The Media And The Cowardice Of Donald Trump

It doesn't matter how powerful you are, how successful you might be, how confident you appear to others. No one likes to hear bad news. No one wants to get feedback that implies you're wrong or misguided. That's one of the reasons why the press is so unpopular. Even when it's doing its job correctly, it's likely to be reporting some news that can make people uncomfortable and angry.

Politicians have notoriously complicated relationships with the media, especially those politicians who become president. You live in a bubble where most of the people you work for admire and respect you even if they don't agree with you. Reading a newspaper story that uncovers some embarrassing policy decision can be infuriating. It's even worse when the reporting becomes personal or crosses some line you feel is unfair.

But most presidents learn to live with the media, even if the detente is reluctant. Because at the end of the day, a free, functioning press has been part of America since its earliest days. A robust, independent press was one of the highest priorities of our founding fathers. They knew from personal experience that when only the powerful and connected had a voice, everyone else was only a small step away from oppression and injustice. For all of the press's flaws, the founding fathers believed that the United States couldn't survive without people who were able to stand up to the government and its cronies.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has often said in interviews that he doesn't remember many times when he was wrong. He craves the limelight and celebrity, but is notorious for having employees sign restrictive non-disclosure agreements while touting the fact that its difficult to find anyone who'll say anything bad about him. Donald Trump doesn't like to hear bad news and he apparently really despises those he believes act against his interests.

Whatever you think of his politics or "outsider" status, it's also clear that Donald Trump is a moral coward. He can't brook  criticism, he can't believe anyone could rationally hold a position that doesn't agree with his point of view. He doesn't want to be questioned about his motives, he feels no real urge to explain himself. Like a lot of other wealthy people in America, he sees his success as some proof that he is inherently smarter and better than most Americans. So who are they to question his decisions?

That's the real reason Donald J. Trump hates the press. He's a cowardly, vain man who is now in charge of the most powerful institutions in America. He can now rain down revenge on opponents, he can use the full power of the presidency to make the life of any of his critics miserable beyond measure. I hope that he turns out to be a wise, measured president who exceeds all of our expectations.

But if he falls short - as all presidents do at some point - he needs to have a counterpoint powerful and steady enough to withstand his wrath and intimidation. He needs a healthy, vibrant press and it's already becoming apparent that he sees the fourth estate as some sort of band of hack-filled misfits.

The press is far from perfect and they're a target-rich target in any political discussion. But it's already apparent that we're going to need a strong press in the months and years to come. This isn't just a liberal concern, or it shouldn't be. If you voted for Donald Trump, if you supported him or think he's the man to turn this country around, ask yourself what would happen if our newly elected President decides the criticism you're posted on your blog is treasonous. Ask yourself who is going to stand up for you if the Trump Administration passes some executive order you don't agree with. You might not trust the press, you might not believe everything you report. But ask yourself who you would rather have on your side if you feel the need to stand up to to the Federal Government: Chris Christie or the New York Times?

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