While Americans of all political persuasions have been horrified by Donald Trump’s dangerous threats not to recognize an electoral loss (which is looking more and more likely) in November, Trump gave himself a big pat on the back on the Hannity show last night. And, predictably, host Sean Hannity didn’t utter a peep of objection or challenge.
Hannity had the nerve to wear a flag pin as he complained, “The liberal mainstream media, they lost their minds over Donald Trump’s comments about accepting election results.”
In fact, plenty of conservatives have found Trump’s comments alarming, anti-American and harmful:
- Republican Senator Mike Lee said, “It delegitimizes the entire process in a way that is really dangerous.”
- Republican campaign lawyer Chris Ashby said, “Donald Trump’s attacks on our system of voting are unfounded, and they’re dangerous.”
- Republican strategist Al Cardenas said, “[I]n 200-some years, we have never, ever had a national election that’s been impacted by fraud, not even close. Even in Florida, where I served as chairman in the famous recount, it — was that an issue.” He went on to say that America is a beacon of light for democracies around the world. “To tarnish it with unproven facts, tarnish it with accusations, to me, it is just a shame. It shouldn’t be done,” he added.
But Hannity said sympathetically to Trump, “You came under heavy fire after the debate for saying, ‘I’ll keep you in suspense’ about the election outcome.”
Then Hannity gave Trump a block of time to promote his treacherous falsehoods:
TRUMP: Sean, I’ve been saying for a long time, it’s a rigged system. It’s totally - it’s just terrible what’s going on. And then the politicians play right along with it. I mean, you have 1.8 million people who are dead who are registered to vote. And some of them absolutely vote. Now, you know, tell me how they do that. There’s only one way.
But you have two and a half million people or so that are registered in two states. That means they’re voting twice.
No, it doesn’t mean that. But Hannity didn’t challenge a word.
TRUMP (continuing): Look, we have a system. I’m a big believer in the system. I love our country. But I think I’ve done a great service by pointing this out and a lot of people agree with what I’m saying. That I can tell you.
Again, Hannity did not challenge a word of this self-promoting chicanery.
Watch this despicable display below, from the October 21, 2016 Hannity show.
Recall all of Fox News’ “fair and balanced” hysteria over Hillary not interviewing with the media and not having pressers. Is it me or is Trump only pretty much doing Hannity interviews any longer? Just like the old days, Donald, where you’d show up on Fox and get softballed for your periodic ego inflation.
Since I started recently watching Fox News again I’ve seen my share of confliction over Trump. I even briefly thought the Foxies might go full establishment Republican and say enough of riding his train wreck. However, there are many hedging their bets by holding their noses and playing the traditional Fox role of Republican booster no matter what. The most glaring example is Megyn Kelly. After all Trump has put her through… sheesh!
Trump’s end is coming November 8th. I wonder about Hannity. He’s become such an obvious and ridiculous Trump boot licker (witness Trump using Hannity as a life buoy in a debate) how can he have any credibility? Heck, unlike his pals, I don’t see Sean even holding his nose as he licks Trump’s boot leather. There’s rumors if Trump TV becomes real Hannity will move there. I’m skeptical but forgetting the crazy notion of Trump TV itself it might be the best (only?) remaining home for The Sean.
