Dan Gainor: Media criticize Democrats A rare break from their attacks on Trump and Republicans – Fox News
Journalists grew concerned about a political partys supposed racism this week. Only this time the media were complaining about the Democratic Party.
What took them so long?
Democratic presidential candidate and Sen. Kamala Harris of California ended her campaign for the nations highest office, likely resulting in an all-white group of candidates appearing on stage for the sixth televised debate of Democratic presidential contenders Dec. 19.
JULIN CASTRO ACCUSES MEDIA OF 'DOUBLE STANDARD' IN COVERING KAMALA HARRIS CAMPAIGN
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who is African-American, went off about it on MSNBCs All In with Chris Hayes.
We're spiraling towards a debate stage that potentially we're still fighting to get on it, but could have six people with no diversity whatsoever," he complained. (Democrats used to consider gender part of diversity. Oh well.)
Booker barely scratched the surface of the problem. A series of controversies had reporters covering stories they ordinarily try to ignore or downplay. The scandals involved top-tier candidates Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
But the Harris narrative finally captivated a news media that had eagerly forgotten the controversy regarding Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams college yearbook photo showing one person in blackface and another in Ku Klux Klan garb.
NBC News carried a story headlined: With Sen. Kamala Harris' exit, Democrats can't avoid a tough conversation about diversity.
NPR agreed, asking: #DemsSoWhite? Kamala Harris' Exit Raises Hard Questions About Race And Power.
It was an unusual spot for journalists who typically depict those on the right as racist and those on the left as enlightened.
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary and current presidential candidate Julin Castro blamed the news media for what Buzzfeed described as treating candidates of color differently.
To me, they held her to a different standard, a double standard, to other campaigns, Castro said.
Castro criticized The Washington Post, New York Times and Politico for writing very gossipy-sounding big articles trashing the campaign.
The Root was upset that Kamala Harris Wasn't Allowed to Fail Up Like a White Boy. Senior Reporter Terrell Jermaine Starr said the media fixated on her previous job as a lock em up prosecutor and attorney general.
Starr added that former Vice President Joe Bidens own background is far worse and Biden is still running. If Harris is a cop, Biden is the police chief, he wrote.
And MSNBC host Al Sharpton added: Women are held to a different standard and black women especially."
The Democrats problems with race didnt stop there.
Warren once more addressed her phony past claims to be a Native American. She spoke at a presidential forum on Native American issues, according to The New York Times. She offered a direct, public apology for the harm she caused with her past claims of Native American ancestry and pledged to uplift Native people as president.
I shouldnt have done it. I am not a person of color, Warren told the audience, according to Bloomberg News.
Journalists have repeatedly defended Warren on this issue and bashed President Trump for nicknaming the senator Pocahontas because of her lie.
The New York Times called Trumps comment a slur and a racially incendiary jibe. The Times Magazine devoted more than 8,000 words to profiling Warren, but included just one paragraph to her about her pivotal controversy.
MSNBCs Morning Joe Host Joe Scarborough had called the presidents criticism of Warren coded racism and an appeal to the white nationalist wing of, of this movement.
Meanwhile, a staffer whose tweets contain anti-Semitic, homophobic, misogynistic and racist language is no longer with the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, according to ABC News.
The Washington Free Beacon revealed how new Deputy Director of Constituency Organizing Darius Khalil Gordons past on Twitter was filled with a ton of things that I wont quote here.
Of course, traditional outlets didnt discover the comments, so kudos to the Free Beacon for doing actual research.
New candidate Michael Bloomberg was even caught in the controversy. His opponent Booker also found it stunning when he learned Bloomberg had referred to him as "well-spoken. It was a gaffe reminiscent of Bidens comment about then-candidate Sen. Barack Obama as the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy.
Not to be left out, the Buttigieg campaign had a gathering of African American supporters in South Bend, reported NBC News. The kicker was that Buttigieg was interrupted by a man wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt.
Liberal racism, sexism and anti-Semitism have been the donkey in the room for a long time. The media were finally forced to confront it, at least briefly.
Nancy Pelosi blasts reporter
Journalists are quick to defend anyone in the media who is criticized by the president. But when a reporter is criticized by the Democratic speaker of the House, the rules change.
Sinclair Broadcast Group reporter James Rosen asked Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California a simple question: Do you hate the president, Madam Speaker?
Pelosi, who has bashed Rosen before as Mr. Republican Talking Points, used the opportunity to claim she had the moral high ground.
As a Catholic, I resent your using the word hate in a sentence that addresses me, she said.
The news media, who love it when Pelosi opposes the pope and the Catholic Church on abortion, rallied around her faith when it suited them. Both CBS and NBC promoted an identical Pelosi quote: Dont mess with me.
Imagine the media reaction to a Republican politician calling out a reporter, pointing a finger directly at the journalist and telling him Dont mess with me.
Actually, you dont have to imagine it. We see it daily when the press rallies in defense against every criticism they get from the right.
USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page described Pelosi as fierce.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR OPINION NEWSLETTER
NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and MSNBC anchor Andrea Mitchell took Pelosis side readily. Mitchell said that the speaker, as a person of deep faith, which we know to be the case with her, really took offense at anyone questioning.
Mitchell didnt seem to recall that Pelosis deep faith has strident disagreement with the Catholic Church on abortion.
CNN loved it as well. Chief Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin described Pelosi comments as one of the many iconic Nancy Pelosi moments from this period.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
MSNBC talking heads were just as excited. Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski was thrilled that Pelosi went right to her Catholic roots.
Joe Scarborough mocked the reporter for daring to ask a question. Maybe James Rosen would like to ask Donald Trump, do you hate children, or do you hate Jesus?
The confrontation was a reminder of how faith is both a sword and a shield for the press. They wield it against anyone they disagree with and use it to defend those they support.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY DAN GAINOR
- Exclusive | Wendy Williams called Rev. Al Sharpton to pray amid guardianship battle - Page Six - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Prays With Wendy Williams During Visit, Vows To Help Her - lovebscott - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Prays With Wendy Williams During Visit, Vows To Help Her - TMZ - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Op-Ed: Target CEO Meets With Al Sharpton To Discuss DEI Rollback, But Should He Still Be Speaking For Us? - AfroTech - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton Meets with Target CEO Over Black Community Boycott - iHeart - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target CEO constructive, says Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant was in the meeting - TheGrio - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Target CEO meets with Al Sharpton amid backlash over DEI rollbacks. - EBONY Magazine - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton holds constructive and candid meeting with Target CEO over DEI initiatives - New York Post - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Target CEO Cornell meets with Sharpton to discuss DEI rollback as civil rights leader considers boycott - CNBC - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton meets Target CEO amid boycott over dropping DEI - The Black Wall Street Times - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- PepsiCo agrees to meet with Al Sharpton over DEI cuts, potential boycott - AP News - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Target CEO to meet with Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss the company's rollback of DEI initiatives - TheGrio - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash 'very constructive and candid' - Norwalk Hour - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- PepsiCo to meet with Al Sharpton over proposed boycott due to DEI rollbacks - AL.com - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Target execs run to meet with Al Sharpton after woke groups threaten boycott over DEI rollback - New York Post - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- PepsiCo Meets With Reverend Al Sharpton After Threat Of Boycott Over DEI Rollbacks - AfroTech - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Target Calls Meeting With Rev. Al Sharpton To Discuss DEI Rollback - Chicago Defender - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash 'very constructive and candid' - The Washington Post - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton holds constructive and candid meeting with Target CEO over DEI initiatives - FOX 8 TV - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton To Meet With CEOs Of Target And PepsiCo Over DEI Rollbacks - Bossip - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- PepsiCo agrees to meet with Al Sharpton over DEI cuts, potential boycott - MSN - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash 'very constructive and candid' - Waco Tribune-Herald - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls meeting with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash 'very constructive and candid' - Stamford Advocate - April 18th, 2025 [April 18th, 2025]
- Time to ask Al Sharpton: Why should DEI exist in the first place? - New York Post - April 14th, 2025 [April 14th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - AP News - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- MSNBC host Al Sharpton calls for boycott of PepsiCo as he gives them three weeks to make huge change - Daily Mail - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - Messenger-Inquirer - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - livingstonenterprise.net - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - Bozeman Daily Chronicle - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Calls Out PepsiCo Over Diversity Changes, Threatens To Boycott - MSN - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton calls on PepsiCo to restore DEI initiatives, threatens boycott - MSN - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to Honor Roberta Flack with Heartfelt Eulogy at Celebration of Life in Harlem on Monday - eurweb.com - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to deliver Eulogy at Roberta Flacks Celebration of Life in Harlem - The Chicago Cusader - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Rev. AL Sharpton to deliver eulogy for Roberta Flack at Celebration of Life - The Times Weekly - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE: Rev. Al Sharpton on Trumps Agenda, DEI rollbacks, and the fight for democracy - New Pittsburgh Courier - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE: Rev. Al Sharpton on Trumps Agenda, DEI Rollbacks, and the Fight for Democracy - Chicago Defender - February 27th, 2025 [February 27th, 2025]
