America’s political media is a billion-dollar conflict industry that relishes discord, division and acrimony. It is sustained by performative outrage, cynicism and fear, which is cultivated, stoked and driven by an unrelenting ethic of self over country, and profit over principle. The result is profound distrust in the media by the American people, who view the media as being biased towards power, at the expense of the public interest. They are held in the same deep disdain as the political and corporate elite, who have shattered the social compact and engorged themselves, while sprinkling platitudes aimed at disguising their corruption.
While I agree with you on this, sometimes I can’t believe this is what we have become. DeSantis is cruel, sadistic. That this man would run for President in the US is unbelievable. I marvel everyday at the lack of lawsuits against him for Constitutional violations against the people in FL. What happened to us?
Ukraine. This is another lesson in history repeating itself. We dithered around concerning Hitler and the results were catastrophic. Putin will not be stopped, unless we stop him, now. I read a quote this week, forgive me I am about to mess it up, but it was in essence about seeing a snake about to strike. You don’t wait until it strikes to kill it, you crush it before it strikes. This is where we are.
It is all exhausting and I have moments and days, when I have to step back from it all. To take deep breaths and just focus on the river and all the critters that live around me. But, I always read what you have to say. Your words are important and need to be said. Thank you.
Steve, your best is every day. And the above could not be more urgent for, not only Americans, but democracies around the world. Putin has never loved the grandiosity that Russia contributed to the world. He, instead, follows Stalin in intent and murderous ruling. You and I, as is the Russian population, we all mean nothing, thus we are nothing to the Putins of the world. Ukraine and its leader and citizens are the manifestation of us when aggression violates all human principles that advance our civilization. I last heard this morning how, failing to recruit his prisoners who want nothing to do with his war, Putin is now sending his subjects (inferiors is his evident definition of who is ruled under his Russian Federation) into Ukraine under the influence of drugs. I will not add what his legacy is. I am concerned, as you, that the American legacy is now beholden to the worst in us. Those given a legacy to protect are wired instead to destroy. DeSantis rules by taking away, in a country that treasures the freedom towards a just representation of its citizens. I warned years ago and do so again: Follow The Money. And I urge the journalists who distance themselves from media self-ingratiating follies to be aggressive when investigating candidates for office, no matter the level and, especially, the presidency. Trump slipped through in the same manner that Santos disgraces the Congress today. But these two are the obvious ones. How many more should never have reached the empowerment vested upon them by Fox-like Disinformed and candidate Misinformed voters? There is much ahead to fight for if we treasure America and its legacy. It demands, not virtue signalling and much less limited to the contrast of virtues versus sins in Catholicism, given that religion has so influenced extremism in our soil. No, it is rather the distinction of what is fundamental in the shaping of We The People today, grounded on the most basic tenet that is justice and the achievement of human rights.
I love ya, Steve. Seriously. All through this insane Time O' Trump you have been a rock-solid voice of reason. But, as I complained about a few months back, I am not a fan of your use of terms like "America's political media" in this and similar contexts. Lumping all "media" together. Left with Right. Oan with NYT. Fox with MSNBC.
It just doesn't make any sense to me. It smacks of Both Sides-Ism. It seems, at best, like the self-blinding "bi-partisanship" of Joe Biden's admin early on.
I'm perfectly open to criticisms of the likes of NYT and MSNBC. They are not perfect. But now and during most of the Trump era (excluding the first year as they got their bearings and tried to wrap their brains around the sheer tonnage of Lying and corruption) the contrast and distinction could not be more clear and obvious. And more urgent to be clear about.
Steve, we need more attention to the Constitution, particularly section 3 of the 14th amendment. The failure to enforce that section against the traitors who gave aid and comfort to the coup d’etat insurrectionists, are guilty of not supporting and defending the Constitution, as is their oath of office. So, when will we stand up for the Constitution? The failure of the media to ignore this critical issue and focus on the acrimony is a clear indictment of their failure and complicit behavior towards the January 6th coup.
Feb 10, 2023·edited Feb 10, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt
I WROTE THIS BEFORE WATCHING STEVE'S POWERFUL VIDEO. THIS IS ONLY IN RESPONSE TO HIS WRITTEN ESSAY.
Steve, you have outdone yourself in this brilliant essay! Who do you remind me of? Perhaps Mark Twain in one of his better moments? Anyway, I am sitting here laughing out loud -- despite the serious problems about which you write -- because the pictures you paint are absolutely HILARIOUS!
