Liberal bias continues in coverage of Trump, his Cabinet nominees

NEWS AND OPINION:

The liberal bias in the news media persists. Here’s another study of this phenomenon by Newsbusters.org, a conservative media watchdog.

“While polling demonstrates a majority of Americans approve of President-elect [Donald] Trump’s handling of the transition process, the coverage by broadcast networks ABC, CBS, and NBC has been almost uniformly negative,” wrote Bill D’Agostino, an analyst with the organization.

“In addition to a whopping 96% negative tilt across their flagship evening newscasts, these networks also appear to have paid the most attention to cabinet nominees who appeared to have the highest chances of sinking,” he said in a written report released Thursday.

“Analysts examined all coverage of Trump’s cabinet appointees on ABC, CBS, and NBC’s evening newscasts from December 1 through December 14. The study primarily focused on Trump’s intended Defense Secretary (Pete Hegseth), FBI Director (Kash Patel), and Director of National Intelligence (Tulsi Gabbard), though it also included the other sparsely-discussed appointments. Throughout the two week period, Trump’s nominees earned a combined total of just over one full hour: 60 minutes and 47 seconds,” Mr. D’Agostino said.

“Across all three networks, the coverage of Gabbard, Patel, and the handful of other nominees mentioned was entirely negative. Only Pete Hegseth, who received the lion’s share of the airtime, enjoyed a scant four positive evaluative statements, all of which cited his mother describing him as ‘redeemed’ and ‘a changed man.’ To reiterate: the only positive commentary any Trump nominee received on the broadcast networks was from his own mother,” Mr. D’Agostino said.

“The networks’ transition reporting seems designed to keep their coverage steady at a 90 percent-negative pitch. Liberals watching at home can rest assured that the media are doing their part to hamper Trump’s second term. Though without a years-long Special Counsel investigation to help them this time around, they’ll have their work cut out for them,” he added.

‘A GREAT ADVOCATE’

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of veterans affairs — that would be former Rep. Doug Collins, Georgia Republican — is receiving substantial praise from lawmakers and AMVETS, a nonpartisan, volunteer-led organization formed by World War II veterans in 1944.

“Collins — an Air Force Reserve colonel and Iraq War veteran with more than 20 years of military experience — understands the complex issues facing veterans across the country. If confirmed, Collins would be the first military chaplain to lead the VA — and as a longtime congressman and attorney, he has the policy expertise to solve complex problems, cut through red tape, and get things done for those who have worn the uniform,” Mr. Trump’s campaign said in a statement shared with Inside the Beltway.

Indeed, a multitude of Republican lawmakers stepped up to offer a written statement of warm praise for Mr. Collins, including Rep. Mike Bost, Illinois Republican and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chairman, and Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.

The incoming secretary also got a round of applause from the man who nominated him.

“We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our active duty servicemembers, veterans, and military families to ensure they have the support they need,” Mr. Trump said, also in a written statement.

SMILES AND CHEER

Republicans of a certain age have not forgotten about kindness.

The New York Young Republicans Club — which was established in Manhattan in 1911 — has joined forces with the New York Young Republicans Club Hispanic Caucus and Citizens United New York to organize a “Christmas Joy Toy Giveaway” in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, set for Saturday afternoon.

“We’re giving toys away to children in need. Help us spread smiles and cheer!” the group told its members in a cheerful invitation.

The group is devoted to “promoting Republican principles” and more.

“Show your support for your country, your party, and your city by being a part of the oldest and the largest Young Republican chapter in the nation. Our membership includes conservatives of all backgrounds,” the group said in a mission statement. Find the group at nyyrc.com.

FAREWELL TO NEIL

Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto is leaving the network after almost three decades behind the microphone and in front of the camera at the nation’s leading cable news channel.

His departure, of course, became a news item on its own. Here are a few headlines from the last 24 hours:

“Neil Cavuto, frequent Trump target, exits Fox News after 28 years” (NBC News); “Neil Cavuto is leaving Fox News after 28 years amid ‘evolving’ shifts in business” (USA Today); “Neil Cavuto is leaving Fox News after nearly 30 years” (HuffPost); and “Fox News veteran Neil Cavuto quits after 28 years at network which saw him regularly criticize Donald Trump” (Daily Mail).

WEEKEND REAL ESTATE

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POLL DU JOUR

• 21% of U.S. adults say the U.S. economy is the most important problem facing the U.S. today.

• 19% cite political extremism or threats to democracy as the most important problem.

• 14% cite immigration.

• 7% cite the U.S. health care system.

• 6% cite crime or corruption.

• 5% cite morality issues; 5% cite environment and climate issues.

• 4% cite war and foreign conflicts.

• 3% cite inequality and discrimination.

• 2% cite abortion; 2% cite education issues.

• 1% cite terrorism and extremism; 1% cite public health, disease and illness.

• 6% cite some other problem.

• 4% don’t know what the most important problem is.

SOURCE: A Reuters/Ipsos poll 1,029 U.S. adults conducted online Dec. 13-15.

• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin.