What happens when media stops prioritizing accountability and instead embraces a game of ‘Who’s yelling louder’? That’s the scene we’re in, and trust me, it’s more absurd than a bad improv class.
So here we are: a leaked Signal chat involving military strikes, a journalist from The Atlantic, and national security stakes that would make any reasonable person spit out their coffee. Yet, MAGA media—a well-oiled spin machine if you ever saw one—is treating this like a plotline from a mediocre sitcom. Their strategy? Deny, mock, downplay, rinse, repeat. If ‘gaslighting’ needs a visual aid, here it is.
Let’s talk about Jeffrey Goldberg from The Atlantic, the journalist caught in this crossfire. He’s being smeared as ‘discredited’ by Trump-friendly talking heads, all while his account gains traction among credible outlets. It’s a classic case of attack-the-messenger syndrome, and it’s practically MAGA Media 101. But here’s the kicker: Goldberg did something extraordinary—he didn’t publish the sensitive texts. In a world where ‘clicks’ hold more value than morals, his restraint is downright revolutionary.
Meanwhile, the script on Fox News seems painfully predictable. Sean Hannity called it “media hysteria,” Laura Ingraham gave it a dismissive shrug, and Jesse Watters tried to humanize error with ‘WE’VE ALL TEXTED THE WRONG PERSON BEFORE.’ Really, Jesse? Who knew geopolitical faux pas could be reduced to an autocorrect mishap?
Juxtapose this farce with Goldberg’s story being the most-read article on The Atlantic’s website. A significant chunk of the population still values credibility, even if MAGA media is busy turning ‘hoax’ into their new favourite verb. It’s like two parallel universes: one grasping for truth, the other clinging to its echo chamber. The scary part? Many folks genuinely don’t see the line between opinionated commentary and fact-centered journalism.
This brings me to the real question: Do audiences even care anymore? Especially in places like Barrie, where local concerns might trump Beltway drama. But here’s the thing—credibility in journalism isn’t a niche issue; it’s the gel that keeps democracy’s hair in place. Strip us of that, and we might as well all be walking around with conspiracy theories taped to our foreheads.
Goldberg himself seems unfazed by the backlash. He describes it as ‘just doing his job,’ a sentiment that carries some stoic charm in this circus of distractions. Yet the MAGA media doesn’t just ignore journalism’s core principles; sometimes, it bulldozes right over them with inexperienced staff posting gaffes left and right. These mistakes, by the way, aren’t just ‘oopsies’—they recalibrate entire narratives.
Now, I’m not saying everyone needs to read The Atlantic religiously (though, hey, it couldn’t hurt). But the next time you’re scrolling through your social media feed and see a blazing hot take from a MAGA outlet, do yourself a favour: ask, ‘Where’s the truth here?’ The Atlantic might not have all the answers, but at least they’re asking the right questions, even if it means ruffling some fiery red feathers.
OP-ED: Sure we’ve got opinions, it’s just that we can never agree. He who types the fastest and loudest wins!
