Just for Eberly, so he can stop hyperventilating:
The claim that some media outlets are "sanewashing" Donald Trump is a criticism that has gained traction, particularly since late 2024.
This accusation suggests that some journalists, when reporting on Trump's often rambling and sometimes incoherent statements, may be inadvertently or intentionally "cleaning up" his language to make his comments appear more rational and cogent than they truly were in their original form.
Critics of "sanewashing" allege that this practice can distort the public's understanding of Trump's actual rhetoric and potentially normalize statements that might otherwise be considered problematic or misleading.
Examples cited by critics include instances where:
News headlines might distill a long and disjointed social media post by Trump into a seemingly straightforward news lead, omitting the more unusual or controversial elements.
Direct quotes might be edited for clarity or conciseness, potentially removing some of the rambling or tangential remarks present in the original speech.
Some argue that while journalists strive to provide useful and understandable information, this process of "polishing" Trump's remarks can inadvertently create an alternative narrative that obscures the full reality of his statements.
It's important to note that this is a criticism of media coverage and not necessarily an endorsement of its accuracy or validity. The debate surrounding "sanewashing" highlights ongoing concerns about media ethics, the challenges of accurately reporting on controversial figures, and the potential impact of news coverage on public perception.
Recent examples:
The media responding to Gavin Newsom's social media posts mocking Trump's style of posting, without questioning Trump's style of posting.
apnews.com
www.editorandpublisher.com
link.motherjones.com
www.poynter.org