Chuck Todd becomes the story, journalistic fail
A few weeks ago Chuck Todd made an epic journalistic blunder. By now most are aware of his continual failure at giving real unbiased journalism.
Chuck Todd called out Alison Lundergan Grimes, the Democratic opponent of Mitch McConnell for Kentucky senator. He called her out for not stating that she voted for President Obama at an editorial interview. He said the following on the Daily Rundown.
It just came across as you are trying to be a US Senator, you want to cast tough votes? You can’t even answer that question? It borders on disqualification. To some voters they are going to sit there and say I can’t vote for you and I don’t want to vote for him. I don’t know what to do.
Republicans in Kentucky immediately used Chuck Todd’s statements and video in their ads attacking Alison Lundergan Grimes. What was Chuck Todd’s response to that? He blamed the candidate for his journalistic blunder.
I think that is one of those situations where she invited this on herself. It feels like she had a lot of consultants whispering in her ear, ‘Whatever you do don’t give Mitch McConnell a line for a TV ad.’
The video above illustrates why a real journalist must ensure they are not taking sides. They become unable to conduct an interview without themselves being called out.
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) used Chuck Todd’s own words against him. Chuck Todd talking about Mitch McConnell’s not putting his race away elicited a gleeful response.
“I think Mitch is going to win in Kentucky,” Rob Portman said. “By the way, you are the one that said she had disqualified herself, his opponent, by saying she wouldn’t tell people whether she voted for President Obama or not.”
Chuck Todd’s response was more defensive than Alison Lundergan Grimes’ answer to the editorial board. “I meant that voters might think that at the time.” Of course that is what you meant Chuck.