- Kathy Hochul bashes Elon Musk but then taps Al Sharpton for advice - New York Post - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Speaks to Media - Citizen - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton: It means everything for Donald Trump to have leverage over New York City mayor - MSNBC - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton: It means everything for Donald Trump to have leverage over New York City mayor - Yahoo - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- Crossed the Rubicon: Rev. Al Sharpton suggests he may pull support for Mayor Adams after Trump DOJ moves to drop charges - amNY - February 12th, 2025 [February 12th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton and Attorney Ben Crump honor the lives lost in the Eaton Fire at memorial service - The Philadelphia Tribune - February 12th, 2025 [February 12th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton: Harris has consistently committed to making government work' for disadvantaged - NBC Washington - February 12th, 2025 [February 12th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton Issues Warning to Companies Ending DEI - MSN - February 12th, 2025 [February 12th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton and Attorney Ben Crump Honor the Lives Lost in the Eaton Fire at Memorial Service - Black Voice News - February 9th, 2025 [February 9th, 2025]
- Dont Miss This Live Chat with Rev. Al Sharpton: Students Take the Stage - Bober Tea - February 9th, 2025 [February 9th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton visits Altadena and leads memorial for Eaton Fire victims - CBS News - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to hold service for wildfire victims at Pasadena church - Los Angeles Times - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton/NAN, Ben Crump to Lead Memorial Service for Wildfire Victims in Southern California - eurweb.com - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to hold service for wildfire victims at Pasadena church - Sunbury Daily Item - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to hold memorial for L.A. wildfire victims in Pasadena - 2UrbanGirls - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- PRESS ROOM: Rev. Al Sharpton and NAN announce major MLK Day mobilization to defend Dr. Kings legacy as second Trump term nears - Afro American... - January 11th, 2025 [January 11th, 2025]
- Al Sharpton pocketed nearly $1 million in bonuses from his National Action Network nonprofit - New York Post - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Endorsement Of Vigilantism: Rev. Al Sharpton Rips JD Vance Inviting Daniel Penny To Army-Navy Game - NewsOne - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Al Sharpton floats Biden pardon for Dothan half-brother, pastor convicted of fraud, tax evasion - 1819 News - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Black church coalition calls on MSNBC to suspend Al Sharpton over donations from Harris campaign - Fox News - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Church turns on MSNBC host Al Sharpton over $500,000 in payments from Harris campaign - The Telegraph - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton Faces Scrutiny Over Pay-to-Play Harris Controversy - eurweb.com - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton to speak at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church anniversary - WSFA - December 2nd, 2024 [December 2nd, 2024]
- Al Sharpton's acceptance of Kamala Harris campaign's $500K donation a 'bridge too far' for MSNBC colleagues - New York Post - December 2nd, 2024 [December 2nd, 2024]
- Al Sharpton continuing to host MSNBC show, make regular appearances after Harris campaign payment revealed - Fox News - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor Adams hosts Thanksgiving dinner for families at National Action Network - ABC7 New York - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Conflict of interest? Harris' campaign donated $500,000 to Al Sharpton before her MSNBC interview - Voz Media - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- MSNBC Says It Was 'Unaware' of Harris Campaign Contributions to Al Sharpton NonprofitBut Won't Say Whether It's Taking Action - Washington Free Beacon - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- MSNBC 'unaware' Harris campaign donated $500K to Al Sharpton nonprofit before friendly interview - Washington Examiner - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- MSNBC makes eye-opening admission about the $500,000 Kamala Harris gave to host Al Sharpton's non-profit - Daily Mail - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- MSNBC reacts to claims Kamala Harris paid $500K to Al Sharpton nonprofit before interview - Raw Story - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- MSNBC reacts to claims Kamala Harris paid $500K to Al Sharpton nonprofit before interview - MSN - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Al Sharpton reveals Trump cold called him after election win - MSN - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- We can lose a round, but the fight aint over, Rev. Al Sharpton vows after Trump win - New York Daily News - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- We can lose a round, but the fight aint over, Rev. Al Sharpton vows after Trump win - NNY360 - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton celebrating 70th birthday with star-studded event - Spectrum News 1 - November 4th, 2024 [November 4th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton will give keynote address Friday for Anne Arundel NAACP annual event - Capital Gazette - November 4th, 2024 [November 4th, 2024]
- Al Sharpton and Donny Deutsch worry theyll be imprisoned if Trump is re-elected, but on enemy list - New York Post - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Rev. Al Sharpton stops in Flint on 'Wheels of Justice Freedom' tour - WJRT - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Go With the Flo: Rev. Al Sharpton turns 70, Sean Diddy Combs' children stand by their dad, Sherri Shepherd receives Vanguard Award - Amsterdam News - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Overnight Cable News Ratings for Oct. 18-21: Kamala Harris Interview Lifts Al Sharpton to Second Place on Sunday - Adweek - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- Al Sharpton sets Kamala up to whine about Trump for calling her the S-Word - AllSides - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- Harris refuses to push back on suggestion shes too progressive during Al Sharpton interview - MSN - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- Al Sharpton: Trump's like an old boxer pushed back into the ring'he just doesnt have it' - MSN - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]