Fox News: Who's Trump? Biden is an Old Man, The Border is Being Overrun, and Climate Change is a Hoax!
A condensed overview of 15 hours of Fox News for the week ending 9/3/23
Fox News decided the best way to handle former President Donald J. Trump’s many legal problems was to ignore them completely. Last week the network was dedicated to trashing President Biden, scaring its viewers about invading migrants, and discounting the role climate change played in the recent wildfires in Hawaii and the hurricane in Florida.
Hurricane Idalia dominated the news cycle last week as millions of Floridians and others in surrounding states prepared for the worst. For the most part Fox News doesn’t spin or manipulate natural disaster coverage while it’s unfolding.
On Wednesday the first hour of “Fox & Friends,” was dedicated to Hurricane Idalia for a commercial free hour. Most of the coverage was either about the path of the storm or local correspondents reporting directly from the hurricane ravaged area.
The network didn’t get political about the weather event until the cast of “The Five,” allocated several long segments about how climate change played no role in the hurricane or recent wildfires in Maui.
When Fox News wasn’t focused on the powerful storm it fell back on its seemingly favorite topics to whip up its base - the border crisis, Biden bashing and panic about the transgender community.
Anyone exclusively watching the Fox shows I covered last week would have missed out on stories about draconian anti-LGBTQ laws in Africa, updates about the war in Ukraine, or a large grant the Biden administration awarded Hawaii to help strengthen its power grid.
Shows I covered last week
Fox & Friends
The Five
Jesse Watters Primetime
Climate Change Isn’t Real According to Fox News
While “Fox & Friends,” presented segments about the hurricane without political spin, the cast of “The Five,” dedicated more than one segment to minimizing the threat of climate change.
On Tuesday, Dana Perino began a segment about the Hawaiian wildfires by shifting focus to a lawsuit filed by Maui County against Hawaiian Electric Company.
“Democrats in the media didn't waste much time to blame climate change for the horrific wildfire that happened in Maui. But now that narrative just got confronted by reality. Maui officials are publicly blaming Hawaii's largest electric utility company for the deadly wildfires. Filing a lawsuit that claims it was their intentional and malicious mismanagement of power lines that allowed the flames to spark a lot more,” said Perino.
Climate change may have also played a role in devastating fires. According to reporting by the New York Times, since 1990 Hawaii has seen a decrease in rainfall of 31% in the wet season and 6% lower in the dry season.
The La Niña weather pattern has delivered significantly less rainfall since the 1980s and as temperatures have increased the clouds over the islands have thinned. Almost 16% of Maui County is in severe drought and an additional 20% is in moderate drought according to data issued by the U.S. Drought Monitor the week of the fires.
A hotter drier climate and a poorly managed power company could easily have both played a role in the catastrophic devastation on Maui.
Jesse Watters seemed to get a lot of how climate science is funded completely backwards.
“So, it is a pyramid scheme. Climate change, if you think about you have the media, the politicians, and the academics at the top, and then at the bottom you have all of us, the taxpayers. So academics realized early on that the more papers that they put out saying that climate change was caused by humans and the world was going to blow up in two years, if we don't do something about it, they were going to get more grant money from the politicians. And so the media takes these research papers and then they report them and then they get big ratings because everybody gets scared and everybody gets nervous. And then the politicians scare the heck out of you and said, get rid of big oil. We need to go green. And then they throw all of our money around at all of their donors,” said Watters.
If the world Jesse Watters just described was true we would be living in dystopian times. Watters leaves out a huge factor in his argument - the multibillion-dollar oil and gas industry.
While academics beg for grant money the petroleum industry is worth roughly five trillion dollars. The industry has hardly been passive in its fight to stay dominant. Studies and research funded by big oil has muddled climate science for decades.
Then Tyrus a newly retired professional wrestler suddenly became an expert on polar bears.
“But according to them, there's no more polar bears left, but their numbers are up exponentially. So, you. But again, all this is irrelevant because according to AOC, we've got one year, six months and like 12 days left,” said Tyrus.
According to data collected by The Polar Bear Specialist Group - polar bear numbers have rebounded in recent years three subpopulations are in decline over the long term.
Piers Morgan interrupted Tyrus to add his two cents about the U.K.
“Not in England, it doesn't we have the Ice Age in our summers,” said Morgan.
I don’t know where Morgan was this past summer but the U.K. smashed all previous heat records in June.
On Thursday on “Fox & Friends,” Rachel Campos-Duffy made an alarming comment.
