I can't help but get horribly frustrated at the way the New York Times seems to continually normalize the abhorrent behavior and speech of Donald Trump, while simultaneously failing to provide accurate insights into the upcoming presidential election.
I know I won’t get any arguments here: Trump has consistently displayed behavior that is not only unbecoming of a president but is downright dangerous for the fabric of our society. From his promotion of an insurrection, inflammatory violent rhetoric to his outright lies and attacks on democratic institutions, Trump has set a new low for presidential conduct (or basic decency). Yet, instead of holding him accountable, the New York Times treats his actions as just another day in politics.
The constant desensitizing of the public to the erosion of democratic norms and values is beyond the typical “both sidesism”. When egregious acts become normalized, they cease to shock and prompt action, allowing them to become accepted parts of our political landscape. This normalization is not just irresponsible journalism; it's a disservice to the public and a threat to our democracy.
The NY Times' clickbait addiction for publishing polls that purport to predict the outcome of the presidential election months in advance is not only misleading but obscures and diminishes critical issues. “It’s a horse race and Trump is in the lead” has a powerful negative effect on good citizens in this country who despair at what the Republican party has come of the last few decades. Attempting to condense this complexity into a single poll months before the election is not only futile but also misleads voters and undermine their faith in the electoral process.
Instead of indulging in the futile exercise of premature election predictions, the NY Times should focus on providing comprehensive coverage of the issues, candidates, and voter sentiments related to these issues (Abortion rights anyone?) leading up to the election. By delving deep into the complexities of our political landscape and holding candidates accountable for their actions and words, the NY Times can fulfill its duty as a watchdog of democracy and empower voters to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
I don’t know what it will take to wake up the staff and writers of the Times. Could we see a revolt like we did at NBC at some point? It doesn’t seem likely with the almost daily release of drivel that seems to dominate the Front Page but one can certainly hope.