PDF Summary:Come On, Man!, by Joe Concha

In this straightforward critique, political commentator Joe Concha dissects the persistent partisan bias in modern media coverage, asserting that major news outlets frequently frame stories to favor Democratic politicians and liberal viewpoints while unduly scrutinizing conservative perspectives. Concha argues that the media's shielding of Democratic figures like Obama, Biden, and Cuomo reveals an unwavering liberal slant that erodes journalistic impartiality.

Concha also examines the first year of the Biden administration, contending that the president's waning cognitive abilities, coupled with an overemphasis on progressive policies, impaired his handling of economic challenges like rising inflation, the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, border security issues, and the fentanyl crisis. He urges readers to question the media's portrayal of these events and debates the administration's detachment from the concerns of most Americans.

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Concha emphasizes that Biden's limitations are not confined to foreign affairs. The administration's handling of the rapidly escalating inflation has been marred by their refusal to acknowledge the issue, attempts to divert attention, and an absence of delicacy in their communication. He critiques the administration's unwavering assertion that inflation would be short-lived and its attempts to blame companies for the rising cost of goods, emphasizing that these tactics failed to address the true roots of inflation, which are the significant spending programs initiated by the administration itself.

Concha examines how the present government handles border control, highlighting the rise in unauthorized crossings, the ongoing operation of detention facilities for immigrants that Democrats criticized during Trump's presidency, and the downplaying of the issue by the President and his Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas. Joe Concha argues that the surge in deaths linked to fentanyl within the United States stems from the crisis at the border, asserting that permissive border policies have made it easier for deadly drugs to enter the country.

Other Perspectives

• The loss of American troops was a tragic outcome, but it is not uncommon for there to be casualties during complex military operations, and attributing these solely to the administration's withdrawal strategy may overlook the inherent risks of operating in a conflict zone.
• The situation in Afghanistan and the situation in Ukraine are distinct and involve different regional actors, historical contexts, and geopolitical stakes, which suggests that drawing a direct causal link between them might not fully account for the separate realities.
• The administration has communicated about inflation, including recognizing the burden it places on American families, and has discussed steps to mitigate it, such as releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help lower gas prices.
• The characterization of spending programs as the "true roots of inflation" oversimplifies the economic situation. Investments in infrastructure, for example, are intended to stimulate long-term economic growth, which can counteract inflationary pressures.
• Unauthorized crossings at the border are a complex issue influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, violence in home countries, and changes in U.S. policy. It's not solely a reflection of the current administration's policies.
• Drug trafficking and the opioid crisis, including the spread of fentanyl, are complex issues that are not solely the result of border policies; they also involve domestic drug demand, international drug cartels, and the need for comprehensive drug policy reform.

The policies of the Biden administration do not reflect the actual worries of the American people.

In this section, the author Joe Concha vehemently critiques the policy objectives, asserting that they stem from radical left-wing beliefs, are unrealistic, and fail to align with the broader ambitions of the American people. Concha contends that the administration has engaged in extravagant fiscal expenditures, giving precedence to ambitious progressive agendas at the expense of the fundamental necessities and issues of the ordinary American citizenry. He critiques the government's stance on pivotal issues, including its resistance to traditional education, failure to address escalating crime, and divisive rhetoric on race and electoral laws.

The administration of President Biden has been a contributing factor to the significant rise in inflation and economic challenges, a situation that can be linked to the government's substantial expenditure programs and focus on progressive policies.

Concha explores the intricate details of the policy known as "Build Back Better," depicting it as a convoluted mix of particular measures and disparate efforts that do little to improve the everyday lives of average citizens. He criticizes the vast range of the proposed fiscal measures, which indicate an extra $5.5 trillion in expenditures, and highlights its most egregious elements, including the allocation of billions for IRS tax enforcement strengthening, $3 billion for urban tree canopy expansion, and $1 billion for the advancement of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Concha explores the deceptive tactics employed by the president and his team to advocate for the bill among the American populace. He assesses the government's assertion that the new law would not financially strain taxpayers, an assertion that was swiftly challenged by economists aware of the intrinsic connection between increased spending and inflationary trends, and also contradicted by an estimate from the federal agency responsible for forecasting economic outcomes. Concha highlights the substantial praise a major news outlet has bestowed upon Biden's distinctive "whisper" tactic, and he comments on the media's lack of scrutiny regarding Jen Psaki's claim that increased spending would result in lower inflation.

Joe Concha emphasizes the legislation's failure to secure passage, attributing it to the unwavering stance of some moderate Democratic senators who, in the face of considerable pressure from the administration and fellow party members, stood firm on maintaining the filibuster and insisted on bipartisan support for the bill's enactment. Joe Biden, previously an advocate for maintaining the filibuster, voiced his disapproval of the two senators recognized for their unwavering stances.

Practical Tips

• Reduce your exposure to variable interest rates by refinancing loans or mortgages to fixed-rate options where possible. This can help you lock in lower payments and avoid the impact of rising interest rates on your monthly expenses. For example, if you have a variable-rate mortgage, talk to your lender about switching to a fixed-rate mortgage to stabilize your payments for the foreseeable future.
• Create a personal policy impact journal to track changes in your life that correlate with new policies. Note any shifts in your employment, healthcare, community services, or cost of living. This will help you assess whether policies are making a tangible difference in your life and can serve as a reference for future voting decisions or community discussions.
• Consider adjusting your personal investments to include funds or stocks that focus on green technology and infrastructure. This aligns your financial goals with the themes of the fiscal measures. Look for investment opportunities in companies that are involved in creating sustainable urban environments or electric vehicle infrastructure.
• Conduct a mini-survey among your peers to see how well-informed they are about the new law. Create a short questionnaire with key points about the law and its potential financial impact on taxpayers. Share it with friends, family, or colleagues and collect their responses. This will not only spread awareness but also help you see how perceptions align or differ from the economists' and federal agency's viewpoints.
• Encourage local leaders to prioritize bipartisan solutions by writing letters or emails expressing your support for collaborative efforts. Highlight specific issues in your community that could benefit from bipartisan support and suggest forming committees that include members from different political parties to address these issues.
• Volunteer with a local organization that focuses on promoting informed voting. By helping to educate voters on the issues and the stances of different candidates, you contribute to a more engaged and knowledgeable electorate, which is crucial for a healthy democracy.

The approach taken by the Biden administration on issues like education, crime, and social matters has led to a feeling of alienation among many Americans.

Concha explores how differing opinions on important matters have created a divide that spans a broad range of the American populace, encompassing supporters of both major political parties in the United States. He criticizes the administration's use of racial issues for political leverage, emphasizing the condescending comment directed at a prominent radio host, which suggested that loyalty to a political party dictates Black identity, and his comparison of Republicans to infamous segregationists and Confederate figures because of their resistance to his voting legislation. The author points out the inconsistency in the positions of Democratic figures like Muriel Bowser and Nancy Pelosi, who have criticized the rise in crime and disorder even though they seemed to previously accept and might have supported protests that turned violent.

Concha contends that the backlash from parents has been ignited by the government's focus on implementing progressive educational policies. He argues that the emphasis placed by the authorities on transgender topics and the analysis of racial power structures has redirected attention from fundamental educational pillars like literacy, arithmetic, and scientific knowledge. He specifically criticizes the government's position on Florida's law that prohibits teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity to students in the initial stages of schooling, from kindergarten through third grade. Concha emphasizes that the legislation, often labeled the "Don't Say Gay" bill, in fact receives significant support across various segments of Florida's population, including individuals from different political beliefs, even among Democrats.

Other Perspectives

• Alienation might not stem directly from the administration's policies but rather from the polarized political climate and the way these policies are portrayed and debated in the media.
• The divide might not be a direct result of the administration's approach but could also stem from long-standing societal issues that predate the current government.
• Discussing race and systemic inequalities can be seen as an effort to promote social justice and equity, rather than merely a tactic for political leverage.
• The remark could be part of a rhetorical strategy to engage listeners and not an actual claim about the nature of Black identity.
• The use of these comparisons might be perceived as a form of ad hominem attack, which could be seen as an attempt to sidestep the actual content of the voting legislation in question.
• It is possible for public figures to support the message or cause behind protests while simultaneously working to address and reduce crime in their communities.
• Parents' backlash may not necessarily be against the progressive policies themselves but could be due to a lack of understanding or misinformation about what these policies entail and their intended benefits.
• Understanding transgender issues and racial power structures is increasingly seen as part of a well-rounded education, which includes social awareness and critical thinking skills alongside traditional academic subjects.
• The government may believe that leaving the decision to discuss these topics until later grades could contribute to misinformation and misconceptions among children who might already be aware of or curious about these aspects of identity through other means.
• Significant support does not necessarily imply majority support, and it is important to consider the voices and rights of minorities who may be disproportionately affected by such legislation.

Coverage in the media frequently depicts Democrats in a favorable light and shows a tendency to be adversarial towards Republicans.

The section of the book delves deeply into Concha's analysis of the varying approaches that media entities adopt when reporting on politicians and their policy decisions. He argues that media representations tend to be favorable towards Democratic figures regardless of their actions. Media outlets frequently level critiques at Republicans, consistently distorting the truth to portray them in an extremely unfavorable light. Concha argues that the media's declining neutrality has led to a diminished sense of trust in it among a broad swath of Americans.

Prominent figures from the Democratic Party, including Obama, Biden, and Cuomo, frequently receive positive coverage in the media.

Concha explores the prolonged interest that the media maintained in Barack Obama, extending beyond the typical duration of post-election coverage. He notes that although the media portrayed Obama and Biden as having a solid bond, there were moments when Obama appeared to diminish the significance of Biden's perspectives on critical issues. He remembers the instance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner when Obama's microphone drop symbolized the steadfast admiration the media had for the forty-fourth president.

Media coverage frequently lacks the required critical analysis when reporting on individuals associated with the Democratic Party, despite instances of questionable or contradictory behavior.

Joe Concha underscores the role the media played in magnifying the stature of Andrew Cuomo at the height of the COVID crisis. He points to Chris Cuomo's extensive interviews with his brother on CNN, which served as free publicity for the governor and bolstered his image as a competent manager of the crisis. Concha emphasizes that as indications of Andrew Cuomo's involvement in obscuring nursing home data increased, the media continued to praise his frequent COVID updates and a book celebrating his leadership.

Other Perspectives

• The perception of a lack of critical analysis could be influenced by confirmation bias, where individuals may notice and remember instances that support their beliefs more than those that contradict them.
• The extensive interviews and coverage could be attributed to the high interest in New York's response to the pandemic, given its status as an early epicenter, rather than a bias towards the Democratic Party.
• The interviews might have been seen by the network as a draw for viewers, which is a common practice in media to feature prominent figures during times of crisis.
• The media's role is multifaceted, and while some outlets may have been less critical, others might have been conducting investigative work that takes time to materialize, which could lead to a lag in critical reporting.
• Frequent updates from a public official during a crisis can be seen as a necessary aspect of transparent governance, rather than a subject for media praise.
• The media's role is also to report on cultural and societal phenomena, and a governor writing a book during a crisis could be deemed a significant event worth reporting on.

The media has taken steps to protect Democratic Party leaders from scrutiny and critical evaluation.

Concha argues that throughout the 2020 presidential election, the media, led by CNN, essentially operated as an informal group endorsing Biden's run for the presidency. He underscores the focus of a prominent news channel on empty spaces at Trump events, the makeup of town hall assemblies that leaned heavily towards Democratic participants, and the persistent coverage of the Steele Dossier by the channel, despite the lack of verification of its legitimacy. Concha argues that the media's obsession with discrediting Trump resulted in a failure to thoroughly scrutinize the eventual presidential candidate's weaknesses, enabling his election victory without a stringent evaluation of his positions on policy or mental sharpness.

Practical Tips

• You can deepen your understanding of political demographics by attending local government meetings to observe firsthand the political leanings and concerns of your community. By doing so, you'll gain a clearer picture of the local political landscape, which can differ significantly from broader national trends. For example, if you notice a particular issue is consistently raised by attendees, this could indicate a local priority that might not be evident from national discussions.
• Develop critical thinking skills by creating a "fact-check journal." Whenever you encounter a piece of information that raises questions, jot it down in your journal. Later, research the facts behind the claim, noting down the sources and evidence you find. Over time, this will train you to instinctively question and verify information before accepting it as true.

The media frequently adopted an adversarial approach, especially when confronting figures from the Republican party such as Trump.

The summary section communicates the author's viewpoint that there is a clear bias in the media against the Republican Party. The approach involves more than merely opposing Republican policies; it also includes initiating personal attacks, using provocative language, and intentionally distorting or inventing information to portray Republicans in an extremely unfavorable manner. Concha argues that this double standard has diminished media credibility and alienated a significant segment of viewers.

Journalists often aim intense and occasionally exaggerated criticisms and accusations at members of the Republican Party.

Concha highlights the efforts of a group of prominent Republicans, who formed an initiative called the Lincoln Project, aimed at derailing Donald Trump's political ambitions, as a prime example of the performative outrage that pervades many television news networks. He underscores the organization's use of questionable tactics, including the creation of an unfounded story of white nationalism targeting Virginia's gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin, along with their fundraising techniques that directed significant amounts of money to firms managed by the executives.

Other Perspectives

• The Lincoln Project was not solely focused on Donald Trump; it also aimed to challenge broader aspects of the Republican Party's direction and support candidates who aligned with their vision of conservatism.
• The tactics used by the Lincoln Project, while controversial, could be argued as a necessary response to what they perceive as unprecedented circumstances in American politics.
• The story in question may have been based on a misinterpretation of events or information that was believed to be credible at the time.
• The allocation of funds could have been approved by an independent board or committee within the Lincoln Project, which would mitigate concerns about the use of funds for personal gain.

The media has made efforts to undermine and devalue conservative perspectives.

Concha explores the media's scrutiny of Ron DeSantis, anticipated to vie for the Republican candidacy in the 2024 election. He underscores the media's continuous focus on DeSantis and its willingness to adopt criticisms from progressive organizations aimed at Florida's governor. He notes that the media has thoroughly scrutinized DeSantis's support for laws that restrict discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade, yet has failed to acknowledge the considerable support for these measures among Florida's populace. Concha argues that the media's inclination to view even the most basic actions of DeSantis, such as showcasing the American flag, as racially motivated, indicates a level of bias that should concern anyone who cherishes an impartial press.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer with organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, such as mentoring programs or helplines. By offering your time and empathy, you contribute to creating supportive environments where young people can discuss their experiences and concerns related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Create a simple poll on social media asking for opinions on local measures to see if your online community's views align with the perceived public support. This can be a quick and informal way to gather data and encourage others to express their opinions on matters that affect them.
• Engage in conversations with peers about the symbolism of common patriotic symbols without the influence of media narratives. For example, you could host a casual book club or discussion group where you talk about what the American flag and other national symbols mean to you and others. This can foster a deeper understanding of personal versus media-driven interpretations of patriotism.

Societal and cultural shifts, including specific policy crises

The author observes that considerable changes in society and culture are reflected within the political sphere and media environment, contributing to a nation that is more divided and skeptical. Concha emphasizes the increasing societal splits that correlate with diminishing confidence in our establishments, such as bodies related to governance, journalism, and policing. He further argues that the pandemic has exacerbated these inclinations, creating a climate of fear and doubt that has been exploited for political gain.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified existing societal rifts and led to a decline in confidence in established institutions.

Concha comments on the profound impact of the pandemic, noting its toll on human life and the devastation of small businesses, as well as its role in deepening existing divisions within society, particularly within the sphere of politics. Concha argues that political biases shaped America's reaction to the COVID-19 crisis, particularly regarding opinions on mask-wearing and vaccination, resulting in the right being seen as skeptical of scientific guidance, while the left appeared to wholeheartedly accept the rules and restrictions imposed by officials. Concha contends that this schism fostered a sense of moral superiority among many liberals, which in turn caused them to quickly dismiss or demonize those holding opposing views as ignorant or possibly detrimental.

The media's reporting on policies such as compulsory mask-wearing and the shutdown of schools amid the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted its political biases.

Concha explores the media's uneven handling of COVID policies, underscoring an evident partiality in their coverage. He references many cases where media outlets with left-leaning tendencies harshly criticized those who questioned the need for mask mandates or opposed the closure of educational facilities, often depicting these objectors as people who disregarded scientific proof and put the community's health at risk. Conversely, the same outlets, while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining distance and employing face coverings in various situations, promptly justified the Black Lives Matter demonstrations and the gatherings that exuberantly celebrated the election results with fervor as a clear case of inconsistent indignation.

Other Perspectives

• Some media criticism of opposition to mask mandates or school closures may be based on a consensus in the scientific community rather than political bias.
• It could be pointed out that the criticism was not against the act of questioning per se, but against the spread of misinformation or unverified claims that could undermine public health efforts.
• There could have been legitimate debates among experts about the efficacy and necessity of mask mandates, which objectors were referencing.
• The media may have highlighted the precautions taken during certain gatherings, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, to differentiate them from other events where such precautions were not taken.
• The media's approach to reporting on public gatherings may take into account the outdoor settings of protests, which are generally considered lower risk for virus transmission compared to indoor environments like schools.

The health crisis has exposed a hypocritical stance among those who govern and report, as they establish rules for the public yet often do not follow these guidelines personally.

Concha compellingly argues that leaders from the Democratic party failed to follow the COVID guidelines they established for the public. Joe Concha argues that the behavior of some public figures, including a state leader enjoying a meal at a high-end restaurant without following the requirements for face coverings, the city's top official receiving a haircut during a period when barbershops are closed, and a well-known congresswoman's visit to a hair salon, demonstrates the entrenched hypocrisy of the elite, who often behave as if they are above the rules that apply to everyone else. Concha contends that such deceit eroded trust in institutions among the public and ignited resentment among those who felt they were unfairly targeted.

Other Perspectives

• The actions of a few individuals should not be used to generalize about the behavior of all leaders within the party.
• The guidelines may have been ambiguous or subject to change, leading to confusion about when and where face coverings were required.
• The incident could have been a misunderstanding or miscommunication about the applicability of the rules, rather than a deliberate act of hypocrisy.
• The congresswoman's visit to the hair salon may have been in compliance with a specific set of guidelines or exceptions that were not widely publicized.
• Some public figures have acknowledged their mistakes and have taken responsibility for their actions, which is a behavior not typically associated with entrenched hypocrisy.
• Public figures are often under intense scrutiny, and their actions are more visible than those of private individuals, which can lead to a distorted view that non-compliance is more prevalent among the elite.
• The impact of perceived deceit on trust can be mitigated by the presence of checks and balances, transparency measures, and accountability mechanisms within institutions.
• The feeling of being unfairly targeted might also be a result of heightened emotions and stress during a health crisis, which can amplify negative reactions to perceived slights or inequalities.

The management of border security and the fentanyl crisis by the Biden administration has led to a jeopardizing of public safety.

Concha connects the rising problem of youth fatalities due to opioid overdoses with the Biden administration's inadequate handling of border-related challenges. He points out that the administration's open-border policies have been exploited by drug cartels, who have flooded the country with fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid. He criticizes the President for his detached handling of the border crisis, highlighting his failure to visit the region and engage personally with the officials responsible for safeguarding the borders.

The government's permissive approach to immigration enforcement has led to a marked uptick in illegal border crossings and an escalation in the trafficking of dangerous substances like fentanyl.

In 2021, Concha highlights that the influx of undocumented individuals into the United States exceeded 2.1 million, a number greater than the entire population of Denver. Concha argues that this surge has stretched the capabilities of border management, resulted in overcrowding at detention centers, and amplified the country's vulnerability to security threats, including the potential for terrorists to enter the country unnoticed.

Context

• Public sentiment and political pressure can shape immigration policies. A government might adopt a more lenient stance in response to advocacy for immigrant rights or to align with certain voter bases.
• Detecting fentanyl is particularly challenging for law enforcement due to its potency and the small quantities needed to produce a high. This requires specialized equipment and training to safely handle and identify the substance.
• As of 2021, Denver's population was approximately 715,000. Comparing the number of undocumented individuals to a city's population helps illustrate the scale of immigration in a more relatable way.
• The situation can affect diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, necessitating cooperation on border security, migration management, and addressing the root causes of migration.
• Overcrowding can strain the resources and staff of detention centers, making it difficult to maintain order and provide necessary services, such as legal assistance and mental health support.
• High volumes of undocumented entries can create intelligence blind spots, making it harder for agencies to track and identify potential threats, including those related to terrorism.
• Effective screening requires time and resources, which can be compromised when border facilities are overwhelmed, increasing the risk of inadequate background checks.

The media has frequently overlooked or downplayed the severity of these crises, failing to subject the present government to the requisite level of examination.

Concha criticizes the media for neglecting the escalating situation at the border and the growing problems associated with fentanyl, arguing that these issues have been underreported, particularly when compared to the comprehensive and constant coverage during President Trump's administration. He accuses the press of downplaying these crises to protect Biden and propagate the notion that any disapproval of the administration is rooted in racial or xenophobic prejudices. He emphasizes the network's consistent depiction of the border circumstances as controlled and its deliberate omission of the word "crisis" from the conversation, which reveals a biased and skewed viewpoint.

Other Perspectives

• The severity of crises is sometimes subject to interpretation and can be reported in various degrees across different media platforms, which may reflect diverse editorial judgments rather than an intentional downplay.
• The term "requisite level of examination" is subjective, and different stakeholders may have different expectations for what constitutes adequate media scrutiny of the government.
• The media has provided coverage on the border situation, but the complexity and nuance of immigration issues may lead to variations in reporting intensity and angles.
• The accusation of neglect may overlook the efforts of local news outlets, which often cover the impact of fentanyl in their communities more closely than national media.
• The nature and context of issues can change between administrations, potentially justifying different levels of coverage.
• The media landscape is diverse, with numerous outlets that have different editorial stances, suggesting that a monolithic approach to protect any President is unlikely.
• Disapproval can stem from a perceived lack of effectiveness in policy implementation or from differing political ideologies and principles.
• The network may have access to data or expert analysis that supports a narrative of control, which might not be apparent to all observers.
• The network may have avoided using the word "crisis" to prevent inciting unnecessary panic or alarm among the public.