CNN seems to be getting attention for some of the wrong reasons. A statement by CNN hosts Brianna Keillor and Jeff Zeleny caused an online meltdown a day earlier. The departure of CNN’s White House correspondent, John Harwood, has sparked renewed anger among liberals as the media’s criticism and criticism mounts by the minute. Harwood’s departure, after calling Donald Trump a “dishonest demagogue” on air, coincides with the arrival of the station’s new leader and a more politically neutral tone in its coverage. Read along to learn more about Harwood’s departure from the channel.
What and why
It is well known that often politically charged statements can turn into dynamite that can shake the foundations of society. There is no better proof of this than the backlash CNN hosts faced over their controversy over posting Marines in the background of Biden’s nationally televised speech. And now CNN is under scrutiny again after John Harwood, CNN’s White House correspondent, announced his departure from the channel on Friday. The withdrawal came a day after President Joe Biden’s nationally televised speech in which the president made a sweeping statement that Republican forces loyal to Trump threatened American democracy.
“Biden’s point about the threat to democracy in that political speech is true. It’s not easy for us journalists to say now,” Harwood said on CNN following the address.
“We grew up believing that there are two political parties with different points of view, but we will not take sides in honest disagreement between them,” he said. But that’s not what we’re talking about. These are real disagreements. The Republican Party is now led by a dishonest demagogue. Soon after, news of his departure from CNN broke.
Personal news:
Today is my last day at CNN.
Pride in his work
I thank my colleagues
I am fortunate to serve the best in American media – St. Petersburg Times, WSJ, NYT, NBC Family, CNN.
Look forward to what happens next
— John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) September 2, 2022
Harwood has extensive and extensive experience working with top media outlets such as the St. Petersburg Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Times and NBC.
There was no immediate response or comment from CNN regarding Harwood’s sudden departure, and no explanation as to whether his departure was a statement in support of Biden and criticism of Trump. All we got from CNN was a statement praising Harwood’s work and wishing him the best for the future.
News of Harwood’s exit sparked a flurry of conversations on Twitter, with several celebrities calling out CNN and possibly its political propaganda. Let’s take a look at a couple of reactions and responses on Twitter.
Good morning to those of you who haven’t heard of CNN like me, you’ve fallen into fascism from the network’s point of view. #CNNIsTheNewFox
— Ed Hull (@EdHull8) September 3, 2022
Harwood knew Friday was his last day and used his last hour to address the GOP leader’s “dishonest crime.” At CNN, the fascist regime will no longer tolerate the truth. #CNNIsTheNewFox via https://t.co/00BGZ7bx1u @HuffPost
— Ed Hull (@EdHull8) September 3, 2022
Goodbye CNN. You sleep with dogs and wake up with fleas. Last one there, turn off the lights. #CNNIsTheNewFox https://t.co/cfD5ZRZ3zs
— Taylor (@NiceLady105) September 3, 2022
“We grew up believing that there are two political parties with different views, but we do not side with honest disagreements.” But that’s not what we’re talking about…the Republican Party…is run by a dishonest demagogue.” @JohnJHarwood -https://t.co/tMzFc4NnQa
— Martin Pengelly (@MartinPengelly) September 2, 2022
He had to turn it off @ CNN This morning… what a bunch of right wing bullshit²!!!#BoycottCNN #CNNisTheNewFox https://t.co/yPqVmFFHG8
– 🇺🇦mark🇺🇦 #bluecrew (@notagain53) August 31, 2022
John Harwood has an audience
That’s what Brian Stater did.
The audience follows them both to MSNBC#CNNIsTheNewFox
– Jonathan Jewel 🌊🌊 (@jonathanjewel) September 3, 2022
A great loss for CNN – and the country. Trump spoke the truth about his war on democracy. And CNN didn’t want that? https://t.co/frbW0XNOgF
— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) September 2, 2022
A big loss. A very strong journalist. Very good reporter. I am very sorry to hear this.
— Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) September 2, 2022
Thank you for the honesty you bring to this profession. Your reporting and analysis was exceptional.
– Katie S. Phang (@KatiePhang) September 2, 2022
I wish you the best my friend. And it’s your job as a journalist!
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) September 2, 2022