Veteran Journalist Criticizes Media Blindness to Trump’s Popularity

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Veteran political analyst and best-selling author Mark Halperin recently spoke on "The Brian Kilmeade Show," highlighting what he perceives as a lack of understanding among liberals and "Never Trump" Republicans regarding Donald Trump’s enduring appeal. Halperin warned that Trump’s ability to command a substantial portion of the electorate should not be underestimated, particularly in a matchup against Vice President Kamala Harris.  

 

Halperin expressed frustration over the inability of many in the media and political circles to grasp Trump’s influence. "I really pleaded with everyone I knew who was a Never Trumper, someone with Trump Derangement Syndrome or super opposed to Donald Trump," he explained. "I said he’s going to get 47% of the vote, and he might get 50. But the difference between 47 and 50 is, you know, several million Americans. You have to respect the fact that tens of millions of people are going to vote for him. And you have to be prepared for that."  

 

He pointed out that while Trump’s behavior, rhetoric, and conduct have undeniably fueled opposition, the disdain for him often transcends logical critique. "There’s something about Donald Trump that sets them off," Halperin observed, adding that this reaction is further magnified by what he calls the "dominant media." According to Halperin, this media landscape has created a "fantasy world" where issues like President Joe Biden’s acuity, Vice President Harris's qualifications, and the implications of an open border are either downplayed or ignored altogether.  

 

Halperin also critiqued the media’s handling of key issues, such as the prosecution of Trump, efforts to exclude him and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from ballots, and the administration’s perceived lack of urgency in addressing the murder of American citizens by undocumented individuals. "All these things add up to a blue bubble that they just can’t see," Halperin stated. He noted that many Trump supporters can readily articulate why the left opposes the former president. However, when asked to explain Trump’s appeal, his critics often struggle.  

 

"I see this all the time. I’ll say to a Trump supporter, why does the left not like Donald Trump? And they can explain it very easily… But most people on the left, if you say, why do people like Donald Trump? They’re paralyzed. They can’t answer the question," Halperin said. He believes this disconnect stems from an inability to acknowledge the perspectives of millions of Americans who view Trump differently.  

 

The media’s readiness to cover a potential second Trump presidency has stirred controversy within its ranks. A source at MSNBC reacted strongly, calling the shift "cowardice" and accusing the network of capitulating to Trump’s influence. "Doing exactly what [anti-Trump historian] Tim Snyder warns on our air not to do: obey in advance. It’s disgusting but frankly unsurprising," the source said, adding that many MSNBC staff members now view the network’s prominent anchors with disdain.  

 

Public reactions have been equally sharp. MSNBC contributor Jennifer Rubin labeled the approach "disgusting" on Bluesky, while host Katie Phang indirectly criticized it by posting on X, "Normalizing Trump is a bad idea. Period." The internal discord and vocal objections highlight the ongoing polarization surrounding Trump, even as his political resurgence looms.  

 

Halperin’s insights underscore the deep divisions in American media and politics, where recognizing and understanding opposing viewpoints remains a significant challenge.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-11-26