrenching news from North Carolina.
Thanks for excellent focus on the media’s disgusting reliance on polls and headlines touting them, including WaPo!! In addition to writing editors, we need to write university presidents and boards that are academic home to these ridiculous polls (like Monmouth University). The polls are poorly done and misused for political or monetary gain. We need to call out the universities and people who sell this crap.
As I’ve noted before, truth wins out in the end, because it is, you know, true. It often takes time, but reality dawns. Tonight will we an important opportunity for Joe Biden to turn the light on for a lot of people, by speaking directly and not through the filter of the press. Will there be an instant change? Of course not. Change is slow. But it happens.
And thank you, Robert, for pointing out what government means in our everyday lives. We need more of that.
While my comment might not receive many, if any, “likes,” setting aside the media, the polls, the party-in-power’s inadequate messaging, the reality that passed-legislation is yet to be implemented, and more, I believe it must be said, that when one must repeatedly explain what he or she has accomplished, he or she is losing with the American people overall.
With 60% of the people in this country living precariously from paycheck to paycheck, wherein family income, in many cases, is only sustained by more people working longer hours, while still weighted down by mortgage debt, credit debt, and the like, the decision to disregard the human infrastructure piece of the Biden agenda, that had passed in the House, no thanks to Republicans, and nearly had passed in the Senate, again with no help from Republicans, in my view, is a mistake.
Simply put, Democrats have to be willing to engage in war. The other side has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to attain and hold power. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Democratic leadership, receipts in hand, to say to the country, “This is what we have tried to deliver and these folks have voted against it—extension of the child tax credit, paid sick and family leave, a $15 hourly minimum wage, affordable, quality childcare, universal Pre-K, investments in housing, in elder care, in impactful expanded ACA subsidies…”
My point, and note I haven’t mentioned what Biden and the Party, indeed, have delivered, is that Democrats have an extraordinary narrative, if only they would deliver it. Were I, as a Democrat, to address the country, I would say, receipts in hand, “America, when they didn’t care about you, we did.”
Amazing that Democrats have all they need to bury Republican advancement and yet they struggle.
Frankom, I recall in late Spring 2020, after Biden had become the Party’s presumptive Presidential nominee, he and Bernie Sanders had created 6 policy task forces covering education, climate change, healthcare, the economy, criminal justice, and immigration reform. There had been serious discussions with serious people engaged in an honest effort to arrive at a compromise (the so-called Build Back Better Biden agenda) Sanders had said, if implemented, would make Biden “the most progressive President since FDR.” I can’t recall a time when the Democratic Party (and probably plenty of Independents) were more united and energized.
I can think of two words that caused that struggle in the Biden administration: Sinema (R-AZ) and Manchin (R-WV).
Mercedes, While your reply is not addressed to me, I would note, when the reconciliation package (BBB), in Jan. 22, failed to pass by 2 votes (Manchin & Sinema), Democrats rightly expected Biden and Democratic leadership to go make the argument in West Virginia (whose residents, for example, had reported jobs, healthcare, childcare, housing, and taxes as top priorities) and also in Arizona. This was a moment for leadership to lead, asking residents, “Who do you want here—somebody who doesn’t want to extend the child tax credit or those who do?” “Somebody who doesn’t want to provide affordable, quality childcare and universal pre-K or those who do?” “Doesn’t want to invest in housing, in eldercare, in paid sick and family leave, or those who do?” and so forth.
Similarly, on voting rights, we rightly expected leadership to lead from the front, calling out Manchin’s and Sinema’s mere support for the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act as hollow and performative, absent their willingness to sign on to a modest filibuster rule change that would have afforded each party 100 speaking hours before moving to an up or down majority vote.
In my view, the outcome of future elections, among other factors, could land largely on how effectively leadership leads its caucus.
Think Kentucky Derby. Make it a horserace by everyday posting positions on the front page. On the left a column of simple statements of what the Dems are up to and on the right the latest from Repubs. I see it as a numbered list of just facts. Side by side there could be no mistaking the meaning.
Absolutely. Well done.
Democrats engaged in war is a waste of time. You validated that you believe the polls and what the media is saying about what voters are thinking about Biden’s programs and results and I don’t buy it for a minute. Look around at the new infrastructure projects in your area and the cost of gasoline and the help wanted signs and the drop in automobile prices and the number of consumer sales going on. People notice this and they feel it and the truth is you can get any result you want from a poll by asking the question the right way like are you still beating your husband. We need to keep banging the drums loudly and constantly.
Stephen, I neither validated I believe the polls nor the media. However, since you raise the issue, nor would I entirely discount them. Returning to my comment, I would note I set those factors aside, and posited that if one must repeatedly restate one’s accomplishments, I view that as a signal one is not, for reasons I mentioned, adequately connecting with one’s audience. I then proposed how I would advise if given the opportunity.
Personal note; I have lived dirt poor for more of my life than not. More recently as I became 70 and my middle son who is disabled turned 40, I thanked everything -- that we moved here where my youngest son lives, as I'm now paid to give care 24/7 to my disabled son. So I can now food shop without watching a budget.
