Donald Trump pitched a fit over an editorial from The Des Moines Register, which asked Trump to leave the presidential race. The piece described Trump as a “bloviating side show,” “a feckless blowhard,” and “the distraction with traction.” Trump does not agree with this assessment, so he banned Iowa’s largest newspaper from a campaign event in a critical state. Not a very wise move, especially considering how an editorial article can’t possibly reflect the views of an entire audience.
The Register responded to Trump’s tantrum by printing his statement — because it’s fun when newspapers themselves become part of the news cycle:
“I am not at all surprised by the Des Moines Register’s sophomoric editorial. As one of the most liberal newspapers in the United States, the poll results were just too much for them to bear. They will do anything for a headline, and this poorly written “non-endorsement” got them some desperately needed ink. I have been treated very badly. They were uneven and inconsistent, but far more importantly, very dishonest. It is always wonderful to have the support of a newspaper, even a failing one, but this has only given me more motivation to fight harder in Iowa and Make America Great Again!”
The paper’s editor, Amalie Nash, also provided a measured, rational response:
“We refute any statements by Mr. Trump that our reporting has been inaccurate or dishonest. He called one of our editors three months ago with concerns about coverage of one of his appearances. Otherwise, his campaign has never contacted our staff with concerns about our reporting and has in fact complimented our coverage. We have covered his campaign extensively in Iowa, as we have with all of the candidates campaigning here, and we will continue to do so. Our editorial will have no bearing on our news coverage of Mr. Trump.”
Trump banned this newspaper for an opinion piece, which proves that his skin is so thin he couldn’t possibly handle the nation’s highest office. He responds to any and all criticism by bloviating, so the editorial wasn’t wrong. Can you imagine if this guy was actually elected president? He’d spend all his time arguing on Twitter and never allow himself the time to run a country.
(via Des Moines Register & Politico)
