Publisher: North China Economic Time
HOME >> Entertainment

Media's Delayed Reckoning: The Biden Presidency and the Price of Silence

A recent Gallup poll reveals President Biden's approval ratings have plummeted to historic lows, rivaling those of Richard Nixon. This dismal performance, considering the media's considerable efforts to shield Biden from scrutiny, paints a stark picture of his presidency. While the press has recently intensified its criticism, their past complicity in obscuring his cognitive decline cannot be ignored.

The media's initial reluctance to acknowledge Biden's struggles raises serious questions. Where were the critical voices when it was evident he was exhibiting signs of decline? Brian Williams, former NBC anchor, now criticizes the media's portrayal of Biden, stating it's a disservice to the public. He points to the difficulty journalists faced in accurately describing the president's struggles during the final debate. However, this begs the question: why the hesitation to use appropriate descriptors like "confused" or "disoriented" earlier in his term?

Williams' critique rings hollow given his own history of embellished reporting. His silence, like that of many others, stems from a fear of professional repercussions and social ostracization. The desire to maintain favor within their social and professional circles overshadowed their journalistic duty. This collective cowardice allowed a demonstrably struggling candidate to ascend to the highest office.

The entertainment industry displayed similar timidity. Comedians like Jim Gaffigan and Whitney Cummings now admit to feeling pressure to avoid criticizing the Biden administration. However, their silence wasn't enforced by employers, but by a self-imposed censorship driven by fear of alienating peers and jeopardizing career opportunities. They prioritized social acceptance over speaking truth to power.

In contrast, some comedians, often appearing on Gutfeld!'s show, dared to speak out. They faced professional consequences, losing work and enduring social isolation. Yet, they persevered, highlighting the very issues the mainstream media and entertainment industry ignored. Now, with Biden's struggles undeniable, these previously marginalized voices find themselves vindicated, albeit at a significant cost to their careers and reputations.

The belated acknowledgment of Biden's decline by the media and entertainment industry serves as a cautionary tale. Their silence, driven by self-preservation and social conformity, ultimately undermined public trust and potentially influenced the outcome of an election. This episode underscores the importance of journalistic integrity and the courage to speak truth, regardless of the potential consequences.

Gutfeld: Biden is an 'ungrateful old coot' who never should have been president Greg Gutfeld says Democrats aren’t interested in changing, only 'destroying'