This will be a difficult time for mainstream media and for journalism and journalists. That is why I believe the responsibly for ensuring that those entities and writers continue to have a voice with the American public. Whether you are a Trump supporter or a Trump denier we should all support balanced, fair and objective reporting as our due as Americans. That is why I have and will continue to support journalists and news outlets morally and financially. Give subscriptions to print and digital media. View and support news outlets that continue to be brave and to stand strong in the face of criticism and oppression. As my grandmother always said, “Put your money where your mouth is.”
As for the results of this election? I may not live to see it but hopefully the full story of what happened here will one day be known and shared. And hopefully, the view of this time and place will be in the past, of a moment in time and history where America lost its way but ultimately survived.
Mary, thanks so much for your support. I believe a significant part of the divide in America is because of the wide distribution of conservative media outlets. As the Dominion lawsuit proved, Fox News cares much more about not upsetting its core audience than it does reporting facts. I plan to write in the future about what, if anything, can be done about it.
Not sure how journalism and journalists will survive four more years, nor the rest of us. We all know who Trump is, but Grassley, Ernst and others had the opportunity to protect us from this tyrant took a pass. How do they live with themselves?
Dean, they live with themselves by getting up in the morning and driving to their jobs at the US Capitol building. That’s what they value most - being in power. Grassley, Ernst, McConnell and others are directly to blame for the coming disaster the next four years. They had a chance to purge Trump and they chickened out.
Yes. According to Heather Cox Richardson, the Trump supporters generally rely on “information” sources totally foreign to what she calls “legacy” news sources. A significant question becomes can main stream media, even with good intentions, make any difference trying to educate people who never (and apparently that means NEVER) see or listen to it?
Hard to know how much of what he says is hyperbole, which his followers are in on, and how much more is not practically attainable--time will tell and we will all mush through it. At least given the depth and breadth of his victory he won't be attacking election legitimacy!
Dave, thank you. There is probably no doubt fair and truly balanced reporters and writers will suffer, as several who had written unfavorable comments regarding the President-elect, were denied access to Mar-A-Lago for his event this past week. Those actions will most likely continue. We must continue to support each other during these very uncertain times.
Sharon, I agree we need to stick together. But I also think we need to reach out and have dialogue with those who supported Trump. I have no doubt that racism and sexism played at least some role for a slice of voters. But I refuse to believe a majority of Iowans are racist or sexist. Support for Obama, Reynolds and Ernst would tell us otherwise. The country is divided but we should always strive to cross the divide, as painful as that feels right now.
Dave, I do agree that most Iowans are not racist or sexist but there is still a hill to climb for a woman and a woman of color to become President. Becoming the President is a more difficult climb to achieve. It doesn’t mean people are racist or sexist it is just very difficult for some folks to get too. We absolutely have to reach across to others getting to any common ground is always worthwhile. We must continue to keep helping each other during especially these next few months.
Substack and the Iowa Writers Collaborative may become the "Journalism Underground" for the next 4 years. Thanks Dave (and to all the other contributors here)!
Appreciate that, Ed. At a time when mainstream media outlets are reducing opinion voices, the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative has provided a new and robust place for perspective on daily events. We all appreciate readers’ support.
Very nice read. I believe from my conversations with others that they are fed up with the biased and slanted news media against the politicians on the right. I like so many others don't watch the major media news like used to. The continued late night crap like Colbert and others has really has turned people off. I totally believe the Democrat policy's have really disgusted Americans in most walks of life as this election purely shows. Trump is Trump and Americans recognize it but they still like is ideas better and that nobody controls him. His bluntness to some is refreshing. Foreign leaders make no bones they never sure what he's going to do. He'll bow down (Obama) to no one. Does he maipulate, yes? Some of his ideas are definitely going to cause pain but when this country has gotten to this point it may cause pain to get some problems straightened out. Again you the election shows it. I believe Trump learned a lot the first time he was POTUS and I hope the Democrats learned they really upset a lot of voters the way they kept coming at him from day 1 of his presidency. If they haven't come to some grave conclusions to their past actions and policy's they may have to hang out their shingle 'Out of Business'.
