TPM doesn’t present the important points. Money quotes from the Shorenstein Center Research:
It’s a version of politics that rewards a particular brand of politics. When everything and everybody is portrayed as deeply flawed, there’s no sense making distinctions on that score, which works to the advantage of those who are more deeply flawed. Civility and sound proposals are no longer the stuff of headlines, which instead give voice to those who are skilled in the art of destruction. The car wreck that was the 2016 election had many drivers. Journalists were not alone in the car, but their fingerprints were all over the wheel.
If everything and everyone is portrayed negatively, there’s a leveling effect that opens the door to charlatans. The press historically has helped citizens recognize the difference between the earnest politician and the pretender. Today’s news coverage blurs the distinction.
In the closing days of the 2016 campaign, the nation’s editorial rooms rang the alarm bell, warning voters not to make the choice that many of them seemed ready to make. It went for naught. The watchdog had lost its bite, as well as the respect of the public it claims to serve.
And David Bohrman’s response couldn’t be more self serving. The press always seems to be saying “Hey, we did a great job, and as proof, I give you all the articles we wrote saying we did.” Bully for the Academics.
This fall, Trump had more opportunities in the media to define his opponent than Clinton had with him,the report said.
That was certainly the case at TPM.