The Most Vicious Attacks Of The 2024 GOP Primary Won’t Come From Presidential Rivals, But From The Press

Republicans don’t need to attack each other when it comes the impending presidential primary. Liberal media seems happy to provide this for them.

This lesson is evident based upon the coverage of Nikki Haley’s campaign so far. Former South Carolina Governor. Trump’s campaign published a press statement detailing Nikki Haley’s political past when Nikki Haley joined the race. Nathaniel Weixel was a “reporter” The Hill turned the press release into an attack on partisans masquerading to be a “news” item. He accused the majority of Republicans of trying to push Grandma off the proverbial edge.

Trump Campaign

The Trump campaign’s vicious attack on Russia was brutal, but the articles that followed made it appear comparatively calm and traditional. This release The clippings included quotes and press clips about Haley.

This is how Weixel described the missive “The Trump campaign noted Haley supported former Speaker Paul Ryan’s plan to eliminate Medicare and turn it into a voucher system.” Weixel continued to claim. “Republicans have long favored cutting or even eliminating Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.”

Haley’s campaign released a statement attacking Trump that said nothing about “eliminating” Medicare or Social Security. It also did not use the term. “vouchers” Haley was not to be trusted. Instead, Weixel chose to add those terms himself. “reporting.”

Partisan Bias

Use of the term “voucher” It gives you an indication of Weixel’s political bias. The following are some examples. Medicare reform plan Ryan was released with Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who is now chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. The plan outlined the options for seniors’ coverage.

Medicare Exchange will provide senior citizens with an opportunity to choose from a variety of plans in a competitive market. To determine how much federal assistance seniors could use, all plans would be eligible to participate in an annual competition bidding process. A benchmark would determine the amount of coverage support for the plan that the senior chooses, and it could be either the fee-for service Medicare or the second-cheapest approved plan. A senior would pay for the cost difference if he/she chooses a more costly plan than the benchmark.

These two items are noteworthy. Contra Weixel’s assertion that Ryan would, there are two things to be aware of. “eliminate Medicare,” As an option, the plan will offer traditional Medicare.

Second, Obamacare’s exchanges directly fund the linking of federal contributions to second-least-expensive plans. Is that what Weixel refers to when he calls federal payments made to Obamacare participants “vouchers?” Hardly. He was an author. article in October The term was used in the Exchanges’ open enrollment period “subsidies” eight times — including in the title — and the word “vouchers” It has never happened. The same goes for one of Weixel’s coworkers. wrote an article In recent weeks, Obamacare used the term “subsidies” The title was repeated 15 times. “vouchers.”

Also, it means to “reporters” The Hill: When Democrats adopt an insurance bidding process, they call it a “subsidy.” However, the Republicans are proposing to enact it Similar It’s also known as a bidding system for insurance. “voucher.”

Biden’s proposal to eliminate Medicare and Social Security

You could also make similar assertions about Weixel’s comment “Republicans have long favored cutting or even eliminating Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.” This is the case. article The Hill, which was published six days prior to Weixel’s article, stated that President Biden had proposed legislation to end all federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid.

The Hill published an article one day after I. published research Biden’s record of proposing sunsets in these programs is shown, as well as his history. supporting reductions in Medicare and Social Security benefitsVoting against the raising of the debt ceiling, when Congress did not do so. Did Weixel mention any of this information in his story? Nope — Weixel somehow “forgot” When making allegations against Republicans, you should mention the history of Democrats.

Prior to the writing of this article, I attempted to reach Weixel in order to obtain clarifications or explanations. To inquire about the apparent partisan bias in one of The Hill’s reporters writings, I also reached out to several editors. Weixel and his editors did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Dishonest Media

The Hill’s article teaches lessons that go beyond just the merits and benefits of Medicare/Social Security reforms, but also the merits Trump or Haley as candidates. This article shows how media will behave over the next 12 months, magnifying attacks Republicans make against one another during primary campaigns.

Trump might have enjoyed the manner in which Weixel handled its press release, amplifying the criticism against Haley to its advantage. However, things will start to change for the better on another day and with regard to another topic. Trump’s attacks will be exaggerated and out of control, in ways that could harm him as well as other Republicans.

I submitted evidence of partisan bias to Weixel and his editors, but they did not respond. Their silence demonstrated how the media values partisanship and consistency over nonpartisanship. Republicans running to be president will have to weather the attacks of their rival candidates. They’ll also need to resist attacks from the Fourth Estate.

Jacobs is founder and CEO of Juniper Research Group. He also co-authored The Case Against Singlepayer. Follow him @chrisjacobsHC on Twitter.