We have both a pathological media and federal government.

[triron]

Not a sociologist, but imo this bodes ill for our nation.
The current administration is led by a bunch of criminal misfits and the news media
seems to keep trying to normalize them. And the public goes along
with it for the most part. We have been dumbed down as a nation.

[Hamlette]

1. the MSM has done some excellent investigative reporting under Trump

we wouldn't know anything about this bozo were it not for the Post and Times.

Also, there are thousands of people who work for the federal government who should not be tarred with Trump. As a former government employee I tend to get my back up when people say things like you did. We should be contemptuous of Trump appointees but not the institution.

[democratisphere]

2. This is what happens when a psychopath is running the show.

The result was to be expected. Insanity breeds henchmen and henchwomen and there are plenty of both. There is no cure as long as drumpf remains in office.

[pandr32]

3. The news media is beholden to advertisers

Their commitment needs to be to report the news responsibly to the public.
We have made a difference when we pressure them because "ratings" are what bring the advertisers, but too often the advertisers have their own agenda. We also have too many very wealthy conservatives buying up the media which should never happen. The media should be beholden to the public...period.

[we can do it]

4. Rachel Maddow has been exceptional.