A wonderful article encapsulating everything that President Biden is doing and how some ordinary people are involved;
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/07/politics/guests-names-state-of-the-union/index.html
I try to live in the Land of Hope, Compassion and chocolate, but I'm also very practical.
I bought lots of stamps before the price went up so I can write letters for Vote Forward, and start writing postcards too. I've managed to make some calls, send e-mails from CWCW [Jessica Craven]. Let's dig in for the next BIG fight, for 2024.
Lauren, As with Jennifer, who is part of this thread, I, too, thank you both for relating your personal story including your current living situation owing to Biden’s policies and also for elevating Democrat’s accomplishments through personally engaging with voters. In my view, however we direct our engagement, our energy, our caring, and our work, each of us is contributing to broadening the Democratic coalition.
Lauren, I, too, am a Vote Forward letter writer and leader. I am so grateful to you for the letters you have written and will be writing. Thank you for sharing your personal experience under Biden's policies. We all need to be louder by sharing all of Biden's and Dems' accomplishments.
The man who ran against Stinkfanick, a House Republican representative in NY, did exactly that. He put up signs all over the district illuminating all the important legislation that SHE VOTED AGAINST. She still pulled off a decisive victory. 🤷♀️
Well....Upstate New York is probably as deep red as any of the more regressive southern states such as West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi.
Sorry, Noo Yawkers, but we Mainahs also have the same issue in "The County"...indeed, in most areas that are not Portland or the tiny blue dots that are our college towns.
Linda, I hardly would consider a race against Stefanik, Chair of the House Republican Conference and third-ranking House Republican as representative. Nonetheless, I would contend that the majority of the American people were far more galvanized by the Biden agenda that had evolved from discussions dating back to Spring 2020 when Biden had become the Party’s presumptive Presidential nominee than they are by the vastly edited-down Inflation Reduction Act.
Linda, the problem as I see it is, Castelli waited too long before he started putting up signs about what Stefanik voted against and there were not enough signs to blanket the district. Unfortunately, this district is very large, very rural and it seems like Biden's accomplishments have not changed the economics for many of the families in this region.
Totally disturbing.
You're right. No likes for the depressing take on the state of the nation. And the Democrats can narrate all day: a sufficient number of the public is jaded or jaundiced, and media as a whole is not far behind. Biden's dancing as fast as he can, and doing a historic job of it.
I canceled my 'Columbus Dispatch' newspaper subscription today. One two many AP stories about their own polls finding Joe Biden lacking, among so-called Democrats. With a +/- sampling error of 4% of all things. "Malarkey" is too kind.
Richard, For what it’s worth, my take was not intended to be “depressing.” I view the Democratic Party as comprising some of the most knowledgeable and talented people I’ve observed in my lifetime. I simply want to see the Party do a better job of representing itself to the public.
The Democrats don’t have the equivalent of a Fox News and all the right wing media behind them and frankly Democrats don’t read those publications. Democrats appeal to a diverse demographic of people in urban settings with more than a high school education and what they need is reliable truth and fact based e evidence . State government influences a lot of how people feel about government.
Stephen, In my view, the outcome of future elections could land primarily on how effectively Biden and Democratic leadership manage the upheaval much of the GOP feasts on. Hence they need to lead in this moment when GOP far-right extremists are fueling hate and division. They have to lead with love. They have to talk about the country. Without a script and from the heart, they have to speak about unity, about justice, and for safety, for reform, and against riots, for the crying need to bring the country together. They have to go where the trouble is in this country, the trouble GOP extremists are stoking, the trouble such extremists are making worse. Democrats must go there and meet with the people who doubt that Democrats care about the wreckage of their dreams and show they can work on legitimate issues and grievances.
I love this, Barbara Jo. Thoughts on how I can join you in bringing this powerful message to Democratic leadership?
Jean, I so very much appreciate your reply. Presently, my focus is centered on the President’s State of the Union, whose themes I sense resonated in a way that conceivably could broaden our coalition. Hence, for now, I have tacked your posting on my bulletin board with the intent of replying shortly.
Local newspaper’s are disappearing and we need to support them to keep,everyone honest. A letter to your paper reputing their reporting will be read by many
Agree, and hope you let the newspaper know why you cancelled.
While employment is high, job satisfaction and engagement are quite low. People are struggling rather than thriving in their lives. Today I talked with the waitress where I had lunch. She is being paid $3.00/hr and depends on tips. I was appalled! We need to measure the well-being of the people rather than look at the economy alone which since Reagan economics has moved wealth to the top 1% and has left the rest of us with stagnant wages and even less buying power especially with inflation. Because it takes time for the accomplishments of the Biden administration to be realized by the public we are just now starting to feel the benefits of Biden's direction for the country - bottom up and middle out -- which are not yet reflected in polls. Robert Reich wrote a brilliant essay on Biden and the return to democratic capitalism he is bringing about: https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-state-of-joe-bidens-union-the Hopefully, this will be more and more evident over the next two years. We, the People, all of us thriving this time!
