October 26th, 2024

Anticipatory Obedience and the Media

The article examines Donald Trump's media strategy, likening it to Viktor Orbán's, highlighting a chilling effect on journalism and a shift towards compliance among major media outlets, threatening democratic integrity.

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Anticipatory Obedience and the Media

The article discusses the impact of Donald Trump's approach to the media, drawing parallels with Viktor Orbán's tactics in Hungary. It highlights how Trump's campaign against the press has evolved since his election, suggesting that his actions have led to a chilling effect on media independence. The authors reference Trump's threats against specific media outlets, such as CNN and the Washington Post, and his attempts to influence media coverage through regulatory means. They argue that, despite some media outlets producing critical investigative journalism, the overall landscape has shifted towards a more compliant media environment. Changes in leadership at CNN and the Washington Post are cited as evidence of this trend, with new executives adopting more favorable stances towards Trump. The authors warn that this anticipatory obedience from media organizations could further undermine journalistic integrity if Trump were to regain power. They conclude by reflecting on the broader implications for democracy and the press in the United States, emphasizing the need for vigilance against authoritarian tactics.

- Trump's media strategy mirrors Orbán's tactics in Hungary, aiming to undermine independent journalism.

- Changes in leadership at major media outlets suggest a shift towards more favorable coverage of Trump.

- The authors argue that Trump's actions have created a chilling effect on media independence.

- Despite critical journalism, the overall media landscape appears to be adapting to Trump's influence.

- The article warns of the dangers of anticipatory obedience in the media in the face of potential authoritarianism.

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By @tqmanb - 6 months
The whole western world has not lived in anticipatory obedience, but in actual obedience to the values of the elites (mostly Democrats) in the past four years.

Democrats have used lawfare against their opponents (Trump, Musk, ...). Democrats have attempted to silence and fire anyone who contradicts their cultural narrative. Democrats have silenced anyone who opposes their foreign policy.

It is telling that Dick Cheney, who was the devil for Democrats under the Bush administration, now endorses the Democrats.

It is telling the David Frum (mentioned in the article) was a speech writer for Bush and now endorses the Democrats.

Timothy Snyder, the activist using his historian title (mentioned in the article), should perhaps examine the amount of wars in 2016-2020, the amount of lawfare in 2016-2020 and a number of other things. But an activist will not do that.