Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, co-hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," forcefully addressed criticism from fellow journalists regarding their recent meeting with President-elect Donald Trump. They specifically responded to a critical article by The Atlantic's David Frum, a regular guest on their show, who suggested their actions stemmed from fear of Trump. Scarborough vehemently denied this, citing his long career in media and politics as evidence of his fearlessness.
The "Morning Joe" hosts emphasized that meeting with political figures, even those they've criticized, is standard journalistic practice. They pointed out that major news outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal routinely engage in off-the-record conversations with politicians, including Trump. Scarborough argued that the only difference in their case was their transparency about the meeting, which they believe was the right approach.
Brzezinski echoed these sentiments, highlighting the hypocrisy of critics who simultaneously condemn their actions while their own news organizations engage in similar practices. She suggested these critics were driven by "hatred mode" and playing into divisive forces. Both hosts underscored that their meeting was a professional obligation, allowing them to gain insights into Trump's thinking and inform their audience.
Scarborough reiterated that holding seemingly contradictory positions—criticizing Trump's rhetoric while also meeting with him—is part of their job. He emphasized the need to understand key figures to report effectively on their actions and influence. Brzezinski clarified that the meeting was not about "kissing the ring" but a serious discussion. They also pointed out that they had been transparent about the meeting, unlike other news organizations who routinely engage in similar interactions without public disclosure.
The hosts concluded by stating that they are committed to their journalistic duties, which include speaking to influential figures regardless of their personal opinions. They invited Frum back on the show, demonstrating their willingness to engage in open dialogue despite the disagreement. They expressed frustration with the manufactured controversy and emphasized the importance of focusing on substantive reporting.
