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WaPo: Natl Enquirer Consulted With Cohen, President Donald Trump On Stories | Hardball | MSNBC In a 2018 episode of "Hardball," hosted by Chris Matthews, new revelations emerged regarding the connections between Donald Trump, his lawyer Michael Cohen, and the National Enquirer. The Washington Post reported that during the presidential campaign, executives from the National Enquirer shared digital copies of articles and cover images related to Trump and his political opponents with Cohen prior to publication. This relationship highlights a controversial collaboration between Trump's campaign and a sensationalist tabloid. The National Enquirer, known for its negative coverage of Trump’s opponents—particularly Hillary Clinton—often got suggestions for stories directly from Trump himself. A noticeable focus was placed on unverified claims aimed at Clinton's health and various allegations against opposing candidates like Ted Cruz, which were later used by Trump to damage their credibility during the campaign. While American Media, the Enquirer's parent company, denied any wrongdoing, the implications of such close ties have raised eyebrows regarding the ethical boundaries of journalism and political campaigning. Viewers were treated to a discussion with reporters Sara Ellison from The Washington Post and John Podhoretz, exploring the dynamics of this unusual relationship. They elaborated on how the friendship between Trump and Enquirer CEO David Pecker may have influenced coverage, possibly functioning as an extension of Trump's campaign apparatus. This was underscored by Trump's attempts to dismiss any association with the tabloid while simultaneously benefiting from the stories it published. The episode brings to light significant questions about media influence in political elections, especially how the Enquirer's reporting strategy played into Trump's public image and the broader narrative surrounding the 2016 election. As we reflect on these events in 2024, the discussions about the intersections of media, politics, and ethics remain relevant. What are your thoughts on how the media landscape has changed since then? Have you noticed any similar patterns in current political contexts? Feel free to share your experiences or related articles in this thread!
