Trump’s decision to not attend an annual american press gala has far bigger news

Trump’s decision to not attend an annual american press gala has far bigger news

Right-wing parties in democracies often complain about the press’ ‘liberal bias’, and the press, if it is reporting and analysing fairly, cheerfully accepts the charge. Mature countries must have right and left political groups, and it is not surprising that the press, as a watchdog of liberties, has a ‘liberal bias’.
Working relationships between right-wing parties and the press continue. But that isn’t the case any more in America, which is worrying because the demonstration effect of American bad habits can be considerable. So, Donald Trump’s decision to not attend an annual American press gala has far bigger import than the news suggests. Other democracies will suffer if they import current American norms.
The White House press corps party by itself is of no particular systemic importance: journals, polls, Hollywood types, social notables wear formals, drink good liquor, listen to a comedian and network. But that a democratically elected leader and a free press find themselves in a situation where they can’t spend one evening schmoozing suggests systemic near-breakdown.
Some US media outlets disengaged from the event because Trump is the president. That’s at best an immature response, and a telling commentary on how bad things are.
So, here’s a suggestion: let Trump appear in a press gala with the global media in attendance, let him say what he wants, and let the MC make fun of him, as is the tradition at the US event. American press is invited of course.
This is easily organised by the way: just a matter of hiring a good hotel and a drawing up a guest list. Between Indian and non-American Western media, finding sponsors should be easy. New Delhi can even be the host city if Washingtonian politics remains toxic. May be what US press and pols need most is a good party.