MSM on Mueller “As Seen on TV”

Mainstream media (MSM) has become more like a “reality” teevee show, than a trusted and reliable source of news. Ernie Pyle, Walter Cronkite, and Tim Russert, along with the spirit of “just the facts,” are dead.

For example, Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller testified that, among other things, shortly after being elected, the President lied to the Special Prosecutor, and attempted to exert “undue influence” on Federal law enforcement, in order to protect himself and his allies.

Robert S. Mueller, III (b.1944), FBI Director 2001 – 2013

At any any other time, in any other administration, a decorated Marine officer, Special Prosecutor, and former FBI Director who testified that the President of the United States was a as-yet-unprosecuted Federal felon who encouraged and benefited from an attack upon American democracy in selfish pursuit of political gain would bring the nation to a screeching halt.

Ernie Pyle (1900-1945) in 1945

Rather than reporting the findings of facts, the MSM opined that Mueller was not sensationalistically sparkling, and most definitely NOT “made for television.” Even the once-staid NYT wrote of “Mueller’s performance” as if it was one. And the WaPo, which broke the story of Nixon’s corruption, headlined that “On Mueller’s final day on the national stage, a halting, faltering performance.” NBC’s Chuck Todd (himself a marshmallow) said that “on optics, this was a disaster.” Clearly, they’re obsessed with appearance rather than substance.

Tim Russert (1950-2008) in 2007

And yet, no one who reads the following two brief exchanges could say anything but that the President violated Federal law, and lied about it.

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Schiff: Russia committed federal crimes in order to help Donald Trump?

Mueller: You’re talking about the computer crimes charged in our case? Absolutely.

Schiff: Trump campaign officials built their strategy, their messaging strategy, around those stolen documents?

Mueller: Generally, that’s true.

Schiff: And then they lied to cover it up?

Mueller: Generally, that’s true.

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Walter Cronkite (1916-2009) in 1985

Nadler: And your investigation actually found, quote, “multiple acts by the president that were capable of exerting undue influence over law-enforcement investigations, including the Russian interference and obstruction investigations.” Is that correct?

Mueller: Correct.

Nadler: Now, Director Mueller, can you explain in plain terms what that finding means so the American people can understand it?

Mueller: Well, the finding indicates that the president was not exculpated for the acts that he allegedly committed.

Nadler: In fact, you were talking about incidents, quote, “in which the president sought to use his official power outside of usual channels,” unquote, to exert undue influence over your investigations—is that right?

Mueller: That’s correct.