Busy day for the NYT Reader Center, I'm guessing
— Margaret Sullivan (@Sulliview) September 26, 2019
Sullivan, of course, is the former public editor for the Times, a position that no longer exists and really should. She was very good, and there are other experienced journalists who could fill that role.
There was no real reason for the Times to burn the whistleblower, other than to have a “scoop”. (Frankly, if this were another news outlet, I’d give them the benefit of the doubt, but it’s part of a pattern of terrible judgment). Baquet’s excuse that he wanted readers to understand more about this person is vacuous: a great deal of the complaint is obviously credible since the call summary released yesterday backs it up. And of course the Times routinely gives sources (far too much) anonymity behind which they can dish up the daily spin from the White House or Congress.
The Times’ coverage of 6 “swing voters” who were actually Trump supporters went pretty much unnoticed due to the other news of the day, but it was awful journalism. The notion that we’re supposed to subscribe to this rag to support their reporters calling the same half-dozen MAGA hats who they treat like a representative slice of middle america is nuts.
BTW, if you want to see what good journalism about Trumpland looks like, check out this piece about evangelicals in the Post by Elizabeth Breunig. She grew up in the church, and she at least has some insight, as well as true interest, in the subject.
Also, they employ Frank Bruni.
I’m probably preaching to the choir, but Jesus Christ, the sway this rag has over our politics is toxic. Unsubscribe.