Almost as troubling as Senator Tommy Tuberville’s argument that white nationalists are not racists was that CNN’s Kaitlin Collins kept him detached from the issue.
Video:
Transcript via CNN:
COLLINS: You said a white nationalist is an American. But a white nationalist is someone who believes terrible things. You really don’t think that’s someone who should be in the military?
TUBERVILLE: Well, that’s just a name given.
COLLINS: It’s not that. It’s a real-
TUBERVILLE: I mean, are you listening?
COLLINS: It’s a real definition. There are real concerns about extremism.
TUBERVILLE: So if you want to get most white people out of the military in this country, we’re in big trouble.
COLLINS: It’s not –
TUBERVILLE: We’re in big trouble, Kaitlan.
COLLINS: It’s not the people who are white. They are white nationalists.
TUBERVILLE: That’s probably a couple of different beliefs.
COLLINS: You see the difference, don’t you?
TUBERVILLE: That has different beliefs. Is racism one of these beliefs? I’m totally against it. I am absolutely against racism.
COLLINS: But that’s a white man –
TUBERVILLE: But there are many people who believe in different things.
COLLINS: A white nationalist is racist, Senator.
TUBERVILLE: Well, that’s your opinion. That is your opinion. But what if it’s racism?
COLLINS: It’s not an opinion.
TUBERVILLE: If it’s racism? I’m totally against it. I am absolutely against any kind of race – any kind of racism. I don’t care what’s inside.
COLLINS: Okay. Senator Tommy Tuberville, thank you for your time tonight.
Senator Tuberville drowned trying to explain that white nationalists are Americans, not racists, and as the nation witnessed with Collins during the infamous Donald Trump town hall, her opposition was limited and mild. Instead of thanking Tuberville for his time, Collins should have pushed him harder.
The corporate media thinks Kaitlin Collins is a great journalist, but the game she and CNN are playing is obvious. Collins, who used to work for conservative media, takes a cautious approach towards Republicans.
When a new show airs on cable television, the guest list for the first episode gives potential viewers a clue as to the type of show they’ll be watching. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Senator Tuberville were represented in Collins.
Collins appears to be opting for a sort of Fox News Lite, which is unlikely to please anyone.
At a time when the country needs journalists to confront extremism, Kaitlin Collins allowed Tommy Tuberville to gently spread white nationalism.
Corporate media journalism once again failed to defend itself against dangerous extremism.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also White House press secretary and congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in political science. The focus of his thesis was on public policy with a focus on social reform movements.
Awards and professional memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association
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