Media

Has media become so unpopular that voters might support more reporter ‘body slams’?

by Joe Concha, opinion contributor - 05/26/17 2:10 PM ET

Has the media become so unpopular that body-slamming journalists can actually be good for one’s reputation?

That appears to be the case for Rep.-elect Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.), who lost his temper and allegedly became physical with Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs less than 24 hours before voters went to the polls in a closely-watched special election.

Gianforte went on to win comfortably in the reliably red state. But here’s the real kicker: The candidate reportedly raised $100,000 in the aftermath of Jacobs’ claim that Gianforte “body-slammed” him and broke his glasses.

So one would think the backlash against Gianforte, who local police charged with misdemeanor assault, would be fairly swift. Except it’s anything but.

Per NBC’s Peter Alexander:

NEW: Source close to Gianforte campaign says it’s raised $100K+ online in last 24 hours — most of it coming after reporter “body slam.”

— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) May 25, 2017

To which Town Hall’s Guy Benson responded correctly:

If you donated to a candidate *because* he physically assaulted a reporter (& his staff lied about it), you need to re-evaluate your life.

— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) May 25, 2017

But the sentiment on the far right appears to be one of celebration:

The enthusiasm for this body slam story is that we’re so done with two groups of people: 1. Arrogant journalists 2. Milquetoast Republicans

— Dinesh D’Souza (@DineshDSouza) May 26, 2017

@DRUDGE I would pay to see that. pic.twitter.com/2gsBsACEdb

— Cali-Conservative (@CaliConsrvative) May 26, 2017

You wanted to punch 16 year-old me? Interesting how stuff bites back… https://t.co/WPMZMbJeJe

— Benji Backer (@BenjiBacker) May 26, 2017

Politicians always need to keep their cool. But what would most Montana men do if “body slammed” for no reason by another man?

— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) May 25, 2017

The Drudge Report also has as its lead headline Friday morning, “FIGHTING FOR MONTANA!” with a link to an ABC News story of Gianforte winning.

Celebrating this kind of behavior cannot stand. The general sentiment on social media from some on the right, and its apparent, is that Jacobs and the media as a whole somehow deserved this.

And while it has been noted in this space on multiple occasions that many in political media are absolutely biased, dishonest and narcissistic, the argument will not be won by resorting to violence.

Think about it: Who wins in if this sort of thing happens again? Does the coverage improve? Does the media suddenly get scared straight into delivering the news straight? Of course not.

Bob Woodward said it best early this week in capturing the mood against the media and why so many Trump supporters were probably happy with Gianforte’s actions.

“I worry for the business, for the perception of the business, not just Trump supporters, they see that smugness,” Woodward said. “I think you can ride both horses, intensive inquiry, investigation, not letting up … at the same time, realize that it’s not our job to do an editorial on this.”

It’s hard to disagree with that sentiment from one of the few lucid and measured pros remaining in the business.

According to a September survey by Gallup, 86 percent of Republicans and 70 percent of Independents distrust the media.

Keep pointing out bias and deceit and unprofessional tone when you see it. Twitter and other forms of social media give everyone a megaphone.

But think twice before cheering Gianforte’s actions. Getting physical solves nothing. It could make the problem worse.

Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) is a media reporter for The Hill.

The views expressed by contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.

Tags Drudge Report Greg Gianforte Joe Concha