“Joe Biden, he's taken this opportunity to basically double down on this is all because of climate. And you know, they're pushing this whole climate change, climate emergency agenda. And this has been his talking point on this, although he has given credit, rightfully so, to the governor for doing things right and trying to help. That's wonderful. But make no mistake, they're not going to let this go to waste. This is going to be another reason for them to push this very anti-human agenda,” said Campos-Duffy.
Anyone could easily argue that it would also be “anti-human,” to ignore the threat of more intense and frequent storms, devastating droughts and punishing temperatures.
When in Doubt Bash Biden
Biden is such a frequent target of Fox News that segments focused on trashing him are like a constant hum on the Murdoch network. Last week they were the number one topic on the shows I covered so I decided to compile a few of the worst comments.
On Monday on “The Five,” Judge Jeanine Pirro took some swipes at the president.
“Because they believe that people hate Donald Trump so much. And it appears that he's going to be the Republican candidate, the Republican nominee based upon what we've seen so far, that they're willing to put him up because they believe that he can beat Donald Trump. It's as simple as that. They hate him, Donald Trump, more than they love the country,” said Pirro.
Later on the same program she said.
“Joe Biden it is not about age. It’s about mental acuity. Joe Biden is a guy who's got some real problems walking and tripping and not knowing where he is.”
On Tuesday Ainsley Earhardt dropped some stats on “Fox & Friends.”
“Eight-nine percent of Republicans, 69% of Democrats and 74% of independents think Biden is too old to be effective for four more years.”
Later that night on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Watters claimed the media wasn’t covering Joe Biden.
“The Joe Biden presidential campaign isn't being covered because it doesn't exist. What's Joe Biden's reelection message? What policies would he implement in a second term? Nobody knows. He hasn't announced them, but he hasn't ever been asked.”
The next day on “The Five,” Watters kept up his attack on the president.
“They need a new line. The line is, ‘well watch him.’ We've watched him walk and see him fall. We watched him talk and forget people's names and we watched him work and we watched him fall asleep in Maui at the U.N. and at the beach.”
On the same program Judge Jeanine brought up the same poll Earhardt cited.
“I mean, it's the American people, 77% of them are concerned about this president. And K.J.P. Karine Jean-Pierre she's gaslighting us. ‘Oh, he's. Go, go, go. We can't keep up with him.’ I mean, when she says that you can't believe another word out of her mouth.”
On Wednesday on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” the host brought up the same poll.
“Zeroing in on Joe Biden's fitness yesterday, saying what we all know. Biden's too weak to be president. 77% of Americans say he's just simply too old to run again . . . Joe Biden does not make the Biden foreign policy. He's told what the Biden foreign policy is and that reveals that Joe Biden is not in control of the Biden administration, which tells us that the man we elected is not running the country. All the hyperventilating about our democracy being under siege. It's true, but not in the way the media describes it,” said Watters.
On Friday Watters went even darker with his criticism of the president.
“Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden have a message for you this Labor Day weekend. America is in perfect health. And if you don't believe that, you're in a cult. The two oldest, most corrupt and most conniving politicians of the last half century whose policies are responsible for the high crime, open borders and low wages should have some humility.”
The Invasion at the Southern Border
The border crisis is another topic that is constantly brought up on Fox News. Although the number of border crossing did drop dramatically after the end of Title 42 and new Biden administration policies meant to cut down on the flow of migrants. Despite all of this last month a record number of families crossed the southern border illegally.
According to reporting by the Washington Post, U.S. Border Patrol arrested at least 91,000 migrants who crossed as families last month. The previous record of 84,486 was set in May 2019, during the Trump administration. Families outpaced other demographics crossing last month exceeding single adults.
Fox News would act as if there was a crisis at our border if even 91 families crossed illegally much less 91,000. On Monday on “The Five,” Judge Jeanine Pirro looked directly into the camera as she spoke earnestly.
“There is a law in this country and the law is clear. If you want to come to America, you apply. And if you want to come here, you wait in line like everybody else. You don't have the right to demand entry. You don't have the right to force entry. You don't have the right to impose upon the American people a financial burden so great and so monumental that we simply cannot afford it.”
Later on the same program she brought up many things Fox News viewers fear about migrants.
“You know, this isn't about hate. . . This is about having Americans have a say in where their kids are going to play soccer, whether the schools are going to be open for their kids, whether or not they're going to be in a position to have to pay double the school taxes because they have to hire all kinds of new teachers to accommodate this. You know, this is about equal protection under the law that we as American citizens have to claim,” said Pirro.
