C-SPAN’s Coverage of Trump Rally Sparks Widespread Criticism: ‘A Rally Isn’t News. It’s Propaganda’
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Former president Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa, broadcasts live on C-SPAN, Saturday evening…and people are fighting mad about it.
Despite lack of a formal announcement of his candidacy, Trump and C-SPAN are promoting the Iowa event as “Campaign 2024,” prompting those on social media to aggressively question why the network would broadcast such an event, as it usually televises U.S. government proceedings in the House of Representatives and Senate.
“What campaign? Has he officially filed with FEC? If not, he is breaking federal law. Again. @cspan used to be respected. This is not news,” one Twitter user wrote.
C-SPAN didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
What campaign? Has he officially filed with FEC? If not, he is breaking federal law. Again.@cspan used to be respected. This is not news.
— Barbara Monaco (@barbramon1) October 9, 2021
That sentiment was repeatedly echoed.
Here's the point CSPAN: a rally isn't news. It's propaganda. Falling for bothsidesism isn't journalism, unless ur thinking Yellow Journalism
— JoanONo! Masked Warrior (@mimilu) October 9, 2021
Has he announced? Are you covering any other potential 2024 candidates when they have gatherings? If not, stop this.
— NO NAKED NOSTRILS! Damkina (@damkina) October 9, 2021
Do you broadcast every public event where a former President speaks? Because if not, I have serious questions about why you would show this.
— Lauren Down South (@LaurenDownSouth) October 9, 2021
Since when does a private citizen get c-span coverage for a rally he holds?
— Trudy Tarasoff (@tlt55) October 9, 2021
Ten of 13 of Trump’s current and former advisera have said they believe he would run, according to a Washington Post informal poll. One said they weren’t sure, while the remaining two said it was “a public relations ploy.” Judging by Trump’s comment on the topic on Sept. 11, the truth could be just about anything.
“We’re not supposed to be talking about it yet, from the standpoint of campaign finance laws, which frankly are ridiculous,” Trump said on Sept. 11. “But I think you are going to be happy. Let me put it that way.”
The campaign finance laws he speaks of seem to be the root of his hesitance to declare his candidacy. It prohibits him from coordinating with super PACs like his newly branded MAGA political action committee “Make American Great Again, Again!” or PAC Save America, which collectively brought in more than $80 million in the first half of this year alone. But because he hasn’t officially declared his candidacy, he can coordinate with them and use the money for travel or rallies or whatnot.
And, with C-SPAN’s televising of today’s Iowa rally, it is being accused of taking part in the effort by Trump’s “2024 campaign” to dodge campaign finance law.
Why is this being shown on c-span?
Seems inappropriate and detrimental to our country.
Whose pocket is C-Span in
Pitiful— L S (@LuLucy8) October 9, 2021
WTF is the matter with C-SPAN? This is why we can't have nice things. All principles go out the window when money comes along. Pathetic.
— Alfred Delp (@OhmsParty) October 9, 2021
Are you really this desperate for ratings?
— EducatedWildChildGrownUp (@ListenHere12) October 9, 2021
C•SPAN is now Q•SPAN
— Jodie (@JodieHMoss) October 9, 2021