In a recent development, MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski ventured to Mar-a-Lago for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump. The move was perceived as an attempt to reopen lines of communication to serve their morning show viewers more effectively. However, this decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Public Reaction to the Meeting
Some have questioned the decision, given the recent election and the ensuing tensions. The show’s anchor team has been known for their critical stance towards Trump. In fact, Scarborough even compared Trump to Hitler, a comparison he confirmed was not too far-fetched. This resulted in MSNBC pulling “Morning Joe” from the air after a failed assassination attempt on Trump this past summer.
Despite the criticism, the hosts explained their reasons for meeting with Trump on Monday’s show. According to Brzezinski, Trump was “cheerful, upbeat,” despite disagreements on various issues. The main goal, she said, was to restart communication. Drawing parallels with her father, the late Zbigniew Brzezinski who served as the national security adviser in Jimmy Carter’s administration, she emphasized the role of journalists in engaging with leaders, even those they disagree with.
Trump’s Response and Ongoing Reactions
Trump, in his interview with Fox News Digital, confirmed the meeting and expressed appreciation for the MSNBC hosts’ desire for open communication. However, the reaction to the meeting wasn’t uniformly positive. On “The View”, co-host Sunny Hostin emphasized the need for a free press that can speak truth to power, questioning the necessity of traveling to Mar-a-Lago. In contrast, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin praised the MSNBC hosts for acknowledging the substantial number of Trump voters.
Renowned author Jeff Jarvis and several conservative commentators, including talk show host Buck Sexton and cable news personality Greta Van Susteren, also voiced their criticism of the meeting. Jarvis, a retired journalism professor at the City University of New York, referred to the meeting as a “disgusting show of obeisance in advance,” while Van Susteren termed it as “groveling.”
Future of “Morning Joe” and Trump’s Outlook
Post the election, “Morning Joe” has experienced a significant drop in its ratings. This pattern mirrors the experiences of other shows on MSNBC and is often seen amongst viewers who supported the losing party. However, these viewers typically return after a break.
Despite the criticism, the hosts remain firm in their stance. Scarborough asserted that their goal is not to defend or normalize Trump but to report on him and provide insights. Trump, in his Fox News interview, echoed a similar sentiment, stating his obligation to be open and accessible to the press. However, he warned that unfair treatment could bring an end to this openness.
In conclusion, this recent meeting between MSNBC hosts and President-elect Donald Trump has generated diverse reactions. While the hosts aim to provide better insights to their viewers, their decision’s success and impact on their show’s ratings remain to be seen.
