The Infuriatingly Lazy Coverage of the Fetterman-Oz Debate
I know you get hit up with a ton of requests, but I hope you will consider becoming a paid subscriber to Message Box. I started this newsletter with the goal of giving Democratic candidates, operatives, and activists at all levels strategic advice, polling analysis, and message guidance. This project depends entirely on support from readers. Paid subscribers receive:
Thank you. The Infuriatingly Lazy Coverage of the Fetterman-Oz DebateBy defaulting to their worst instincts, the political press did the Oz Campaign's dirty works
The worst elements of American political journalism were on display Tuesday night during the highly anticipated debate between John Fetterman and Dr. Oz. Fetterman, who has been very open about his recovery since suffering a stroke earlier this year, engaged in his first high-profile public appearance since returning to the trail. Debates are challenging even under the best of circumstances. For Fetterman, who relies on closed captioning due to auditory processing issues, struggles were inevitable. The putatively objective political media logged onto Twitter to offer their hot and insulting takes on Fetterman’s performance. What transpired was an abomination. The Pennsylvania Senate race is a big deal. Fetterman and Oz are two well-known individuals whose presence in the race determines their parties’ futures. It is likely control of the Senate will come down to Pennsylvania. Candidates deserve scrutiny. Voters deserve answers about Fetterman’s health just as they deserve answers about Oz’s financial grifts and puppy murders. Frankly, the omerta among Capitol Hill insiders about the fitness of some of the elderly members has done a disservice to the country. Some of the press scrutiny was well-intentioned, but very little of it was well executed. The media coverage of this debate reinforced that the lines between political journalism and cheap punditry have blurred beyond recognition. Let me explain. 1. Chroniclers, Not PredictorsJournalism should tell people what happened, not predict what will happen. However, the bulk of the media commentary around Fetterman’s performance was not about what he said or how he said it. Instead, the media offered entirely unfounded views on how they thought Pennsylvania voters would react to Fetterman. First, predicting how voters will respond to campaign proceedings is not a reporter’s job. Second, even if it were their job, it’s not one they are equipped to handle. Most of the reporters offering their analysis/opinion did so from Washington, DC or New York. Few of them have been to Pennsylvania to cover this race, let alone spent enough time there to make a realistic assessment of Fetterman’s impact. Heck, most of them have never spoken to John Fetterman before or after the race. Nate Silver said it well on Twitter on Wednesday morning: ![]() Polls aren't perfect, but debate coverage would be 100x better if the media was more reserved about judging public reaction until it had made some even vaguely objective attempt to gauge how the public had reacted. After all the instability of American politics in the last decades, one would think that the chroniclers of events would have more humility about their ability to predict the future... Keep reading with a 7-day free trialSubscribe to The Message Box to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives. A subscription gets you:
|
Older messages
Why You Should Ignore the Polls
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Stop torturing yourself and get off the Pollercoaster
Joe Biden's Populist Pitch
Monday, October 24, 2022
On Friday, President Biden gave Democrats a message to use in the final weeks of a campaign that may be slipping away.
Abortion, the Economy and a Democratic Closing Argument
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Some thoughts on how Democrats can fine tune their message in a slightly worsening political environment
How Dems Can Court Republicans without Becoming Republican-lite
Thursday, October 13, 2022
In 2022, Dem candidates are appealing to Republican voter without compromising their Democratic values.
Stopping the '24 Insurrection in '22
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Our last best chance to protect the integrity of the 2024 election is right in front of us
You Might Also Like
*This* Is How To Wear Skinny Jeans Like A Fashion Girl In 2025
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
The revival is here. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 3.11.2025 This Is How To Wear Skinny Jeans Like A Fashion Girl In 2025 (Style) This Is How To Wear Skinny Jeans Like A Fashion Girl In 2025 The
The Best Thing: March 11, 2025
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Best Thing is our weekly discussion thread where we share the one thing that we read, listened to, watched, did, or otherwise enjoyed recent… ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
The Most Groundbreaking Beauty Products Of 2025 Are...
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Brands are prioritizing innovation more than ever. The Zoe Report Beauty The Zoe Report 3.11.2025 (Beauty) The 2025 TZR Beauty Groundbreakers Awards (Your New Holy Grail Or Two) The 2025 TZR Beauty
Change Up #Legday With One of These Squat Variations
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
View in Browser Men's Health SHOP MVP EXCLUSIVES SUBSCRIBE Change Up #Legday With One of These Squat Variations Change Up #Legday With One of These Squat Variations The lower body staple is one of
Kylie Jenner Wore The Spiciest Plunging Crop Top While Kissing Timothée Chalamet
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Plus, Amanda Seyfried opens up about her busy year, your daily horoscope, and more. Mar. 11, 2025 Bustle Daily Amanda Seyfried at the Tory Burch Fall RTW 2025 fashion show as part of New York Fashion
Paris Fashion Week Is Getting Interesting Again
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Today in style, self, culture, and power. The Cut March 11, 2025 PARIS FASHION WEEK Fashion Is Getting Interesting Again Designs at Paris Fashion Week once again reflect the times with new aesthetics,
Your dinner table deserves to be lazier
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
NY delis are serving 'Bird Flu Bailout' sandwiches.
Sophie Thatcher Lets In The Light
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Plus: Chet Hanks reaches new heights on Netflix's 'Running Point.' • Mar. 11, 2025 Up Next Your complete guide to industry-shaping entertainment news, exclusive interviews with A-list
Mastering Circumstance
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
“If a man does not master his circumstances then he is bound to be mastered by them.” ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Don't Fall for This Parking Fee Scam Text 🚨
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
How I Use the 'One in, One Out' Method for My Finances. You're not facing any fines. Not displaying correctly? View this newsletter online. TODAY'S FEATURED STORY Don't Fall for the