Bari Weiss's recent appointment as the editor-in-chief of CBS News has sparked mixed reactions, mainly from the political left and right. Her elevation has been viewed as either a hopeful change in media direction or simply a continuation of the status quo.
• Background: Weiss gained attention for resigning from The New York Times in 2020, citing concerns about the paper's intolerance for dissenting opinions. She co-founded The Free Press, a media outlet that opposes progressive dogmatism.
• Media Landscape Reaction: Some consider her CBS News appointment as a significant win against established media norms, indicating a cultural shift away from extreme leftism. In contrast, critics labeled her a “provocateur” with connections to far-right ideologies.
• Political Positioning: Weiss is notoriously difficult to categorize politically. In her resignation letter, she described herself as a centrist or "politically homeless," indicating an alignment with aspects of both the left and right, particularly emphasizing free speech and strong support for Israel.
• Understanding Political Class: The article argues that modern political alignment is better understood through the establishment versus anti-establishment lens rather than the traditional left-right spectrum. This includes:
• Politicians and their appointees
• Bureaucrats forming the federal government's administrative side
• Wealthy individuals (plutocrats) who benefit from government actions
• Intellectuals (court intellectuals) who provide justification for the political class's actions
• Establishment Dynamics: Weiss and her supporters claim to challenge the establishment, yet they align with its interests in several ways. The political establishment, comprising both major parties, primarily seeks to maintain the current trajectory of government interventionism.
• Interventionism Explained: The article describes the ideology of interventionism, where the belief is that most societal issues can be addressed through targeted government actions. This forms the basis of the establishment's agenda and drives growth that benefits its members.
• False Dichotomy of Political Differences: The seeming adversarial relationship between establishment Democrats and Republicans is largely performative, distracting from the common goal of sustaining governmental power and wealth accumulation.
• Role of Progressives and Anti-Woke Culture: While far-left progressives have historically proposed increased government control, there are moments the establishment may favor "anti-woke" viewpoints to counterbalance or manage social progressives when necessary.
• Conclusion of Weiss's Role: Ultimately, the conclusion drawn is that Weiss's appointment should not be considered a genuine reform effort. Instead, it is seen as a reassignment within the political establishment, designed to placate growing dissent among more moderate and conservative audiences, particularly regarding issues like U. S. support for Israel.
In summary, Bari Weiss’s new position at CBS News is portrayed not as a groundbreaking change in journalism or media direction but rather as a strategic maneuver within the existing establishment framework. The article stresses that while there may be minor reductions in extreme progressive narratives, the fundamental structure supporting continued government intervention and elite interests remains intact.
https://mises.org/mises-wire/bari-weiss-cbs-new-direction-or-misdirection
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