Dan Rather criticizes media for jingoistic coverage of airstrikes

Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather cautioned American journalists against labeling President Trump “presidential” for using military force against the Syrian government.

“Dropping bombs, having missile strikes, doesn’t make one presidential,” Rather told CNN’s “Reliable Sources” on Sunday.

Rather, who last week took to Facebook to raise concerns over journalists’ coverage of the missile strike, which occurred earlier this month, said reporters feel “a natural inclination” to see military force as making a president “strong.”

{mosads}“Just because the president exerts himself as commander in chief, there’s a natural inclination and an unhealthy one, to immediately say ‘boy that makes him presidential, that makes him strong,’” Rather continued.

Rather said that while it is “easy” to conduct missile strikes, it is what follows military force that is “much more critical.” 

Journalists, Rather said, should remain skeptical, but not cynical, and ask relevant questions about the motives and purposes of military strikes.

MSNBC’s Brian Williams was mocked by HBO’s John Oliver for his “orgasmic” response to Trump’s missile strike against Syria.