Re Ron deSantis: "his lack of charisma, intellect, leadership ,integrity and basic [un?]attractiveness. He is less compelling than vanilla, with the charm of poison ivy." (LOL!) Re the orange sadist: "America’s 'corruptocracy' ... has grown weary of Trump and his final worst version — which makes the bloated and addled end-stage Elvis appear to be a bronzed Apollo in comparison." (LOL!!!) Thank you for making my day wonderful!
Steve, you have not wavered from your warnings. Thank you for helping us understand the “why” and the “how” our nation and world got to these perilous times.
Great commentary Steve and I believe, unfortunately, spot on regarding how the crisis in Ukraine will be trivialized by the MAGA Right and lead to calls for increased isolationism much as you describe. I hope we’re both wrong and Americans won’t go for the next shiny object and instead choose to focus on the basics and fundamentals necessary to ensure democracy’s survival as we know it.
Visionary. We've seen enough to be able to foretell what is coming in the Republican primary -- staging, scripting, leading characters, bit players, chorus, drama critics -- in its road testing before beginning the long proverbial run on Broadway. And only the American people will be able to close it for good in November 2024. Your forecast -- I think of a view from the heights all the way to the horizon -- has it all. I will be very surprised if it doesn't play out essentially as you have portrayed it. Thank you.
We must do more to help Ukraine. Has everyone here seen the Ken Burns documentary "US and the Holocaust" on PBS? It shows exactly what Steve references re Roosevelt and how this is a mirror of what is happening today in our country.
We thought Joe McCarthy from our great state of WI would be the last one but Barry Goldwater... The lack of consensual ethics in reporting/media and proliferation of loud pundits who make money makes it difficult. It is scary yet people seem to be using more common sense. The tide is turning.
While I agree with you on this, sometimes I can’t believe this is what we have become. DeSantis is cruel, sadistic. That this man would run for President in the US is unbelievable. I marvel everyday at the lack of lawsuits against him for Constitutional violations against the people in FL. What happened to us?
Ukraine. This is another lesson in history repeating itself. We dithered around concerning Hitler and the results were catastrophic. Putin will not be stopped, unless we stop him, now. I read a quote this week, forgive me I am about to mess it up, but it was in essence about seeing a snake about to strike. You don’t wait until it strikes to kill it, you crush it before it strikes. This is where we are.
It is all exhausting and I have moments and days, when I have to step back from it all. To take deep breaths and just focus on the river and all the critters that live around me. But, I always read what you have to say. Your words are important and need to be said. Thank you.
Steve, your best is every day. And the above could not be more urgent for, not only Americans, but democracies around the world. Putin has never loved the grandiosity that Russia contributed to the world. He, instead, follows Stalin in intent and murderous ruling. You and I, as is the Russian population, we all mean nothing, thus we are nothing to the Putins of the world. Ukraine and its leader and citizens are the manifestation of us when aggression violates all human principles that advance our civilization. I last heard this morning how, failing to recruit his prisoners who want nothing to do with his war, Putin is now sending his subjects (inferiors is his evident definition of who is ruled under his Russian Federation) into Ukraine under the influence of drugs. I will not add what his legacy is. I am concerned, as you, that the American legacy is now beholden to the worst in us. Those given a legacy to protect are wired instead to destroy. DeSantis rules by taking away, in a country that treasures the freedom towards a just representation of its citizens. I warned years ago and do so again: Follow The Money. And I urge the journalists who distance themselves from media self-ingratiating follies to be aggressive when investigating candidates for office, no matter the level and, especially, the presidency. Trump slipped through in the same manner that Santos disgraces the Congress today. But these two are the obvious ones. How many more should never have reached the empowerment vested upon them by Fox-like Disinformed and candidate Misinformed voters? There is much ahead to fight for if we treasure America and its legacy. It demands, not virtue signalling and much less limited to the contrast of virtues versus sins in Catholicism, given that religion has so influenced extremism in our soil. No, it is rather the distinction of what is fundamental in the shaping of We The People today, grounded on the most basic tenet that is justice and the achievement of human rights.
I thought we’d seen ugly, how naive I was. The MAGAts prove daily how low they go.
The psychology of Putin is the same psychology used by religion, Fox, DeSantis, Trump, et. al., along with all the 24/7 media "expert" talking heads.
Their message, we, you, are not safe anywhere. They are coming for you and will take everything you value. We are all doomed.
We are engaged in manufactured perpetual fight or flight.
Their rhetoric is nothing more than an insidious illusion of strength.
We the people have the power to break the spell.
