Trump’s first appearance on CNN since 2016 was a low point in American TV. Nevertheless, the decision to do so was the right one. Because it reveals the weaknesses of democracy.
It was a farce that was shown on Wednesday evening at prime time on the US broadcaster CNN. Ex-President Donald Trump spread his lies there. He repeated the tale of the stolen election, praised the convicted Capitol strikers, mocked their victims, and again left open whether he would continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. All in the style of a 1990s sitcom, to the accompaniment of laughter, cheers and applause from the majority of Trump supporters.
The rock bottom was reached when journalist E. Jean Collins’ recent sexual assault verdict was discussed: He taunted his victim and dismissed his court-founded abuse as a “love affair.” Even then, he had the laughs on his side. Of course, stars could grab women’s genitals, he claimed once again. This is just the description of a reality millions of years old.
Although presenter Kaitlan Collins kept digging and confronting Trump about his lies, the Republican walked away victorious in this environment — at least judging by the studio audience’s reaction. In a macho manner, he made it clear where he sees her place: far below him.
America’s Reality
Even before the show, CNN had been widely criticized for offering Trump such a stage at all. After the show, the critics once again felt vindicated. Media, no matter how hard they tried, could only lose against a person like him. They were right. And yet CNN made the right decision with the show. Because it ruthlessly portrayed the reality of American society.
Merely ignoring these would reduce the public forum for politicians like Trump, but only in appearance. Because he and many others have long been able to reach their voters through their own channels and social forums. It’s the same and worse there. For everyone else, the following applies: you have to look into this world to understand that this other America exists.
Trump’s malice and shamelessness and his success with his audience show how far people are from what is seen as real and correct, especially in the east and west coast metropolises. If in doubt, that’s around 50 percent of the population. If CNN didn’t let their candidates have their say, it would only further undermine the credibility of the media – and of democracy.
A self-deception of democracy
The presenter Kaitlan Collins did exactly the right thing. Get out of your own comfort zone and face this other reality. This is the only way to find an antidote to Trump’s decomposing poison. Going underground is not an option, because that would mean leaving the field unchallenged to him and his stories.
Trump’s re-election is possible, although he has since been found guilty of sexual assault, although he faces further convictions. Trump’s behavior has been shown to pose a major threat to democracy. But to pretend that confronting him is a walk that can easily be avoided would be a major self-deception for democracy. And that would also be a great danger.
Trying to confront Trump publicly is the way to go. This may seem helpless at times. But being irritated by the roaring approval of his loyal followers obscures those who are willing to make different choices. It is definitely worth targeting the important group of swing voters with such formats and showing them how ruthless, mendacious and shameless Trump is. Because they are the only chance.