Thanks for your thoughts. This isnt the time or place to have meaningful dialogue about your perspective. I accept it at face value, however much I disagree.
You’ve given no examples of slanted news media coverage against the right. Colbert isn’t the news media.
There are ALWAYS problems to straighten out. The existence of problems isn’t a reliable indicator of an administration’s effectiveness. What they DO about those problems is the true yardstick.
I understand many voters are upset about high prices. I doubt prices are going to come down the next four years.
you're welcome. Sorry about time and place. True about what an administration's effectiveness has been done about problems, for example immigration in past 4 yrs. Short of major recession or depression I don't see how prices are going to come down, they've had a steady incline in long run as far as I can remember.
I was anxious for your post election article. And, as anticipated, it was , as usual, a good one. Thank for your consistent professionism. I look forward to your ongoing help in learning and deciphering what is good and bad in our world.
I’m eager for a future where journalism plays a central role in strengthening democracy by actively countering misinformation. Thank you, Dave, for your writing—I'm especially looking forward to your insights on the interplay of journalism, citizenship, and democracy. I also look forward to seeing journalists emerge who will effectively confront misinformation and lies, and to seeing if the Democratic Party will take an effective stand on these issues as well.
This will be a difficult time for mainstream media and for journalism and journalists. That is why I believe the responsibly for ensuring that those entities and writers continue to have a voice with the American public. Whether you are a Trump supporter or a Trump denier we should all support balanced, fair and objective reporting as our due as Americans. That is why I have and will continue to support journalists and news outlets morally and financially. Give subscriptions to print and digital media. View and support news outlets that continue to be brave and to stand strong in the face of criticism and oppression. As my grandmother always said, “Put your money where your mouth is.”
As for the results of this election? I may not live to see it but hopefully the full story of what happened here will one day be known and shared. And hopefully, the view of this time and place will be in the past, of a moment in time and history where America lost its way but ultimately survived.
Mary, thanks so much for your support. I believe a significant part of the divide in America is because of the wide distribution of conservative media outlets. As the Dominion lawsuit proved, Fox News cares much more about not upsetting its core audience than it does reporting facts. I plan to write in the future about what, if anything, can be done about it.
Not sure how journalism and journalists will survive four more years, nor the rest of us. We all know who Trump is, but Grassley, Ernst and others had the opportunity to protect us from this tyrant took a pass. How do they live with themselves?
Dean, they live with themselves by getting up in the morning and driving to their jobs at the US Capitol building. That’s what they value most - being in power. Grassley, Ernst, McConnell and others are directly to blame for the coming disaster the next four years. They had a chance to purge Trump and they chickened out.
Cowards whose complicity and silence ruined the Country.
Thanks for being there for us, Dave.
Thank YOU!
I think the impacts of “news deserts” and right-wing media (and disinformation) will be topics worthy of examination.
Yes. According to Heather Cox Richardson, the Trump supporters generally rely on “information” sources totally foreign to what she calls “legacy” news sources. A significant question becomes can main stream media, even with good intentions, make any difference trying to educate people who never (and apparently that means NEVER) see or listen to it?
Jim, a friend sent me this relevant article in The New Republic. It goes right to your point.
https://newrepublic.com/post/188197/trump-media-information-landscape-fox
Wow, thanks. Who today on the volleyball side may be strategizing to challenge the basketball? And how?
Stu, we’re on the same wavelength. I plan ti do just that. Thanks for reading.
I continue to respect and enjoy your columns. I’ll look forward to seeing more.
Thanks, Rod. More to come!
Hard to know how much of what he says is hyperbole, which his followers are in on, and how much more is not practically attainable--time will tell and we will all mush through it. At least given the depth and breadth of his victory he won't be attacking election legitimacy!
Whoops! That was Bob on Cherie's computer.
