The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "ABC Gives Trump $15 Million" – Detailed Summary
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Introduction
In the December 16, 2024 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz dives deep into a landmark media lawsuit where ABC News agreed to pay Donald Trump $15 million in a defamation settlement. The discussion explores the implications of this settlement on media accountability, the shifting landscape of mainstream media's relationship with political figures, and the broader challenges facing large media organizations in the age of polarized politics.
ABC News' $15 Million Settlement with Donald Trump
The centerpiece of the episode is the revelation that ABC News has settled a defamation lawsuit with former President Donald Trump for $15 million. John Podhoretz articulates his surprise and examines the factors leading to this unprecedented settlement:
John Podhoretz [03:20]: "ABC News giving $15 million to the Trump Presidential Library on my bingo card for 2024."
Podhoretz highlights the significance of settling such a high-profile case, especially given the rigorous standards set by the Supreme Court for defamation claims involving public figures, as established in New York Times v. Sullivan. He expresses skepticism about the validity of Trump's claims:
John Podhoretz [04:10]: "I don't believe E. Jean Carroll. I think this story is a lie."
The hosts dissect the legal nuances, noting that the civil trial's lower burden of proof compared to criminal cases played a role in the jury's decision. Matthew Continetti adds to the conversation by clarifying the jury's stance:
Matthew Continetti [04:25]: "The jury was asked on its jury questionnaire if they had thought he was guilty of rape. They said no."
This exchange underscores the complexities of defamation law and its application in cases involving allegations of misconduct by high-profile individuals.
Media Accountability and Historical Context
Abe Greenwald provides historical context, comparing the current settlement to past media defamation cases:
Abe Greenwald [07:35]: "Trump moon. That's what we're living through."
He references George Stephanopoulos’s financial ties, highlighting a shift from earlier affiliations with the Clinton Foundation to now supporting Trump. This pivot is seen as symptomatic of a broader trend where once adversarial media institutions are adjusting their stances in response to Trump's enduring influence.
John Podhoretz further explores the challenges of holding large media corporations accountable:
John Podhoretz [13:26]: "It's too expensive for individuals to do this."
He cites the Gawker case, where media accountability led to the company's downfall after a high-stakes lawsuit funded by Peter Thiel. This example serves as a cautionary tale about the power dynamics between wealthy individuals and media entities.
Shifting Media Dynamics and Corporate Interests
The podcast delves into the evolving relationship between mainstream media and political figures. Abe Greenwald observes a noticeable shift in media institutions that were once staunch critics of Trump now adopting a more accommodating posture:
Abe Greenwald [08:45]: "Institutions that were once heavily critical... now have a more accommodating posture."
Christine Rosen and Seth Mandel discuss the internal conflicts within media organizations, particularly focusing on George Stephanopoulos and his interactions with Nancy Mace. They argue that corporate interests, notably those of Disney (the parent company of ABC), are influencing media outlets to prioritize profitability and brand reputation over journalistic integrity.
Christine Rosen [12:01]: "Trump seems to have had him dead to rights here."
Matthew Continetti adds that media companies fear legal repercussions and potential loss of credibility, which motivates quick settlements over protracted legal battles.
Declining Mainstream Media and Rise of Alternative Platforms
John Podhoretz contrasts the declining viewership of mainstream cable news networks like MSNBC with the growing popularity of alternative platforms such as The Commentary Magazine Podcast. He highlights statistical evidence of podcasts garnering higher engagement among key demographics (ages 25-49) compared to established cable news shows:
John Podhoretz [32:01]: "Commentary's Podcast has more listeners than that on a daily basis."
Abe Greenwald and others discuss the financial sustainability of traditional media outlets in the face of cord-cutting and changing viewer habits. They predict a potential decline or restructuring of big media networks as they struggle to maintain relevance and profitability.
The Future of Media Accountability
The hosts emphasize the importance of defamation lawsuits as a mechanism for holding media accountable. They argue that without legal challenges, large media corporations remain unchecked, perpetuating biased or false narratives. John Podhoretz suggests that high-profile lawsuits force transparency and integrity within media organizations:
John Podhoretz [17:20]: "Nothing to do with ratings. Cable channels get money from cable systems providers that pay them what are called carriage fees."
Abe Greenwald reinforces the notion that media accountability is essential for restoring public trust:
Abe Greenwald [30:19]: "Somebody like Louis Farrakhan... was put on the lawsuit. And it was eventually thrown out before anything went."
This historical perspective underscores the ongoing struggle between media power and individual rights.
Broader Media Challenges: The NJ Drone Incident
Beyond the main discussion on the ABC-News settlement, the podcast touches on the mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey and the inadequate media response. The hosts express frustration over mainstream media's failure to prioritize this national security concern:
John Podhoretz [39:36]: "Media is treating this story not as a media story but as a Trump Pounces story."
They argue that significant national issues, like the drone incidents, are being overshadowed by sensationalist or politically motivated stories, further eroding public trust in mainstream media.
Conclusion: A Call for Media Transformation
The episode concludes with a strong critique of mainstream media's current trajectory and a call for transformation towards greater accountability and integrity. The hosts advocate for leveraging legal avenues to challenge media narratives that lack substantiation, thereby fostering a more truthful and responsible press.
John Podhoretz [30:44]: "But it is now something that people may do now. And the interesting response on the part of media critics..."
By settling the lawsuit, ABC News inadvertently signals a potential shift in how media organizations handle defamation claims, possibly paving the way for more balanced and accurate reporting in the future.
Notable Quotes
- John Podhoretz [03:20]: "ABC News giving $15 million to the Trump Presidential Library on my bingo card for 2024."
- John Podhoretz [04:10]: "I don't believe E. Jean Carroll. I think this story is a lie."
- Matthew Continetti [04:25]: "The jury was asked on its jury questionnaire if they had thought he was guilty of rape. They said no."
- Abe Greenwald [07:35]: "Trump moon. That's what we're living through."
- Christine Rosen [12:01]: "Trump seems to have had him dead to rights here."
- John Podhoretz [32:01]: "Commentary's Podcast has more listeners than that on a daily basis."
This comprehensive discussion in The Commentary Magazine Podcast not only dissects a pivotal media lawsuit but also lays bare the structural and ethical challenges that mainstream media faces in today’s polarized political climate. The hosts advocate for heightened accountability and greater public scrutiny to ensure that media organizations serve the public interest with honesty and integrity.