I am focusing on keeping my voting age family in the know Steve by sharing most of what you and several others here on Substack write about.
I am confident that we will hold the line for democracy and Moderately progressive ideals with at least 12 out of 15 here!
Please keep writing!
I love ya, Steve. Seriously. All through this insane Time O' Trump you have been a rock-solid voice of reason. But, as I complained about a few months back, I am not a fan of your use of terms like "America's political media" in this and similar contexts. Lumping all "media" together. Left with Right. Oan with NYT. Fox with MSNBC.
It just doesn't make any sense to me. It smacks of Both Sides-Ism. It seems, at best, like the self-blinding "bi-partisanship" of Joe Biden's admin early on.
I'm perfectly open to criticisms of the likes of NYT and MSNBC. They are not perfect. But now and during most of the Trump era (excluding the first year as they got their bearings and tried to wrap their brains around the sheer tonnage of Lying and corruption) the contrast and distinction could not be more clear and obvious. And more urgent to be clear about.
Kudos! Bravo!
Scary, but powerful. I guess there will always be madmen to disturb the peace. Has there ever been a mad woman in that spot?
Steve, we need more attention to the Constitution, particularly section 3 of the 14th amendment. The failure to enforce that section against the traitors who gave aid and comfort to the coup d’etat insurrectionists, are guilty of not supporting and defending the Constitution, as is their oath of office. So, when will we stand up for the Constitution? The failure of the media to ignore this critical issue and focus on the acrimony is a clear indictment of their failure and complicit behavior towards the January 6th coup.
Steve your video and your assessment
Blew Me Away…it was Stupendous !!!
Wow it is great and your explanation was
Direct and for me you get A+++ great job!
You were honest and God what are we waiting for Let’s Help Ukraine Now!!!
Russia WON’T stop ….NATO must act
Urgently or Eastern and Western Europe
Could be in Dire circumstances this isn’t
Brain Surgery it’s COMMON SENSE !!!
Think China isn’t watching and ready to
Attack Taiwan? It reminds me of our hesitance to act to help in WWII to save
Slaughter of Jewish! Ukrainians Heroes
To me AND have shown they belong Allied
With us in NATO and The EU Open your
Hearts and minds welcome Ukraine also!!!
America Wake Up ! Steve BRAVO! Marsha
I WROTE THIS BEFORE WATCHING STEVE'S POWERFUL VIDEO. THIS IS ONLY IN RESPONSE TO HIS WRITTEN ESSAY.
Steve, you have outdone yourself in this brilliant essay! Who do you remind me of? Perhaps Mark Twain in one of his better moments? Anyway, I am sitting here laughing out loud -- despite the serious problems about which you write -- because the pictures you paint are absolutely HILARIOUS!
Re Ron deSantis: "his lack of charisma, intellect, leadership ,integrity and basic [un?]attractiveness. He is less compelling than vanilla, with the charm of poison ivy." (LOL!) Re the orange sadist: "America’s 'corruptocracy' ... has grown weary of Trump and his final worst version — which makes the bloated and addled end-stage Elvis appear to be a bronzed Apollo in comparison." (LOL!!!) Thank you for making my day wonderful!
Steve, you have not wavered from your warnings. Thank you for helping us understand the “why” and the “how” our nation and world got to these perilous times.
Great commentary Steve and I believe, unfortunately, spot on regarding how the crisis in Ukraine will be trivialized by the MAGA Right and lead to calls for increased isolationism much as you describe. I hope we’re both wrong and Americans won’t go for the next shiny object and instead choose to focus on the basics and fundamentals necessary to ensure democracy’s survival as we know it.
Visionary. We've seen enough to be able to foretell what is coming in the Republican primary -- staging, scripting, leading characters, bit players, chorus, drama critics -- in its road testing before beginning the long proverbial run on Broadway. And only the American people will be able to close it for good in November 2024. Your forecast -- I think of a view from the heights all the way to the horizon -- has it all. I will be very surprised if it doesn't play out essentially as you have portrayed it. Thank you.
Excellent Steve... keep doing your TRUTH TELLING!!! The days ahead are going to be perilous indeed!
We must do more to help Ukraine. Has everyone here seen the Ken Burns documentary "US and the Holocaust" on PBS? It shows exactly what Steve references re Roosevelt and how this is a mirror of what is happening today in our country.
We thought Joe McCarthy from our great state of WI would be the last one but Barry Goldwater... The lack of consensual ethics in reporting/media and proliferation of loud pundits who make money makes it difficult. It is scary yet people seem to be using more common sense. The tide is turning.