Follow the Transcript, Not the Pundits

For John, BLUF:  When the President isn't perfect in his answer he is smeared as some sort of "…ist."  Is there any chance to get a good report?  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Debate Transcript Shows Trump Did Not “Refuse to Denounce” White Supremacists, Contrary to Media Narrative

Here is the sub-headline:

Chris Wallace asked Trump if he was willing to condemn white supremacy.  Trump said “sure.”  Twice, as Wallace and Biden talked over him.

From Legal Insurrection, by Ms Mary Chastain, 30 September 2020.

Here is the lede plus six:

The left and media claim President Donald Trump refused to denounce white supremacy.

The debate transcript tells a different story.

As Emily Jashinsky at The Federalist noted, you can have issues with how Trump handled the question.

After he said “sure” I think he should have expanded on the answer.  But you cannot change the definition of “sure.”  Chris Wallace asked Trump if he was willing to condemn white supremacy.  Trump said “sure.”

Then Trump said, “Yes, I am willing to do it.”

Trump said “sure” and “yes.”  Therefore he answered the question.  Should he have gone further? Yes.

But do not misinform people about his answer.  Saying “willing” does not mean Trump “refused” to condemn white supremacy.

The "Narrative" is strong in some of the Reporters who give us our news.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff