NBC News Hires Ronna McDaniel as On-Air Commentator Ahead of 2024 Presidential Election
NBC News announced on Friday that it had hired Ronna McDaniel, the former Republican National Committee (RNC) chair, as an on-air commentator for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. McDaniel, who has frequently criticized the network and its journalists, will be joining NBC to provide her unique perspective on politics.
Controversial Figure in Republican Circles
During her tenure as the RNC chair from 2016 to earlier this month, McDaniel was a vocal critic of the media. Her attacks on the press have gained popularity among Republicans, particularly as former President Donald Trump demonizes journalists and news institutions. McDaniel has labeled the media “fake news” and “corrupt,” even going so far as to target NBC News and MSNBC with dishonest attacks.
Contentious History
For instance, in 2019, McDaniel accused Richard Engel, NBC News’ chief foreign correspondent, of “actively cheering for an economic downturn.” She questioned why NBC would allow him to keep his job given his perceived bias. McDaniel has a lengthier history of criticizing MSNBC, which she will now be appearing on regularly in her new role. She has repeatedly accused the network of “spreading lies” and blasted its “primetime propagandists.”
Election Denialism and Controversial Calls
McDaniel also fanned the flames of election denialism following the 2020 presidential contest. She was involved in a phone call pressuring Michigan county officials not to certify the vote from Detroit, where Joe Biden had a commanding lead. McDaniel urged the officials not to sign the certification and promised to provide them with attorneys if they did. The Michigan Department of State’s office condemned her claims, stating that there were “no merits” to the allegations of supposed voter fraud.
Interview with News Finder’s Chris Wallace
In an interview with News Finder’s Chris Wallace, McDaniel defended her claims of “voting irregularity” in the election. She acknowledged that Biden won the election but maintained there were problems with the 2020 election. McDaniel argued that her concerns were valid and that she had every right to investigate potential issues.
NBC’s Trend Towards Softening Stance on Trump
McDaniel’s hiring by NBC plays into a recent trend at the network’s outlets, which have seemingly softened their stance on Trump as he inches towards the Republican nomination for president. Earlier this month, CNBC hosted Trump for a lengthy phone interview during which the network’s anchors allowed him to peddle lies and conspiracy theories without scrutiny. MSNBC has even started carrying Trump’s remarks live on television, a practice that the network once boasted it would not do. Star host Rachel Maddow objected to the network broadcasting Trump’s recent speech, calling it “irresponsible.”
Implications and Reactions
The hiring of McDaniel, who has a controversial past, by NBC News raises questions about the network’s commitment to factual reporting and journalistic integrity. Some have criticized the move as a further erosion of the media’s credibility, while others argue that McDaniel’s perspective is valuable in understanding the current political climate. Regardless, this decision underscores the complexity and nuance of the relationship between the media, politics, and public discourse in today’s society.
