What's the plan here, CNN?

CNN's Sean Duffy Problem Is Only Going to Get Worse
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/node/87215

How do you solve a problem like Sean Duffy? The former Republican congressman, who was hired by CNN to blindly defend Donald Trump while the impeachment process unfolds, is creating problems for the network by constantly fabricating facts and spreading reckless and dangerous conspiracy theories. And yes, he's only been on the CNN payroll for 10 days.

On Tuesday, Duffy questioned the patriotism of Purple Heart recipient and National Security Council official Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, after it was reported Vindman was telling House investigators damaging information about Trump's open collusion with Ukraine and his attempt to get a foreign power to dig up dirt on the Republican's political opponents.

At least twice yesterday, CNN anchors went on the air and directly denounced Duffy's comments as a "smear" and an ugly form of "bigotry." This is odd, yes? CNN pays Duffy for his commentary, which after just one week with the network is so out of bounds and so offensive that his cable news colleagues have to basically apologize to viewers for it. What's the plan here, CNN?

Here's the vise that the network finds itself in, and I understand that for executives there the solution seems extremely painful. But it really isn't—not if you're committed to being in the business of journalism. The conundrum is that CNN wants to position itself as occupying the center of American politics, which means CNN has to have lots of conservative voices to match the number of liberal voices, all so they can stage Both Sides debates. For decades, that has worked for the network. What no longer works is CNN hiring Trump sycophants like Duffy, because Trump sycophants like Duffy say crazy stuff nonstop.

<<snip>>

The problem for CNN is that there are no longer any thoughtful or trustworthy Trump defenders.

That might sound extreme, but it's simply the truth. Any conservatives and Republicans who still acknowledge reality have broken away from Trump's orbit of support, leaving behind only cult-like followers, or those who pretend to be.

This means there is no off switch for people like Duffy who have downed gallons of the Trump Kool-Aid. He believes this stuff. He's part of a disturbing conservative movement today that is utterly and completely detached from reality. That means when you hire an active member of that movement, such as Duffy, guess what? You're hiring someone who is utterly and completely detached from reality.

<<snip>>