In the wake of Donald Trump’s generally negative influence
on the congressional vote of last year, there was a noticeable reduction in the
number of plaudits from Fox News, et al.
Florida’s Ron DeSantis appeared to be the beneficiary. Although polls reflected a dip in the former
president’s Republican base soon thereafter, more recent samplings of party
opinion suggest not only a halt to the erosion but even a return to prior
levels of majority GOP support.
For those who believe the renomination of Trump would be a
Republican and national disaster (TSC firmly included), Fox needs to heighten
efforts to thwart his plans.
How? Besides
highlighting the candidacies – announced or otherwise- of competing
conservatives, Fox can contribute to a revived weakening of Donald Trump’s
support by being less tolerant of his nasty and divisive language which so
poisons political discourse.
A good example of how his words should not be treated
occurred recently when the black New York City prosecutor then considering
Trump’s indictment was called an “animal”.
On one level, the term as applied was silly and reminiscent of a middle school
student. But it was more condemnable
when the target was a black person (historically labeled “apes” by many
bigots).
A second tier Fox anchor commenting on the statement lamely noted that he wouldn’t have said that but agreed the prosecutor was displaying bias.
Not good enough.
Trump’s remarks were simply not to be tolerated or excused, but rather
strongly condemned as being “beyond the pale”.
Standards of acceptable behavior or speech (routinely ignored by Donald
Trump) deserve to be re-established.
Pointing out his breach is appropriate and it should be forcefully
done. Maybe such rebuke from a trusted
network will serve the conservative cause.