Dave, thank you. There is probably no doubt fair and truly balanced reporters and writers will suffer, as several who had written unfavorable comments regarding the President-elect, were denied access to Mar-A-Lago for his event this past week. Those actions will most likely continue. We must continue to support each other during these very uncertain times.
Sharon, I agree we need to stick together. But I also think we need to reach out and have dialogue with those who supported Trump. I have no doubt that racism and sexism played at least some role for a slice of voters. But I refuse to believe a majority of Iowans are racist or sexist. Support for Obama, Reynolds and Ernst would tell us otherwise. The country is divided but we should always strive to cross the divide, as painful as that feels right now.
Dave, I do agree that most Iowans are not racist or sexist but there is still a hill to climb for a woman and a woman of color to become President. Becoming the President is a more difficult climb to achieve. It doesn’t mean people are racist or sexist it is just very difficult for some folks to get too. We absolutely have to reach across to others getting to any common ground is always worthwhile. We must continue to keep helping each other during especially these next few months.
Thank you for your insight.
Substack and the Iowa Writers Collaborative may become the "Journalism Underground" for the next 4 years. Thanks Dave (and to all the other contributors here)!
Appreciate that, Ed. At a time when mainstream media outlets are reducing opinion voices, the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative has provided a new and robust place for perspective on daily events. We all appreciate readers’ support.
Yes to this.
Very nice read. I believe from my conversations with others that they are fed up with the biased and slanted news media against the politicians on the right. I like so many others don't watch the major media news like used to. The continued late night crap like Colbert and others has really has turned people off. I totally believe the Democrat policy's have really disgusted Americans in most walks of life as this election purely shows. Trump is Trump and Americans recognize it but they still like is ideas better and that nobody controls him. His bluntness to some is refreshing. Foreign leaders make no bones they never sure what he's going to do. He'll bow down (Obama) to no one. Does he maipulate, yes? Some of his ideas are definitely going to cause pain but when this country has gotten to this point it may cause pain to get some problems straightened out. Again you the election shows it. I believe Trump learned a lot the first time he was POTUS and I hope the Democrats learned they really upset a lot of voters the way they kept coming at him from day 1 of his presidency. If they haven't come to some grave conclusions to their past actions and policy's they may have to hang out their shingle 'Out of Business'.
My thoughts!!
Thanks for your thoughts. This isnt the time or place to have meaningful dialogue about your perspective. I accept it at face value, however much I disagree.
You’ve given no examples of slanted news media coverage against the right. Colbert isn’t the news media.
There are ALWAYS problems to straighten out. The existence of problems isn’t a reliable indicator of an administration’s effectiveness. What they DO about those problems is the true yardstick.
I understand many voters are upset about high prices. I doubt prices are going to come down the next four years.
Well see!
you're welcome. Sorry about time and place. True about what an administration's effectiveness has been done about problems, for example immigration in past 4 yrs. Short of major recession or depression I don't see how prices are going to come down, they've had a steady incline in long run as far as I can remember.
I really appreciate you and this column, Dave. Now -- more than ever.
Thanks, Amy!
I was anxious for your post election article. And, as anticipated, it was , as usual, a good one. Thank for your consistent professionism. I look forward to your ongoing help in learning and deciphering what is good and bad in our world.
Boy, I had a lot more I wanted to write but I need a little more time to process and I really think readers need a break!
Trump is going to hit the ground running... readers don't need a break but a head start!!!
We appreciate you Dave. Keep up the good work!
I’m eager for a future where journalism plays a central role in strengthening democracy by actively countering misinformation. Thank you, Dave, for your writing—I'm especially looking forward to your insights on the interplay of journalism, citizenship, and democracy. I also look forward to seeing journalists emerge who will effectively confront misinformation and lies, and to seeing if the Democratic Party will take an effective stand on these issues as well.
You, sir, make so much sense. You are helping so many of us. Onward! Thank you!!
Thank you, Ron.
Thanks, Dave. I am looking forward to your take on the media during Trump II. I'm afraid some will pull punches rather than seek and speak the truth.
Thanks, Jim. There will be a LOT to discuss!