The 2016 presidential election was a historic moment for the United States, as it marked the victory of Donald Trump, a businessman with no political experience, over seasoned politicians. While many were shocked and surprised by this outcome, perhaps no one was more taken aback than the left-leaning media figures who had continuously dismissed Trump as a serious candidate.
One of these media figures was Jake Tapper, the renowned journalist and anchor of CNN’s “The Lead”. Tapper, known for his unbiased reporting and sharp interviews, had always been skeptical of Trump’s chances of winning the election. However, as the results poured in on election night, Tapper’s reaction to one particular candidate’s performance left him speechless.
Kamala Harris, the former Attorney General of California, had been considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. With her impressive track record and charisma, many believed she would be a formidable opponent for Trump. However, as the election results showed, Harris had failed to make an impact and her campaign had fallen flat.
Tapper’s reaction to this realization was captured in a video clip that quickly went viral. In the clip, Tapper can be seen with a shocked expression on his face as he exclaims, “Holy smokes!” It was clear that even Tapper, who had been critical of Trump, was surprised by the magnitude of his victory over Harris.
But why was Tapper so surprised? After all, Trump had defied all odds and emerged victorious against seasoned politicians like Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush. The answer lies in the media’s portrayal of Trump and their constant dismissal of his chances of winning. From the very beginning, the left-leaning media had painted Trump as a clown, a joke, and a dangerous candidate. They had underestimated his appeal to the American people and had failed to see the discontent and frustration that had been brewing in the country.
Tapper’s reaction to Harris’ performance was a reflection of the media’s failure to accurately assess the political climate and the sentiments of the American people. It was a wake-up call for the media to reevaluate their biases and their role in shaping public opinion.
This is not to say that Tapper and other media figures were the only ones who underestimated Trump. Many political analysts and pollsters had also predicted a Hillary Clinton victory. However, the media’s portrayal of Trump played a significant role in shaping public perception and influencing the outcome of the election.
In the aftermath of the election, Tapper and other media figures have faced criticism for their biased coverage of Trump. But Tapper has been quick to acknowledge his mistake and has been vocal about the need for the media to be more objective in their reporting. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tapper said, “We need to make sure we’re not just talking to people who agree with us and that we’re not dismissing things that we should be paying attention to.”
Tapper’s reaction to Harris’ performance was also a reflection of the media’s failure to accurately assess the candidates. While Harris had been hailed as a rising star in the Democratic Party, her campaign lacked substance and failed to resonate with voters. Tapper’s reaction was a reminder that the media should not be swayed by a candidate’s image or potential, but should instead focus on their policies and qualifications.
In the end, Tapper’s reaction to Harris’ performance was a wake-up call for the media and a reminder to never underestimate a candidate’s chances. It was a moment of realization that the media should strive to be objective and not let their biases cloud their judgement. As Tapper himself said, “We need to be more humble and more open to the possibility that we’re not always right.”
In the years since the 2016 election, Tapper has continued to be a respected journalist and a voice of reason in the media. He has remained true to his principles of unbiased reporting and has earned the trust and respect of viewers from all political backgrounds. Tapper’s reaction to Harris’ performance may have been a moment of shock, but it was also a moment that highlighted the importance of fair and balanced journalism.
In conclusion, Jake Tapper’s reaction to Kamala Harris’ performance during the 2016 election was a defining moment for the media. It was a moment that highlighted the need for objectivity and the dangers of biased reporting. Tapper’s reaction serves as a reminder that the media should strive to be fair and unbiased in their coverage, and that they should never
