Depressed Media Reacts to Trump's Victory: How Could This Happen?

Many journalists clung to the fading hope that Kamala Harris could somehow eke out victory as Donald Trump carried state after state in the greatest comeback in American political history.

Early this morning, it was clear that the outcome they feared most had materialized, and it wasn't that close.

The Blue Wall collapsed when Trump won Wisconsin, and with it the vice president's chances — and already some of his allies in the press are blaming racism and sexism. As of this writing, he was left with a near sweep of the battleground states.

FOX NEWS PROJECTS DONALD TRUMP DEFEATS KAMALA HARRIS TO BECOME 47TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Harris did her best in a shortened campaign, with overwhelmingly favorable, celebrity-fueled media coverage compared to constant attacks on her opponent. But she was the incumbent in a swing election.

Many journalists clung to the fading hope that Kamala Harris could somehow eke out victory as Donald Trump carried state after state in the greatest comeback in American political history. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Many political geniuses said Trump — only the second president to regain the White House after losing it — was traveling a dark path, with harsh rhetoric, personal attacks and Arnold Palmer-style distractions. This, they were convinced, would only appeal to his MAGA base and contrasted with Harris' sunny message of unity and middle-class uplift.

“We are going to help our country heal,” Trump said this morning in West Palm Beach, in stark contrast to his previous tone.

For left-wing commentators who argued that 2024 could be the last US election if Trump won, the result – which included Republicans taking the Senate – was a slap in the face.

Look at these headlines from the New York Times:

“America is hiring a strong man.”

“Pariah, Felon, President-elect: How Trump managed to return to power. »

“Four more years of unpredictability: the world prepares for Trump’s return.”

And the editorial page: “America makes a perilous choice.”

Last night, as Trump led the Electoral College count by 153 votes to 27, MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace said, “This could be a really good night for Kamala Harris.”

For left-wing commentators who argued that 2024 could be the last US election if Trump won, the result – which included Republicans taking the Senate – was a slap in the face. (Getty Images)

The tone was subdued on the network this morning. On “Morning Joe,” Joe Scarborough said: “America, first of all, is far more right-wing than at any time in our lifetimes. Even going back to the Reagan years. And Donald Trump won handily dominant.”

Think about all the ink that has been spilled over whether Trump would accept the outcome if he lost and whether there would be violence.

As for the dire predictions that a second Trump term would have no safeguards and destroy democracy, well, we'll know soon enough if that was an apocalyptic vision.

As liberal pundits tried to pick up the pieces of the Democratic fade, with one on CNN accusing Trump of having no plan, the focus was on why Harris wasn't doing better with black men or Latinos.

America…is far more right-wing than at any other time in our lifetimes.

—Joe Scarborough of MSNBC

Trump projected strength, and even many of those discouraged by his pugilistic style had favorable memories of his previous term and his strong economy, despite the trauma of January 6. Harris was struggling with the unpopularity of Joe Biden, who should have stepped down. much earlier.

The theme of one stunned TV panel after another today: How could this happen?

But for those who castigated Trump for not accepting his defeat in 2020 – something he again disputed in the final days – it is now their turn to accept that you cannot love your country only when 'we win.

Harris, after hiding from the press for a month and even after winning the debate, simply hasn't had much new to say in recent weeks and has often fallen back on answers from subject of discussion.

Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump attend an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center November 6, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

I've covered Donald Trump for decades and interviewed him in New York just a few weeks ago when he was very focused on his game. He has maintained his most controversial positions, like saying that the “enemy within” – naming Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff – posed a greater threat than Russia or China.

The former and future president promised, among other things, a mass expulsion of illegal immigrants. But his most dramatic rhetoric is often dismissed by most of his supporters, who think that's what happens in campaigns and that much of it will never happen.

Trump still drives the news agenda by going over the top, forcing the media to cover him, and even negative headlines help him by emphasizing his most important points.

On CNN, Biden's former communications director, Kate Bedingfield, said “Democrats need to have a moment of soul-searching.”

The media could also misuse it. But I'm not holding my breath.

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