On Friday on “Fox & Friends,” Rachel Campos-Duffy mocked an incident where migrants were shuttled across the country in a stunt staged by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
“Despite the ongoing search, the White House claims there's no one that no one has done more. Read this last yesterday. And as we read the prompter, we all laughed out loud. No one has done more to secure the border than Joe Biden. This is all you're doing. This is just like the people on Martha's Vineyard who were saying, yes, bring the bring the illegal immigrants. And then as soon as they came to their little island, went right to a military facility, they called the National Guard, sent them out and said, Te Amo,” said Campos-Duffy.
Later that night Jesse Watters took things to a twisted and sinister place.
“If you're an antelope, you had a great summer because Joe Biden cut 114 holes in the border wall so you could migrate to Mexico. And if you were a migrant, you had a great summer. Well, except if you were a sex trafficked or baked in Biden's cages in Arizona.”
New Jersey U.S. Representative Promotes The Great Replacement
On Friday on “Fox & Friends,” Rachel Campos-Duffy interviewed Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) about the border crisis.
“So why are they doing it? Why are they leaving the border open? I mean, you were a Democrat. Explain to those of us with common sense. How come? Why are they allowing this to happen?” asked Campos-Duffy.
Van Drew responded.
“It's purposeful. It's destructive, and it's corrupt. It is to change the social structure of the United States of America. It's literally self-destructive. I've never seen anything like it. That's why we need an impeachment inquiry. It's just another reason. You know what? You don't want to do the impeachment yet, At least the impeachment inquiry, because in my committee, we will allow us to go forward and to have more powers for subpoena, to allow us to have more powers to investigate.”
His comment echoed themes in the great replacement conspiracy theory that has been linked to a number of racially violent attacks since it was promoted by a white nationalist in France.
Who Will Think of the Drug Companies?
The Biden administration announced a new plan to lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Normally Fox News might ignore the story completely, but the network decided to feature it in a 30 second headline news clip on Tuesday’s episode of “Fox & Friends.”
“The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service just announcing the first ten prescription drugs set to be subject to price negotiation. Patients here they are under the Inflation Reduction Act. Medicare will be able to directly haggle with the drug makers over prices for the most expensive drugs. And this is for the first time ever. ‘It's never happened.’ The president of the group representing the drug industry saying in a statement, quote, Politics should not dictate which treatments and cures are worth developing and who should get access to them,” said Ashley Strohmier.
Jesse Watters Gives a Nod to Conspiracy Theories
Fox News hasn’t full throatily endorsed conspiracy theories about the Maui wildfires, but Jesse Watters danced on the edge of them.
On Monday, Watters included a segment of Maui residents at a public hearing. Some of them claimed the fires were started as part of a nefarious plot by real estate developers and tech companies to remake Lahaina as new city.
The distressed residents had no real evidence to back up any of their claims. The producers on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” didn’t bother to research anything to either support or debunk their claims. Their angry rants were merely presented as if they could be credible.
Watters made one statement that seemed to distance himself and the network from a future defamation lawsuit.
“Primetime has no idea what's going on. The governor of Hawaii calls this all a conspiracy theory. But when all of these tragedies and mishaps converge, it leaves vulnerable people searching anywhere for answers,” said Watters.
BIDEN WANTS TO TAKE YOUR BEER AWAY!
The director of the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism issued a proposed guideline on alcohol consumption last week. Fox News anchors lost their minds over it.
On Tuesday on “Fox and Friends,” the cast opened a segment with a media clip from the White House press corp.
Peter Doocy asked Karine Jean-Pierre about the proposed guideline on alcohol consumption.
“Does President Biden want to limit Americans to two beers a week.?” asked Doocy.
“Where's this coming from?” asked Jean-Pierre.
“Dr. George Koop, who is the director of the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, says the U.S. may soon follow Canada and recommend just two beers a week,” asked Doocy.
“I will leave it to the experts. I'm just not going to comment on it,” said Jean-Pierre.
Brian Kilmeade dramatically cut in with,
“Well, she won't comment, but we will. The Biden White House dodging on whether or not they'll recommend two beers a week. Will there be an enforcement mechanism for America? Can we really cut it off after two?” asked Kilmeade.
Later that night on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” a viewer sent the show a text about it that Watters read from a screen.
“Jesse, just heard about Biden's weekly alcohol limit. Two beers per week. I broke the law six times last night. I broke the law. Eight on Sunday at the baptism. Still feel it?”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) also seemed to think that a proposed guideline was some sort of law when he went off about it on Newsmax.
Stories Fox News Ignored
Every week I compare the hours I watch on Fox News to five hours of the PBS NewsHour. The following is a list of stories covered on PBS that the shows I’ve covered on Fox News ignored.
