I predict a trickle-down effect from ABC's capitulation. Independent local newspapers and news sites will be harassed by local officals and agencies. I'm expecting the Trumpian mayor of my town to find some BS excuse to sue the local newspaper I work for because we have not shy about reporting on her mandacity and bad policy.
I predict a trickle-down effect from ABC's capitulation. Independent local newspapers and news sites will be harassed by local officals and agencies. I'm expecting the Trumpian mayor of my town to find some BS excuse to sue the local newspaper I work for because we have not shy about reporting on her mandacity and bad policy.
Carolyn - I can't say that won't happen. But from my observations in Arizona, where there have been right wing-nut extremists before I was born, it's difficult to run the Trump playbook at local levels. Exhibit A: Kari Lake, a down-market media celebrity (in her mind) akin to any local used car dealer or plumber who makes their own commercials for late night TV. Cheap, lightweight, silly, but thinking they're both tough, and effective communicators. The majority of people either laugh at them or just find them annoying.
Local politicos generally don't have Trump's financial resources nor the clout that comes from the power & celebrity he's built up & knows how to exploit to get people to go along. Courts are less awed by such small-time imitation characters, especially once you get to a level above the local old boys (and it usually is literally boys) network.
That being said (a phrase required in every Bulwark podcast/article, per style manual), I don't deny the stress and costs associated with standing up to bullies. I've donated to GoFundMe for Olivia Troye's and Fred Wellman's defenses against MAGA related lawfare. I believe there are good readers here at The Bulwark who will stand up with you too in this tangible way to show our support for you and other principled journalists caught up in these crazy times.
I predict a trickle-down effect from ABC's capitulation. Independent local newspapers and news sites will be harassed by local officals and agencies. I'm expecting the Trumpian mayor of my town to find some BS excuse to sue the local newspaper I work for because we have not shy about reporting on her mandacity and bad policy.
Carolyn - I can't say that won't happen. But from my observations in Arizona, where there have been right wing-nut extremists before I was born, it's difficult to run the Trump playbook at local levels. Exhibit A: Kari Lake, a down-market media celebrity (in her mind) akin to any local used car dealer or plumber who makes their own commercials for late night TV. Cheap, lightweight, silly, but thinking they're both tough, and effective communicators. The majority of people either laugh at them or just find them annoying.
Local politicos generally don't have Trump's financial resources nor the clout that comes from the power & celebrity he's built up & knows how to exploit to get people to go along. Courts are less awed by such small-time imitation characters, especially once you get to a level above the local old boys (and it usually is literally boys) network.
That being said (a phrase required in every Bulwark podcast/article, per style manual), I don't deny the stress and costs associated with standing up to bullies. I've donated to GoFundMe for Olivia Troye's and Fred Wellman's defenses against MAGA related lawfare. I believe there are good readers here at The Bulwark who will stand up with you too in this tangible way to show our support for you and other principled journalists caught up in these crazy times.
You're strong & you're NOT alone!
Good points! Thanks for the encouragement:)