"Enemy of the American People"

The following is a MediaNote Classic. It was first presented to MC101 students in March 2017.

Perhaps the single most startling statement of President Trump's short time in office is his proclamation that the media is the "enemy of the American people." While it is true that there have been a huge number of negative stories about Mr. Trump in the media, it is also true that the news media has always taken on an adversarial role toward the President. But the question is, is that adversarial role good for America? Two past Presidents--one a Democrat, the other a Republican--talk about the need for a news media that is free to criticize anyone, especially the President.

Questions...

•What set of rules would you create for the White House Press Corps, no matter who is in office?

•What do you wish the American news media did better? What is the American news media good at?

•What are appropriate ways for the President to respond to news stories he feels are untrue or unfair?

•How do you feel about the President's Twitter account?