On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, John Dickerson of CBS News made a thought-provoking statement about the current state of press coverage in presidential campaigns. He argued that the media often portrays the presidency as a superhero office, where complex problems can be solved with a single tweet. However, Dickerson believes that we need to focus on the attributes, character, and temperament of the person in office, as well as the daily tasks they face.
According to Dickerson, being a good president requires qualities such as restraint and an understanding of the responsibilities that come with the job. Presidents spend their days dealing with foreign policy, security, and handling classified information that the public is unaware of. They also tackle the real fear of potential cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. However, these crucial aspects are often overshadowed by the flashy and often nonsensical topics discussed in campaigns.
Dickerson emphasizes the need to shift the focus from campaign theatrics to the office itself. He urges viewers to think about what a person will be like in the office and what questions they need to address as a president. He criticizes the media for not giving enough attention to these important aspects and for failing to provide a comprehensive understanding of what the job truly entails.
The conversation then shifted to the aftermath of the 2020 election and former President Donald Trump’s repeated false claims of victory. Dickerson describes Trump’s rhetoric as “burning the Democratic furniture,” meaning that his false claims incite violence. He warns that the danger is still present, as Trump’s continued promotion of these falsehoods stokes the flames of unrest. Lawmakers continue to face threats, and the atmosphere remains tense.
Despite this, Dickerson highlights the positive aspect of the last election, namely the peaceful transfer of power. He commends those who held the line against Trump’s falsehoods and hopes that the same resilience will prevail in future elections. However, the looming threats are a cause for concern, as the violence associated with such false beliefs still persists.
When asked to grade the speech, Dickerson politely refrains from giving a direct answer. Nevertheless, his implications suggest that the situation is far from ideal.
This insightful conversation on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by the press in covering presidential campaigns and the sobering reality of the current political landscape. As the discussion reminds us, the noise and spectacle of campaigns should not overshadow the gravity and complexities of the presidency.