Developments in the Ukraine War
Russia claimed it intercepted two U.S. reconnaissance drones over Crimea.
Putin has plans to talk to the Turkish President about grain exports out of the Black Sea.
PBS produced an extended segment about the many challenges the Ukrainian military has faced with its counter offensive against Russian forces.
Extreme Weather
Louisiana has faced a record number of wildfires this season due to hot temperatures and drought conditions.
Hurricane Franklin has brought powerful rip currents and high waves near Bermuda and the East Coast.
A judge ruled that Robert E. Crimo Jr. the father of the mass shooter in Highland Park, can stand trial for signing a gun application for his son.
China will no longer require COVID-19 tests for incoming travelers.
Gina Rimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, met with Chinese officials in a four day summit to boost U.S. - China business. She warned that American companies might stop investing in the country due to Chinese policies that make it “un-investable.”
Technical problems in air flight control systems in the U.K. resulted in the cancellation of 500 flights in and out of British airports. The National Air Traffic Service (NATS) identified the problem and worked with airlines to resume normal operations.
Last week marked the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. PBS produced an extended segment about how the law has protected several species and made the U.S. a leader in conservation. The program also explored a push by some lawmakers to weaken its protections.
Major changes in college football will include extensive travel for players across the country. Some critics believe these changes will make it too difficult for student athletes to juggle games with their academic studies.
Victims of the Jan. 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol had their say in court a day before members of the Proud Boys received sentences.
Miami mayor Francis Suarez dropped out of the Republican primary for president. His campaign failed to gain traction and he did not qualify for the first debate.
Paul Whelan, an American wrongfully detained in Russia, appeared in a video from a Russian labor camp. It’s the first time Whelan’s family has seen images of him in three years.
Sixty-seven people were arrested for attending a gay wedding in Nigeria.
A 20-year-old man in Uganda was arrested for aggravated homosexuality and could face the death penalty.
A court in Pakistan suspended former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s conviction on corruption. His lawyers claim he has faced over 100 politically motivated charges since he was removed from power last year.
PBS produced a segment about the conservative backlash against ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing. Critics have called it ‘woke capitalism’ and say ESG guidelines cause lower returns and hurt investors.
PBS produced a segment about a podcast that is focused on abuse at a fertility clinic at Yale. A nurse at the clinic replaced vials of an opioid with saline to fuel her own addiction. Women had to endure painful procedures while being told their pain was normal or nonexistent.
The Biden administration announced a $95 million grant to strengthen the power grid in Hawaii. The grant is funded as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
A federal judge found Rudy Giuliani liable in a defamation case filed by two election workers in Georgia who said they were falsely accused of fraud.
Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, 93, will not be charged in a decades old child molestation case due to his memory loss caused by dementia. McCarrick was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019 when it was determined he sexually assaulted both adults and children.
As part of its ‘American at a Crossroads’ series PBS explored how some small local papers have moved to a nonprofit or crowd sourced funding model to stay afloat. Other papers doubled their newsstand price or used other unorthodox methods to survive.
A military junta seized power in Gabon from, Ali Bongo, a freely elected ruler who is part of a long-standing family dynasty that has ruled the country for 56 years.
The Biden administration proposed a new rule that could extended overtime payments to 3.6 million more U.S. workers.
Some House Republicans have threatened to shutdown the government when the federal budget runs out on September 30th.
Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas acknowledged that he received gifts and trips from wealthy conservative donor Harlan Crow in a financial disclosure form filed this week.
A fire in a Philippine house that was being used to print t-shirts killed at least 15 including workers, the owner and his family members.
Iran has accused Israel of supplying exploding parts to sabotage its ballistic missile program.
A Missouri judge ruled that an 84-year-old white man must stand trail for shooting Ralph Yarl, an unarmed young Black teenager, who accidentally knocked on his door.
PBS produced a segment about the rise in violent attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. A report by the ADL and GLAAD showed 350 incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault over an eleven-month period beginning in June 2022.
PBS produced an extended segment on the 12-year aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown that was caused by a Tsunami.
Japan held nationwide earthquake drills 100 years after one of the worst earthquakes in its recorded history in 1923. The Great Kanto Quake caused extensive damage and cost the lives of 100,000 people.
The Biden administration proposed new staffing standards for nursing homes which would be the first nationwide minimums for nurse and aide care.
Texas and Missouri are two more states that recently passed bans on gender affirming care for minors.
PBS produced a segment about school districts that are extending the school year as one strategy to combat COVID learning loss.
This is as close as I can stomach Faux. Thanks