Every time one of the Press Corpse Nanu-nanu's publishes crap, I go to their email contact and write an email congratulating them on being "The top Number 1 over-educated, under-intelligent, otherwise-unemployable trust fund baby of the Press Corpse for today." They squeal like piggies when you spear them like that, and send poorly written emails spluttering with defenses. Smack 'em. Every time. Make it personal. Tell them they are far from as smart as they think they are.
You are so lucky to have an experienced leader like Biden. These show bizz polls won't hold him back neither surprise him. He has seen it all. Scholz here in Germany experiences the same. If we can, we must hold media accountable though, absolutely. Best wishes, Betty
Twitter is peppered with tweets saying a majority of democrats believe that President Biden shouldn't run again, and an Austin, TX democrat leaning paper wrote that a court in Texas is overturning a law that prohibits teens from 18 - 20 from packin´ a pistol.
There is much work ahead for all of us. If President Biden can accomplish all that he has, so can we. It's Tuesday morning here in Europe and I wish you all back home big dreams and strong commitment. ❤️🤍💙
I'm not on TikTok but my Smart TV hangs on to every word I say. I plan to give it an "ear full" tonight by my frequent cheers and applause to everything Biden says.
Nathan over on HCR's Substack posted this cartoon calling for "Up Yours Economics." I think it should be code for all democrat-minded people!
https://www.gocomics.com/pearlsbeforeswine/2021/01/26
I read multiple sources of news to gain a better wider view of what is happening and your absolutely right that the media is distorting the news and impact to attract readers and eyeballs. Guess what it isn’t working because a larger than known majority of voters have turned off to the headlines and the news and choose to believe what they want. If measured I think voters more than ever don’t trust the media and after the last election have little trust in the pollsters. I’m not sure what the answer is to fix this but my big takeaway is let’s all of us post the facts everywhere so we bombard social media with facts and truth to combat the lies and BS.
There was a huge negative reaction to the WaPo article about the ABC/WaPo poll. I wonder if the editors take note of this.
You are a champ, Robert. Amen, amen, and amen!
It is dismaying to know that even many of our “favorite and trusted” news sources opt to trade in accurate assertion of facts/ lay of the land, for more profitable divisive and attention- grabbing headlines. (Is anything sacred any more… not even truth and accuracy?). But your newsletter Robert, and these comments…and the community you have created, are a balm.
Following my read of Robert’s newsletter yesterday morning I saw the WaPo headline that landed in my inbox. The stark difference between the facts and poll headline was maddening. I felt like I was living in an alternate reality. I’ve grown accustomed to not clicking, attempting to tame my reactive tendencies. Why give them what there are looking for, is my mantra. Still, it’s disturbing. I wondered who the poll respondents may be; and how the question was posed, and with what intention. There’s more to my ponderings though be that as it may.
In this morning’s WaPo, the 5-Minute Fix newsletter, is an opportunity to make our thoughts known.
It reads:
The Washington Post
“What are you curious about in politics?
Submit your questions here. We may answer them in an upcoming 5-Minute Fix newsletter.”
I submitted the following as my curiosity:
Why does the media, including those such as "respected" sources as The Washington Post choose negative narratives, and headlines, not based on the truth of the matter but rather on that which attracts attention, and clicks? Yesterday's headline that landed in my morning inbox with respect to the WaPo / ABC poll is a clear example of this. I am strongly considering canceling my digital subscription.
Angela, seems to me the message in your post is far more compelling. I hope the WaPo receives more such as yours, in its submitted questions, and perhaps letters to the Editor.
There is this "looking for gloom" aspect to our news reporting. You expect this doom and gloom when overtly opinionated broadcasters like FOX have a Democrat in office and, I suppose, on MSNBC when there is a Republican in office. And this gloom focus translates into ratings and station loyalty amongst the already converted. But I really hate it when the NYT publishes bold-face headlines with negativity based on a morbid interpretation of the facts. Don't help the FOX narrative!
Quia possumus, volumus. That's Latin for "Because we can, we will." Let's enshrine the term as the alternative to "Stare decisis." BTW, I am no Latin scholar. Google translate works just fine.
Love it! Thanks!
Thanks Robert, the media must always work to gain attention not tell the truth. You hardly ever hear stories about the good. The main problem is the silence of the DOJ still after two years beyond January 6. That’s where the focus should be. Great analysis on the polls and gut wrenching news from North Carolina.
Thanks for excellent focus on the media’s disgusting reliance on polls and headlines touting them, including WaPo!! In addition to writing editors, we need to write university presidents and boards that are academic home to these ridiculous polls (like Monmouth University). The polls are poorly done and misused for political or monetary gain. We need to call out the universities and people who sell this crap.
As I’ve noted before, truth wins out in the end, because it is, you know, true. It often takes time, but reality dawns. Tonight will we an important opportunity for Joe Biden to turn the light on for a lot of people, by speaking directly and not through the filter of the press. Will there be an instant change? Of course not. Change is slow. But it happens.
And thank you, Robert, for pointing out what government means in our everyday lives. We need more of that.
It would be interesting to see the results of a poll that questioned how much attention people pay to the results of polls.