In a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” CBS News Prime Time’s John Dickerson weighed in on the current political landscape. The conversation touched on the recent surge in popularity for potential Republican candidate Nikki Haley, as well as the ever-present dominance of Donald Trump in the party.
Dickerson emphasized the idea that just because Trump does something, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s newsworthy. He noted that while Trump’s supporters are loyal, many other voters may sway and change their minds. This makes it challenging for any alternative candidate to gain traction. Despite any controversies or questionable actions, Trump remains in a commanding position within his party.
The lack of serious attacks against Trump from fellow Republican candidates was also highlighted during the interview. Dickerson observed that aside from Chris Christie, no one seemed willing to confront Trump regarding his actions, such as threatening the Constitution by declaring the last election was stolen. Dickerson suggested that these candidates may not be taking their campaigns seriously if they fail to address such issues.
One unique aspect of Trump’s candidacy is that he has been thoroughly vetted during his time in office. Dickerson pointed out that there is a clear record of Trump’s actions and how he prioritizes personal interest over the country. Multiple individuals, including the leader of the House Republicans, the leader of the Senate Republicans, and even the vice president, have publicly stated that Trump failed the Constitutional test on January 6.
Despite all of this, Trump still seeks a second presidency, a fact that Dickerson finds extraordinary. He also questioned whether there would be enough evidence to convict Trump if he were to be indicted for his actions in protecting the Constitution. Dickerson noted that there is no record of Trump showing caution in the weeks leading up to January 6 regarding his claims of a stolen election.
Addressing the challenge of covering a candidate like Trump, who transitioned from a clownish figure to a potential national tragedy, Dickerson highlighted the importance of not always viewing the world through a political lens. He stressed the need to cover important issues facing the country and to understand why people support Trump. Dickerson recommended a journalistic approach that emphasizes reporting the truth, even when it is sandwiched between untruths. He also encouraged journalists to avoid taking the bait when Trump purposely tries to inflame news coverage.
Ultimately, Dickerson warned that focusing on the chaos and spectacle of the Trump presidency can overshadow the critical issues that still need to be addressed. The electorate has been let down by politicians promising to address their concerns, and continued coverage of Trump’s theatrics will only perpetuate this letdown.
