The Atlantic’s GIANT Fake News Screw-Up

Media's Hunt for Scandals

Shapiro opens the podcast by highlighting the media's ongoing quest to find damaging narratives about Trump, especially as he enjoys a relatively high approval rating. He points out that the media's attempts to create scandals often overlook the complexities of the situations they report on. The discussion transitions to a specific article by Nick Meo from The Atlantic, which claims that the Trump Administration mistakenly deported a father with protected status to El Salvador, where he now faces danger. Shapiro argues that while the deportation was indeed an error, the media's portrayal of the individual as an innocent victim is misleading.

The Case of the Deported Father

The podcast details the story of Kilmar Abreo Garcia, who was deported despite having protected legal status. Shapiro emphasizes that the media narrative fails to mention that Garcia had previously been identified as a member of the MS-13 gang by an immigration judge. This crucial detail, he argues, changes the nature of the story from one of an innocent victim to that of a potentially dangerous individual. Shapiro critiques The Atlantic for not including this information, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend in media reporting where important facts are omitted to fit a particular narrative.

The Flaws in the Legal System

Shapiro also discusses the implications of the case for the legal system, particularly in the context of immigration law. He argues that the Trump Administration's policies have been effective in reducing illegal immigration, and that the media's focus on individual cases like Garcia's serves to undermine the administration's achievements. He raises concerns about the potential for the media to create a narrative that could harm the administration's ability to govern effectively.

Malcolm Gladwell's Perspective

Joining the conversation is Malcolm Gladwell, a renowned author and podcaster, who offers his insights on the case and the broader implications of the media's reporting. Gladwell acknowledges the complexity of the situation, noting that while the facts surrounding Garcia's deportation are troubling, they do not necessarily exonerate Chauvin, the police officer involved in the George Floyd case. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of each case and the systemic issues that contribute to these situations.

Gladwell argues that the media's portrayal of police officers and their actions often lacks the necessary context, leading to a skewed understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement. He points out that policing is inherently difficult and that officers often have to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. This complexity, he suggests, is often lost in the media's rush to create sensational narratives.

The George Floyd Case

The conversation shifts to the George Floyd case, where Shapiro and Gladwell discuss the implications of Chauvin's actions and the subsequent public outcry. Shapiro argues that the narrative surrounding Floyd's death has been used to justify a broader cultural revolution, which has led to significant changes in public policy and perceptions of law enforcement. He contends that the media's framing of the case has contributed to a climate of fear among police officers, who may hesitate to act for fear of being vilified.

Gladwell, on the other hand, emphasizes the need for accountability in policing. He acknowledges that while Chauvin's actions were problematic, the focus should also be on the systemic issues that allow such behavior to persist. He argues that the conversation should not only center on individual cases but also on the broader context of policing and public safety.

The Role of Public Policy

As the discussion continues, Shapiro and Gladwell explore the role of public policy in shaping the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Shapiro advocates for reforms that would empower police officers to do their jobs effectively while also holding them accountable for their actions. He suggests that increasing the size of police forces and making it easier to remove bad officers could help address some of the systemic issues within law enforcement.

Gladwell agrees that these reforms are necessary but cautions against oversimplifying the problem. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of policing and the need for thoughtful, nuanced discussions about public safety. He argues that the media has a responsibility to present a more balanced view of these issues, rather than resorting to sensationalism.