Donald Trump’s statements about Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identification, together with every part else he needed to say throughout his Wednesday look earlier than the Nationwide Affiliation of Black Journalists, have been each disgusting and horrifying. They need to even be disqualifying for any candidate working for elected workplace.
Possibly Trump deliberate to make use of this occasion as a platform to ship such disgraceful remarks. Possibly his marketing campaign managers thought that making an look earlier than Black journalists would excite his base by displaying Trump’s willingness to go “into the lion’s den.” Maybe they put no thought into it beyond understanding that Harris couldn’t attend because of a scheduling battle and this was an opportunity to indicate her up. It doesn’t actually matter.
What issues is that the nationwide media shouldn’t use this as an excuse to fall again into the straightforward sample of following Trump round and ready for him to spew ugly, divisive horseshit.
Don’t reward the racist for being a racist.
Trump clearly noticed that Harris’ nascent presidential marketing campaign was within the highlight and he was within the media wilderness. It was at all times apparent that he would try and recapture the media highlight and restore himself to the middle of the nationwide dialog by doing one thing so terrible that it couldn’t be ignored. That’s been his M.O. since he first appeared on the nationwide stage, calling Mexicans criminals and “rapists.”
This sample is poisonous not only for the nation as a complete, however for the media. And it’s time to interrupt it.
Do not use this second to place a microphone in entrance of Republicans to allow them to clarify or excuse Trump.
Don’t do not ask Trump supporters in line at his subsequent rally to riff on Trump’s supposed bravery.
Don’t go to a restaurant in some rural crimson county so patrons can present their astonishment over the concept that some folks have a couple of heritage.
And do not commit your editorial web page to right-wing pundits who’ve spent the previous eight years making up excuses for Trump’s newest lie or insult.
If the members of the media really feel they need to present follow-up protection and reactions to what Trump stated, the reply is simple: Ask Black folks. Ask different folks of coloration what they suppose. Make it a degree to ask ladies of coloration. Let’s hear what they consider what Trump stated.
Then the press ought to get again to protecting Harris and an upbeat marketing campaign that has rightfully captured America’s hopes and creativeness.
