Mission Statement

This blog provides a regular critique of the editorial segments produced by Sinclair Broadcasting, which are "must-run" content on the dozens of Sinclair-owned stations across the country. The purpose is not to simply offer an opposing argument to positions taken by Boris Epshteyn and Mark Hyman, but rather to offer a critique of their manner of argumentation and its effect on the public sphere.

Showing posts with label daca. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daca. Show all posts

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Epshteyn's Slanted Take on DACA



Here’s Boris Epstheyn’s recent “Bottom Line” editorial on DACA, with some corrective commentary interspersed.

Looks like the big meeting at the White House will happen after all. Last week, the Democrat minority leaders of the House and the Senate attempted a public relations gambit when they turned down the president’s invitation to discuss pressing year-end items. The biggest key, funding the government beyond the deadline of December 8th.

Notice the use of the phrase “public relations gambit.” This frames the interaction as a game with “players”, “winners,” “losers”, etc. 

One could make the same point and maintain a degree of objectivity by simply saying that they “declined the meeting,” but that wouldn’t skew the perspective, which is Epshteyn’s goal.
The reason given for the Democrats not heading down to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. was the president’s tweet expressing skepticism that a deal is possible which includes both government funding and a resolution on DACA. Now, they are willing to talk it out.