CLASH: PRESIDENTS AND THE PRESS IN TIMES OF CRISIS

A new book and an enlightening perspective

A new book and an enlightening perspective .........................................

The freedom of the press enshrined in the First Amendment has created a natural tension between it and US presidents. The underlying principle is that the press has a right to question presidents about their policies so citizens can make informed decisions in the voting booth.

The story of the relationship between presidents and the press since the earliest days of the United States is masterfully explained in a new book, “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis.”

Its author, Jon Marshall, associate professor at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism,

Media and Integrated Marketing Communications, shared many of those stories with Mike Blinder, host of E&P Reports and publisher of Editor & Publisher, during a May 2022 Vodcast.

“The tension is understandable as a president has an agenda and the press wants to report about it, but also reveal the agenda’s challenges, difficulties and any mistakes,” Marshall said. “The tension must be respectful, but that has often not been the case.”

The most important insight from Marshall’s book is that the clash between presidents and the press that upset many Americans today is not new.

John Adams, the second US president, faced various crises that led to more discord between the political parties and more attacks from the increasing number of newspapers. He used the recently passed Alien and Sedition Acts to thwart those attacks, putting reporters in jail and forcing the closure of many newspapers.

“Abraham Lincoln was often critical of the press, but that was also understandable since he was trying to lead the country through its greatest crisis,” Marshall added. “The Union military more often censored press reports and jailed journalists during the Civil War, not the Lincoln administration directly.”

Marshall explained that the presidential/press relationship that had generally been respectful throughout much of U.S. history became much more adversarial during the Nixon administration and Watergate.

“The press became much more suspicious, and that mindset continues today. Reporters are constantly digging to uncover similar scandals,” Marshall said. “The clash became unprecedented during the Trump administration, however. Unlike most previous presidents, his comments about the media before and during his presidency were highly volatile, and he applauded when journalists were physically attacked.”

In his book, Marshall also emphasizes that many presidents have used their friendly nature and charisma to forge better relationships with the press and earn their respect. Franklin Roosevelt welcomed the opportunity to talk with reporters, and they avoided showing his disability from polio. They also overlooked John Kennedy’s indiscretions because they were attracted to his youthful outlook.

“President Reagan was particularly adept at using the stagecraft he learned as a Hollywood actor to project a friendly disposition regardless of what the press had written or wanted to write about him,” Marshall said. “I consider his administration, guided by his closest aides, was the first that knew how to present him so he would look good and comfortable in front of a camera.”

“Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis” by Jon Marshall includes many more interesting insights to help today’s journalists better understand how to cover presidents and local officials. It’s also a compelling read for anyone with a general interest in American history.

Bob Sillick has held many senior positions and served a myriad of clients during his 47 years in marketing and advertising. He has been a freelance/contract content researcher, writer, editor and manager since 2010. He can be reached at bobsillick@gmail.com.